Angie and Amigo as St Lucia and Swedish Daha Horse

Hello all, 

Last Saturday we had our annual volunteer riding show at Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship Center in Wylie, Texas. It is great fun to compete with good friends who are great riders and wonderful horses. Every year we dress in costume and this year I asked Amigo to be a Swedish Dala Horse. 

Sweet, Amigo being such the good sport agreed. A Swedish Daha horse is the bright, happy little animal that probably originated in the 1700's. During wartime many soldiers were quartered in private homes in Sweden. Tradition has it that one such soldier carved a Dala horse in the home where he was staying for the children. In return for the bright toy, the woman of the house gave the soldier a bowl of soup. Soon word of his success in bartering for food reached the other soldiers, they too began carving and painting horses in exchange for food. Thus, the Dala Horse is credited in part with the army's surviving the cruel,cold winter. 

 

For this year's show I decided to dress as St. Lucia or Saint Lucy. St Lucy's Day is celebrated on the 12th of December. She was martyed for helping hide the Christians from the Romans. She worked with the sick and in order to use both hands wore a headband of candles for which to see in the dark. She is dressed in a white with a red waistband which signifies her martyr’s death. In traditional celebrations, Saint Lucy comes as a young woman with lights and sweets.St. Lucy's Day is observed on in an all night celebration called Lucevaka. Celebrants would party all night between 12th and 13th and guard oneself against being taken by Lucifer, lord of darkness. 

 

When the light arrives with the morning you are safe again. In Scandinavia and other parts of the world, a procession is headed by one girl wearing a crown of candles (or lights), while others in the procession hold only a single candle each.


By the way.....we took First Place in Costume and First Place in Holding an Ornament in a Spoon (Amigo is awesome at neck reining)....Fourth Place in Equitation(out of nine participants)....Happy Holidays to all.....Angie and Amigo

Blossom - A partner for life

Hello everyone,

I love reading about the ground work Betsy and Zoe are doing at Top of the Hill and I have learned so much from reading everyone's notes. I am hoping to incorporate the some of the suggestions in my working with Nevada Blossom and her mom, Golden Red. Here, are a few photos where I am working with Nevada's Blossom but the first obstacle is food.....she acts like she is always starving and insists on grazing ...so I try to get her attention....

Nevada Blossom is not only a beautiful girl but she has a wonderful calm personality. I have been watching the interaction between her and the other horses and she is not in the top of the leadership poll but she is tops with me. I love her softness and desire to please.

Blossom is a fast learner and a great student. Most importantly she is teaching me how to be more confident in my requests. I know she will respond positively if I ask the right questions. I can tell from her movement she is listening to me. I just hope I am hearing her correctly.

Nevada's Blossom is a sweetheart. I love working with her and she is teaching me so much. A few months ago, I was standing behind her and my cell phone rang....I didn't think twice...but I should have....it startled her and rightfully so ...it had only been a few weeks since she was in a BLM holding pen with her mom, Golden Red....well, she instinctively kicked ....and I limped ....for several weeks and we all the smarter for it....It is a lifetime of learning with horses and I am finding it cannot be hurried but instead appreciated for the small accomplishments we make and when we make a partner for life....well that is what it's all about...

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:

GREAT TRUTHS THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing jelly to a tree.
2) Wrinkles don't hurt.
3) Families are like fudge...mostly sweet, with a few nuts
4) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground..
5) Laughing is good exercise. It's like jogging on the inside.
6) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy.

Riding Curlies with my son, Andrew

Hello everyone,

I hope your Thanksgiving Day was wonderful. I had a special treat with my sons visiting and was able to get our middle son, Andrew, to jump in the saddle and go for a trail ride today. Andrew rode Jubliee's Curly J and I saddled up with Chester. It was great to ride a few of my favorite Curlies with a wonderful and fun son on a beautiful sunny, Texas day.

First, we warmed the fellas up walking around the outdoor arena while chatting and catching up on each others lives. Soon we were walking together on the trail in a brisk pace. It's great riding with younger folks. They have so much energy and are interested in the leaning more about the world around them. 





They also see things differently and helps remind you of how you saw life you when you were their age.

Thankfully, the young ones, Andrew and Jubliee's Curly J waited for the older ones, Chester and mama.

I really enjoy the moments I spend with my sons and enjoy sharing the exciting events in their lives. I will always cherish these times.

Best wishes from our family to yours on this wonderful Thanksgiving Day...

Angie

Learning to gracefully, ground mount :)

Hello everyone,

Lakota and I have been spending more time together on our beautiful East Texas trails. He is a very versatile fella. After a ride with Lakota one day a good friend Lynn says... "he must have been trained as a reining horse and boy is he smooth". 

When we are exploring he really gets into what's going on around him. He becomes your partner and seems to enjoy the ride as much as you.

