Horses

I love horses. No, I adore horses. No, it's more than that. It's an affinity? It's an amazement? This has been going on my entire life. When I was 2 years old, we moved into a wonderful old house. Where the backyard ended, a stable began. Our neighbor had many horses (well, it seemed like a lot at the time), and a few ponies. I used to stand at the back fence and watch them. If I ever went missing, my mother knew where to find me.

I started taking riding lessons at 5. When I was 10, we moved away, and the lessons stopped, much to my dismay. I would ride once in a while, if the opportunity arose.

In my later 20's, I had friends who loved to ride too. We found an awesome stable, and we used to rent horses to ride every weekend.

Finally, my 30th birthday present to myself - a horse. A horse named Blue. Blue was an Appaloosa, and the smartest horse ever. I adored him. He was an older horse when I got him, and I had him for 13 wonderful years. I had to put him down on my 43rd birthday.

Fast forward to our move to the wild southwest. We now have two horses.

Dozer:

Dozer is a big quarter horse. He came from a working ranch, and has the brand to prove it. Steady and strong, he'll do anything you ask him to. I spent a few years riding him in the nearby wild country, until he threw me one day and I broke my back. Not his fault, he was just being a horse. Horses are prey in the wild, and he was scared. My fault, for not sticking on his back while he was spinning to get away from the predator.

Meet Belle:

Belle is a mustang (wild horse). She is a line-back dun and has zebra stripes on her legs. She is brilliant, sweet and loves loves loves kids. I rescued her from a not-so-great situation, almost 4 years ago.

Due to my injury, I don't ride very often anymore. But I still adore these glorious animals, and give lessons to kids.

In my Woolies shop, I love to make horses. Here's my latest one; his name is Winter. I'm planning a seasonal series. Stay tuned for Spring, Summer and Fall.

Life in Tucson Arizona

rYesterday morning, (a wonderfully cloudy - very unusual- day) I went outside to take some pictures of new items for my Etsy shop. I looked over at my horses, and all three were watching something. They were on super-alert - horses are prey animals (hunted in the wild), so are very aware that something might be out to get them.

This time, it was a coyote. Coyote's rarely bother the horses, and they are very used to them. I wish I could have grabbed a picture of the 3 of them, with their heads high and ears pricked for danger.

I grabbed my camera, thinking, well, at least I can get a pic of the coyote, who at that point was trotting right through the back of the arena. I dashed down the driveway, and snuck around the side of the garage.

RATS! Coyote was gone, and I terrified my horses! They all scattered and ran!

Once they saw it was only me, they calmed right away.

Silly horses.

Dozer pooped. Dozer always poops. I know the arena looks poopy. We have a giant pooper spreader rake thingy, and my husband does it every week or so. It's due to be done.

Natural Pod Toy Store

I love making animals and dolls, WAY more than my day-job (uh oh, don't tell anybody). I've been fortunate enough to discover some new outlets for wholesale-ing my Woolies.



Here's a new one I'd like to tell you about - it's called Natural Pod. I love their website, it is clean and simple and uncluttered.

They sell the kinds of toys and children's things that I love - wonderful for open-ended play and discovery.

I've made some teddies - just for them. And some horses too - cause who doesn't love horses???



Well, don't look at my crummy - too-dark pics - go visit Natural Pod!!!