All Night on the High Line

Last night, I was sleeping comfortably in my paddock, when suddenly I heard Mom's car coming down the driveway. Mom and Sis came to get me out of my paddock. I thought "What are they doing, it's almost midnight. I was in a sound sleep. There better be a Stud Muffin at the end of this."

Mom walked me up to the end of Mary's driveway and tied me to the high line and attached my hay bag. I saw that Mom and Sis had set up a tent. Then I knew we were camping out. After kissing me goodnight Mom and Sis went into the tent. While they were sleeping comfortably I stood watch all night. I must have dozed off at some point. When Mom woke me up at 5 am to go back to the barn, I was so groggy, I had trouble walking down the driveway. Mom said she was so proud of me. She forgot my stud muffin, but did give me a bucket of yummy grain.

Tonight, Sis came to ride me. At the last minute, Sundae, my BFF, decided to join us. Sundae knew it was my last night at the barn, so she convinced Mary to take her with Sis and me. We walked and trotted on the main trail, then Sundae and Mary took us up this steep hill. It was windy and I had just had a bucket of grain, so I felt good! Sundae started to run, so I followed behind her. When I felt Sis start to lean to the left, I slowed down so she could get her balance. As we continued to climb, we encountered low branches and had to duck. And there were huge logs we had to step over. We also had to squeeze through trees. Right before we went through the trees, Sis said, "Fat." Well, since I didn't have my pack on, I knew I wasn't the one who was fat. I think she was being too hard on herself. She is actually quite trim. We finally made it to the top of the hill, where the radio tower is. We watched the sunset, and then headed back to the barn. I was ready for bed after this ride!

Meeting Mom's Filly

Hi Fans! Yesterday I met Mom's other filly, Isha JayaMae. Mom seemed to like her a bit too much and I started worrying she was going to spend all her time with this girl instead of me. And where the heck were the stud muffins? Then Mom's filly offered me a carrot. Not quite as good as a stud muffin, but I'll take it. Okay, I thought, maybe she isn't so bad after all. I decided to call her "Sis."

Sis groomed me and made my mane and tail shine, although she made fun of my forelock, which Mom had cut. I hope she knows her hair has split ends and needs work itself. After Sis was done grooming me, Mom did some ground work with me, and then we got ready to ride. Sis rode me bareback, and Mom rode my BFF Sundae. We started out on a short ride through the woods across the street from the barn. Mom said she just wanted to show Sis the trails, so when we go riding next time, she knows her way around. Well, that didn't work out so well, as Mom didn't know her own way around. She led us on a wild goose chase. We circled around the same trail 3 times, and this trail had lots and lots of puddles, which I jumped every time (good thing Sis used to be a jump rider). It turned out to be quite an adventure! Our 1 hour ride turned into 3. I wonder if Mom will be able to find California. Finally, Mom found the main trail, and we headed home. I was disappointed Mom found her way back. I dragged my feet and Mom said I was sulking again. Sis said we shouldn't let Mom be the leader anymore.

Today Sis showed up to see me without Mom. She said we were going for a ride--just the two of us. I was very excited, and as Sis was grooming me, I kept nuzzling her to get her to hurry up. We were just about to leave when I heard hoof beats on the driveway. It was a new friend! A 17-year-old Paso Fino mare, Chiquita, said she wanted to see me off on my journey. Sis told her we weren't leaving until Monday, but we invited her and her mom, Cyd, to go riding with us. We rode through the woods again, Chiquita leading the way. It was hard to keep up with her! Chiquita had this fancy, fast walk; I had to keep trotting to keep up! Sis seemed pleased to be trotting, but I kept thinking this was supposed to be a relaxing trail ride. What is it with all this training?

