All These Pretty Horses

Made it through another on the northern range!!

2012-03-09T16:05:00.000-06:00

I looked out of the living room window this morning,................................. and this is what I saw!!

So...................out with the bird book.

It appears that these little fellows are

"Common Red polls"

There are at least 2 males and about 6 - 8 females,

they are the first sign of color yet this year!!

and then...................when I went out the door to feed,

I heard GEESE!!!!

And sure enough, look up, and there goes about 30 of them in the usual 'V' heading north!!!

I think Spring is here!!

WOOO HOOOO!!!!

Black on White............or is it White on Black???

2012-03-05T18:49:00.000-06:00

With just a little bit of Blue!!!

A Haltering we go............ more lessons on the halter

2012-03-05T14:48:00.000-06:00

The weather is absolutely GEORGOUS today, so while I was outside doing my usual, filling water tanks, I thought I would have another go at the 'haltering' thing, as Miss Jewel, along with Jillzi, and Miss Cutie, where all determined to get my attention, .... for a brush job, or whatever else they could get, so.............I went to get the camera, and we got started!!

This time though, we did everything OUTSIDE, loose in the pen, and the girls were EXCELLENT!!
You will have to excuse a couple of the pics, namely, miss Jewel, my glasses go VERY dark in bright sunshine, and often I CAN'T see what the HE** I am looking at!! And to help out, miss jewel wants to be right next to me, so getting her to stand while I try to see what is in the camera, makes for missing parts!!

Miss Jewel is changing color,

can you see the dark hair coming in underneath that

coppery red that she has always been??

So, after Jewel had her turn,

then Jillzi, decided I had to attend to her,

And then.....................
well I decided that miss Cutie should have a go with this halter thing,
so.........................

How about this shot, ........... FIRST time with a halter on!!!!
What a little sweetheart!!!

ok, 24 hours and 6 inches of snow later, its a BEAUTIFUL day!!!

2012-03-02T15:16:00.000-06:00

Icicle Eyelash!

The "Man" of the outfit!

The "Hooligans"

Memories, Then and Now.......many tears shed, but time heals all !!

2012-03-02T12:36:00.000-06:00

I got to looking at some old pictures this am, and came across a few that I thought you might be interested to see.

You have all seen pictures of 'Chick', my orphan, well lets meet her parents, both of whom passed on to greener pastures, within a week of each other.

Her dam: RICH MISS TWIG,

Carrying the blood of: Doc n Kitty, Mr Joe Glo

I lost Twig, 12 hours after foaling, and spent the next few months

raising her baby on a bottle

Her sire: SNOOPER BLUE

Out of JILL BID, ( Snooper Bid, Double Bid)

and sired by BLUE SHADOW BARS

Shown here in his first (& only) public performance at the

Nanton Ranch Rodeo

ridden by Shawn Campbell.

She was a weedy looking thing as a foal as is shown in these old pics of her and her adopted 'mother', Goblin.

It was a rough time for me, losing both of them, but she kept me going,

having to feed her. I had MANY people tell me I was nuts, should have 'knocked her on the head', but I persevered, and looking at her today, I would do it all over again!!

She will stay with me for life,

(no-one else would put up with her!)

OK, MAD MARCH IS UPON US!!!!!!!!!!

2012-03-02T11:51:00.001-06:00

I was out early yesterday morning, and put hay out for my poor starved mares, ........................ and its a GOOD thing I did!!! The snow started just after lunch, and.............7" later, this is what I see out of my living room window this morning!!! AND its SNOWING AGAIN

I have been feeding the sparrows all winter, (its a bit of a joke locally)

and this morning I see we have a newbie looking for feed, I believe this is a 'Junko',

whatever it is, it is welcome

As I said, I have been feeding the birds, and have been wondering what is happening to the big sunflower seeds that are included in the mixture, I never find any of them.....................now I know!!

Caught sight of this fellow a couple of days ago, and managed to get a couple of shots of him this am........

Do you see him, hiding under the tree??

let me get a little closer.......

Isn't he a fine specimen???

He's welcome too!!!

The everchanging color of my Roans.........Spring coat a coming in!!

2012-03-01T08:40:00.000-06:00

Even Blue Shadow Jets,

is getting in on the coat color changing event!

And, as you can see, Beaus Red Cowgirl, is changing to white ,

it is more noticeable in her chest

Cant get away from this one !!

Another view of Snoop n Twigs Legacy, (aka Chick)

the orphan, you can really see the change in her

and behind her, you can see the white starting to show on the top

of the butt belonging to Beaus Dun Biddn (Turd)

But apparently NOT all of my creatures change color

when they change their winter coats for their nice spring / summer ones

as Miss Carmelita was only too happy to remind me!!

Mouse Grey is a color too, apparently!!

Spring?? is in the 'air ...................... the 'air on the horses, that is!!

2012-02-29T17:49:00.000-06:00

A lazy morning, snoozing, munching........

but, wait, is that white hair ('air) I see on Turd and Chick??

And, maybe a little on the butt of Cowgirl.

It most DEFINITELY is!!!!

The roans are starting to turn white underneath,

won't be long now!!!!!

And it makes Chick, almost, look blue!!

This is the start of the 'purple' shade!!

This n' That, things I have been up to in the last few days!!!!

2012-02-20T11:22:00.002-06:00

Well, I have been absent for a few days!!!   So I guess I had better fess up as to where!!

I have to thank my daughter, Jenn, for coming to 'critter sit' for me, so that I could leave.............

