There are many reasons to wear a helmet. Here are just a few important ones that I have learned over the years.

1. Some are actually nice looking. They make so many kinds now a days that it is easy to find one you like. for instance if you are showing they make really professional nice looking ones and there are ones that good for lazy trail days.

2. Your head is not like your kidneys, you only have one! I couldn't’t even tell you how many times I have heard this saying when I ride. I once met a customer that knew someone that had died from a minor head injury when riding and that he himself had been to the ICU three times for head injuries when he was riding. All it takes some times is one good fall and you could be done forever!

3. They protect more than just your head! I have learned this one from personal experience. About two weeks ago I was riding my horse and decided that it would be ok to go without a helmet for one day. Boy was I ever wrong! She made the turn to sharply, I fell off smacked my head on the fence and landed in a very small pile of hay. I ended up hurting my neck so bad that the whole left side of my neck was tender, swelled and hurt like HE DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS! Turns out that I had whiplash in my neck for the third time. I had a nonstop migraine for about three or four days and there was no sleep to be had. I eventually had to have my uncle who is a massage therapist come and work on it for the first time. Which was quite an experience. However though I was lucky. My injury could have been a lot worse. Although if I had been wearing a helmet I would not have gotten the whiplash. Big lesson learned.

It just goes to show that riding horses is an extreme sport and that you need to take the extra precautions to make sure you stay safe!

My favorite movies!

Today this post is devoted to my all time favorite movies called “The Horse Whisperer”, “Flicka” and “Hidalgo”. You might want to make the videos full screen or click the video to go to Youtube to see it all.

First off what horse girl would not love “The horse whisperer”? I remember when I was five years old. My Grandpa knew how much I loved horses and bought this movie for me knowing I would love it. I sat in his chair and watched it with him. I was completely mesmerized. The fact that this guy had such a great gift was spell bounding. It is really true that sometimes the best way to speak to a horse is through a whisper. I just hope that some day that I can develop as much knowledge and talent as that guy has! Here is the movie trailer thanks to maxriding and Youtube.



“They just want us to spit back what they want to hear!” This is probably the best movie quote I have ever heard. This quote is from the movie, “Flicka.” Some may say that this movie has bad acting and the main character, Katie was a complete brat. However I think that is very untrue. I personally like the actors they chose for this movie. They all seemed very fitting for their roles. Sure Katie disobeyed many rules of her household, but it was for something that she loved dearly, her horse Flicka. Personally I see a lot of myself in Katie. The fact that she felt trapped in her boarding school and that she is very ambitious in what she wants out of life, but most of all her passion for horses. Just imagine if you had something that you loved more than life itself and then someone was trying to take it away from you. What would you do? Well, I know I would fight like hell to get it back. She was just trying to break free of this mold that her father wanted her to fit into. The whole stereotype of men work and women stay at home sort of thing. Although as best said by her mom in the movie, “When are you going to look at your daughter… and realize she’s you?” Here is one of my favorite youtube videos and song "Wild Horses" by Natasha Bedingfeild from the movie thanks to horsecrazy1699 and Youtube,



Imagine if you were challenged to a race half way across the world with the odds not only against you, but with people making crude remarks about how you will die in the race because A. you are not from the desert and B. your horse is a “mixed blood.” Would you do it? Well Frank T. Hopkins in the movie “Hidalgo” did! I suppose one of the reasons I love this movie is that it is a true story of how the underdogs can still come out on top. I also really like how Frank T. Hopkins, played by Viggo Mortensen, is portrayed in this film. It’s how all cowboys of the American west should be portrayed tough, true to his roots and caring. One of the sayings that I now abide by thanks to this movie is “you can say anything you want about me, but don’t talk about my horse that way.” Here is the video trailer thanks to freyamia and Youtube.

Saying goodbye is just all over hard.....