At the end of our ride, I started to get excited when I realized we were going to neighbor Terry's lawn to graze. I don't mind trotting when I know we're going to eat! We had to cross two large puddles before we got there. Chiquita crossed them like it was nothing (show off). I followed and stopped in the puddle and did a little showing off of my own! I pawed the water, and put my nose in it. I am starting to think puddles aren't so bad after all, especially because everyone makes such a big deal when I go through them!

Right after we crossed the beaver swamp, I headed straight for the street. I was so excited to go to Terry's lawn! Sis had to tell me to "Whoa." When we said good-bye to Chiquita, I rushed off. I think Chiquita was wondering what the big deal was... if only she knew how good the grass tastes at Terry's!

I Learn to Pony

Hi, Fans!

Today I learned something new. It's called "ponying". Ponying came easily to me because I'm a horse which is kind of like a big pony. Ponying happens when one horse, in this case me, is led by someone on another horse. The ponying horse has to trust that the lead horse won't kick him. Today I ponyed with my BFF Sundae. I wasn't at all worried about being kicked. It's like playing a game of follow the leader. First we circled to the left. Then we circled to the right. Then when I got better at it we trotted. I got the hang of it pretty quick because horses are used to moving close together in the herd. I wonder why Mom wants me to learn this. I hope she's not thinking of making me an indentured servant trailing behind some fancy gaited horse while she rides in indolent luxury. Mister Albino says I should be the leader because I'm faster than Secretariat, prettier than Black Beauty, smarter than Trigger, funnier than Mr. Ed and better groomed than Traveller.

If the shoe fits, walk!

Today I was fitted for a new pair of Ariat walking boots! William Clark, owner of Strada Shoes in Thorne's Market, Northampton, heard about my walk with Winnie and with the blessing of the Ariat company owners, donated a pair of boots for our walk.

I'm hard to fit in shoes, but William quickly determined my correct size and recommended several boots from the Ariat endurance line. The boots we chose are waterproof, have a moisture wicking lining, and feature ATS technology to reduce fatigue in the feet, legs and back. They even come with "bumpers" on the toe and heel. William ordered them from the Ariat headquarters in California, and when they arrive, we will show them off!

In the photo on the left, William shows me all the Ariat boot choices and tells me about the special features of each pair. If you look at my feet, I am wearing a handsome pair of lace-up shoes that made me feel like dancing the tango with Mister Albino! The boots we chose will be a bit more rugged for the road--perfect for long walking--and still good looking. After my fitting, I went back to the barn to tell Winnie all about them!

TAG SALE Saturday, May 16, 9 am to 4 pm

We are having a tag sale at 2 Gulf Road in Pelham

Winnie will be in her portable corral if anyone wants to meet her. We have several leftover specialty moving boxes from our store closure, so if you need a guitar or art box, you can pick a big box up for a cheap price. We also have some dishes and household items, books, some stuffed animals, office supplies, a big solid wood dresser, 2 MMF cash drawers, a black and white laser printer, a microwave, a sled, a bike, a few framed art pieces, and Winnie's cart, which hasn't sold yet (see picture). Hope to see you there!

Mary's Water Course Challenge

Winnie's mom here, and I have to brag a bit about my little Mustang, because she navigated through at least 15 water obstacles down a very steep course today. Credit Mary for choosing this trail through the woods, astride her peppy Arabian, Sundae. We faced swampy muckwater, flowing streams with rocky bottoms, branches in the face, Olympic broad jumps, wooden log bridges, little waterfalls, and a big tree down across the trail. After nearly two hours of "Mary's Water Course Challenge," Winnie still had enough energy for a run up a logging road at breakneck speed to catch up with Sundae, 22 years young and ready for more.

I think Winnie, bolstered by Sundae's "can do" attitude, wanted to prove she could, too. She seemed proud of herself and waited for her stud muffin treat at the end of the bigger water crossings. Sundae deserved more than the cookie she got, but my pockets emptied too fast. Luckily she and Winnie found grass at the finish line, a worthy prize for two brave mares!

Packing Maximum Weight

Hi, Fans!

