Weather, Horses, Wine

I wonder how many people are complaining about the weather? May is presenting us with weather that we should have enjoyed in December. It’s cold, windy, gloomy, and not suitable for outdoor activities. Which made it very uncomfortable at the barn this morning. Chuck and I met the horse chiropractor early today. (At least it …

A Ride With Reo

I rode Reo yesterday. First time in a long while. My hip joints have been troublesome and the last time I tried to mount I took too long to get on and he stepped away and I took a tumble. Surprised both him and me. I did get on and ride that day, but it …

Reo…finally content?

My handsome paint horse, Reo, has finally settled into his new home at StoneRidge Stables. He shares 22 acres of wooded hills and grassland. Mostly woods, but enough forage to keep him healthy and satisfied. His two gelding pasture mates are like him…hefty quarterhorse types, actually Paints, with lots of white coloring and kind dispositions. …

Buddy and Reo; Separation

Two days ago I went to visit Buddy. He was swatting flies away as he and his two companions stood in the shade of a large oak tree. I called to him, he looked, and then obviously did not think I was worth leaving the shade for, as he simply stood there and gazed at …

Reo, Pain, Exhaustion

Exhaustion. That’s what I feel right now. Yesterday I had Reo checked out for his head bobbing /lameness issue. I trust my vet, so he says Reo is simply thin soled and needs shoes. Nothing serious except he should wear shoes during riding season. I was relieved, but it seems too simple. I’ll give a …

Buddy, Reo, me, sorrow

You know, it’s hard to blog when your mind is filled with so much activity. I haven’t spent the amount of time with the horses that I should, because I am so involved with this moving process. I did head over to Buddy’s barn to check on him and give him some snacks, and noticed …

Big Changes

Here it is Friday, and I last rode on Sunday. Reo was a gentleman, we walked about the farm, tried a trot, and he was definitely dropping his head on right front leg contact. So, we walked and enjoyed a lovely Sunday afternoon. It always surprises me that so few people come to ride on …

Changing my site name

It is time to rename my blog site to something more relevant to my writing. So, mjm1942 has become PaintedAppy. The new title represents both horses: Reo the Paint, and Buddy the Appaloosa. Since both horses are aging and so am I, it seemed only right to acknowledge our limitations, but also our new adventures. …

My Paint Horse and Me

I finally realized that I do not have to ride every day, or every week for that matter.  I can spend quality time with Reo just lungeing and learning.  He is fuzzy now, like a velvet rug, and smells like a winter horse.  He likes me, I think.  He likes the snacks I give him, …