A couple of friends and I headed out to Saskatoon, this past weekend, to attend the first ever EQUINE EXPO

The show committee, was, I think, a little overwhelmed at the response!!   They announced, during the Demo section, held on saturday evening, that they had hoped for / expected only 600 people to show, well...................there was at least 1300 there on the saturday!!!

What an awesome thing!!!!!   They are promising a bigger, better one for next year!!!!!!

I had ordered some new business cards before I left, and they showed up the day before, so that worked out just perfectly!!!
The weekend included a trainer challenge,   involving Dale Clearwater, Cain Quam, and Kade Mills,   all three had a 2 year old to work on,   and all three where very interesting to watch, and learn from.
There was also mini clinics done by Shawna Sapergia ( reining),   Gina Smith (Dressage), and Sue Leffler (Centred riding) ,   a trade show, as well as mini sessions on MANY different subjects put on by WCVM............. so there was LOTS to take in.
The DEMO section on saturday evening included, Parade of Breeds, Cutting, Reining, Mounted Cowboy Shooting ( which was neat to watch) AND an 8 horse hitch, which was AWESOME!!!! And, of course, my camera was in the car!!!!   Sorry!!
I will DEFINITELY be going again, next year!!!!!!!

Winter came back for a quick visit............-22C this am!!!

2012-02-10T16:46:00.000-06:00

The gang

Do they look at little guilty about something??

maybe its just me!

Miss Jewel,

Started on her halter training, yesterday and..........

oh man, was she MAD at me!,

got herself into the water trough over it!!

oh well, she needed a bath anyway!

Miss Jolena, aka 'Cutie'

looks almost roan this am,

but, no, just frosted!!

Eating / snoozing in the sun

at -22C this am!!

OK, more snoozing going on!!

The Sun is shining, 'someone' wants to play...............

2012-02-04T15:15:00.000-06:00

Here we go!!

Just a minute, there's something going on over here

I LOVE to play, but, Crap, am I out of shape!!

LOL

SAN JOLENA JET What a cutie pie!

2012-02-03T12:15:00.001-06:00

This is my little 'Cutie Pie',

San Jo Leo Bars first cross with Blue Shadow Jets

And what a super filly she is turning into!!

I also measured her for finished height, apparently she will be 15.1HH,

not too shabby!!

This filly is for sale, so whomever decides
they can't live without her,
should have themselves a cracker of a performance prospect!!

JEMSHADOW Getting to be a big girl !!

2012-02-03T12:06:00.001-06:00

Apparently, Merlin, seems to think it would be easier to get Hay from the INSIDE of the feeder, as Jewel, has the best stuff in front of her!!

And Jewel, does not think she should move so anyone else can get to the hay!!

I measured Jewel to be a finished height of 15.2HH,

Hopefully WYATT HAYES, her owner,

will be ok with that!!

The beginning of the end............................................of January 2012 that is!!

2012-01-31T09:31:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful start to the day!!..

This is my favourite time of day, the world is awakening,

the air is full of birdsong.....

And the good lord paints with such awesome colours

Here it comes..............

the beginning of the end,................

of the first month of the new year!

Jillzshadow, 2010 AQHA Appendix Reg. Mare

2012-01-30T19:50:00.000-06:00

So, while I was doing the kids, I did Jillzi, as well, her full brother is already 16HH, or so I am told, by his owner, and the same thing will happen here, according to the tape. Jillzi should top out at 16HH, she is going to be a NICE mare when she is done growing, and filling out!!

ISLE B A SHADYBADGER (Aqha pending)

2012-01-30T19:45:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of 'Merlin',

he will be for sale this spring,

I was out today, and took my measuring tape to the legs on the babies from last year, to see what they should fill out to!!

'Merlin', well, his measurement says he should fill out to be 15.2HH,

not a bad size!!

All the Ropers out there should be paying attention to this guy!!

Feeding time................................

2012-01-25T15:47:00.000-06:00

The 'Kids', are growing, really starting to sprout UP!!

Jillzi, does not look that much bigger than them now!!

And, of course, the old fella, has to get in on the food, eats theirs, then goes to his........

fixed that issue, put his IN with theirs!!

What a beautiful start to the day!!

2012-01-25T15:28:00.001-06:00

This is what met me going out of the door earlier this morning,

a beautiful blue sky, and a light breeze from the west,

gently blowing the snow off the roof,

sparkling, sparkling!!

A Frosty Day on the Canadian Prairies, but also a Birthday of note, for a friend

2012-01-18T17:14:00.000-06:00

On a Very FROSTY day, here on the Canadian Prairies,

I asked Shadow, if her was going to wish Happy Birthday to Shirley

He thought about it for a second,.............

Then decided there was a new ball that needed to be attacked.

So.........

I asked Jillzi.....

She thought I had maybe been out in the cold for too long,

and addled my brains.

So.............

I asked the birds......

They were busy eating.

So I will be doing on behalf of all of us,

here, at Prairie Ridge,

Happy Birthday to you, SHIRLEY, my good friend!!!!

Hope you are WARM!!!!!!!!!

A BIG Thank You.............................................to ALL of you

2012-01-16T17:40:00.000-06:00

I would like to extend a BIG thank you, to ALL of the people that left me a comment on the loss of my little blue eyed girl, Orka.

Just an update here, she did not appear to have had any suffering, or trauma, at the end,   she appeared to have been sleeping in a hay pile, and just laid down and was gone with the angels, with is a godsend.

Orka has now been buried, on some high ground, overlooking the pasture she had lived and frolicked in,   where she can stay close, and watch over her buddies.