A few weeks back he and I and a friend were out checking the fences to make sure those curious and hungry cows didn't cross into our "horse quality hay" pasture. We worked on getting the cows back in and sure enough as we were working I dropped my cell phone. So I needed to dismount and pick it up.  Well, folks coming from an English background and using a mounting block for years this old lady has been spoiled. Not to mention, I need to stretch me 'ol muscles even when I use a mounting block. Lakota is a tall fella and I thought man I will never get back in that saddle. He seemed to sense my concern. At first, he was nervous too! Can't say that I blame him. Then I slowed down and took a deep breathe, talking softly and letting him know I needed his help. We managed....it sure wasn't pretty and I'm sure couldn't have been less graceful .......but we did it! 

Best wishes from Texas...

Angie

Angie and Chester take a different kind of walk

Hello All,

Well, I am not sure if this qualifies for our RAC contest but it definitely  qualities for " Real Adventures with Curlies."  Tonight, after getting everyone in their stalls, watered and fed, I pulled up the pickup truck and trailer to load Chester. On Thursday nights we head for the barrel race at S&S Arena. 

He hesitated, but we talked a bit, he smelled and nibbled at the grain and finally said; sure, why not. Running a bit late, I jumped out and opened the front gate. Pulling out of the driveway I noticed, in the side mirror the front tire on the left side of the trailer looking a bit soft and going flat. Not ready to give up hope for the nights activities I decided to move forward and get air at the local gas station on the highway. Well, after driving about two and a half miles I turned around because by that time the tire was dangerously close to coming off the rim. I headed back to the ranch thinking the worst thoughts and realizing Chester was loaded on the left stall, I decided not to chance it and stopped the truck. I walked up the neighbors house, explained the situation and asked if I could leave the truck and trailer overnight and come back for it in the morning. Sure, the sweet lady responded, no problem.

I went back locked up the truck and grabbed my handbag. Then I opened the trailer for Chester. He looked around as if to say; we aren't at the arena are we?" I thought for minute about tacking him and riding back but dismissed it as I have seen how fast folks drive this county road....and it was already getting dark.

Well, if I could have a companion on a beautiful autumn evening walk it would be Chester. We encountered fast driving cars who barely gave us room when they past. Loud 4X4 flatbed trucks loaded with big round bales of hay. When the cars came zooming by Chester and I stepped into the tall grass  on the side of the road to avoid being hit and discovered there was a whole new world  there. In addition to the trash, there was a rat being chased a cat...and I am sure there was a few snakes but didn't want to look:) Squirrels ran across the road and jumped into the trees growing at the edge of the fields.

We passed by homes with big loud dogs and tiny, squeaky ones. As we got closer to our place our neighbor's Paso Fino, Galleria, came over to the fence to talk to Chester. She was delighted he was passing through and I was a tab bit nervous at the event. But, Chester listened to his mama when I explained we were in a hurry and he could not chat. The neighbor across the way has five beautiful horses and they, too, came running up to see us. Again, I grew tense and asked Chester to be strong and not give into peer pressure. What a wonderful stallion he was! 

We continued on our way and watched the sky turn a beautiful shade of pink and blue. I wish I had my camera for it seemed the perfect background setting for our walk.  

When we arrived at our place and I opened the gate, I realized our walk gave me a new respect for my Curly Stallion. He was a real sweetheart and we encountered new things on our journey back home that we dont pay attention to when we just saddle up and ride in an arena. Chester listened to me as a partner even though I wasn't in the saddle. It was worth missing the barrel race to be at one with my wonderful Curly Chester. Well, gotta go and get the tire fix...it's another day at the ranch.

Angie

Curly pony brings sunshine to little girls in Texas

Hello all,

A few weeks ago, I had the most wonderful opportunity to help a Curly pony nick-named Cheetoe find a loving forever home. He quickly became the sunshine of two little girl's world.

Tuesday evening Cheetoe, his friend Hayden and her Grandmother came over to our place for a ride in the arena. We rode together, two Curly ponies and a Quarter horse.

Hayden, Cheetoe's new friend has a beautiful cheerful laugh and you could hear her enthusiasm for miles.We plan to ride together every Tuesday evening . 

Angie and all the Curly ponies friends in Texas

Happy Endings....

I watched as two little girls dressed in pink jackets and rainboots closed their eyes tight, wanting very hard to peek, as their grandmother held their hands and led them out to the barn. Opening their eyes, Hayden and Lani grinned from ear to ear when they saw the little Curly pony, nicknamed Cheetoe, standing quietly. As they approached, the sweet, little pony nickered softly and nuzzled their faces. Their enthusiasm and joy made their faces shine and seemed to light the dark, cloudy sky, while my heart was also filled with the sweet warm love a little girl and her first pony share. Cheetoe, Curly L Curly Joe, was born to a loving family and brought lots of love and joy to another little girl in a small Texas town years earlier. As he grew so did his friends, and he became a little boy's pony. 

