34 Things Only to Say Around Horse People!

1. He won't come into my hands!
2. There's nothing like having 17 hands between your legs.
3. I'm gonna get off now.
4. More leg, less hand...
5. It was a great ride, but he's kinda sticky.
6. He needs a good 20 min warm-up...
7. Relax your back, dont pinch with your knees, go with the motion, rock your pelvis...
8. When he gets excited he really foams up!
9. If he's not ridden 5 days a week he gets cranky...
10. I rode him yesterday, but Samm is gonna ride him today.
11. Go ahead, ride him, you'll like him...he'll be good for you
12. Push!!! Squeeze!!! Pull hard!!!
13. He's being a pig, get his head up!
14. He bends to the left, but he's really stiff to the right.
15. He really over reacts when I sit dow n into him...
16. Smack him if he refuses!
17. Good, that looks much better with his head down.
18. Dont pump too much.
19. You want his hindquarters to be balanced and even with yours.
20. If you squeeze with your thighs and legs he'll take off earlier.
21. You two perform really well with each other!
22. I need spurs and a whip to really get him going.
23. Turn him loose for a while, get rid of some of that energy!
24. I rode bareback today.
25. She's been around and is very experienced.
26. I'm gonna do him in Short Stirrup and my trainer will ride him in the Hopeful class.
27. He's too much for her, maybe you should get on.
28. He's a bit of a bumpy ride, just try not to grip with your thighs too much.
29. Make sure you release.
30. Don't lean forward unless you want him to go faster.
31. As he comes up, lean forward and run your hand s up the crest of his neck.
32. Squeeze and release... squeeze and release...give and take...
33. "How was he today?" reply... "Excellent, very obedient for once."
34. Wow, I just love riding the big ones!

Definitions for Horse Lovers

Hock: Financial condition of all horse owners.

Stall: What your rig does at rush hour in an unfamiliar city on the way to a big horse show

A Bit: What you have left in your pocket after you've been to your favorite tack shop.

Fence: Decorative structure built to provide your horse with something to chew on.

Horse Auction: What you think of having after your horse bucks you off.

Pinto: Green coat pattern found on freshly washed light colored horses left unattended for 2 minutes.

Well Mannered: Hasn't stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week.

Rasp: Abrasive metal tool used to remove excess skin from ones knuckles.

Lunging: Popular training method in which a horse exercises their owner by spinning them in circles until dizzy.

Gallop: Customary gait a horse chooses when returning back to the barn.

Nicely Started: Lunges, but not enough health insurance to even think about riding him.

Colic: Gastrointestinal result of eating at horse fair food stands.

Colt: What your mare gives you when you want a filly.

Easy to Load: Only takes 3 hours, 4 men, a 50lb bag of oats, and a tractor with loader.

Easy to Catch: In a 10x10 stall.

Easy Rider: Rides good in a trailer; not to be confused with "ride-able".

Endurance Ride: End result when your horse spooks and runs away with you.

Hives: What you get when receive the vet bill for your 6 horses, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and 1 donkey.

Hobbles: Walking gait of a horse owner after their foot has been stepped on by their horse.

Feed: Expensive substance used to manufacture manure.

Dog House: What you are in when you spend too much money on grooming supplies and pretty halters.

Light Cribber: We can't afford to build anymore fencing or box stalls for this buzz saw on four legs.

Three Gaited Horse: A horse that. 1) trips, 2)stumbles, 3) falls.

THE 12 "MOST IMPORTANT" THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU OWN A HORSE..

-To induce labor in a mare? Take a nap.

-To cure equine constipation? Load them in a clean trailer.

-To cure equine insomnia? Take them in a halter class.

-To get a horse to stay very calm and laid back? Enter them in a liberty class.

-To get a horse to wash their own feet? Clean the water trough and fill it with fresh water.

-To get a mare to come in heat? Take her to a show.

-To get a mare in foal the first cover? Let the wrong stallion get out of his stall.

-To make sure that a mare has that beautiful, perfectly marked foal you always wanted? Sell her before she foals.

-To get a show horse to set up perfect and really stretch? Get him out late at night or anytime no one is a round to see him.

-To induce a cold snap in the weather? Clip a horse.

-To make it rain? Mow a field of hay.

-To make a small fortune in the horse business? Start with a large one.

