Painting in the Winter
Typically during the cold winters here in PA we don’t get to paint much. The temperatures drop to record lows making the paint freeze and it nearly impossible for the ponies to put their brushes to canvas. But, sometimes we luck out and get a day that isn’t too unbearable and that’s just what happened yesterday. With temperatures in the mid 40’s on Sunday, Minnow was so ecstatic when he saw me lugging his easel out of storage.
We dusted off the brushes and Minnow set to work creating a bunch of mini paintings to bring with us to the Horse World Expo this February.
Minnow has no problem letting the creative brush strokes flow in the winter, in fact he’d paint everyday and all day if I let him.
No, instead what sets the schedule for our winter painting sessions are my hands. We paint as long as I can bare it before my fingers feel like I might be getting frostbite.
In the end I’m happy to let my wonderful little pony wield his magical brush so that I get to see his finest creations.
And sometimes the “aftermath” is just as beautiful too.
And as if my approval of Minnow’s beautiful work weren’t enough – he always seems to draw his own little fan club when he paints…
You can check out Minnow’s new mini paintings in the shop!
Giving Back
Each year the ponies and Ammo the Dachshund make contributions to some of their favorite Charitable Organizations. It makes us feel good to be able to support groups that care for other animals in need. Minnow himself was a past victim of neglect and I think it’s a very special thing that with the money he earns through his amazing paintings we are able to help other animals in need.
This year we selected three special organizations to donate to. The newly formed organization, The Chincoteague Pony Rescue, is very near and dear to our hearts – who’s mission is to provide quality care and treatment of the Chincoteague ponies through intervention, education, proper placement into forever homes and to prevent over breeding. We are proud to be able to support their efforts in protecting and saving this very special breed.
We also chose to support our local L.A.P.S. (Large Animal Protection Society) group who’s mission is to stop cruelty to large animals in the community.
And lastly we decided to support the Main Line Animal Rescue, which has helped thousands of animals find new homes while launching one of the most successful anti-puppy mill campaigns in the history of animal welfare. MLAR celebrates the special bond between companion animals and the people who love them – through rescue, adoption, education and community outreach.
It’s important to do our part to support the groups who dedicate so much time to helping animals in need. With our support perhaps they will be able to rescue one more animal or save one more starving pet. For more information on how to make a donation to these groups, follow these links:
2012 Trick Pony Goals
Happy New Year Everyone!
Last year we made a list of goals for 2011, so it’s come that time where we look back and see how close we came to accomplishing all of them. We’ve also whipped up a whole new set of goals for 2012.
2011 Goals:
1. Take some western riding lessons with Boomerang. It seems writing out my 2011 goals really started a fire under me, because in January of 2011 I took Boomerang to his very first western lesson with a local trainer.
2. Push myself past my comfort zone and compete in something I’ve never done before. In February of 2011 I took Boomerang to the Horse World Expo to compete in Craig Cameron’s Extreme Cowboy Race. This was one of the most nerve racking/intense things I have ever done on horseback. I was never so nervous in my life, but I’m so glad that Boomer and I pushed past the scary stuff and tried something new. It has made us both so much stronger, and we even made it to the finals – placing 6th! Boomer and I also tried a whole bunch of new things this past year, like riding on the beach, trail challenges, mounted shooting, and even some cowboy events.
3. Teach Minnow to sit or lay down. Well, this is one of those things that I didn’t quite accomplish. I started to teach Minnow how to lean onto his bean bag chair this year, but eventually the summer craziness happened and things got pushed to the back burner. However, I did begin to capture Boomerang’s “sit” when he begins to get up from the laydown. Hopefully this year we will be able to perfect the cue even more!
4. Fine tune Boomerang’s cues for bow and lay down. Recently I just started perfecting Boomer’s cue for bow, and he’s finally started to go down to the ground without my help. He probably would have mastered this a lot sooner had I found the time to work with him, but better late than never!
5. Train some more tricks using the pedestal. This year I began training Boomerang to stand with all 4 feet on the pedestal. Admittedly I haven’t been good about documenting his progress, mostly because we’ve been training in the dark! But hopefully soon I’ll be able to get his progress on video to share.
6. Teach Minnow a brand-new trick skit for Pony Penning 2011. This past year Minnow performed his new “Super Pony Picnic” skit during Pony Penning. I thought it was one of his best skits to date. We’re hoping soon to put all of Minnow’s skits on DVD, just as soon as my filmmaker brother has some more availability! Perhaps this coming Summer.