In his thirteen years, Cheetoe has seen lots of parades and shows and knows what it means to bring joy to his human rider. Curly Horse Rescue is an organization who is devoted to connecting Curly horses like Cheetoe with a human friend. The horses range from seasoned veterans like Cheetoe to less trained horses who are just beginning their quest for love, attention and training. CHR is a non-profit organization whose volunteers are horse lovers. We focus on American Curly Horses. 

 

A major part of CHR's mission is to teach people that these horses are special and to learn more about them. Years ago people thought these horses had a medical concern when they saw our wonderful Curlies with wavy coats. Some people incorrectly thought these coats were caused by health concerns such as Cushings disease, which led to many of these wonderful horses being put own. Rather than being a health problem, it has been discovered that the special hair "fiber" is in fact hypoallergenic. This allows many riders who are allergic the opportunity to ride and be with horses with little to no allergic reaction. Please join Curly Horse Rescue, and learn more about Curly Horses. You, too, may have the opportunity to help bring love and joy, in the form of a horse or pony with curly hair, to a little girl's life.

Good teachers

Hello All,

I would like to go on record as saying Curlies are the smartest horses I have ever met. My Curlies are teaching me just how intelligent they are by outsmarting me at feeding time; loading on the trailer and remembering my every move but most impressively they are teaching me how to be forgiving, loving and loyal.

When working with Chester running barrels he starts thinking ahead of me and I could easily be on auto-pilot. Which can be a bit dangerous when you are moving in high gear. But, it's important that I keep him listening to me and vary the patterns a bit. I cant blame him I, too, would be bored stiff doing the same thing all the time.

And...last night I was in a hurry to get him loaded on the trailer. He knows that he gets a treat of grain when he jumps in the trailer but I was out so ....no go. Yep, a bit embarrassing standing in the arena parking lot when the boy planted his four beautiful hooves in the sand and wouldn't budge. There are lots of ways folks get their horses on the trailer many of which I am opposed to......no whips for my sweet Curly. So I pondered it for a while like Whinny the Pooh bear and came up with a novel idea. Ask a friend for some treats. Chester jumped right in and gave me a sweet nuzzle as if to say; "Girl, I wondered how long it would take you to remember".

Our sweet, mare, Mama Red, is also a smart little cookie. I am discovering that she has many of the same emotions as humans; jealously, stress, playfulness and mischievousness. She is teaching me a lot too. Such as thinking through my actions before I move. She has developed routines such as coming up for feeding time at the same time everyday. She has one stall that she likes best and sure didn't cut her daughter, Blossom, any slack when Blossom went it first. Blossom decided it best to move to another stall. 

Daily interactions with our Curlies are helping me grow as an individual. But,  I am enjoying learning how to develop human characteristics with horses like Mama Red. It takes time and lots of homework (and groundwork) to develop trust, loyalty and respect. Yep, our Curlies sure are good teachers.

Chester, the Curliest Barrel Racin' Pony in Texas

Hello All,

After the daily chores, ground work and trail rides are finished our Curlies do what most every cowgirl in Texan does on a Tuesday nite - we head out to the Rodeo...or barrel race and pole bend. And, believe me when I say, Chester man, our five year old curly stallion is the shortest and curliest horse there. Seems those Quarter-horses teamed up with some Thoroughbreds and they all stand about 16.4 hands high. But, when the clock starts the size doesn't matter.

One thing I discovered; in addition to needing velcro to keep my bum in my seat:). is the horses really must have good flexion to go around those barrels. I have been told by many folks lateral flexion is an important part of training your horse in any discipline; English and Western. And...I have been reading up of lateral flexion and agree with this quote from Clinton Anderson,

“Horses have hard bodies, not hard mouths! … The mouth is nothing more than a sending station. If every body part (poll, neck, shoulder, ribcage and hips) is unwilling to yield and soften, the mouth will feel hard and unwilling to soften to your pressure on the reins. When you have your horse’s body soft and supple, the mouth will feel very light, soft and willing to give to the pressure you apply with the reins. Basically, in a nutshell, the more we bend our horse laterally, the easier he will be to control.”
Clinton Anderson
Courtesy of Natural Horse Magazine

Chester and I are so excited about our upcoming run at S & S Arena tomorrow night.  We will both doing our stretching  and lateral flexion before the clock starts.....yeehaw

Dixie and Guinness

Hello everyone,

We have been very busy at Golden Curls Ranch with Trail Rides, Barn Raising and Barrel Racing classes but never too busy to enjoy a warm, inspiring moment with our wonderful critters.