Rick's favorite statement is the last one. First time he told it to Mom she didn't wuite appreciate it. :) Theres several up there that are more true than folks without horses know. Hope you have a wonderful week!

How to Stay Young!

We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!

1. Try everything twice. On Madams tombstone (of Whelan's and Madam) she said she wanted this epitaph:
Tried everything twice...loved it both times!

2. Keep only cheerful friends.

The grouches pull you down. (keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches)

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain get idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!


4. Enjoy the simple things.


5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath. And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.




6. The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.



7. Surround yourself with what you love: Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.


8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.


9. Don't take guilt trips.

Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.




10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

I love you, my special friend.


11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second time.



And if you don't send this to at least 4 people - who cares? But do share this with someone like I did with you all.

Lost time can never be found.

Be kinder than necessary, for
everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Letter to BGTRC... Just thought you all might like to know!

February 9, 2008

Dear BGTRC:

Please know this is not taken lightheartedly or without great thought, however I have tendered my resignation as the Executive Director of Bad Girls Trail Riding Club. I am not quitting the club, but have asked the Founders to be placed on the Executive Committee.

No one individual person in the Club has done anything to influence this decision; it is a decision that is being made with careful consideration for everyone involved.

I have finally arrived at the decision that I cannot do everything. While I know that many of our members do not know all that I do or have done for the club, something had to give.

For those that are newer members my paying job is the Lead Engineer for Stormwater Design for the City of Tulsa. I manage all the stormwater design projects for the City. We currently have approximately $50M in funded projects with about half of that total in construction and half in design. We also do emergency response to flooding as well as a variety of other duties. I cannot let my work slip. We are currently being pushed to do more with fewer workers as with most companies. I am down an engineer. And we are being pushed to get several more projects out in much less time. I have two relatively new engineers working for me. Losing our senior engineer to a different job has made it imperative for me to more carefully supervise each project design. Our family depends greatly on my salary and the benefits my job provides. I cannot put this job in jeopardy.

Allyson (Rick’s third daughter) is now a permanent member of our family. While this is a wonderful thing that we have been wanting for a very long time, she is so far behind in school that it is taking much of my attention after work to help her with homework. She is doing wonderfully at bringing up her grades and is adjusting well to living at our house.

In addition, for the next several weeks (and probably months) Rick will be out of town at a job site in Kansas. I need to be at home to help Allyson with things. The one night that I was not at home she didn’t get her homework done. We cannot let her get behind on her school work. Some nights we are up later than I want to be getting all her homework done.

Over the last several years we have been trying to make Sierra Ranch a viable business. This means I need to focus on our ranch websites, and promoting our ranch. It is a possibility that over the next year or so the ranch may become Rick’s full time job. I need to write a business plan and get several other things in order so this can come to fruition. In addition I keep the books which is challenging for an engineer never trained in management or accounting. So I have been trying to learn more in these areas.

Adding the job, BG work, Allyson and all the things that I need to do for our family and ranch leaves me no time to do any of it right - or well. I have been getting behind in billing at the ranch, in registering items in the checkbooks and messing up our accounts, general maintenance on our ranch and updating the ranch and Rick’s websites. This is like having four full time jobs!

And worst of all I want to RIDE!!! I need to ride or do some other physical activity to continue to lose weight and improve my health. This work load leaves no time for me to do any fun stuff! Without any fun one tends to get a bit cranky. But I am an odd bird. I cant’ have fun with so much stuff left to do before I go have fun. So having fun comes last.

I believe everyone in our club can understand my dilemma. I am not quitting the club and I would like to still help with various things. I just can not continue to do the everyday running of the club. And I don’t want my attitude about trying to get everything done to reflect badly on the Club.

I have learned a lot from my time as Executive Director and on the Board of Directors. I have become a better public speaker. I have gotten better at dealing with an unruly crowd. I have learned a great deal about leadership skills and management. These things I value and want to thank the Club for. I may be back sometime in the future; I just need to get Allyson raised and have a bit less stress.

Sincerely,

Deb Stowers

There are days and then there are DAYS!!!!

This are a pictures of Bubba from last summer. I have not had time to post, but Bubba was given a reprive from Rick. He will get to stay at our house and is learning to not chew quite so much. And his humans are learning to put things up.

