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