Walking by I witness two species (Guinness a loving BAGEL, Beagle and Basset mix canine and Dixie Girl, a manx mixed Kitty) working out their difference....

  and finding a happy medium....guess there is hope for humans:)))

The rest of the story - Eggcited Updates at Golden Curls Ranch

Hello All,

On June 29, 2009 I posted a story about our wonderful new Chicken Coop that my sister, Diane and brother-in-law, WC built on their visit to Texas last June. Yeah, it's a family tradition to put guest and visitors to work. Actually we love it. Sorta like the old days when we'd have a barn raising, crop tobacco or picking cotton together. But, you always were well fed at the end of the day.

I wanted to finish the story about Groggy the rooster with a personally complex and HOMER, the chicken snake but first let me explain the photo on June 29, 2009. It is not really blurry because I was afraid of Groggy Foggy (the Blue-Red Laced Wyandotte Rooster)

it was my camera going out. But, I admit I take really fast steps around that fella. Funny rooster, now that he has a harem he has become the big COCK on the Block. I take a golf putter in with me when I gather eggs just to remind him that my legs are not to be touched by his huge spurs and long black toe nails and that if he tries he will become next Sunday's dinner.

Ok...back to the snake story,  my sweet, sister and I continue to wonder where Homer is hiding. Everyday I go in and look around for him while gathering eggs with one hand and holding my golf putter in the other and keeping an eye on Groggy. The chickens are really sweet hens; we have a Rhode Island Red "Island Girl",  a Jersey Gaint "Jersey Girl" and two Barred Plymouth Rocks, named Mae and Gurdy.  Watching these gals, I have concluded that they really know how to build up a man's self esteem. They let Groggy boast and flap his wings and go right on about their business; while occasionally looking at him and speaking sweet words in their soft, little clucking manner.

The next few weeks, we would find an egg or two and we got to thinkin' maybe they need better feed, classical music piped in or motivational conventions. Then, it hit me, yeah, right there in plain sight, HOMER, the chicken snake, was eating the eggs. OK, I don't like snakes but I respect them especially when they are almost six feet long. Still, realizing he was eating the eggs I decided he had to go. By the way, I read on my chicken for dummies website that these snakes are also known as Racer Snakes... and if that wasn't bad enough they like to park their big, long, black bodies under a hen in her nest waiting for the egg. Sure, now my egg gathering days were definitely numbered unless I used grilling thongs to grab the egg before HOMER could wrestle me for it.

Researching different ways to remove HOMER permanently, I was told by an older fella; who I figured knew a whole heaping bunch more than me, to put golf balls in the nest and the snake (not being very smart) would try to eat the gold ball instead the egg. Nope, it didn't work but on one my HOMER sighting a my wonderful, neighbor, who is retired from Dallas Fire Department and t'aint a whole lot of scare of much did wonder out load if my hens were laying golf balls and if so, stated, I'd be in the money!

Eggs continued to disappear with the shells left in the nest all crushed and regurgitated. My dear friends, Marion and Julie, who we volunteer together at Equest Therapeutic Riding Center in Wylie come out on Wednesdays to visit for a "ladies day" out, I'm sure, thought I was exaggerating the size of this fella, HOMER. But, I think I had Marion talked into putting him in a pillow case and taking him to other side of the county if only we could find him. Naturally, he is no where around when the ladies visit. 

So, I talked with more friends in town and a country girl who is quick to the point says...."go get ya some moth balls and throw 'em out. Snakes hate the smell". I can understand why....so do the humans, goats, horses and any other critter within 500 yards. But, not wanting to lose this fight I do as I'm told and the chicken coop smells like Grandma's attic for weeks. The hens walked around with their wings covering their sweet little faces and the Groggy just had this look of confusion.

BUT, I'm proud to say it worked. We are now getting two or three eggs a day. I figure with four hens someone needs a day off here and there and boy is it great fun to go in and gather the eggs just like I did when I was a little girl at Grandmama's place. 

But....I'm still carry that golf putter because the hens continue to build Groggy's self esteem higher everyday.

Angie and the girls

Fences make good neighbors and the best way to a man's (horses') heart is through his stomach.

