So many wonderful memories - Happy Birthday Ladde!!

About a week old

6 weeks

First birthday with carrot cake

Learning...2 years

Ladde, me and Ray.  3 years old

 Mount up and prepare to be flagged!

Me & Ladde on the right, his little Paint love on our left with Ray.  Day 1 colt starting class.

 First day in the big pen.  Ladde feeling his oats!

 We had survived!!  Seneca, OR - Ray Hunt Colt class - 4 grueling days, but some of the best ever!!

 Sisters, OR  Me and my boy years later...

It's been an awesome journey...
My big, bold and beautiful Ladde turns 17 years old today.  Happy Birthday big guy!!!!!!  :)

We are having a very windy and rainy introduction into spring today.  So, just to keep everyone safe and dry, and mainly to give us some peace of mind, we left the horses inside today.  Just before heading off to work, I made my way out to the barn to wish my big boy special birthday wishes.  He really has been a blessing to us, each and every single day since he was born.  He fills my heart with happiness and gratitude that we can share our lives with this amazing and wonderful horse.  I don't like to brag, but Ladde's pretty much perfect!  :)  Truly.  Well, except for one tiny infraction...he really, really, really likes to get dirty.  *sigh*  And when Ladde gets dirty?  Well, let's just say he knows what he's doing.  He doesn't just roll in the mud.  Nope.  He grinds the mud in, and joyously arches his neck up and throws his head back and twists and groans in ecstasy while the mud (and grass) gets embedded into his forelock and forehead.  There are days when the mud looks as though it's ran down his sides and dried, it's that thick.  And to brush him out takes a lot of time, and effort.  I have to stand on the mounting block just to reach his back and the top of his butt comfortably, and still my arms are aching and sore.  Who needs a gym?  That's a lot of horse brushing!  We don't just call him the big guy.  He is a big guy!!  He stands a true 17 hands tall, and although we've never actually weighed him, we've been given estimations that his weight is likely around 1500 pounds.  Give or take.  That's a lot of horse, especially for a Foundation Appaloosa who came from my feminine, and oh so refined little 15 hand mare, Kadie.  No wonder she quit after one child!!

I recall to this day how that morning 17 years ago played out...I don't think I'll ever forget.  I missed the birth, but happened upon the newborn in a precarious predicament within a few hours time...perched upon a pile of very large rocks that were stacked in a corner of the small pasture where Kadie had been confined awaiting her eminent birthing.  The only place that he shouldn't have been in the whole place, was the one spot he'd chosen to lay down - outside wall of the barn on one side, gate leading outside on adjacent wall and about 6 feet of space to the fence where all the other horses were rubber-necking to get a glimpse of the new arrival.  Kadie had placed herself between the others and her foal, and had been pawing the wall for a long time, judging from the marks she'd made above the foal perched on the rocks. Apparently, he couldn't get his footing and lay there like a stranded ship on a corral reef unable to do anything.  He also had a huge and extremely bright pinkish-red abrasion on his rightt hip from who knows what...he has a scar to this day from that first-day wound.  So, he didn't have the gentlest introduction into this world, but he's always been a tough little cuss.  Mule-kicked me into the corner of their stall when he was only 4 days old, but that's another story, for another day...  We had a meeting of the minds that day, although it rather resembled a wrestling match between a woman and a foal...after catching our breath, me removing straw and some other vegetable matter from my hair, a hierarchy or pecking order, if you prefer, had been established that remains to this day.  Don't mess with gammy, she'll take you down...we've built on that foundation and have forged a relationship that I wouldn't trade for anything.  I adore that horse. Truly one of my greatest blessings of all time.  He's one cool dude.

Somewhere on this blog in my archives is the complete and unabridged, or as close as my memory serves, story of that wonderful day in history.  If I weren't so technologically challenged, I would create a link here for anyone who's interested to read in its' entirety...but I ain't that good!  So, iffin you're so inclined to read the story, you'll have to find it in my archives for yourselves.  :)

I'll head to the grocery story at lunch time today and make a purchase to celebrate this special day...it used to be carrot cake, but at his age he needs to start watching his diet and be more health-conscious.  So...pears and carrots it is!!!  Ladde loves pears!!!  What am I saying?  The boy loves food, of all kinds!!  Big boys have big appetites don't you know?  A small gesture to bring my birthday boy pleasure...and when Ladde is happy...I'm happy!

Happy Birthday "Wagtail Ladde" !!!!!!  aka LaddMonster, Ladde, Petite Flower, Big Guy...you get the picture.

