Equestrian Blogger Gift Exchange!

I was actually excited for my first day back in the office after break because I knew I had a treat to look forward to from the Equestrian Blogger Gift Exchange! Unfortunately Paul had an Amazon delivery (a package of Speedos if anyone is interested) stolen from our front porch so now everything is routed to the offices.

Thanks to Tracy at Fly On Over for hosting the Third Annual Equestrian Blogger gift exchange! I love finding new blogs and that was the case this year!

I opened my card- Teresa and the lovely Gatsby from Eventing Saddlebred Style sent me a whole bunch of goodies to help me along in my 31x31 (I'll forever remain 31) challenge! What could be considered THE MANUAL, The United States Pony Club Manual, and adorable plaid polos to practice my wrapping. I think Ellie may not enjoy this as much as I'm going to!
New Noble Outfitter socks in the best tropical pattern- I've heard wonderful things about these socks and can't wait to try them!
And of course- treats for horses and humans!

Thank you for the lovely gift Teresa! Cheers to a Happy New Year!

Barn Party

We had our barn Holiday party on Saturday and it was lovely! Lots of champagne, holiday cookies, muffins, cheese- Yummo! I delivered my treat-filled mason jars and only lost one pony in the process so I considered that a success!

The Ponies have Moved into the Production Phase

And if one more becomes unglued.....

Why is Vegas so Weird?

And what about booking a 10:15pm flight sounded like a good idea? A tip for those who may not be familiar with McCarran Airport....the security line at noon on any day of the week is hell but if you have an evening flight and show up at 8:15 you'll be at your gate by 8:30.

We stayed at the same hotel as last year, in the Palazzo Tower at the Venetian, and every day I walked through the little "Italian Village" (complete with Gondola rides!). It's so odd to wander through at 7am and see it completely empty whereas heading to dinner tonight there was a show going on complete with jugglers, a "statue," various singers, and a guy on stilts.

Oh Vegas. Get me outta here!

DIY- Not a Good Idea for Holiday

It was an angry Sunday at my house. I had embarked on a number of DIY projects for the Holidays and I realized that I would be losing half a week to travel (nothing better than Vegas in December... interesting side note- they're actually hosting Republican Debate in my hotel tonight) and would need to get gifts shipped and projects completed before our barn party this coming Saturday.

My day consisted of a frantic search for my glue gun (which I never found), slightly burnt homemade horse cookies, and a spray paint manicure (not enough primer in the world to get it off) later I still have a few things to wrap up when I get home.

I may not be a crafting natural- but I did find time to decorate with a few things to get us into the Holiday spirit!

Around the Barn

We've had some pretty spectacular weather at home this winter. Gorgeous sunsets and sunrises. Even a full fledged rainbow as I was leaving Brown Ranch....the end of which was on my way to ride Ellie. I may or may not have tried to find a pot of gold!

A Veritable Smorgasboard

Whew- it's been a hot minute since I've blogged. Work, busy, Holiday, etc, etc, etc.

And actually there has been tons to say...I've got a whole photo of edited photos just ready to go!
As Lauren would say, I just needed some time to refill the bucket.

Ellie had her stifles injected on Thursday so I mentioned to Ali that I would be more than happy to ride any seconds on Saturday, thinking I'd be able to grab a quick ride on one of the lesson horses. Luckily for me the working student was sick (although not great for poor McKenzie) and there were THREE for me to ride! Two sale horses and one client horse. All SO lovely. Evan, the horse on the left below, is my gelding crush....yum yum yum. Nero on the top right is owned by a fun ammy and he's stalled next to Ellie! Expresso on the lower right is super smooth and that suspension (I couldn't help but get a little video).

What a super fun treat to be able to get some saddle time on these amazing horses!