RIP Ms. Stalwart.

You will be forever loved. I will always remember you for your sweet disposition and the way you seemed to take every day for what it was, never complaining.

Yesterday was a bad day, so I made the call. Today you are free.

See you on the other side.

We wouldn't want to start any crazy rumors or anything but we had a small miracle at OMRH today....Elmhurst, 1997 Breeders Cup Sprint winner, grandson of the great Our Mims, was FIRST to the barn for dinner tonight.

FIRST! And no shenannigans about going in his stall, either.

For the record, he isn't running a fever of any kind (Jeanne checked) nor is he injured.

Stay tuned for more on this developing story.

Good Morning! We are showing off our true colors this cold and windy day. Its tradition at OMRH that when a lady (or fella) turns 25 years old, we wear a red blanket in the winter. At 30 years of age, we wear purple.

You can see us from hilltops miles away!

Can you guess how many purple blankets are in our pasture this morning? How about red?

I have been asked to be the GRAND MARSHALL in the Paris Christmas Parade on December 1st! On behalf of the ladies, I accepted. Thank you Paris for recognizing these great mares!

Geez, where does the time go? Seems to fly by me and the days are over before I know it!

Redman the Painting Pony was a big hit at the Paris Artwalk. He painted four times, was loved on by every little child (and more than a few adults) that walked by and was such a gentleman the whole eveing. He stood like a champion in front of Varden's Bistro for over four hours!

His paintings have been framed and are now on sale at Varden's.

Lotka and Elmhurst attracted many visitors at the SECRETARIAT FESTIVAL. Some folks knew the great horses during their days at the racetrack. Others after the equines retired.

I have to admit, though, the day did not go completely smooth. Lotka and I had several discussions in which I scolded her....BIG MISTAKE on my part. You see, I thought it was important to groom Lotka's hind legs. She disagreed and kicked at me several times.

This actions violates one of the rules in the barn...NO KICKING. I told Lotka that several times; she didn't listen and, in fact. kicked harder.

So I swatted her (lightly, mind you) on the shoulder and told her, "Quit or we are gonna scrap!"

She pouted and plotted. Those who know her well commented with various versions of.."Whats wrong with Lotka? Who is she mad at?'"

Then, it came time to walk Lotka outside of her stall. She stomped my foot and shouldered me to the ground! Right in front of many people!

My big toe on my right foot was a site! Lost that nail again. The bruising looked worse than it felt and I never did get those back legs groomed.

Other than that, All went well. We were asked to participate in the event schedule next year!

In other news, please say some prayers for Ms. Stalwart. I fear she is nearing the end. Poor dear hurts so much and no amount of pain meds seems to be helping.

Our dentist friend continues to provide us with help! So far we have had major work done in the barn, on the tractor and in the stalls. The workers keep signing up, too!

Visitors are coming from all over to see the ladies and Elmo. We are constantly busy entertaining.

We are looking forward to several guests return, too! The ladies have so many friends!

Just a few more days until the Paris ARTWALK! On Friday evening, you can see the ladies' paintings at Varden's on Main Street. Then, be sure to drop in on our favorite dentist at Downtown Dentistry across the street and let Dr. Newman know how much we appreciate all her help. She gives free dental care to anyone who will come help the ladies and I with the chores. Oh, My GOODNESS, she is an angel!

On Saturday we will be at the Secretariat Festival at Legion Park in Paris. Lotka and Elmhurst will be enticing children into becoming race fans!

Come out to see us!

The weather is turning cool, the seasons are changing and I realize it is time to move on. I have been in hiding from my blog. I just haven't had the words to write regarding the two significant losses this past summer. I felt that until I wrote proper send off for both Timeless Sue and Hana Bride, I should not write anything. I still can't write about them, though. My heart hurts. In time, I will. But for now, I just need to move on.

We have a new lady in the barn! Dogwood Patty has been patiently waiting for YEARS. She arrived on August 21st. Patty and Taba Dance were good friends during their foaling days. I know from experience that horses do not forget their friends (or their enemies) but now I have proof. On the afternoon of her arrival, I was busy getting everyone into stalls for their dinner. Everyone cooperated except for Taba Dance.

I was still trying to catch TD when the horse van pulled in up at our rental house, the driver took Patty off the van. Patty let out a LOUD call announcing her arrival. Taba Dance's head SHOT UP. She looked in the direction of the van and answered. Patty returned the call and began to drag the driver down the lane in TD's direction.

I met them halfway and took Patty from there. She then pulled me all the way to the paddock where TD stood. Taba Dance trotted forward, stopped and looked at Patty, carefully checking her out. Patty was doing the same looking at Taba Dance.

Taba Dance chortled, and hurried to Patty...they began rubbing each others withers and chatting, one would nicker softly, the other would answer. It was beautiful.

Patty is fitting in quite well. Oh, she is smart!

In other news, we are trying to encourage Lotka to take over the boss's role in the barn. She is lost without Sue. But once we moved her into Sue's stall, she seemed to understand what is expected of her. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Everyone else is well. All are enjoying the cooler weather. Its only a matter of time before we will have to break out the blankets. OI!

Its hot.

Lotka isn't eating well.

Bel isn't either.

Elmhurst is hassling the volunteers.

Hana is stiff from her clash with lightning.

Blue Viking is angry that she doesn't live in Elmhurst's barn.

Cruella is mad that Blue wants to live in that barn.

Ms Stalwart says her feet hurt.

Missy says, "OI! Someone turn down the heat!"

Flagship says Elmo is HOT.

Taba Dance rolls her eyes.

The Princess agrees with Flagship.

Trail Guide would like you all to know her last foal, TRAIL TRICK broke her maiden last Saturday.

Arc Bar says someone please do something about the heat, the lack of rain and the impending hay shortage.

Our dear Timeless Sue passed away sometime during the night. There was no warning, she is just gone. It looks as if she just laid down and left. I am not able to write a fitting tribute at this moment.