Oh, and Happy Spring Equinox everyone!
Lorie @ Cingspots

The Daily News

Well hello again!  Not a whole lot happening in my neck of the woods lately, but thought I'd just do a quickie posting here and see what transpires from my thoughts.  Scary thought huh?  :)

I have my annual doctor's visits all lined up and ready to go...oh boy.  Visited my primary care doc last week and did that fun bit, but I'm happy to report that most things are still in good working order, and that's the one that I look forward to the least.  Had my labs done and have to go back for a little talk time about some adjustments that are required, but nothing too bad.  The mammo is at the end of this month, then the annual trip to my eye doctor and that's it for another year!  Yay!!  I always feel so happy to have them behind me again...I've been blessed with very good health all my life so far, but I still hate going to the doctor.  I feel the same way about visiting the dentist, in fact I have some real fear where dentists are involved, but I really don't know why.  I have a fear of pain, I guess!  Maybe it's all that equipment just for a tiny mouth...not really sure.  Anyhoo!!

We got our third delivery from Bountiful Baskets last Saturday, and once again it was a true bounty of fresh produce.  We got mangoes this time!  I love mangoes!!  More lettuce, radishes, bananas, asparagus (yum), lemons, celery and some bokchoy.  There might have been something else, but I can't remember what.  Anyway, so far we're doing very well at keeping the produce eaten up and nothing has really gone to waste, except for that bunch of mint from the prior week.  I occasionally use fresh mint in iced tea in the summer, but I let it go bad.  :(  Just couldn't think of what to use it for...I will just add it to my compost pile and get some benefit out of it in that small way.

I have been working with Eagle and last night he was in no mood for a session...poor guy, he just wanted to go in and have dinner, and I made him work instead...I actually heard him squeal and throw his head down and give it a little shake!  He thought about bucking, but decided against that.  :)  I really believe that Eagle internalizes most of his feelings instead of showing his anger or unhappy emotions with reaction.  That's not necessarily a good thing, in my opinion.  I would really prefer that he felt comfortable enough to show his true emotions, regardless of what they are.  I think that with time, he will feel more secure in exhibiting his feelings, but for right now, I believe that he is still rather afraid to show his unhappy side.  Maybe in his past, he was seriously punished for "bad" behavior.  I'm not sure, but I bear in mind those whip marks on his butt cheeks as evidence of severe repercussions for something.  I have faith that he will be perfect one day soon, he is that wonderful.  I just don't want his feet and his mind getting stuck, and then really blowing someday when everything builds steam.  I don't really fear that happening though, he's pretty serene and laid back most of the time.  I asked him (fairly aggressively) for a canter in the round pen last night.  Going to the left, he obliged grudgingly, but he did it.  Well, actually Eagle doesn't canter, but goes from a trot, to a very fast trot, to a full-blown hand gallop.  There is nothing in between because he's not that relaxed with speed.  We're working on relaxing where speed is involved.  Anyway, he went into this very fast gallop and promptly slipped and nearly went to his knees.  He whipped his gaze in my direction, which clearly stated that his misstep was my fault.  *sigh*  I simply carried on as if nothing had happened.  One more full circle, then asked him to walk, which he does immediately...his favorite word other than whoa, which is swift and sure.  The boy prefers his snuggle time to work, hands down.  :)  Going to the right, I never did get him into anything more than a very fast trot.  He was huffing and puffing, and so was I.  Crap.  Since it was fairly dark, I decided to walk him out and let it go for the day.  It really wasn't where I wanted to end things, but we'd ran out of light and were going nowhere in a hurry.  We'll pick it up on another day.  Our relaxed walk time was sweet and quiet, and for that, at least I am thankful.

Ladde's 17th birthday is coming up on March 20th, the first day of spring.  I simply cannot believe that my big, baby boy is that old...it seems like only yesterday that he was born.  He has been a blessing to us every single day since that wonderful morning on March 20, 1996.  Wow, does time ever fly!!!

I'm really looking forward to spring and the warmer, longer days to come.  The flowers, gardening, time spent on the deck and everything else that the warmer season involves.  I really, really want to make the most of this spring and summer.  I want to have friends over for bbq's, go camping and horseback riding, do the silly summer fairs and anything and everything else that we can think of.  I want to enjoy life and spend sweet, idle time with my husband and with friends and family.  Savor our time together and be thankful for everything in our lives.

Blessings and until next time,
Lorie @ Cingspots

Happy Birthday Ladde!!! It's been grand so far...

