Well… after all your input on whether I should let Gwen work at the Kids Camp this summer, I have to say that I am very nervous now.
So, if the Board comes back and says they’d like her for their program, I am going to talk to them frankly about all of your concerns and then see where the discussion goes.
To be honest, I don’t have time to go out to see their place before we move – bad timing – so I’m guessing this thing will not happen.
My biggest issue is that I don’t know how to insure that she would remain my horse, even with a lease agreement, because I cannot control anything once she leaves here. I would never forgive myself if I lost touch with her and could not get her back.
The sad part is that I really thought she’d have a good time doing this. But, I think a Camp closer to where I live (so I can check up on her) or a therapeutic riding school near me would be a better alternative. I’d still love for her to have some fun and some challenges – and new, tiny humans loving on her… but I’m guessing a better opportunity may come up later.
Gwen, wondering why I’m taking her photo. I dolled her up for the videos for the Kids Camp and she was wondering what all the fuss was about…
DODGER AND NORMA
After the loss of their companion of 21 years (Slick), I wanted to give you an update on Dodger and Norma.
Slick, their partner in crime for 21 years, passed on April 4th.
Dodger seems to be better and stronger without Slick.
I cannot figure this out… he seems more alert, more confident and happier. My only guess is that previously, Dodger was so focused on keeping his supreme KING position, he was constantly on alert and on the job. Without Slick always nipping at his heels, he has relaxed into his position as herd leader of Norma. She will never try to be King so Dodger is safe.
Yup. Dodger seems actually, more settled.
I took this photo today… Dodger doesn’t look that relaxed in this photo, but he actually is. Less stress and no more competition. I’m sure he misses his buddy, but he is more laid back now.
Norma was very lost for several days. Slick was her favorite. But, it isn’t as if she quit eating or lost any weight… she just seemed lost and sad. She still seems a bit lost and sad. I’ve been trying to give her extra attention.
Norma has been worming her way onto the good side of Annie. She has decided that Annie gets the most food – and the best food – so it would be good to be friends with Annie.
So, although Norma is sad, she is busy. Food is still her universe.
Norma seemed lost for a while. She misses Slick. But, she soldiers on… as long as there is food to eat, she will be eating it.
AS FOR ME…
I’m exhausted. For any of you who have moved your horse property while setting up a new one, you know what I mean… I can’t mess up the Grass Valley house because it has to be ready to show for potential renters… yet I need to pack/Goodwill/throw out/make piles and take loads down to Paso Robles. And, I have to set up the new house for the horses, and then figure out the timing on fences/shelters to move the horses… blah blah blah. Such a bunch of muchness to take care of daily. My list is long each morning… and then I don’t sleep at night because I cannot shut off the biglist in my brain.
I’m sure you’ve all been where I am right now. In 60 days, this will all be over and settled and happy. I need to remind myself to enjoy this time!
(Not complaining.)
MAY BUCKET FUND: THE HUNG HORSES! This much deserved Bucket Fund is starting very slowly even though the story has gotten much traction. The surviving horses are very much alive and would greatly benefit from our support! Click here to read their story! Click here to donate!
Once you are settled out there (or even before) see if you can find a place like Wings of Hope here in Virginia. I am a volunteer with them. The horses get awesome care, the kids love the horses and the horses love the kids. Check out our website and see if such a place might work for Gwen & you. If it were near your new place, I know that would lighten the burden on your brain.
http://www.wingsofhoperanch.org
Hi and thank you for your comment.
I just wanted to reassure you that after receiving so many emails and comments,
I have learned that many people have had bad experiences with Kids Camps.
Truly, I just wanted to give Gwen something to do. Gwen is a very intelligent mare
and she seems bored in retirement. That’s all. My intention was never to give her
away…. But, I now realize that leasing her for the summer to a Kids Camp isn’t
very reliable – or so it would seem.
I am now hoping that something comes up for her in our new area where I can keep
tabs on her. Or, maybe she will just be bored at my place, but I think there might
be something for her to do in Paso. Perhaps a therapeutic riding school. Not sure.
Thanks for your concern!
Please make no decision just now. You have so much going on,it is not the right time to make this kind of decision. Not to throw cold water on the situation, but must say,I have never had a horse come back from a lease in as good condition as they were in when they went into the lease. So much negative stuff happened, I decided to never lease out a horse of mine. Not saying that would be the case with these people, but it was a reality in my situation.
Best of luck with move and set up.
Ina