Again, I cannot say enough about the friendship shown, both by personal friends, and people that I have met through the world of blogging,     anyone that knows me well, will always tell you, my horses, mean the world to me, and they always will.

Again, THANK YOU!!!

Rest In Peace, my little Orka, the girls and I will miss you, always

2012-01-14T22:24:00.000-06:00

I came home from work today to a sad, sad, thing.

My little blue eyed paint mare, Orka, had passed away.

She was getting up there in years, (18), but I guess I never really thought about her age, she just seemed to never get any older, than the night I brought her home.

I will sorely miss her beautiful blue eyes, and her gentle nature.

You are free now, my little bird,

may the lord find you green pastures to sleep in, and clear waters to drink,

I am sure that Snoop, Twig and Mojo are there with you.

Time to meet the younger girls,....................in or going into the broodmare band.

2012-01-11T21:25:00.001-06:00

Als Blue Babaroom.

aka "Goblin", she has done her mother proud,

she has already produced an awesome colt, and will be bred back the same way,

to High Country Dun It, (Hollywood Dun It g/son)

She has the same sire as Shadow, so I have to breed her out.

Beaus Red Cowgirl
An own daughter of Devil Beau

This young lady is only 2, so not yet for her,

but in a year or so!!

San Jo Leo Bar.

San Jo, has already produced a beautifully put together filly, by Shadow,

who will be a firecracker in the performance pen,

she will be bred back to Shadow this year,

when it works, why mess with it??

Beaus Dun Biddn.

"Turd", a name she earned as a baby!!

Another daughter to Devil Beau

She is a 2005 model, and standing 15.3HH, will make a nice cross with Shadow

Her mother (Jill Bid) is maybe heading into retirement soon!!

and, of course, who could forget this one??

Snoop N Twigs Legacy,

aka "Chick", the orphan.

Born in 2005, she will be joining the group, it maybe not until next year

she will make a nice starter mare for Beau Boston!!

She is related to Shadow, so that's not happening!!

Another Birthday to celebrate!! A lifetime of Experiences........and more to come......

2012-01-10T17:57:00.000-06:00

Four and Twenty years ago today, a Black Thoroughbred filly was foaled in the stables of "PR Bloodstock", based near Wellington, New Zealand. She was named "Irish Delight", started her racing career in the same country, and then came to the United States.
'PR', as she is affectionately known, ran in California, then in Spokane, Washington.

Winning my maiden race in the United States.

Winning again, in Spokane, Washington.

My daughter, Als Blue Babaroom, ( Goblin)
and my Grandson, Beaus Blu Gremlin

A 3 generation picture!!

And, now, enjoying her retirement,

.........oh don't get me wrong, she can still kick up her heels, when she wants to, ............and make those sappy quarter horse colts, .......TRY to keep up!!!

Happy Birthday PR!!!

The tasty stuff is in the middle...............apparently!!!

2012-01-08T22:47:00.000-06:00

My orphan mare, Chick, is just a blast!!

One of my hay feeders has a couple of busted hoops, so, when the 'brat', feels she is not getting the best of hay, she just INSIDE the hay feeder,

What a character!!! She is not averse to getting her nose inside the cab of the tractor, if I turn my back, and dragging out, what ever she can get her lips around!!!.............There's a picture I should get!!

I'm BUSY, can't you see that??

This IS the best stuff!!!

A Birthday!!!

2012-01-08T22:28:00.000-06:00

Eight years ago today, I got to pick out my blue-eyed girl.

My good friend, Shirley,......... her dog, Reba, had a litter of puppies, and I had spoken for one.

'Jess' is my pride and joy, and is loved more than she will ever know

( as are all the fourlegged furry things here)

I can't believe that she is EIGHT years old today!!

Happy Birthday Jess!!!

The New Year begins, a time for fresh starts............and sometimes.......reflection

2012-01-01T19:21:00.001-06:00

You might want to get a coffee, or something, and get settled into a comfy chair for this!!

I got to looking at the papers for my broodmares today, and I know that they are getting up there in years,....................... but...................... then I got to actually LOOKING at them again, and I realized that the core of my herd, are or should be classified as GERIATRIC!!!!!

A Dark Bailey,
She is now 17 years old!!!!
I bought her as a two year old!!!
Photo taken Jan 1 2012

Jets Easy Music

This little girl was the best 'horse deal' I ever made!!

She is now 18 years old!!

Photo taken Jan 1 2012

Jill Bid

The 'Boss mare', I bought Jill at the same sale as 'Bailey',

and at the ripe old age of 19!! is still producing!

Photo taken Jan 1 2012

A Rolyn Angel

"I'm NOT getting up today!"

Sleeping in a pile of hay, she is now 16!!

taken this morning Jan 1 2012

'Rich Miss Twig'

I bought Twig at the same sale as Jill and Bailey,

She is gone now, lost after a foaling, she left me with her last foal to raise

She would have been 18 now

Orka

Again bought at the same sale as Jill, Bailey, Twig

She is now 18!!

Picture taken summer of 2011

Fast Beauty

My other TB mare, she is now 14,

picture taken summer of 2011

And then there is the Matriarch of the clan........

Irish Delight aka 'PR'

this picture was taken of her, in the summer of 2011

she is now a whopping 24 years old!!! ( Literally on Jan 10th!!)

Then, a person gets to thinking about how or when these girls became part of my life!!
I had purchased Jill, Bailey, Twig, Orka, all at the same sale, and was on my way home with them in the trailer, when the news broke, on the radio, that Diana, Princess of Wales had been killed in and automobile accident.

