OUR EXTREME DREAM

      My mom came to visit this weekend. Cory and I took her to the Jacksonville Zoo to see all of the renovations and new attractions.  

     After the zoo, we went to some friends' house to swim and eat.

     I had orignally posted several pictures from our visit to the zoo.  However, the computer locked up twice.  Therefore, HERE are the rest of the pics.

     Wow, Erik and I have been married 10 years today.  I can't believe how fast time flies.  Next month we'll have been together 13 years.  It's amazing that we haven't killed each other yet. 

     When Izzy was rescued by Morgan Silver at Horse Protection Association of Florida, she had a colt at her side. They named him Little Joe.

     Unfortunately, Little Joe is still searching for a home. Morgan recently found out that his father was a well known ,1300#, foundation Palomino QH (that died). They don't have pics of the father yet, but as soon as they do, I will post them.

     Here is a picture of Little Joe at 17 months.

    I am hoping by posting this that we can place Little Joe. I really wish that I had more $$$ and land. I'd bring him home for sure. If he's anything like his momma, he's going to be something special.

     Please contact Morgan at HPAF if you are interested in him or any of the other amazing horses she has available.

     Erik rode Izzy for the second time today. It wouldn't be such a big deal except it was on the TRAILS. He had planned on riding her at home several times before this, but unfortunately something always came up. So today, he rolled the dice and went for it.

     We met several firends at the Live Oak entrance of Jennings Forest. Everyone was very excited to see Erik and Izzy on their first trail ride. We decided it would be best to for us to be near the front since that's where I'd normally pony her at. Much to my surprise, Izzy opted to take the lead.

     Izzy's confidence did not last long. A deer or two startled her when they went leaping thru the woods right in front of her. She graciously let Linc take the lead after that.

     Chele on Dawn

     KD on Stylin

     Cathy on Busta

     Linelle on Poca

     Susan on Apache

     Tracey on Tucker

     Mike on Rusty

     Erik on Izzy; Chele on Dawn

     Izzy and Rusty say "Hi" while we rest at the picnic tables.

     Izzy and Erik did really, really well. The bugs were awful up front, poor Izzy is so sensitive to them. She kicked at her belly most of the ride, but she never did offer to buck (unlike Busta, who LOL was throwing mini hissy fits throughout the entire ride). Linc and I tried to help by leading them through the brush, on and off of the trails. This at least gave her some relief for a few minutes.

     All in all, it was a fabulous day. We rode around 3+ hours. Izzy had a few episodes, but there were no land purchases. You can't ask for much more than that.

     HERE are the rest of the pics.

Cory's first day of 2nd grade

Notice the bangs... Cory decided to give herself a haircut the other day. Of course, Mom had to fix it. Argh! I could have hurt her.

     This morning I met up with some friends at Cary State Forest.  I took Rocky and Izzy.  I wanted to get a few fresh trail miles on Izzy before Erik takes her on her first big girl ride.

     Heading out.

     Rocky was in the mood to do his Mustang Shuffle, so I spent most of the ride way ahead of everyone else.

     It did give me several opportunities to take pictures.

     I just love this mule.

     Here we are waiting for everyone to catch up.

     Playing on the bridge

     Checking out the scary red thing

     Back at the trailer

     Izzy has the prettiest head

     HERE are the rest of my pics.

     HERE are KD's pics.

     Erik did it!  He rode his horse, Izzy, for the first time.  It went sooooo well.  I was super proud of them both.

     Here, he has her all cleaned up and ready to saddle.  Please ignore her itchy face.  We are fighting a losing battle with her.

     Firstt, he walked around the paddock moving sticks that might be in the way.

     IThen,  lunged her a few laps just to make sure the saddle didn't bother her.  (Remember, I had ponied her a few times with it on already.)  Kisses for a job well done.

     Here goes nothing.

     Her head went up, but she held her ground.

     You know we have to work both sides.

     He went back and forth several times until she relaxed.  Then, he swung a leg over.

     He loves his girl!

     I led them around for a little while.

     And then he was on his own.

     When he was through, I got on her.

     Notice how Rocky supervises on the other side of the fence.  (I am sure he was quite ticked off at me.)

     LOL, I think she is good with everything.

     Afterwards, everyone got a bath.  Here's Izzy.

     Faith

     Beauty

     Rocky

     Linc

     If you didn't get your fill of pics, HERE are some more.  Cory did a great job taking LOTS of photos.