Today is Ladde's birthday. He's 13 years old. Happy Birthday big guy!! Wow, I can hardly believe that 13 long years have gone by since the morning I found this funny-looking, bony colt lying on the top of a pile of very large rocks we'd piled in a corner. Of all the places to take a nap - sheesh!!

This horse is "Sir Ladigo" He's gorgeous in my book, and he is Ladde's sire (proud papa).
He's also our beloved Scooter's first-born. I looked at a lot of stallion prospects before deciding on this guy. Funny thing was, he was one of the first and I just couldn't get him out of my mind. You just can't improve on perfection.

My beautiful little mare "Wag's Pride" also lovingly called Kadie. This was taken shortly after my husband gifted me with her - she was 7 years old in this picture, and she'd never been ridden. She's Ladde's momma.

Day 1 - not more than a few hours old. March 20, 1996

I had no idea just what I had expected...but this wasn't it. He was kinda funny looking.

Kadie thought he was beautiful.

Little did we know, this would become a very familiar site.

And this is how Ladde spent the first few weeks of his life...in flight.

Practicing his sidepass. What a good little student.

I feel good! dadadadada!

Kadie made me cry that day. I'd brought her some carrots, and little brat that she was...she stole the whole bag out of my hands and ran off!! What a brat!

Gonna get me those dogs, ah huh...

First parade. July 20, 1996 - Ladde was 4 months old and fearless. Nothing scared him - absolutely nothing. He was in awe of everything that day! When we'd finished, we took our spot on the sidewalk and watched the rest of the parade with the other spectators. Wow, what fun!!

Can you dance in unison? They'd choreographed their steps for weeks...

6 weeks old. The stallion owner's wife was a photographer and came up to our house to get these shots.

He sure was getting cute!

Oops, this is the same parade in Yamhill Derby Days. July 20, 1996


First bath - just look at those skinny little legs... you can't tell, but Ladde's skin is all covered in polka dots on his skin and they only show up when he's wet. So cute!

His first birthday and we gave him a carrot cake with carrots instead of candles. Of course, he loved it!!! There's not much that Ladde doesn't love.The punk.

The first telltale spots fortelling the coming change in color.

Near Sheep Springs outside Camp Sherman, Oregon. Another one of those "nanook" adventures. Life is good.

Summertime when Ladde was a yearling, you can see how much bigger he was than Harley, who can be seen on the far right. Harley is 1 year younger and was a few months old here.His mane and forelock changed along with most everything else. It used to be much longer and actually layed down.

The first show at McKay Creek Farms near Hillsboro, Oregon. Me and Lad on the left. Ladde was a yearling and took a second place out of a large group of much smaller yearlings. I forget how many times the judge asked me, "how old is that colt?". I screamed and wrapped my arms around Lad's neck and gave him a big ole kiss because I'd not expected to win anything. Happy! On the right is my mom with Harley. Harley got a 4th place in the weiner class out of a very large class. Neither boy had ever been to a show before, and it was Harley's first time ever being away from his momma. Pretty good for a couple of pasture punks.

I'm not afraid that old flag!

Feeling his oats...the stud muffin!

Ladde has done so much groundwork - I think he could now teach me a few things.

And below is a picture of our mentor and hero - Mr. Ray Hunt. These following pictures were taken in July 1999 in Seneca, Oregon at the colt class where I started riding Ladde the first time ever. Ladde and I both have much to be grateful to this special man for. Thanks Ray!

Go catch your colts. Lad had already picked his very own harem. The little paint mare and Ray's grandson's gelding. They were his dammit!! This proved to be a huge challenge the next 4 days for us.

We were like flys on their backs. Riding in halters with strict instructions not to direct them at all, or the halters would be removed. Ray flagged the colts while we rode. Very interesting. Me and Ladde on the far right...little paint mare very close by.

I think I see a pattern developing here...

Steve Rother in background on the left. (he's a clinician now)

This was a blast to watch. I had saddled Ladde many times at home, but some of these youngsters had obviously never even seen a saddle before. Let the games begin!!

My friend Mary who went to the clinic with me is the photographer. Thanks for everything Miss Mary!! She knows all the things I'm thankful to her for. I wouldn't have made it had it not been for Mary. What a friend!

Me and my boy. In case you're wondering, that lovely big spot on his side there is poop.

Back off boys - these two are mine!!

Uh-oh, what now? Ladde's about to get flagged by Ray and learn how to cross over in the front end. Later we got to ride them while Ray did this. It was all fun, but scary at the time too.