Irish Delight, or PR as she is affectionately known, was already at home, purchased from my good friend Kim Mahon, of Creston, BC.
Jets Easy Music, aka JEM, was aquired in a heck of a horse trade, a couple of years later.

Fast Beauty was added a year later, purchased from another good friend, Jeannie Rogers, of Duchess, Alberta

Time to get some of the younger girls brought into the broodmare bunch, I'm a thinkin'!!!!!!!!!

BBC Symphony, Chorus & Singers - Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-31T12:50:00.001-06:00

Here's wishing you all a Very Happy New Year,
May it be all that you had hoped for..............................and More!!!
From all of us here at Prairie Ridge Performance Horses, ( me and the furry ones!!!!)

Update on the 'Old Fella

2011-12-31T12:39:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the delay in reporting back on the condition of 'Mr Dude', the old gelding, I started him on the herbs from Silver lining. He is getting a mixture of Senior ration, oats, beet pulp, along with his garlic, Immuno start herbs, and then a shot of Dyna-Pro, probiotic, every day.
Within a week of starting him on the herbs, the swelling in his legs had gone down, and has STAYED down to date, his coat has started to improve, this is going to be a slow go, I'm thinking, but that's ok, every step forward is a GOOD thing!!!

And the young ones want to get in on the photo op!!!

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-06:00

San Jolena Jet.
My little cutie pie!!

"Merlin", Isle b a shadybadger, (pending)
AQHA is still deciding his color!!!

"Jewel", Jemzshadow
Congratulations to Wyatt Hayes on the purchase of this filly!!
She is going to stay here with me for the winter.

Jillzshadow.
enjoying the sun!!

Another Year is almost done, and the 'girls' say Happy New Year!!

2011-12-31T12:13:00.000-06:00

From left to right:
Chick, Bailey, Jill, Carmelita and Cowgirl

From left to right:
Angel, Goblin, San Jo, with "PR" in the back

Oops, too much light!!

Lets try this again!!
Mother and Daughter, Jill Bid, and Beaus Dun Biddn, (centre)
with help from San jo and Carmelita!!!

And looking back, from the inside!!
San jo, and Cowgirl

Six White Boomers

2011-12-26T09:58:00.001-06:00

This is a song that my siblings and I all loved as children, and Christmas just wasn't the same without it!!

Just thought you would all like to hear it!! LOL

Hope your Christmas was all you wanted it to be, and more

Update on another of my progeny!!

2011-12-12T22:01:00.000-06:00

Here she is!!

SNOOPNINMASOX

An APHA registered mare, by my past stallion, SNOOPER BLUE,

out of one of my mares: ORCA

Shown here with her new owner, Julie

who has promised me photos of them both, when they get settled together

and doing something!!

I absolutely LOVE it when I get to stay in touch with my babies,

and see how they are getting along with their lives.

Congratulations on your purchase, Julie

Keep us in touch!!

Spoken for!!!!!!! Going to a new home in the spring!!

2011-12-12T21:21:00.000-06:00

"Jillzshadow"

2010 AQHA Appendix Registered Filly.

"Jillzi", has been poken for by my good friend Kim Baerg,

over at Foxspring Farm,

She will be here in early spring to pick her up.

and at the same time, deliver my new roan boy, FSF Beau Boston!!

Congrats to Kim, this is going to be a NICE filly, when she finally grows into herself!!

Old guy not picking up.................gonna try something, your thoughts??

2011-12-12T16:43:00.001-06:00

Here is a shot of my old guy, "Dude", he is an '89 model, has never cost me a cent in Vet bills, (barring a gelding fee!!)

He had a 'gutteral pouch infection', last winter, was put on an oral antibiotic for 3 months!! Lost a pile of weight, and has just never seemed to come back.
He usually is fat and sassy, has always been!!

He has been wormed, he is booked in with a 'tooth fairy', (Dentist) as soon as the guy appears in this area, His coat is soft, but now it appears thin, .................

like you can see right into his hide!

His tailbone is now showing, he is not carrying any weight on his topside.

So I have started him on Senior Ration, along with Garl;ic, Beet pulp, and I am going to try a product by "Silver Lining Herbs", called Immune Support.

Does anyone have any better ideas???

On to Greener Pastures..................................A SAD, SAD Day

2011-12-09T12:16:00.000-06:00

It is with a SAD, SAD heart that I bring this news.

My Friend, Twila , lost her beloved filly, MOJO, yesterday,

she had cut her leg, nicked the artery, and, well................

we all know the results that brings.

My condolences go out to Twila, at this time,

we all get attached to our animals, and it is at a time like this that we realize,

just HOW much they really mean to us.

And don't think I didn't shed a few tears over this as well!!

I think there must be an angel somewhere that just got a new rope/barrel horse to play with!!

Announcing...............A New Addition!!

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

My new addition to the herd,

FSF BEAU BOSTON

The last roan stud colt,

out of my old boy, DEVIL BEAU.

Just a young fella yet, but he will be joining us here early in the spring

Thanks to my good friend, Kim Baerg, of Foxspring Farm

for allowing me to purchase this boy!!

The old guy was such a SWEET natured, well mannered boy

I am glad to be able to keep this bloodline, in my herd!!

I do have a couple of his daughters here and will not be able to breed them to this guy,

but they are going be a nice cross with BLUE SHADOW JETS anyway!!

Updated Pics will be appearing here often!!

The 'Girls', enjoying some sun...........in the ...er.......... 'winter'?

2011-11-26T23:35:00.001-06:00

As you can see from this picture, we have lost a lot of the little bit of snow that we did have!!

