It’s the autumn equinox. The sun rises rusty yellow, low-angle light catching prairie particles floating like fog on the horizon. We have more deer in our pastures than horses these days. A month ago, I mucked at dawn to avoid the heat. We didn’t just have a hot summer. Colorado just had its hottest in … Read more
One year ago, my friends were expecting a litter of Swedish Vallhund puppies. After gaining titles in conformation and performance, doing all the genetic testing, and endless preparation, it was finally time. I’d cheered for my friends all the way and was excited about the little ones, who already had puppy homes waiting. One year … Read more
May I brag? I have celebrated the death of embarrassment. It was a freedom I gained by competing horses. Horses are transparent and spontaneous about how they feel. When something happens, it’s obvious to the rider. And some of us even paid the judge to notice. It’s the fast track to realizing you can’t make … Read more
Last week I raved about my beautiful but desolate riding arena at the front of my little farm. My other favorite place is the pond at the very back of my farm. Waterfront property on the high desert prairie of Colorado was a major selling point when I chose this dilapidated farm. It’s fed by … Read more
Ten days after solstice and it’s already staying light longer. Want to wish me a happy one-year-older? On January first, horses become one year older, regardless of their actual birthdate. Breed organizations do it for ease of record keeping, and I doubt the horses notice. As proud gray mare, that means I am a year … Read more
It’s the limbo week between Christmas and the New Year. The sunset of the year, if there is such a thing. Have you ever thought about how sunrise and sunset look alike? This photo is easy to place because Pikes Peak is on the western horizon here. But I know it’s an old photo because … Read more
You know when you catch a toe and you have a little stumble and try to right yourself. Suddenly, you’re taking giant steps, hunched forward, ready to brace with your arms, trying to catch yourself before falling. So now you’re at a dead run, refusing to fall. It would’ve been easier to just fall. Finally, … Read more
I have a too-cute collection of plush dog toys Jolene thinks are silly and beneath her. I understand; I didn’t play with dolls when I was little. Most of my dogs don’t play ball either. They know it’s a game that always ends the same way. Where is the fun in that? Call it splitting … Read more