Isn't Ray's little mare a cutie? She was the perfect girl the whole weekend. I've never seen Ray ride a horse who seemed even slightly bothered about anything. They're just calm and relaxed. Ladde, the big brute later kicked Ray's horse when Ray positioned himself between Ladde and the little Paint mare...mistake. So, Ray slapped Ladde in the face with his flag. I grabbed horn and held on for dear life while the Laddmonster spun on his haunches and lit out at a full gallop for the opposite end of the arena - yeehaw!!! To add insult to injury, (thanks Ray) over the loudspeaker Ray yelled at me, "don't fall off and teach your horse that you can fall". Thankfully, that was not something Ladde learned that day. This might be a good time to mention that I did a lot of talking to the Father that weekend.

It was a challenge for this short woman to climb aboard this big colt. At 3 years and 4 months old, Ladde stood a hair under 17 hands high already. I refuse to measure him anymore because he has grown since then...I don't even want to know.

This working cattle ranch where the clinic was held was in a valley about halfway between Burns and John Day in a tiny little town called Seneca and was nestled in a valley about 7000 ft. altitude surrounded by the Strawberry Mountains on one side and some other mountain range on the other side. Absolutely beautiful!!

First day riding in the big arena. Oh boy. Sorry for the tiny pictures, this was before we had zoom lenses so Mary was pretty far away.

I can just hear Ray yelling at me over the loudspeaker - "get Appy turned around!!". I heard that a lot that weekend.

It's hard to see, but Ladde's tail is sticking straight out behind him - little sucker was feeling a might too spunky!! This was the last day of the clinic, and did I mention that I got heat stroke?

I finished but when I got off my horse, my legs wouldn't work and I just keep melting to the ground. Mary rescued me with cold water and a cold cloth for my face. Thanks Mary!!

There's Carolyn Hunt riding just ahead of us. I think I was attempting another turnaround to bring Ladde back down to earth.

Squirrely little sucker - he would have enjoyed flying across that great big old arena and seeing me go dirt surfing I believe. I rode him though.



Whoowee!! I am one happy and heat stroked gal here. The clinic is over - day 4 and I have lived to tell the tale. Thank you for everything Ray!!! We've had a blast!!! I will never, ever forget this clinic. One of my best (and most harrowing) ever!! July, 1999 Seneca, Oregon

Me and my boy at Sheep Springs.

Ladde loves to play in the water in the good old summertime. Life is good.

Taking life easy...

My honey and Ladd and Harley on the banks of the Metolius River just outside Camp Sherman, Oregon. Drop dead gorgeous river and country. We would love to move here.

He always listens to me...I love this expression of his. My sweet Ladde-boy.

Taken near Joe Graham Horse Camp by Timothy Lake in Mt. Hood National Forest. Ladde is still too young to be ridden here, but we took him along for one of his infamous "Nanook" adventures in the wilderness. We allowed him to run free while we were riding. Needless to say, he had grand adventures!!

Canyon Creek - cooling down the tootsies. Near Sisters, Oregon

Always the schmoozer. Cowboy Camp Meeting either 2004 or 2005 at Buck Creek Meadows at the base of Mt. Adams near Trout Lake, Washington. One of our most favorite places to go horse camping. Our beloved "Molly" was by my side. Rest in peace my beautiful queenie.

Kadie enjoying a roll in the dirt in the background. Must feel soooo good...

It's always a good time for a little snack -

Me and the Laddmonster riding in the Deschutes County Forest near Sheep Springs Horse Camp. Camp Sherman, Oregon

3 generation photo - Kadie (momma) on the left, Ladde in the center and beautiful Scooter aka Mis Star of David (paternal grandma) on the right. Scoot is also Harley's momma.

Ladde has never had any problems relaxing...wherever he goes! Back in camp - siesta!

Near "The Big Tree" Mt. Adams in Washington state.

Schmoozing and fraternizing with the boy and his hat. I remember this was the campout where Ladde escaped his rope corral and got into our fruit basket. He ate everything except the oranges and bananas - if you do not like it, stomp it into the dirt. (note to self)

Must be nap-thirty again...

Cool and confident...this shot was taken going over Buck Creek near Mt. Adams in Washington state. Ladde leading the pack with our friend Greg aboard, followed by Harley with my hubby aboard. You can't see it, but the creek is rushing through a narrows at this spot and it's beautiful, white water...and the water is cold.

Just another day at the office. This boy is livin' life large...and lovin' every minute of it!!

God Bless you Ladde!!! Hugs and kisses for your birthday big guy...and may there be many, many more to come.

No, I won't forget the cake!!!

Blessings to all, Cingspots