A Flyover Blog

Horse Day at the Fair

I love horses. You know that. Well, the Ozark Empire Fair is going on and the very first day they brought the big draft horses in to show. It's just across town and now that horses are my work, I had no reason to feel guilty for going. Mitch grabbed the camera and off we went. He snapped some good pics. Thought I'd share a few.

My friend, Cait London loves draft horses as much as I do, so she left her computer and ran to the fairgrounds, too. She's got more pics posted on her blog. Check 'em out!

They were getting ready to show when we got there.

Mane-braiding time!

Take a look at those feet!

This sweet Percheron was eating peanut butter crackers as fast as she could poke them through the bars!

This is me meeting some Clydesdales. My, they're huge!

Before we left, we checked out the 4-H exhibit hall. I found this miniature horse...

... and one very cute Mini Donkey! I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Thursday Thirteen - Week 36

Mitch surprised me this week with a book he found on ebay - one from my childhood wish list. A while back he noticed that I talked about these books, all but 2 of which went as garage sale fodder when we moved to Missouri. Sweet guy that he is, he decided to rebuild my collection. Here is a partial list of my favorite gradeschool reads. To make this list, I had to read the book at least 5 times. I'm sure you'll notice a theme! Thanks to Samulli for the fabulous header.

13 Favorite Childhood Books

1. El Blanco - my newest gift from Mitch.

2. Flip by Wesley Dennis. I adored this book when I was small.

3. The Big Book of Horses - written and illustrated by Chevy Chase's grandfather.

4. Misty of Chincoteague - I wanted to BE Marguerite Henry when I was small.

5. Black Beauty - I still hate it that Ginger died. I have several editions of Black Beauty, including one written entirely in one syllable words. Thanks, Mitch!

6. I read a few Nancy Drew books. The Hidden Staircase was one of my favorites.

7. Star of Wild Horse Canyon. I know the cover art isn't much to look at, but I did like the story.

8. The Album of Horses again by the team of Henry and Dennis. Gorgeous full page color illustrations made this book grand.

9. Big Black Horse by Walter Farley. This was my favorite in the series.

10. Five O'Clock Charlie - I really liked this story of a retired horse.

11. I loved all the stories in this collection EXCEPT The Red Pony. What was Steinbeck thinking? I hated the movie, too!

12. King of the Wind - another Henry/Dennis masterpiece. I have an earlier hardcover edition of this one, too.

13. The Mystery of the Blue Pelican. I remember thinking this book was soooo sophisticated because the characters lived in California, got to be in a movie AND had a pool party! lol

Let me know what made YOUR childhood book list!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Rolling Dog Ranch

Okay, horse lovers - make that animal lovers of all kinds - you're gonna love this link. I stumbled on this site a while back and promptly added it to my list of favorites. Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary takes in animals - disabled animals. They specialize in providing a safe and happy home for blind horses. Owners Steve Smith and Alayne Marker are pictured here with 2 of their residents, a pair of Belgium Draft horses. You won't believe their story. Click here to visit Rolling Dog Ranch  Rolling Dog Ranch Animal Sanctuary: A special place for disabled animals.

I gotta warn you - grab a box of hankies before you visit. These happy endings will have you in tears.

Gotta See This

It occured to me today that I have a whole catagory dedicated to horses in my sidebar, but it has precious few posts in it.  It's time I fixed that.  I love horses. Absolutely adore them; I have since I was small.  Big. Small. Doesn't matter. As long as it whinnies, it is special. Someone sent me this clip the other day and I just had to post it.  This is the best Dressage freestyle performance you will ever see.  I hope you enjoy it.

Courageous Champion

Barbaro

January 29, 2007

God Speed

Attention Horse Lovers

Photo by Sabina Louise Pierce/ University of Pennsylvania

Barbaro with Dr. Dean Richardson.

Okay, I know it's a holiday and everything, and many of you are squeezing in one last fun summer trip this weekend, but some of us are still holding down the blogging fort.  So, while you're out gathering stories to post next week, I thought it would be a good time to talk about another favorite site featured in my sidebar. 

Tim Woolley Horseracing: Race Horse Trainer became a regular stop for me shortly after that horrible Saturday in May when Kentucky Derby champ, Barbaro, shattered his leg at the start of the Preakness.  Like many of you, I love horses.  And, like many of you, I checked Google and the cable news daily for updates on the big bay's condition.

A few days after the accident, a reporter who had inside information on Barbaro's condition casually mentioned that he got his info from horse trainer, Tim Woolley, who shares a training course with Barbaro's trainer, Michael Matz. The course is just down the road from the New Bolton Center, where Barbaro is being treated. (A link for New Bolton is also in my sidebar.) 

Tim blogs about the stable, horses and his friends. Everyone talks to him - Michael Matz, Barbaro's nurses, the florist who delivers all those treats - everybody!  Tim Woolley faithfully posts those reports on his blog.  Sometimes he writes while on horseback.

Tim has made more than 590 updates about Barbaro since May 22nd.  That's a lot of blogging and a lot of conversations!  If you're even remotely interested in horses, check out Tim Woolley Racing.  I'm sure it will become a favorite stop for you, too!