Hello Friends,

A bad storm that come through our way a few weeks ago; it took down our "loafin' shed" (barn) and made a "slinky" out of our fencing. So we have been working hard to get everything back up and secured. Meantime, the horses have had run of the place - including my patio.
The other day, I heard a knock knock outside on the patio day. Sure enough, it was Lakota. The big boy had walked right in through the door but since it was on hinges he couldn't get back out. If this horse had thumbs we would be in big trouble!
Then, last Friday, Hank came roaring up in his sweet, little car that I am sure Lakota and I could outrun if we wanted. He hopped out very casually, smiled, opened the gate pulled his Carrera in and bam, Lakota was out the gate and going visitin' down the road. I immediately ran to the barn and grabbed some horse treats and ran after him. I was not dressed for the occassion and it seems to be the standard rule that when I am half dressed or in my pjs when Lakota gets out and I have to chase him down the road. Our poor neighbors think I have truly lost my mind.
After a few treats the sweet one is following me back into the fence and runs off to play with Curly J and Cinnamon River like a little boy. Hank looks at me and quickly says, it's all Lakota's fault....nope, it the fences fault, I say; defending my little one.
As grandmama use to say;....."fences make good neighbors" and ...."the best way to a man's (horses) heart is through his stomach".
She was a wise woman, my grandmama.


Hugs,
Angie and her big boy, Lakota

Milestones of Life

Hello All,

Yes, the milestones of life are catching up with me. I see all my friends posting photos of their little ones going back to school and how bittersweet it is. So here is my baby, Nicholas, who is approximately 5'7" going into his Junior year of high school. I talked with him a few minutes ago about his first day at school and it was something like this: what's you're first class of the day?....math....Ok do you like the teacher?...yeah....Ok, what's the last class of the day?...English. Great what's the teachers's name? Kerr......Ok, do you have everything you need, school supplies, etc for tomorrow? Yeah.

So my sweet little man who was once so bubbly has turned into a mono-conversationalist. Hank read somewhere that kids are like Venus Fly-Traps when they become teenagers. We, as parents just have be ready for them when they open up.

Angie and her handsome one, Nicky

Blossom and Golden Red - "Our Girls" are looking Good

On Friday, April 17th, 2009, we picked up our new Curly Mustang mare and her filly, Copper's D Golden Red and Golden Red's Nevada's Blossom from the BLM Paul's Valley, Oklahoma's location. Our good friends, Dr. Mitch Wilkinson and wife, Cheryl, picked up their handsome black, Curly Mustang, stud colt with a striking white star and together we drove our new friends back to the Lone Star State through wind, rain and bustling traffic.

The first few weeks were touch and go for all of us as the Mustangs had picked up shipping fever and Round worms in the holding pens. All of the horses responded well to the medications and feeding time was the highlight of our days. We spent a lot of time with the girls just getting to know them. Mitch shared with us his experiences growing up with and taming horses so we felt privileged the try the natural ways of communicating with our beautiful Curly Mustangs. For example, sitting quietly with them while reading a book, sleeping in their corrals with them under the stars, letting our girls get to know our smells, sharing apples an other treats and most importantly taking our time to develop and build the foundation of our relationship, trust.

It was great advice. The girls are doing really well and we ride Nevada Blossom on trails several days a week. She is a beautiful sorrel, smooth coated Curly. Now that it's summer, the sunlight shining on her coat glistens and is sparkles like copper. She has been training for less than 90 days and already is riding with a western saddle and bridle. She did really well on her first barefoot trim a few weeks ago. Bathing and grooming is one of her favorite activities. She has a wonderful, curious, personality and comes up to greet you with a soft nuzzle.

Copper D's Golden Red is a gorgeous Red Dun with a lovely dorsal stripe. She has zebra stripe markings on her legs and is a very Curly Mustang with a beautiful curly mane and ears. We had a small set back when our Golden Red delivered a premature foal, Tomahawk. We did not know she was pregnant and the previous months events affected her ability to stay healthy through the pregnancy. Golden Red is slowly getting back into great health. She, too, did wonderful with her first barefoot trim and enjoys her baths. She is very comfortable in a saddle. We are taking riding slow with her so that we do not compromise her recovery but working in the round pen shows she is regaining her strength quickly.

We encourage others to open their hearts and their homes to our nation's Mustangs. These horses have an equine intelligence that can only be found when survival is a top priority for living. They have wonderful strong hooves, well built bodies and personalities that once you gain their trust you will have a partner for life.

Hello All,

My darlin' sister, Diane and her wonderful hubby WC visited us at the Ranch a few weeks. We had a great time! My sister has the most energy of anyone I know and when she saw the rooster and the hens camping out in my patio she immediately decided we needed to put them in their own pad. (Don't think it had anything to do with the crazy rooster crowing at 4;42 am every morning. ) So she talked her hubby into helping me build a chicken coop.

First, we had to clear a spot of old T Posts that have been thrown in a pile since removing them and building new wooden railed fences. That was when my sister saw a copperhead up close and ...well, he was quickly added to the hawk's diet on the other side of the fence. Funny how family members share traits like my sweet sister and I. We both hop up and down like a new wave dance and scream to the top of lungs when we see a snake.

To Be continued....