So today I thought I would make a blog about saying goodbye. I guess this was brought up because my friend has to put her dog to sleep today. So that got me thinking about all the goodbyes in the horse world. It’s the same really as any goodbye to an animal. However what makes it hard is that they don’t know if you are gone for good or coming back later. I think one of the hardest horsey goodbyes I have ever had to do was when I had to say goodbye to the very first horse I had trained, Pilgrim. Sure he was not the best horse in the world, but I had gotten really close to him. Not like I am with Daisy, but pretty close. He was another rider’s leased horse and because of health issues, she could not really train him much. So I offered to help her out, which turned into almost an everyday thing. At his old place all he did was stand around and graze all day. No one would even brush him. After I started working with him and giving him attention Pilgrim had gotten to where every time I would come he would meet me at the gate, nuzzle my pocket for treats, nudge my hand to pet him and all this other stuff. He would even fallow me everywhere without the halter on. He was also a very quite horse that had a lot of personality. Well one day I get a text from his leaser saying that he has to go back to his home because she can no longer afford the board unless I was willing to pay about half. Now only making minimum wage is clearly not enough to board a horse and I knew it as much as I hated it. So after about two weeks passed, it was the last day I would ever get to see Pilgrim. I decided to take him on a leisurely trail ride because that’s what he loved best. He loved to run on the open prairie the most. Then when we got back I just decided to pet him and give him all the treats he could ever want until my mom came to pick me up. I was bound and determined not to cry because cowgirls don’t cry. Even though my heart was breaking so much. My mom then showed up and it was time to put him in the round pen so he could be loaded the next morning into the trailer. I put him in the round pen and I could just see the sadness in his eyes. I told him that I would miss him and that he would always have a special place in my heart. I then got in the car. He watched the car and never turned his head away from it. Just as we were about to pull out I heard the loudest whinny I had ever heard. It was Pilgrim whinnying at the car. That was when I just lost it. I realized how much he meant to me and that it would be hard. However life moves on. I am sure Pilgrim is a nice pasture wherever he is. As a wise priest once told me, “sometimes it may take millions of tears to mend the hole in your heart.” As hard as goodbyes are, they are never goodbye, just a see you later. Whether or not you believe in heaven, you will see them again someday.

Is my life really worth $400?

Hey guys. Today’s blog will be about a growing thing in the horse world, breakaway stirrups. There are many types out there depending on riders preference, however there are some that look like they would not hold up very well and some that would, but are outrageously priced. So here is the question, would you rather pay what seems to be a fair amount of money for a piece of equipment that could not hold up or would you rather pay hundreds more for the same type of product? Let’s take a look at a few common products.
Just so that everyone knows first off that breakaway stirrups are designed to release when the rider’s foot is at or more than a 72 degree angle. From there the top bar of the stirrup will release preventing the rider from being dragged and from risking great injury or even death. Thanks to wzwz666’s video on YouTube, here is what a dragging looks like. Thankfully the rider was ok.

First let’s look at the Abetta breakaway stirrups. These have shock resistant stuff in them to prevent the foot from going to far forward. However they are rather cheapey looking. Not that style matters over safety, but they look like a child’s toy. Come on here makers, can’t we get a little more professional than that? Picture thanks to https://greenrivertack.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_128


Now let’s look at the STI stirrups. These stirrups appeal to me because not only are they safe, but stylish. However one thing that is not cool is the price. Most of them are $400 for a pair. Good golly, for that much I could buy a whole other saddle for that price. Since when does safety have to cost that much? I think that’s insane for people to pay that much for something to save their life. Maybe it’s just me, but that crazy! Picture thanks to http://www.breakawaystirrups.com/www/breakaway_stirrup_styles.html


All in all safety always prevails in the horse world. Just which stirrup to buy, I am not sure. What do you guys think I should go with?

The Best Day Of My Life!

So today I thought I would share with you guys about the best, most rewarding day of my life. It was yesterday, when I put the saddle on Daisy for the first time. My trainer and my mom were there with me. When I first got there I did the usual thing that I do when I first see Daisy: hugs, running and groundwork. Over the months Daisy and I have gained a trusting relationship. I give her all I have and she gives me the same. Did it start out that way? No. However we worked through the tough times and came out on top. Anyway when my trainer got there she said, “now be prepared for her to blow up (buck) when you put the saddle on because she has not had a saddle on since last fall.” Well we put the saddle and everything on. No buck. My trainer even said, “alright, be prepared when you tighten the buck strap (safety part of a saddle with a big scary name.) that she will for sure buck!” We tightened the buck strap and she still didn’t buck. So then my trainer was like. “ok get her walking and trotting around and she will for sure buck.” I had her walking and trotting for about an hour and she never bucked one bit. My trainer was shocked. She said, “ this is proof that all the hard work and love that you taught/showed this horse is working. Also that even the wildest horses can be tamed.” I was so proud that I got teary eyed. I even got to ride her for the first time in saddle. She still did great! My trainer said that it usually takes weeks, maybe even months for most trainers to be able to put a saddle on a horse that has not worn one for that long and even longer to ride. We did it all in one day. I honestly felt like one of the big time trainers. We went from underdog to wonder dog. Daisy made me even more proud to be her rider that day. I honestly felt like I was in a dream. I had been waiting so long to get my saddle and use it on Daisy. It finally happened. My dreams came true.

