Prom!

A very good friend asked if I would take photos of her daughter in her prom dress. I gave my usual caveat of 'I'm not a professional but I will take some photos'. It was fun, mostly to see them have so much fun. Here are some:

some times it's too easy

Lunenburg Nova Scotia is a 'must see' place if you visit our province. And if you like to take photos it's perfect. They have things like boats:

and Wharfs, and old buildings:

there's even a horse drawn wagon tour. it's a great way to see everything and the horses are well cared for:

the water is clean, clear and makes great reflections:

did I mention the price of lobster here?

Stone

I do enjoy a good graveyard. The Old Burying Ground in Halifax is well worth a visit whether you like history, photography or a good walk. It dates to 1749 and is right in the heart of downtown. it's a quiet oasis to wander and reflect.

The Other Man in my life

Meet Irish- my 13 year old Quarter Horse/ Thoroughbred Cross. I bought him when he was 3 years old. I wasn't looking for an appendix, or a chestnut but I fell in love with his personality and his gaits. It's not been an easy 10 years together. The first 2 years it seemed like he bucked at every canter depart. I came off more times then I can count. I learned a lot from it too- I learned to land on my feet (yes really), I then learned to sit a buck and then, last but not least, I learned how to prevent the buck. :). Looking back, I believe that the bucking was due to weakness rather then naughtiness. In all this time I don't think he's learned that he can buck me off. Despite our shaky start, we are now a couple. He will be with me until he dies. If I go first, I have plans for him as well, so that he will always be looked after. He's sweet, reactive, sensitive, tries his heart out, has hissy fits that make Paris Hilton look tame, and loves children. I love to ride him and I love to fuss with him. He also loves both. This year we competed at 2nd level for the first time. I really didn't think we were ready. But he proved me wrong by scoring 61 & 62 on the first day of the show and then 64 on both tests on day 2. These are great scores for us. My goal was 51. A few days ago at the barn I had my camera and the light was such that I thought I would try to get some photos. The problem of shooting Irish is that he's very curious about what I'm doing and won't stay away, unless he's eating. I am, however, pleased with these. I think I'll frame the last one.

here he is being both curious and eating!

the Glamour Shot

Courage

This weekend was the first dressage show of the season. I almost didn't go for a million reasons- I wasn't ready, 2nd level was too hard, finances are tight, etc.,. My husband, kindly, told me I was being a ninny and to go and have fun. So I packed up and went :). And that's all I say about me. Because the rest of this post is about Nell.

Nell is a 12 year old girl with Cerebral Palsy. Her parents enrolled her in Therapeutic riding. I cannot say for sure about their motivation but I assume that they wanted her to have fun like any other 12 year old. They found a place and enrolled her. Where I come into the story is that I am on the Board of the association that runs the shows. Nell's mother contacted us to see if we would consider a para-equestrian class because Nell wanted to show. The answer was 'of course'. Much discussion ensued- of which I had no part - and in the end it was determined that this would be a demonstration rather then an official class. However, the ride would be judged and ribbons awarded. The day of the show I was walking my horse out after our class and my horse was riveted by this young girl with a walker. He had never seen a walker before so we went closer. When I got closer Nell noticed us and I told her that I was just showing Irish the walker. She sat down for a while to let him see and then got up and walked back and forth so he could learn that it was safe.  I chatted with her and her mother for a bit and then went and put Irish away.

Nell's ride was at the end of the day. We shortened the ring to 20x40. I went to speak to the mom and asked it was okay if I stayed to the side and took pictures. I promised no flash. She said fine and then said 'she won't let us in the ring'. I looked at her puzzled and she explained "Nell. She wants to do the test all by herself- no caller and no walkers beside her". She was as white as a sheet. Every mother knows that look. It's the fear of letting our child be at risk with the desire to let them make their own choices. I put my arm around her and said 'it will be fine'. And it was. Nell did her ride with no help. After she did not want to get off. At this point I get to tell you about Capone. Capone is a horse of unknown lineage (he looks draft x Morgan to me) that cost $450. He was purchased for the riding school. He took Nell around this strange dressage ring that's inside a hockey rink (yes a hockey rink) like a pro. After her test Nell tried to get Capone to trot. With a little help from the coach he trotted about 4 strides. Nell lost her balance and he stopped. She got her balance and he walked on. Worth his weight in gold he is. So here are some photos from Nell's test:

This is courage. It takes physical and mental courage to ride. It truly does. I cannot imagine what it takes for Nell to ride. But she likely doesn't think of it at all. She's a 12 year old girl who is horse crazy. Capone is her friend. I also want to salute Nell's parents for having the courage to let her ride. It puts my whines into perspective, that's for sure!