Lucy and Ethel

Well, under the category of "you're never gonna believe what I found in my front yard".....last Tuesday morn the the wise men (Llamas) were staring down at the something in the front yard by the fence near the road. As I walked up closer; I thought, oh, it's just Guinness playing with the boys...then I realized it was two of the sweetest little pups I have ever seen. The girls were huddled together and obviously placed inside the fence so they would not be hit by the trucks - well in our neck of the woods the 4x4 Dualies.

So, dear Andrew and I decide they are Rhodesian Ridgebacks...Ethel the brown one for sure has the coloring of a Ridgeback and the black one - Lucy has the high ridge along her back and the personality to boot. They have been accepted by master Guinness and Miss Dixie Darlin' (OK yes we kept one of the sweet kittens that were left at Equest during Memorial Day) thinks they are great fun. She rolls and plays with them...they even eat at the same bowl of food with her. Guess eating kitten chow is no big deal when you gotta a lot of growing to...

Andrew told me the other night he might want to raise one. He better hurry 'cause these girls are gonna have great fun together at Golden Curls Ranch.

Lucy and Ethel

Eggcited Updates at Golden Curls Ranch

Hello All,

Well....it's hot in Texas! How hot is it? It's so hot that even the snakes wont come out and sun bathe, instead they stay where it's cool - like my chicken coop. Yep, I've had this ongoing battle with a big ugly rat chaser- chicken snake. I've named him Homer 'cause he kinda reminds me of the dad on The Simpson. He goes in and eats the eggs my sweet hens lay and makes my Rooster, Groggy Foggy (a descent relative to FogHorn Legg Horn) gest all in a tizzy.

I saw an ad on Craigslist a few weeks back where a fella was giving away roosters. Well, the magic word FREE struck me first and then I thought - what's a farm without chickens and fresh eggs. Wahoo! So my wonderful and always courageous son, Andrew, reluctantly agreed to go with me to pick up the rooster. Good thing 'cause the place was really in the East Texas backwoods and I would have never found it by myself.

The rooster is a handsome Red and Blue Laced Wyandottes. Most chicken breeds are given names where they are discovered like Rhode Island Reds etc. but Groggy Foggy's breed is named after the American Indians also known as Hurons.

(see http://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=512-BLR_Wyandottes)

We chose Groggy Foggy because the other roosters picked on him. The owners were a great couple and the guy really knew a lot about chickens. Always begin of the mindset that critters like humans need partners in life I asked if we could buy him a few hens. The guy was so pleased that this rooster was going to actually be able to have his own little harem he just beamed at the thought. So Andrew and I came trucking home with a dog carrier holding a rooster, a Rhode Island Red, a Jersey Gaint and a Plymonth Bard Rock. The next day the rooster's previous owner emailed and asked if I wanted another Bard Rock .....apparently she was best friends with the Rhode Island Red and was depressed to lose her best friend. My sweet sister, Diane and her charming and handy, hubby WC was visiting so they drove over to get Miss Rockette. It was great too as they was working on a koi pond and the Rooster owner had built one so they exchanged ideas and tips.

So we initially housed the chickens and the rooster in the patio. Since Groggy Foggy thinks wake up call is 4;42 am it didn't take long to decide we needed a chicken coop - a distance away from the house. We decided the stall attached to the Llama Casa was prefect. WC put together the little coop giving each lady a nice cozy place to settle in and lay her eggs. We fill it with fresh hay. He even gave them a walkway to prance on with little steps so they don't trip going up and coming down. Diane painted them and beautiful bright sunny white and girls are quite pleased with their posh surroundings. Foggy is pleased too as he makes sure everyone knows with his loud crowing and flapping of those brilliant colored wings.

The first sign of snakes was when we were cleaning out the stall of T posts and my darlin' sister was reaching down to pick one up and I saw a copperhead all curled up in a circle. We both jumped around thinking &^#$@& and finally WC gets a hoe and puts an end to it. Sorry if it offends anyone but I have strict rules about snakes trespassing. Next, I see the longest black tail know to man sliding under pallets in the feed room, I know he is under there and that is my first glimpse of Homer. Then, a few days later I am walking up the chicken coop and there he is....all black and ugly. I stop and he continues to slide over the 2x12 board we install at the bottom of the fence to keep the dogs from digging under and getting into the coop. I am not a fisherman so my measurements are pretty exact and when I say his head was over 4 inches long I mean it! Seriously, he is big, black and determined. So shaking like a leaf on a willow tree I grab the hoe (which has become a permanent fixture at the chicken coop). Noting that he is large enough to eat my girls I start banging on the metal exterior of the barn. He looks at me with must have been great disgust and slides away. Where, I don't know....so I for reinforcements. HAAAANNNNNNKKKKKKKK....so what if he is 30 miles away in the concrete land of Cowboys in suits riding Hummers. "I just saw the biggest, ugliest snake in the whole world and he is in my chicken coop".....to which he casually responds; "get a hoe and kill it". Folks, I rode horses even horses that less than six months ago were wild on the range in Nevada but I dont do snakes......