For my training today Mom loaded me with the maximum weight I'm going to carry, 150 pounds. It didn't feel much heavier than what I've been carrying on our training walks. When I came out of the paddock fully loaded I saw a real nice horse trailer. It looked very comfy inside. And it was red, my favorite color. It would coordinate nicely with my red accessories. I'm sure Mister Albino could easily add a DVD player. That got me thinking, I wonder if there is an easier way to get to California. Maybe I can convince Mom to rethink this walking thing.

Another part of my training was learning to lead by my front foot followed by walking in front hobbles. At first I felt like I was going to trip over my front feet but with a little practice I started to get the hang of it. Mom must have been pleased with my progress. She gave me a Stud Muffin and then took the hobble off. To top off the day, we went on a short walk and Mom let me graze on some nice spring grass!

Love,
Winnie

Vet said "Put Winnie to Work!"

Hi, Fans!

It stopped raining in Massachusetts today so Mom decided to take me out for a ride. I was really excited about going out.

Mister Albino had been wanting to take some pictures of me in action. He says I'm poetry in motion. He's dazzled by my blinding speed. The light was nice for a photo shoot this morning. Mom rode me to our favorite trail across from the barn. We did a bunch of flybys so Mister Albino could take his pictures. He kept saying "Just one more. Just one more. Just one more." Mister Albino is very nice but apparently he doesn't count very well. After the photo session, Mom rewarded me by dismounting and letting me eat grass. After my snack Mom and Mister Albino walked me back to the barn. We had so much fun I didn't want to go home. I wanted to stay out, but Mom said we had to get back because the vet was coming to examine me.


Dr. Morcom from Mill Valley Veterinary Clinic is my vet. He's very gentle and nice. He knows just about everything there is to know about horses. Since I'm a national treasure, Mom wants me to have the best care possible. Dr. Morcom checked my hocks and legs to make sure they are healthy and strong. He lifted up my left back leg and had me stand on three feet for a minute and then trot for him. Then he did the same with my right leg. Then he examined my back to make sure I can carry weight. He asked Mom about her plans for me and heard about our trip. Then he said, "She's sound, put her to work!" Something tells me "work" is not standing around eating grass or being horsemetized by Mister Albino.

(NOTE from Ann: If you want to see the rest of Winnie's action shots, click on today's blog title.)

I Got a Pedicure

Hi, Fans!

Today was like a day at the spa! After lunch Mom and Mister Albino gave me a deluxe grooming. Mom brushed me with the rubber curry comb. It was like getting a wonderful massage. Then while Mom brushed me with other brushes Mr. Albino groomed my mane and tail. Then Mom started trimming my fetlocks. While she was trimming me Mr. Albino horsemetized me. It was very, very relaxing. When she finished my fetlocks Mom gave me a scalp massage. It felt so good I thought I might fall asleep. When they were finished I was completely relaxed and I looked like velvet.

Then it was time to finish off the spa treatment with a pedicure. Betsy Merritt from Barefoot Performance is my favorite trim artist. That's her having her photo taken with me. Betsy really knows horse feet! Betsy gave me a beautiful pedicure on all four feet. My feet felt so good that I signed a bunch of autographs for my fans. My autograph looks especially nice after a fresh pedicure.

I'm so relaxed after my day at the spa that I'm going to take a nap.

Talk to you soon.

Love,
Winnie

Kissed by a Fan

Hi Fans!
Today Mom gave me a new heart charm on my collar. It's always nice to get some new bling! Then she brushed my coat out and Mister Albino coiffed my mane and tail. Off we went on a five mile walk, meeting fans along the way.

We walked across the Belchertown line to see an old graveyard. One stone dated back to 1810! I sampled the grass outside the gate.

After that we turned around and before long, a school van stopped to let one of my fans say "Hi!" Then we headed to neighbor Terry's house. She always lets me munch the grass, so of course I had to grant her a nose kiss. I love my fans!