And the 'Girls', are enjoying the sun, and staying out of the breeze at the same time!!

Weanlings.............They are getting big now,

2011-11-26T23:24:00.000-06:00

'Merlin, and Jewel at the feeder

Isle B A Shadybadger, Sanjolena Jet, Jemz Shadow

BUTTS!!!!!!!!

SNOW????

2011-11-12T14:14:00.000-06:00

We don't have much snow here.............................YET!

But my daughter send me this picture ..............

this is what she found when she left work last night!!

(She lives in BC)

They can KEEP that stuff there for a while!!!

'The Kernal'

2011-11-12T14:10:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of "Kernal", taken out behind the arena in Val Marie

What an absolute sweetheart he grew up to be!!

Congratulations to Riley Hayes,

for all the work you have done with this young horse,

Both of you can only get better with time and experience.

And,

I am so proud to say this young gelding is a product of my breeding program!!

This will MESS with your head!!! more pics from the OLDE country.

2011-11-04T09:04:00.000-06:00

This is a very old pub in the area that I grew up in,

there has been some subsidence with underground mining in the area

this is the entryway

the interior door is actually upright!

My friend looks like she had been on the giggly pop!!

this is taken inside the bar,

if you put a marble on the wainscoting, it will run UPHILL!!

this is what you see when you turn around in the bar!!!

If this stuff doen't mess with your head,

nothing will!!!

And Beauty's blue colt leaves for his new home!!

2011-10-31T10:26:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Tyler Kirby of Rockglen, SK,

on his purchase of "A SHADY ACCOUNT"

I would like to wish you the best with him.

Tyler and Cherisse have promised to keep me updated

with pictures and info on his progress,

which I , of course, will be passing along to you !!

Chirk Castle, a castle and a home for more than 700 years!!

2011-10-31T10:18:00.001-06:00

Part of the Formal gardens

The North east tower, known as the "Batchelors Tower"

This is known as "ADAMS TOWER"

Chirk Castle was built between 1295 and 1310,

by one of King Edward 1's warlords, Roger Mortimer.

The family 'Coat of Arms'

believed to have been carved over the gateway

in the 1840's!!!!

The Inner Courtyard

this contains the original well for the castle

at a depth of 30 metres, it was a vital element in the castle's defences!

The "SMALL" people even get in on the Hunt!!!

2011-10-31T09:40:00.000-06:00

These two young ladies kept up with

the big horses all day,

who said the little guys come last??

See the different clipping methods??

And this pony is the new "Poster child" for Laminitis

or "Founder" as it is known in North America

but he still kept up the pace, and his rider was

having fun, as evidenced by the grin,

that NEVER left the face all day!!

The Hunt Club, supports the local "Pony Club", and

there are many hunt members that have children that ride to hounds as well!!

A trip to the "OLDE COUNTRY", some foxhunting for the day.

2011-10-31T09:28:00.000-06:00

The Huntsman and his crew take the hounds

down the hedge toward a cover

for the days hunt

Master of Foxhounds

(This pack has more than one Master,

and they are all dressed in the 'Hunting Pink',

just so you are not confused!!)

The 'Field',

this is the name given to the followers of the hunt

that are on horseback.

There are also a lot of people that follow on foot / vehicles

Another shot of "the Field"

More of the "Field"

This big guy looks like he has a little shot of Shire or Clyde in him

nice big horse!!

A Special Surprise, for me at 4H!! Gotta LOVE it!

2011-10-10T23:01:00.001-06:00

In a pen, at the back of the arena, I got my surprise!!

Obviously BORED with the whole deal!!

This is MOJO, now 3 years old,

a full sister to Kernal,

owned by another member of the Hayes family........

this time it's Twylas' horse

Riley rode Mojo, in the trail class,

Here he is practising dragging the tire,

coached ( and watched closely)

by mom Twyla ( on the left ) and dad Ryan ( to Twyla's left)

Waiting for her turn to go

weaving in and out at the wishing well

What a nice minded pair of colts,

and I am very proud to say they are from my breeding program,

( ignore the dates on the pics, camera was doing its own thing!)

4H Achievement Day, a repeat visit

2011-10-10T22:44:00.001-06:00

On a beautiful sunny Fall day in Val Marie...........

I again was invited to watch one of my colts,

"KERNAL", now aged 4 yrs,

and his owner, Riley Hayes

Outside, in the practise ring, making sure they had the Grand Entry down pat

In the Halter Class,

Discussing things with the judge

Waiting for the decision in the Equitation Class.

( Ignore the dates on the picture,

the camera was messing with my head)

The Name Game Update

2011-10-05T17:49:00.001-06:00

I was in contact with the AQHA today, just to check on my registrations that I have sent in,   and I got the following information!!
3 of my 2011 babies now have offical names!!!!

Jets Easy Music, filly, is:   JEMZSHADOW

San Jo Leo Bars, filly is: SAN JOLENA JET

Fast Beauty's Colt is: A SHADY ACCOUNT

That just leaves A Dark Bailey's colt, I am sending his registration in this week, I was waiting for the coat color testing, and I think I am going with BAY, with a Dorsal Stripe,   and apparently Shirley is not the only one that has a problem reading his name!!
I do have a penchant for odd spelling, as anyone that knows me will confirm, but I can see where there would be a problem with htis one, so I am revising it to say:   ISLE B A SHADYBADGER,   hope that helps!!

And we are AWAY to a new home, WHEN we are weaned!!

2011-09-30T11:46:00.000-06:00

And 'Speedi' is spoken for,

Congratulations to Tyler & Charrise Kirby of Rockglen, SK on the purchase of this colt.