So after much debating Hank decides he will call my neighbor Phil, a retired Fireman, to come see the humongous snake in my chicken coop. Phil arrives and immediately tells me snakes are not a problem and we should learn to live with them. Sure! Then we spot a copperhead and it's bigger than the last one....he kills it. (Well, maybe we don't have to live with all snakes) I explain I understand the circle of life and the need for all of God's creatures...but Homer is eating my eggs and I feel it is not right for him to benefit from our hard work so he must go.

Homer is a tricky one and we cannot find him. But, there is one less copperhead on Golden Curls Ranch and I rest easier that night with that thought.

To be Continued......

Lakota and Angie

Hello All,

We've been really busy and having a great time at Golden Curls Ranch. Our sweet Nevada Blossom is doing so well. She has taken to my big horned western saddle and loves to go on trail rides.

Mama Golden Red is doing better and looks much more like the Curly Red Dun Beauty we saw when she was captured in January. As they say, time is a a great healer.

Speaking of healing I've discovered if there is anything that feels wrong in my life I just climb up in my big horn saddle and ask Lakota to take me to my comfort zone. He is a true Curly Gentleman! I promise when you dismount you will have left your worries behind.

Hugs,

Angie and Lakota

Those Awful Preteen Days

Hello All,

When I was a preteen and things were not going right for me, such as, my friends needed a bra and I did not (for years) or my wonderful best friend received a call from the cool looking dude in school asking her to hang out after the the Friday night football game and I was left behind to go home and be with - ugh -adults; I would spend my all free time with a friend, Patches.

Patches was a wonderfully well trained and beautiful registered, American Paint. She was a gift from a family friend named Bill Burney. He trained her for shows as well as bred her for strikingly beautiful, colorful, foals. I was given Patches when she was older and had seen all the shows and gave life to many foals. She was gentle, yet spunky. She looked out for me; yet, understood my desire for adventure and freedom. But mostly, she knew I just needed a shoulder and her withers were mighty strong.

This past week has been equivalent to the those awful preteen days. OK, I do need a bra now and honestly I could care a less if my friend gets a call from the cool dude because I already have one who loves me very much; but, life has not changed all that much - it still can hurt.

This week, I really needed my gentle friend Patches to get me through - I've found that friend in Cinnamon River. He has a gentle yet very spunky spirit and he has the most wonderful withers for which to lean on. He understands my need for time away from the cruelties that living can bring and he is always willing to take me for a walk and let my mind relax.

We decided to try our hand at riding patterns to enter for the IPHDA - International Professional Horse Development Association. It was great....he is a wonderful partner - I could use some polishing - but the most important thing is it took my mind off the harsh realities of life and set me back on track for a new goal.

I hope you find your someone with strong withers to let you lean on when you are going through the awful "preteen" days, again.

Hugs,

Angie and Cinnamon River

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we write of Golden Red's Copper Tomahawk's passing. He died this morning at 5:15 am knowing he was a very loved member of Golden Curls Ranch's herd.

Copper Tomahawk's mother Copper's D Golden Red is a Curly Mustang who was captured in Palomino Valley in Nevada during the BLM roundup. She was rounded up with her two year old filly, Nevada's Blossom, by her side. They left Nevada in April and we picked them up in Paul's Valley, Oklahoma on April 17th and brought them to Golden Curls Ranch in Kaufman ,Texas.

Golden Red is a strong and smart horse with wonderful mustang and mothering instincts. Copper Tomahawk was so named because like a Tomahawk his life was bittersweet. He knew the hardship and sharp edges his mother's life encountered and yet he brought a reassuring peacefulness to our lives. He was ...as our good friend, Marion, said; a gift.

His mother's difficult previous months and poor health lead to his premature birth. He was unable to stand and nurse and after several trips to two vets and 24 hours of IV solutions he gave us the strength to let him leave us peacefully this morning.

We will always remember Copper Tomahawk who raised his head and gave a cheerful whinny when we called out his name. He will always be remembered as our brave little Warrior.

Grandmama Angie and Mama Golden Red

Golden Red's Copper Tomahawk

Hello All,

Our beautiful Red Dun BLM Curly Mustang Mare, Copper D's Golden Red has given us the most wonderful gift. A Copper Tomahawk. He was born early this morning, Friday, May 15th.

Mama Red is doing well and Auntie Blossom is very excited about the whole experience. Tomahawk is a very handsome fella and will continue the Curly Copper D lineage which started in Nevada.

We will post daily photos of our new little man, Tomahawk.


Grandmama Angie

Cinnamon River is my equine "son"shine.....