Yesterday was one of THOSE DAYS! I finally get to a point just before Atwoods closed to go to the store. I head out the door to find Rick laying in the drive. Forum had stepped on his foot and knocked him over (whole other story that I didn't get). He finally got up and I asked him to move his truck so I could leave.

I noticed the wiener dog from across the street chasing Bubba inthe field next door. I didn't think anything about it until I heard a LOUD yelping noise from out front. It sounded like some dog was hit by a car. I go to see what is going on to find the rotwilder from out front chewing and tossing something that resembled one of my outside cats. I yell at Rick to come help (yeah right!) and ty to find something to pick up to beat the dogs with. The yelling gave the attacked critter enough time to leave and who is the one being eaten. BUBBA! That stinking winer dog chased Bubba to the pack (rot, pit bull, pit bull/boxer mix) who was eating BUBBA! Bubba was trying to get into a wood pile and get away when I gave him the break to run to the house. I chased the stupid dogs to their owner's trailer. Watched the stupid dogs get back INTO the fence, and stood on my side of the fence shouting words sailers would have been proud of trying to get some fool to come out of the obviously (yes, I looked it up) occupied trailer house. My last words very very much a threat to be folowed through with "When I come back I will have my gun and I will begin shooting dogs starting with the rot!"

My husband didn't follow me. So when I got back to the house aksed me what I was going to do. He finally talked me out of that, and I called 911. When the wonderful sherrif called back it was determined that in Rogers Co you can let your dog run free, but if it has been determined to be hazardous you can shoot animals that come onto your property as treasspassing. Needless to say we are waiting.

Now I know there are dog lovers that read this and let me be well understood. I have no problem with normal dogs. However, jsut the day before I had taken Bubba to visit the other responsible dogs owners out front, on his leash after he visited without his leash. they told me the rot had chased their son (a teenager) on his bike and bit at the tires. The rot has killed a dog on the on other side of the tracks. Now remember Allyson is maybe 80 pounds soaking wet and alone feeding the horse in the afternoon until I get home. If this stinking pack of dogs has the gaul to maul my dog the most submissive dog in the world then Allyson is next.

I can not keep cat food in the barn becasue these dogs eat the container and the cat food. I have come home and Bubba's food container has been dragged out of the garage and partially eaten. The rot comes back onto my property he is history. I am an awesome shot. I have NEVER shot anything alive, but will. I don't take lightly to something trying to eat my animals. Rick is worried about them retaliating. I am not. I dare them to try.

Bubba has quite a few bites. I bought a dog house, dog asprin, and some other things for him at Atwoods. Allyson and I doctored on him some. He has one place that is missing some skin and bleed pretty well, but mostly he is just mising hair and is sore. He got more apsrin this morning, but really didn't want to go outside. Allyson siad she let him in the house when she got home from school.

Now you know why I never tried to get a conceal and carry permit. :P I would let my hot temper get me in trouble. What would you do if you walked up on a pack of dogs eating your dog?

Horse Barn Rules

Posted on Plus Sized Horse Chicks Yahoo Group!

To be posted at eye level to the horses of the barn.

(not in any specific order)

1. The barn is your home, the house is mine. Just because I am gracious enough to allow you to graze in the yard that does not mean you get to walk onto the porch to see if I have left anything of your interest there. I love you all but you are just too big to keep in the house. I am sorry but if the door is propped open that does not mean we are having an open house party.

2. Why did I go to all the trouble of building a barn with each of you a stall when you either A) all crowd into one, B) stand out in the rain like dummies, or C) everyone crowds onto the back porch.

3. Speaking of the back porch again, it is not a crossover between one side of the yard to the other side just because you like to hear the sounds your hooves make on the wooden planks.

4. Just because you know where the feed is kept does not allow you to go into the shed looking for it. We keep the barrels secure. Don't open daddy's grass seed then sling the bag around because you are upset it was not horse feed.

5. When I pull the truck up to the front of the stalls with bags of shavings does not mean you get to open each one just in case it is food. And don't think the silly face you make because you now have saw dust on your lips will get you sympathy from me when I have to clean up the mess.

6. I give you snacks that are yummy and gooey and chewy. Do Not think I am going to let you have my candy bar, that is my treat for me.

7. It does no good to smack your lips thinking I will feed any sooner than feeding time. Slamming your feed bucket will also not get you fed any sooner.

8. When I am feeding it does no good to try and crowd me to get your nose into the bucket so you think you will get extra. Go to your own stall and wait till I get there.

