Farm Life

Chincoteagues in the Snow

What’s more beautiful than a Chincoteague Pony running in the snow? Three Chincoteague Ponies running in the snow! Check out these videos I took on Monday of Minnow, Blitz and Boomer running around in our snowy ring.

You might notice after watching the first video that Boomerang keeps attempting to stand on the snow covered bridge. I think its so cute, he’s clearly trying to figure out if he does something with the bridge maybe it will bring him some food, I love how he’s always thinking.

Ok now after watching these…take note of Minnow (he’s the shortest bay and white pinto that runs around the most). Now does he look like a pony with severe ringbone in his front pastern? I think he’s faking the whole thing! You can barely detect a limp! And he’s not on a drop of medication or any supplements!

By watching Minnow gallop around its easy to tell why he was such a great mounted games pony. Several times he sits deep on his hind end to spin around – not to mention look at that speed! Boy do I miss riding him! And whats up with Boomerang (the buckskin and white pinto)? He’s supposed to be my next-in-line mounted games pony and he barely takes a trot step! Jeesh! I’m going to have to work on him. 🙂

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Those Eyes…

Chesapeake Lightning, or Blitz as I call him, has the most enchanting eyes. One look into them and you melt. I fell in love with those eyes just by looking at Blitz’s online ad when he was for sale in 2008. Before I even met him I had fallen in love with him, its hard not to.

And that nose, that soft fuzzy pony nose – its so kissable. Blitz gives the very best pony kisses.

I see his bright eyes and his kissable nose poking out over the fence. No matter how hard I try, or how much I have to do, I can’t resist sneaking over for a kiss. He nuzzles my face and blows sweet warm pony breath onto my neck, he lets me rub his ears and tussle his forelock. I wrap my arms around his face and he closes his eyes – he’d crawl in my lap if he could. I love him.

Photos by Kyley S. DiLuigi. copyright 2010. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission.

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Fun with Ammo

Just thought I’d share some photos of Ammo the Dachshund. He’s been braving the winter cold with me at the barn in his three (yes 3) winter coats. I think he’s longing for summer too. Here’s some cute shots of him from the past week….I just love that little dog.

Ammo’s favorite chair in the dining room. Hoping for scraps from the table.

Ammo checking out winter from the comfort of his leather chair

My Adorable Dachshund Valentine

Multitasking

Enjoying his Valentines Day Present

“I think it broke mom!”

Ammo starts dog training classes with me in March, and I can’t wait! I think it will be a great experience for him and I’m looking forward to transitioning him into other things, perhaps agility or maybe even flyball. He’s so smart I’m sure he could do anything. The tricky part will be channeling that Dachshund stubbornness in him. If you’ve ever owned a Dachshund you know what I’m talking about. Ammo is my very first Dachshund and I never imagined what a difficult breed they could be. He challenges me everyday, sometimes he frustrates me to no end….but for some reason his antics make me love him even more. I think I will forever be a “Dachshund Person” just like I will forever be a “Chincoteague Pony Person”.

I’m hoping to do some updates on Ammo when he begins his training classes (I also plan to use clicker training in them). And if I get myself in gear, I also plan to keep working on Ammo’s painting training so he can join the Trick Ponies in creating masterpieces. I will keep you posted!

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Winter Blues

Iron Horse Farm

I disappeared for a little while. Honestly I’ve got a case of the winter blues and I’ve sort of been hiding out inside instead of the farm. Instead of hanging around after my daily barn chores to play with the ponies I’ve been hightailing it home to get a cup of hot chocolate. I’m ready for summer – but as I look at our weather forecasts dotted with snow, I’m starting to think its never going to come. I knew I’d regret my love of snow and snowdays eventually.

But I’m going to have to start riding again soon. I have a show I plan to take Boomerang (and maybe Blitz) to on March 28th…which doesn’t leave me much time to get him back in shape after 3 months off. Perhaps I will start this weekend…if I can get a ride to the farm! My husband’s car broke down on the highway only for us to find out his 2002 Toyota Corolla needs a whole new engine. Poof, there goes the fund for getting me a new truck to pull the horse trailer. Guess I will have to wait a little longer, hopefully my Tahoe can hang in there a few more months.

So anyway since I’ve been neglecting the blog I’m going to do another post today…..so check back to see what is in store!

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Happy Valentines Day

Valentines Day – you either love it or you hate it, but if you are like me, you know that no matter what day it is the love of your furry companions will always be there. They love you unconditionally and always stand by your side. I’m thankful that I have always been able to have my animals in my life. From the guinea pigs I played dress up with as a kid to the white rat my dad found in our basement and let us keep as a pet….I have loved them all. So here’s my little tribute to the ones that always love us back. Happy Valentines Day!

2008 Trooper and Ammo - best friends forever

2008 Trooper and Ammo

1999 My little sister and Oopsie Daisy

2007 Me and Minnow

2006 Kissing Minnow

2004 The late Big Jack Attack playing dress-up for me

2004 Nitro always knows how to make me laugh

2003 Me and the Late Oopsie Daisy

2008 Me with Minnow and Blitz

2009 Ammo and Minnow

2009 Boomer and Minnow give eachother a scratch

2009 Kisses from Boomer

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