'Jewel', will be going to Wyatt Hayes, of Val Marie, Sk,

joining her older brother (Kernal) and sister (Mojo)

at the Hayes Ranch!!!

Congratulations !!!

A SHADY ACCOUNT (pending)

2011-09-30T11:29:00.000-06:00

'Speedi', and his older half sister Biscuit, scratching

JEMZSHADOW (pending)

2011-09-28T09:36:00.000-06:00

And here is Jets Easy Music's filly for this year!!   First time that there has been NO roan on this cross!!!   No Problem, she is still a nice girl!

AQHA name applied for:
              JEMZSHADOW

SAN JOLENA JET (pending)

2011-09-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

Here she is,    San Jo Leo Bars filly,   and with the bloodlines she has, she should be a firecracker of a performance prospect!!!

AQHA name applied for is:
           SAN JOLENA JET

The Results are...................................

2011-09-28T06:40:00.000-06:00

I got the e-mail I was waiting for yesterday, with the results of the last test. So......................

The Dun Zygosity is N/n, no chance.

The Red Factor is E/e, Both Black and Red Detected,
so he can be black, bay or brown.

The Agouti result is A/a, so he can be bay or brown.

Well, Black is one colour he is NOT!!! So I am going with Bay, with a dorsal stripe!!

The AQHA name that I have requested is: ISLEBASHADYBADGER

With the blood of Peppy San Badger, Isle Breeze, Jet Deck, this boy should be quite the performance horse, when he grows up!!

End of day, 1st day of Fall, THIS is why we live here!!!

2011-09-23T20:17:00.000-06:00

The end of another beautiful day,

    the 1st day of Fall,

     is now in the history books,

      Here in the

         "Land of Living Skies"

THIS is one of the reasons we all live here!!!!

And the sun finally goes down

Goodnight all!!

Waiting, waiting, waiting..... on results of a hair sample test

2011-09-21T13:37:00.000-06:00

What a cutie!!!! First photo, taken at approx, 2 hours old!!

Then later in the year, at approx 3 months old, the dorsal stripe is very obvious, but body color is an odd variation of peanut butter.

Legs are dark, but not really black....

so I send off a hair sample to the U of C, Davis, California.

And now I wait for the results.....................................

OOOPS!!!! I'm late, I'm Late .......for a very important date!!!!

2011-09-21T13:19:00.000-06:00

I have been doing some house cleaning, in the past few days, trying to get my 'office' to look like a somewhat intelligent being usually occupies the space, when I found..............................................
hidden in the back of a shelf,.............................................
my foaling competition prizes!!!!!!!!!!!!
OOOPS!!!!!!
So,              better late than never...................they are finally in the mail!!!!
My apologies to all,       Crystal, Shirley, Sherry,    you should have a surprize in your mail SOON!!
I have not been able to get any mailing info for "Judys Photos", so, Judy, if you read this, Please let me know your snail mail info,   by email, to:   prperf@hotmail.com   and yours will ALSO be winging its way to you!!

Working Night Shifts, and the dogs are getting CRAZY!!!!!

2011-09-04T20:15:00.000-06:00

I have been working nights for the past few days,.....................

that means trying to sleep in the daytime,

so the dogs do not get to be outside much.....................

And it SHOWS!!!!!

This is what I came home to....... today,

a crazed rat dog, mauling the Aussie

( in fun)

And a pathetic Border Collie, that really has a desperate NEED to have this ball kicked around

The wrestle fest continued out in the entry way,.....

Took a break, then..............

Jumped him again!!!

And they think I am a little 'ODD' at work!!!!

I really don't know WHY !!!!

The big move-around, it happens every year at this time....................

2011-08-30T18:12:00.000-06:00

Today was the big move around
First I turned the broodmares out into the stubble ,

Then I added the two year olds into the mix

Cowgirl and Biscuit enjoying the grass

The old girl of the bunch.........PR!!

Then I gave Mr Shadow a new friend!!!

'Possible' Thunderstorms??? CRIKEY!!

2011-08-28T14:41:00.000-06:00

The forecast yesterday was for a "Possiblity of Thunderstorms"

Then it became a "Severe Thunderstorm Warning"

The clouds had been building all afternoon,

but not much happening,

so......................................................

I had to work From 7.00pm to 11.00 pm,

on my way to work, I stopped on the highway

and took these pics!!!

That's home, on the horizon

See the HAIL??

I thought I had better get to work,.......

Quick!!

These last two pictures where taken from the west door of the hospital,

As I was going in the door,

It only lasted 20 minutes,

Rain, Hail, Thunder, some AMAZING Lightening

and away it went, to the southwest,

THEY got it BAD!!!!

And the end of another beautiful day......... g'night all

2011-08-25T20:59:00.002-06:00

And finally, the mamas boy, Fast Beautys' Colt!! BIG n' BLUE!!

2011-08-25T20:56:00.000-06:00

Mama went this way...........

Sorry for the eye, the flash must have caught him!!

He sure is going to be a big TALL, BLUE boy!!

Foal # 3, Jets Easy Musics' Filly, "Jewel"

2011-08-25T20:50:00.000-06:00

What a picture she is going to be,

a bright bay with four socks,

And built to go with it!!

Just enough white on her face,

NO roan this time though,

not that that is going to be a problem!!

San Jo Leo Bar's Filly.

2011-08-25T20:38:00.000-06:00

Following Mom, out of the barn

Hanging with her mother, can you see the mud on her back??

Obviously she has been swimming in 'Williams Lake!!'

