Fun things

Last week was a rush of fun things!

Monday started out with Bark in the Park- it was a fundraiser from the Davie County Humane Society where they opened up Tanglewood early and had the lights on but you could only walk through with your dogs. SOOO much fun. Cooper thought he had died and went to heaven after a fun day running at the barn- with his friend Lucy at the calf raiser's barn and then got to go there too!  He (and I) had never seen so many dogs in one place before. I hope they raised lots of money and will do it again next year.  I have been to Tanglewood many times before but it was very different experiencing it so up close and personal by walking through it- so much better than driving!

Tuesday Mom and I trekked back to Mocksville for the farriers meeting at Davie Co Large Animal Hospital.  I did an internship there back in undergrad and love the practice. Once a month they bring in difficult cases and take x-rays and talk through different shoeing options with many local farriers. It is a win for everyone that comes. Mom loved it and I enjoyed the review and seeing familiar faces- you can always learn a ton!

Wednesday I moved a horse that I have on trial to buy to Dana's- more on that to come- I will just say I am excited and can't wait to blog about this pony :)

Thursday was our weekly dance lesson where we learned Cuban walks- whew our hips don't work like Hispanic's and we were beat. But we had a lovely dinner at the Station before which is turning into a wonderful weekly tradition :)

Friday Somer and Steve joined us for the weekend! Initially it was supposed to be a birthday weekend party but I had to cancel because I couldn't find coverage for the weekend. Somer and Steve still decided to come up and chance me getting called. Friday we drug invited them along for our group dance lesson! We had a Mexican dinner first and then we went to group. Group at the dance studio is a bit different. They line up all the girls then all the guys and teach us our parts separately. Then we go down the row and each girl rotates dancing with the guys.  It can be a bit awkward but I just keep it lighthearted and chit chat which helps! Steve says he didn't like it but I think he secretly did and Somer is hooked- she wants to dance in Raleigh now :)

Saturday was a fun day of emergency calls in the morning and a wonderful walk, dinner and a movie in the Evening.

Sunday was a shopping extravaganza and I sure was beat by the end of it.

We are so thankful to have amazing friends that will travel 3 hours to come visit.  We are very lucky people.

Retirement

It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog.  Star has been my partner and main man for the last 18 years.  He has bee not quite right for the last few but the level of work he has been doing for me was adequate and ok for his pain level.  When he moved back home with me he pulled a shoe the first day he went back out. We proceeded to then go on a roller coaster of lame and not lame for the last 4 months.  When he started being 3 legged lame after stall rest I knew enough was enough. Well the old man has great timing because that was a week before the wedding. So Dana (who has been amazing through all of this helping when I can't get out!) was entrusted to make him comfortable and look after my old man.  We had an understanding that if he wasn't doing better by the time the wedding was over I would take him to go get x-rays.  I will tell you when it comes to my own horse I don't want to be a vet!  Mom was great and took a day off and we hauled him to a practice up the street who's opinion I very much trust.  After a full work up my suspicion were confirmed that this was not an abscess - he had severe DJD of the pastern joint.  His feet were also out of balance which was putting pressure on the arthritis making him severely uncomfortable.  After the treatment discussion he looked me in the eye and said it is time- he does not need to be put through the paces of being a dressage horse and should only be plodded around on.  I understood and was even prepping myself for that the days preceding the visit.  I gave him a big hug and left him to be shod by their farrier.  On the way home mom and I digested the news I knew was a long time coming.  For those of you that don't know Star is 27 years old! He has given me the best partnership and I will be hard pressed to find a horse that I click and work with as well as I do him.  That said I am conflicted being excited looking for a new partner.  I know I will not find a new Star but I think he will be excited to see me go and have fun again.
Now for a walk through memory lane with my amazing man.

Our last show at Macnairs probably 2 years ago now.

After a show at Buckhorn where I messed up my ride time and got no warm up...still kicked everyone's butt :) 

Back at an event in high school. Yellow and green were our colors

He will be retired at our house when the time is right and I will be able to kiss him good morning and good night every day- who gets to say that! We are a lucky pair!

Wedding

I know that most everyone knows now that I got married! It was a beautiful day but I am not quite ready to blog about it.  I don't really want it to be over and I want to give it due time.  Be on the lookout for an anniversary blog :)