So I took a moment to do a little research project. I have always loved trucks. Always have, always will. Just the way I grew up I guess. However unlike most, I am not truck bias. I think that most of them have their good qualities and that some times, just like any normal car would, stuff happens. So here I have composed a truck I have fallen in love with from the moment I saw it, a Ford. I also have included my favorite horse trailer into the mix. Enjoy!

Let’s start off with one of my top favorites Ford. Mom says the only reason I like them is because Toby Keith backs them up. However, that’s not the only reason. I like the look of them, they seem to be a rather sturdy, not the most afford able (L) and go everywhere do everything truck. Not to mention Toby Keith is like better than Elvis and Jimmy Hendricks by far in my own little country world. The truck I chose to build was the Ford Super Duty F350 XLT. Maybe it’s the redneck side of me, but who wouldn’t love the fact that it says Super Duty in chrome across part of the hood? Takes me back to when mom and I were looking for our new “family” car and we were driving through the Ford dealership. It was about close to time for me to get my license and to start looking for a car anyway. We were driving past the trucks when I saw them. It was like looking at the face of God. Now mom knows I love trucks, so as she ever so rightfully should have done was pull over to let me at least touch it. Did she? NO! I politely asked her to pull over so I could look and here are her exact words, “Why would I want to look for those? They are ugly anyway!” I know, mean right? Whatever, I will get my payback when I am driving and she wants’ to stop. He he…. Anyway back on topic. Some of the features I chose are the extended crew cab, 8 ft box size, the camper package (I don’t camp, but when I ever do, I will be ready.), fifth wheel gooseneck and in dash computer to just name a few. All this coming to $39,660. YIKES! Hey though a girl can dream right????? Here is a picture of it thanks to Ford.com

Now on to the most important part, the trailer. The trailer I chose is a four horse trailer by Feather Lite. Feather Lite is known for their stainless steel trailers and their good make. They are often up for grabs at many barrel races, so you know you are getting a good buy. The one that I made is a six horse, meaning it can fit up to six horses at a time. It also has a wrapped hay rack, a five foot “dressing room”, feed bag and more. This comes to a grand total of $19,363. OUCH, I know, but believe me it’s all worth it! Here is the website to take a look at my selection:
http://www.fthr.com/trailer-shopping-tools/build-your-own-trailer/build-it.aspx?key=08e140a8-7980-483e-8e15-6dee23d31453
All in all, we all have dreams, mine with just have to cost me quite a bit. Hope they all come true!

Horses and God.

One may not stop to think about how much a cowgirl (and cowboys too.) needs her God just as much as she needs her horse. Just being with horses as long as I have, it has really opened my eyes in terms of how much I need God to help keep me safe when I ride. Every time I ride I always wear a silver cross and my purity ring on a necklace. Then right before I begin my work with my horse I kneel down next to Daisy, take off my hat, put it over my heart, Daisy lowers her head to about my level and I say:

“Dear God, I know we seem so small down here, just Daisy and I, but I ask that you keep us safe during today’s ride. Give Daisy wings to fly and grant me the gift of balance to stay on. Don’t let us work to hard, but let us do a job well done. I love you God, Amen!”

Strange I know, but it seems like every time I either forget my necklace or forget to pray, something goes wrong. I remember one day when I first started with Daisy and I forgot my necklace. That day Daisy bit me and threw me about five feet to the metal fence. My head hit the fence. My body fell to the hard dirt floor. I kind of blacked out for a moment and felt the lead rope barely tugging my hand. I opened my eyes to a very alert, concerned horse and to a mom saying “just make her run.” I just bucked up like I had been taught many years and went right back to work as usual. I kind of took it as a sign of sorts. Since then after wearing my necklace and praying, nothing bad has ever happened to me while I ride. That I am thankful for. Some may call it pure luck, maybe even chance. I say it was my cousin and grandpa keeping me safe in heaven. As best quoted by Trent Wilmon in the song, “ There is a God”, “Science says it's all just circumstance. Like this whole worlds just an accident but if you want to shoot that theory down, just take a look around.”