More mud!!

She sure has a cute face!!

Baileys Colt!! New PIctures.

2011-08-25T20:29:00.000-06:00

Playing in the Caraganas, getting the bugs off!!

Doing what he does best........................

EAT!!!

'Merlin', has just about shed all his foal fur now,

he is a really different color!!

But he is going to be a nice solid boy!!!

Weekend Efforts

2011-08-22T12:48:00.000-06:00

Paddling in 'Williams Lake',

FIXING the mess the broodmares made of the fence

And it's NOT nice in that water, there is all kinds of

nasty green mushy stuff, so its a little sloppy / slippery underfoot,

but it HAD to be done, ...........................

Then on to the real weekend deal,

the local Farmers Market,

and I had decided to get a little on the busy side and make bread!!

Here is the table, before the Farmers Market opened,

I came home with only 4 loaves of bread left!!!

I had made only Specialty breads:

Prairie, Anadama, Sourdough, and Raisin.

Got lots of comments on my 'flowers', and wheat, used as a decoration on the table!!

F.Q.H.R. Registry..........here we come!!!

2011-08-16T07:16:00.000-06:00

I had applied to the Foundation Quarter Horse Registry, to have my boy, BLUE SHADOW JETS researched, and the results are in!!!!!!!

BLUE SHADOW JETS has been acclaimed as being 85.546875% foundation blood, so the registration papers and membership have been sent off!!

Awesome news!!

Just thought you might be interested to know this!!!

The Thunderbird is bringing the storm in..........

2011-08-16T07:11:00.000-06:00

Do you see the thunderbird???

looks like a great big bird with its wings spread over the countryside,

along the leading edge of the storm!

Kidlet Picture Update!!

2011-07-28T15:02:00.001-06:00

Fast Beauty's colt

2 months old today!!

San Jo Leo Bar's filly

A Dark Bailey's Colt

Jets Easy Music's Filly

More classic storm formations

2011-07-23T21:57:00.000-06:00

Updates on the "Kids", starting to shed the fur!

2011-07-23T21:54:00.000-06:00

Jems filly, "Jewel"

The two girls

And the two boys!

Beautys' colt, is getting MOULDY!!!

I just LOVE it when this happens!!!

Little Boy Blue!!

2011-07-23T21:06:00.000-06:00

And here is a couple of pictures of my boy,

Blue Shadow Jets

Out in his grass pen that I built for him

Num num, this grass sure is good!!

this one was taken last fall,

just to prove that

"Real men use PINK buckets!!"

And in the mail today..............................Presents!!!!!

2011-07-21T15:49:00.000-06:00

Gifts!!!! Prizes!!!

I won something!!!!

Thank you very much, Fern Valley,

for this AWESOME book!!!

And, another surprize,

this came from the AQHA!!!

And the storm continued..........for a while

2011-07-21T15:40:00.000-06:00

The 'EYE" of the storm!!!!!!!!!!

2011-07-19T21:52:00.000-06:00

And here we go..............again!!

ANOTHER severe thunderstorm watch

The storm is building,.................

can you see the face starting to show?

Talk about the 'EYE' of the storm!

This is not the first time I have caught a face in a storm cloud,

I guess I have someone watching out for me!!

Any guesses on the colour of this guy???

2011-07-10T09:29:00.000-06:00

He is starting to shed around his eyes

And the muzzle

He has a dorsal stripe

Legs are shedding out dark

His dam is Black, from Black, from Black.
His sire is Blue Roan, from Blue Roan, from Blue Roan, with a Dun on the next generation.
I will definately be doing colour testing with U of C, Davis, california, because the AQHA is going to think I have lost my noodle over this one!!!! LOL
Lets hear your guesses on this!!!!

Stuff..................a couple of the residents here!!

2011-07-10T09:04:00.000-06:00

My old girl, the Matriarch of the broodmare band!!

"irish Delight", (aka PR).. born in New Zealand, Ran in California,

in her retirement years now, she is 23 years old this year!!!

Carmelita, in almost full summer wear!!

Fun in the sun....................and water!!!!

2011-07-07T17:40:00.001-06:00

One very HAPPY, wet and bedraggled border collie!!

Isn't she just a picture???

That water is fun, but he has my ball!!!

Addresses needed..............

2011-07-06T07:10:00.001-06:00

I am still waiting for the 'snailmail' addresses for the people that won the foaling contest earlier this spring,
correct me if I am wrong but I believe that the winners where:
Ranch riding / Crystal,     for A Dark Bailey,
Judys Photos,    for San Jo Leo Bar
Ride a good horse / Shirley,   and Fern Valley, tie for Jets Easy Music

OK people, send me those addresses!!!
You can email them to :prperf@hotmail.com

Thanks, eh!!!

And MORE storms..............

2011-07-06T07:06:00.000-06:00

"Light from above"

Rising up

These where taken after a particularly NASTY storm yesterday,

we had almost 2" of rain, hail and some crazy weather

it only lasted for less than an hour, but .........

holy cow, batman!!!!

All is well, horses and humans are ok,

but when there is this much water laying around, and daytime temps of

30C or more, then a person can expect this,

hopefully NOT all summer!!!!

Storms, storms ...

2011-07-06T06:55:00.001-06:00

This was taken at about 7.45pm,

on July 3rd,

a couple of days ago

And then again at about 9.00pm

this storm LOOKED like it was going to be a good one,

but it fizzled out to just a nice warm wind.........

for a change

The goldfinch returns.................................

2011-07-02T16:59:00.000-06:00

Have not seen these guys for a while now,

and then, yesterday,

there he was, a singing his little heart out in the tree!!!!