Hello All,


Having three sons has taught me a lot in life! First, kids will fight over the silliest things and watch what you say because it will be repeated at the most inappropriate time and place. Still, most importantly I have learned you can love all three sons equally yet differently and that they all have their different weakness and strengths. It is my job as a mother to help them discover how best to handle this and be the best person they can be.


Well, that applies to my wonderful horses too!


I love all my horses dearly and yes, they are all different. Lakota is my little Dennis the Menace.... well, at 15.2 he is not little but he will play Jolly ball in the pasture and picks up his feed bowl to give Mama a big hint - it's time to eat! Chester is a sweet soul. You can hear his soft thoughts and know that he has your best interest in mind when you are in the saddle with him.....But, remember he is a stallion and makes sure the Girls know he is there to be their man! Curly J is the youngest and is still finding his place in our herd. He loves Chester and they eat out of the same feed bowl together when they can....At three years old Curly J is a teenager and acts like one - goofy!

Then there is Cinnamon River ...he is my soul mate.....He knows what I'm thinking - I can tell. His soft sensitve eyes watch me as if to say; "are you OK Mama? ...Let's go for a ride and talk". Cinnamon River is a gentle horse with a lovely gait. He may be gaited but either way his ride is great for me. I feel a connection with River that I have not felt for a long time. He makes everything I do in life, all the mucking, shoveling, working and toiling - worth the few hours I can spend with him.

Cinnamon River is my equine "son"shine.....

Jubliee's Curly J is a real Celebration at Golden Curls Ranch

Hello All,

We have a new Curly friend at our place named; Jubliee's Curly J. He is a real sweetheart. A dear friend of ours, Kelli in San Antonio, who was our jennies former foster mom, emailed a week ago and said..."Angie, I know you've got a thing for Curly horses and we have one who just came into our rescue. I don't have room but wondered if you do?" Less than four days later, my very close friend and fellow horse lover, Marion, and I were driving my two stall horse trailer through the monsoon like weather down I-35 through Austin to a beautiful area in the Texas hill country near Luckenbach, Texas. And by the way, there really isn't all that much in Luckenbach but, boy, is it pretty!

We met the most wonderful folks and four legged critters at Four Winds Equine Rescue and the handsome fella Curly J. Both his mom and his human mom must have been true sweethearts 'cause he loves people. He is so friendly and is a true joy to be around. He already has excellent ground manners and is a very fast study. Marion and I are working with him and our goal is to share him with the riders at Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship program in Wylie, Texas where we met volunteering years ago. He will be a perfect addition for our new vaulting program there and will make everyday a celebration.

Best wishes, Angie and Jubliee's Curly J

Golden Curls' Lucky Charms

We have been very busy at Golden Curls Ranch but are learning to take time to smell the roses - or as sweet Salsa and Sarita prefer; clover. This year we have had lots of rain and that has helped the clover grow in leaps and bounds. Being an Irish girl, I always notice the beautiful green Shamrocks and tiny flowers it produces. Clover is from the pea family and is considered by some to be the best "lawn carpet" around. Clover attracts honeybees and literally snatches nitrogen out of the air around us. It is one of the few plants that can aerate the soil so compacted that even clay is not a problem. It grows deep roots which to me is a wonderful quality in both plants and humans.

Best wishes from Angie and her Lucky Charms (Salsa and Sarita)

Hello All,

This week has been fun and ...educational at Golden Curls Ranch. The fun part is being with all the horses. The educational part is learning how to make a round pen. I took Dr. Mitch up on his suggestion that we make a chute and round pen for the girls. My good friend Filliberto (Filly) Blanco who is from Idaho and I are making a round pen. We just finished the stalls in the barn and while our drill was still charged we decided to take on the new task.

I never knew why I had to take Math in school. Sitting in math class after lunch was worst than visiting the dentist (my apologies to Dr. Mitch who is a dentist). Still, I couldn't understand the need for all the shapes and numbers. (Maybe it's a Blonde thing) Now I wish I had paid attention especially during the geometry section. Good thing Filly is great in math..... especially with circumferences...... We are getting close to put up the panels and will send photos soon.

Once the round pen is in place we can separate the girls and give them one on one attention. We have begun to connect with them and hope to continue to build upon our bond or respect.

Speaking of bond...our sweet Blossom eats hay and grass out of my hand. I spend a lot of time sitting in their pen just resting...good for both of us!

Our boys, Chester and Lakota are quite interested in all the going- ons with the girls and they speak to them often. Cinnamon River has his sweet donkey girls, Salsa and Sarita, to take care of but occasionally he passes by to say, hi.

The attached photo shows little Blossom's tattoo under her mane. It was given to the girls by BLM. It tells where and when they were captured.

We are having fun and learning new things everyday.

Hugs from the girls,

Angie, Golden Red and Nevada's Blossom