Every time I ride I feel like I am one step closer to heaven. I call it my personal heaven. When I ride, I am really free. People have asked me before, how can you believe in something that doesn’t exist? My answer to that is if you keep you heart and life closed from God, then he doesn’t exist, but if you open your heart and your life to God, then he is everywhere. From something as tiny as a mouse to as big as the tallest mountain peak. Then there is always the argument about how science is always right. I say that God made those scientific answers. Not to mention science cannot explain the unexplained like God can. I ask you, how does science explain miracles?

Probably one of the greatest miracles I have ever seen was with what happened with my cousin Sophie. I have babysat Sophie since she was three weeks old. We have a bond so strong that she is like my little sister. The night before Sophie was born I remember having the strong urge to pray for her. So I did. When she was born her shoulder got caught on her mom’s pelvic bone. The doctor had to jump on top of her mom’s belly in order to save her life. It wasn’t till about a year later that they would find out the extend of how bad it could have been. Sophie went in for her one year old checkup a joyful, bouncing, talking one year old. Her mom said that as soon as they came in the doctor’s jaw dropped. He said that with how much oxygen she lost he was sure that she had over a 50% chance of being mentally retarded, have shoulder problems or die before she would reach one. She came out normal and with a clean bill of health. I remember when they told my mom and I that. I started crying because we came so close to losing this little girl that I would give my life for. Now Sophie is a still happy, still bouncy, always talking three year old. I just thank God she is just as horse crazy as I am.

I will honestly admit though, it takes a lot for a person to submit to God’s grace. It was not until about five or so years ago that I really accepted God and trusted him. To me, submitting to certain things like love, I feel very vulnerable and guard my heart so I don’t get hurt. Being raised Catholic, back then I believed in God, but never really “saw” his work, I hated going to church and more. But now I can see God’s great work every day and I now view church like my third home, next to grandma’s house and the barn.

I am probably stepping on a few toes writing this, but God is what made us and I quite frankly think that we need to remember that. So to end on a high note here is one of my favorite prayers that just seems to fit.

The Lord is my Shepherd
(psalm 23)
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pasture,
He leadeth me beside still waters, he restoreth my soul.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I fear no evil, for thou art with me.
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

SPRING BREAK!!!

I can honestly say that this Spring Break was the best break I have EVER had. Being true to my love of horses, yes I had lots of horsey time. However the best part about that was the fact that the owner moved my horse Daisy and her stable mate Patrick to a bigger round pen. To some that may not be a big deal, but compared to the tiny barn we were stuck in, it’s heaven. Not to mention, they are outside!!! It was so much fun that nothing could rain on my parade. Only because it was almost 80 degrees all week. We were sweating bullets, but it still could not keep me indoors. What was also really fun was that the round pen is on a slight hill. So the trying not to fall of wile riding Daisy without a saddle and on a slight incline was quite interesting to say the least.  Thanks to a good camera, steady hand and mom here are pictures of our horsey day.











To add to my great Spring Break, I achieved my long time goal. Thanks to Bruce Carpenter and my uncle Pat of Winona, I finally bought my saddle. To those who don’t know about Bruce, he is a very old man that runs a shop of new and used horse tack for REALLY cheap prices. He does it so that he can see people and continue to stay in the horse business. I bet you are wondering just how cheap his stuff is right? Well let’s just say the saddle I bought is a brand new Circle Y roper saddle well worth about $2,000. I only paid $375! *GASP* I had been waiting to buy my own saddle for about a year or two now. I saved up about $900 for all of my tack. For someone that cannot seem to keep any money in her pockets, it was dreadfully difficult. With the low price of my saddle, I still had enough money for the rest of my tack. So it was a given, I went hog wild. The first day I bought the saddle, head stall, four things of Vet Wrap, girth, blanket, pretty blue rhinestone spur straps, horse brush, saddle stand, breast collar and reins. All for about $490! Then I guess I still had the buying urge because the next day about an hour before I started my shift at Mills Fleet Farm, I bought saddle cleaner, two more blankets, treats and an Equi ball. Well then a few days passed when I realized I left my spur straps there at Bruces. So on Easter another one of my uncles, Mike, took me back there thinking that I was only going to pick up my spur straps. Boy was he wrong.  I bought a full body outdoor horse blanket, a four pack of horse bandages, a handmade purple crystal cross headstall (its SOOOOOO pretty!), saddle cover and a yellow leopard print halter! This in all cost me $127. Only because the crystal headstall was $85. All in all spring break only cost me $692.76. Leaving me with about $261.76 left. Here are the pictures from my shopping spree!



Lastly, I loved my Spring Break. It was probably the best Spring Break I have ever had. Well time to go. Keep looking for more posts.

Rodeo~Girl~4Life