Aren't they a beautiful bird???

Summer Visitors

2011-06-25T07:58:00.000-06:00

This breeding pair has been here every summer,

they like to have their nest right over the door,

silly things!!

Have tried to knock it down, thinking they will build

somewhere quieter,

but NO, they rebuild in the same place!!

And STORM Season is back!!!

2011-06-25T07:50:00.000-06:00

Looking west, its starting to build!!

A Rainbow!!!

East of us now,

I sure am glad that's not breaking loose over my head!!!

Updated Kid Pics!!!!

2011-06-20T18:47:00.000-06:00

The Lake is getting bigger!!!!

2011-06-20T18:34:00.000-06:00

The past weekend has reaked havoc in the southern prairies, the rain just keeps coming, there are now a couple of areas that have washed out roads, and flooded towns, Weyburn got over 70mm , but Assiniboia, has them all beat, with a total of over 120mm of rain !!!!!

Needless to say, 'Williams Lake' is getting to be bigger than it has been all year!!!!

The mares have discovered that there is some pretty tasty grass out on a small island in the pasture, so to get there, they have to wade through the water!! Kids and all!!!

And more sad news........................

2011-06-20T18:19:00.000-06:00

Kim, had more sad news to share with me a few days later, Sage, the orphan foal that she was raising, has also passed away, with NO indication of ever being sick.
I guess ol' Beau wanted a little friend to look after!

Its times like these that we realize just HOW much of our lives are all the better for having a horse in it, and just HOW much they become part of us.

In Memory Of a wonderful horse..........

2011-06-20T18:14:00.000-06:00

I had a very sad phone call about a week ago,

from my friend Kim Baerg over at Fox Spring Farm

She had had to have my old stud "DEVIL BEAU" euthanized.

I will admit to a few tears over the loss of such a wonderfull horse

He was a real sweetheart, a real gentleman!!

Loved to be with the mares, always had the babies with him.

Rest in Peace my friend,

and may the good lord have green pastures, with crystal clear water for you,

to roam.

Beautys' colt .............out in the sun

2011-06-05T13:57:00.000-06:00

What a NICE boy!!!

Paddling in the sun is always fun............Kids love it!!

2011-06-05T13:49:00.000-06:00

Goblin going through the 'Pond',

Start 'em early in the water!!

Most kids love a water park....................

even if they have four legs and are a little furry!!!

Mare's tails in the blue, mean the wind is soon due!

2011-06-05T13:41:00.000-06:00

Its an old saying, my dad always used...........

Whatever it means............

Doesn't it make beautiful patterns though???

Foaling Contest Winners!

2011-06-04T10:41:00.001-06:00

Ok, I need the mailing info for all the winning contestants, you know who you are!!

Send me your info, and you will get a surprise!!!

The Crabapple trees are starting to bloom

2011-06-04T10:32:00.000-06:00

FINALLY!

It IS june already!!

Time for some serious snoozing!!!

2011-06-04T10:19:00.000-06:00

Snoozin with my buddy!!

Just standing here, looking good!

The momma's are ever close by!

I is a tired baby

We are done foaling!!!!!!!!

2011-06-03T09:17:00.000-06:00

Here he is!!!!!!!!

Beauty foaled this HUGE colt, at approx 3.15am on May 29th

He has some odd looking markings on his withers!!

I know, I am late with the news, but computer has died and am using an OLD laptop!

Would ya just look at those legs!!!!

Will have to check the competition and see if anyone got this one!!!

I apologise for keeping you all waiting,

but computer has died and am using an OLD laptop!

STUFF!!! Things that are around the yard, and new!!

2011-05-26T09:10:00.000-06:00

An American Avocet,

have not seen any of these around here before,

there is three or four of them, and they appear to be sticking around!!

I had to get my rear into gear,

to get this finch feeder out

I counted 15 of these goldfinches on the feeder / crab apple tree

last evening!!!

Don't they look like a bunch of oversized bees!!!!

And saw this at the local greenhouse

so, just HAD to buy one!!!

Its an 'Amararanthus',

called "Love Lies Bleeding"

Never seen one before this!!

Oh, and we are STILL waiting on Beauty !!!!!

OOPS!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-20T20:20:00.000-06:00

I apparently have had a 'Oops' moment, when re-doing the foaling contest, managed to get the guesses for Fantastyk Voyager the wrong way around!!!
SO, it appears that Shirley was not the only one to guess the right day!! So we have a co-winner for that baby!!!!!!
Congrats to both of you!!!!!!!!!!

The morning after, the night before!!

2011-05-19T06:57:00.001-06:00

On May 18th, at approx ( who really looks at the time?)

8.30pm, Jem had a HUGE filly

A star, snip, and four socks, just like momma!!

not bad for a nights work!!

Well done Jets Easy Music!!

I think Shirley had guessed may 18, but she wanted a colt!!

A day of 'WIND, along with a little attitude!!

2011-05-16T21:59:00.000-06:00

We have been under a severe wind warning here all day today,

but that didn't stop Baileys colt from

racing around,

Playing,

And investigating things..........

like gophers?, Grass, People etc

A pretty girl, on a windy day!

2011-05-16T21:49:00.000-06:00

What a Pretty Picture they make!!

Out in the 'hurricane' winds

Hello!!!

Foaling contest update

2011-05-15T13:40:00.000-06:00

As you can see in the sidebar, I have updated all the guesses for the foaling contest, some of you should update your guess, as the dates you originally put in are now passed. Feel free to guess again!!