Getting Back Into Riding . . . If Only in My Dreams

The past few nights, I've been having vivid dreams about riding and caring for the horses. It is probably due to me getting more upright, flexible and mobile, while taking advantage of the boot, physical therapy and exercising. I even walked out to the barn once with help from Jerry and a walker. Yesterday my farrier came and I stayed out there for almost two hours. I also gave Rita a good grooming. We both really enjoyed it!

Jerry continues to lunge my 32 year old, Rudy, at least every other day

and they both seem to be benefiting from it.

Sometimes he takes me out in the car so I can watch.

Over the past two months, some individuals have been sending healing thoughts, get well wishes and asking how I'm doing. It's really nice to know that people care. Thanks especially to those of you that have reached out to me during this trying time. Your friendship and kindness really means so much!


"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.  The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares."  ~ Henri Nouwen

"We are the captains of our own ships sailing the sea of life, but in times of a stormy weather, you will discover true friends when they don't hesitate to be a lighthouse."  ~ Dodinsky

Still spending part of my days in the chair; here's my current studio setup.

Jerry shot my leg last Thursday at my first physical therapy appointment. Only a week later, it looks much better. Still lots of swelling after exercise, but everything is going really well. I've been meditating nightly which is helping me heal more quickly, both physically and spiritually.

Although the time did go slow for me during my convalescence, I can't believe it is almost June! Now that I'm feeling better, things are really speeding up! This shot of Rita was taken by my friend, Jen, last August. She will have a collection of her photos at The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair at the Caracol Jewelry  booth. If you are local and you go to the show, be sure to stop by and have a look.  Her art is awesome.

Memorial Day weekend unofficially starts tomorrow. It kicks off the summer here in the states. I just started working on some of my stock photography again. I think this one of my folks, is appropriate for the holiday weekend and summer season ahead. "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! YAY!"


No matter what your plans are, have a safe and enjoyable weekend. Take some time to reflect and be grateful for all those who have lost their lives so that we may enjoy the many freedoms we hold dear.


Wishing You Many Blessings, Sandy

Devon Horse Show 25 Year Reunion

 I have not attended the yearly Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in over twenty years. I stopped going when I switched from Hunters to Dressage. After that, I attended Dressage At Devon every year for over a decade. I had to stop going when I started doing a lot of art shows which always fell at the same time in the fall. Yesterday was a beautiful day and I decided to venture out to the fair. I left at the wrong time of the day and an hour and fifteen minute trip took me nearly two and a half. When I got there, the first thing I spotted as I neared the grounds was the ferriswheel.

 They were on dinner break, so I walked around the fairgrounds and watched some of the riders warm up for the $20,000 Gambler's Choice Jumper Class.

This lovely grey warmblood really caught my eye. I was fascinated by this unusual dee-ring snaffle bit and hackamore combination.

The setting at Devon is one of traditional elegance.

Here this gorgeous horse shows perfect form over the jump. I got so caught up in things I forgot to get a program, so I am clueless as to the identity of this pair. If anyone out there knows, please give me a shout. I did recognize some names from the past like Chapot and Ward, but this time it was the kids of these famous equestrians that were in the spotlight.

In the Gambler's Choice Class, each jump has different points and the rider picks the course. Anything goes and the horse with the most points and fastest time wins the cash. I had a perfect view of the Devon jump, but but only one rider jumped it because it was only 30 points. I only stayed for two classes, after which I was Devoned-out. I've got more photos to share next time. See more shots of Devon 2011 on Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor's blog.