9. When I am scratching that wonderful spot that you love, please try not to go to sleep leaning on me. You greatly outweigh me and we are both going to fall. The same goes when the farrier or I are trimming your feet. WE CANNOT HOLD YOU UP!

10. It would also be nice if you could be considerate of where you place your feet when I am bathing or brushing you. When you shift and place yours on top of mine, Do Not look so surprised when I scream and suddenly push you. Especially at the few bad words I say as I hobble toward the house later.

11. Is it really necessary for you to blow up like a puffer fish each time I put the saddle on you? You should know by now I have learned this trick and will walk you around till you blow so I can tighten it up again. Sliding down on your side while riding is not as funny to me as you think.

12. It is not funny to me either when I decide to ride in the pasture that as soon as I let my guard down you see this wonderful patch of grass that just has to be eaten. The sudden stop with me almost on your neck and the saddle horn in my gut is not a laughing matter though you seem to enjoy it at times.

13. Just because I pull one horse out does not mean I want the whole crowd. You all are not Siamese quadruplets joined at some functional body part.

14. Quit teasing daddy by escaping every time he thinks he has the fence fixed right. You know he is new to this horse thing and has to learn!

15. It is not funny to be scared awake at 2am with the window shaking like an earthquake. The air conditioner is not for scratching.

16. While in the yard grazing could you please place your poop more strategically away from the house. Daddy will drag the yard and use the fertilizer you have left but until then pooping by the windows is very inconsiderate.

17. You have a salt block to lick in the pasture, plus mineral blocks. This does not give you the right to stick your head into my vehicle and slobber all over the steering wheel just because I left the window down on a warm day.

18. When I am working on something in the yard while you are out, could you please return the tools that you borrow.

19. Passing gas just as I walk behind you is not an acceptable substitute for the fact that you do not kick.

20. Nibbling on my hair, clothes etc. to get attention may not get the response you expect. Especially when you pull my hair or tear my clothes.

21. Just because the vet has the back of her truck open when she is here, does not mean she needs your help in taking things out for her. I'm pretty sure she knows where the things she needs are located.

22. What is it about finding dirt or mud to roll in right after I get you cleaned up? I mean the pigs get a mud hole because they can't sweat so it cools them down. But all it does for you is cake in your fur and mane and tail then you gripe and complain when it hurts a little bit when I have to brush it out. THEN YOU DO IT OVER AGAIN!

Now if we could just get the silly things to listen. Hope you enjoy. I know we have about 22 at our house that resembles these comments. Most TB’s with that silly TB sense of humor.

That picture above is what you get when you try to take a picture of one of the silly critters without help. I love them cuz they are the most friendlist critter on the planet. But dang it if they don't think they know how to use a camera. that is Showing the Flag's head. At lease we have a good shot of his blaze in case he goes missing. LOL!

Hope you all have a wonderful week. I still need to write out what has been going on with me, but that will come. Sending hugs and prayers!

Hooves for a Cure News!

Just a quick note to let you know some of the things I have been working on.

On January 12, 2008 I got speak for a few minutes at the AREC Convention in Henrietta, OK. The opportunity was giving to me by Susan from the Indian Territory Endurance Riders who supported us at Oologah last year. I explained who we where and what we where hoping to accomplish and invited them to attend Susan's ride or have one in their own area. Great Bunch of people.

While at the convention I talked to Teri Folks of Oklahoma Horse on Line and Trail Blazer Magazine. She is planning on Doing an Article on Hooves for a Cure a little later on. After we get more details on all the rides.

I will be getting the updated info to her for the Oklahoma Horse on line website for the Oklahoma rides. If you know of similar sites on your states, check and see if we can post your rides there. Another place to get the rides listed is club calendars in your area.

On January 23, 2008 I met with Christy from Susan G. Koman. She is very impressed in what we accomplished in our first year and is excited that we decided to do it again. She is going to work with us to get the word out to other affiliates about us. She will be attending a meeting in Dallas on February, with other Regional Directors, so I am getting a list of all the rides we have so far.

In the next couple of weeks I will get a "Starter Pack" online, so that those interested in putting on a ride can see what they need to do and decide if they would like to join us. If you have any suggestions on things I should put in it I would love to hear them.

Have a good week!

Debbie Briggs

Hooves for a Cure Director

www.hoovesforacure.com