7. Teach Ammo the Dachshund a skit he can perform alone. Ammo performed his new skit with his pal, Trooper at the 2011 Keystone Dachshund Races. Super Ammo vs. Super Trooper was a big hit, and I still laugh when I see Ammo in his cute little super helmet and cape.
8. Take Blitz on an outing (Dressage, Paperchase, Mounted Games, Tricks, etc). My mom really stepped up Blitz’s training this year and took him on a bunch of new adventures, like mounted shooting, cowboy events and riding on the beach. We’re both looking forward to trying even more with the boys in 2012!
9. Paint with the boys more often. To date the boys have painted over 180 paintings, and this year Minnow painted even more during outings like the Ludwigs Corner Horse Show and The Dog Days of Summer event. Hopefully the boys will get to spend lots more enjoyable time painting in 2012.
10. Read a training book (or video) and teach one skill from it. Ok, so I sorta failed on my reading list goal – but it was much more tempting to spend time with the boys on the farm just having fun.
11. Teach Boomerang flying lead changes, rollbacks, and a better sidepass. Boomerang mastered all three of these skills in a matter of 6 weeks as we were training for the Extreme Cowboy Race. He’s such an amazing pony, and so smart!
12. Read Misty of Chincoteague…again! Right before I took Minnow to visit the Renaissance School Academy I re-read Misty of Chincoteague, always the classic!
2012 Goals:
1. Teach the ponies how to Spanish Walk.
2. Begin taking steps towards writing a book. (Something that has been on my mind for a while now).
3. Introduce Boomerang to cows.
4. Take one picture a month for the ponies’ 2013 Calendar!
5. Teach Minnow a fun new “party” trick he can use at expos and fairs.
6. Take the ponies swimming at Marsh Creek more often.
7. Ride on the beach again.
8. Become more regular at posting on the blog and to our facebook page.
9. Teach the ponies how to pull/drive.
10. Build a new obstacle for the ponies to play with out on the trail.
So what about you? Any new goals to strive for this year? Anyone know where I can introduce Boomerang to cattle in the Chester County, PA area?
The Ponies Celebrate Christmas
Christmas time can get pretty hectic for me. My custom frame shop in town starts booming with Christmas orders right after Thanksgiving and most nights when I leave work in the dark I struggle to keep my eyes open as I move horses and hay bales out on the farm. The ponies start to see my comings and goings as a blur while I make promises to get back to riding and training them after the Holidays.
But, despite how busy this time of year can get I never forget my boys when Christmas rolls around.
This year I headed out to the farm first thing Christmas morning with Ammo the Dachshund and my husband in tow. Ammo brought along a special treat for all of his favorite ponies.
And he was sweet enough to taste test the first few bites.
Not only did Ammo bring the boys treats, but it looked like Santa had visited the farm too.
With Ammo supervising, Minnow set to work opening his special gift from Santa.
Boomerang had a bit more trouble grasping the concept of present opening, but luckily little Ammo is a pro at opening gifts and was more than happy to help.
All the horses received Himalayan Salt Blocks from Santa! But most importantly I think the ponies are thrilled that the Holiday rush is over, and we can get back to trick training! We’ve got lots of work to do to prepare for the Horse World Expo and it’s time to start thinking of new tricks!
Make sure you check out Ammo’s blog to see what Santa brought him.
Painting Pony to attend PA Horse World Expo
We’ve had this in the works for a while now, but we’re excited to officially announce that we will be attending the PA Horse World Expo in Harrisburg, PA from Thursday, February 23 through Sunday, February 26, 2012.
Last year Boomerang and I attended the expo to compete in the Craig Cameron Extreme Cowboy Race, in which we finished 6th in the finals! This year we aren’t competing in the Cowboy Race though, instead we will be in the main hall at booth # 607 & 608! And if that wasn’t exciting enough, Minnow will be there too, corralled at our booth and on hand to meet his fans and paint!
We will be bringing many of the ponies original works of art with us as well as Minnow’s special little sidekick Ammo the Dachshund. We’re excited to meet so many new friends and be at the spectacular Horse World Expo. As we approach the event we will have more details for you, but you can also check out expo times and other information HERE. We hope to see you in 2012!
We are currently accepting Sponsors for the PA Horse World Expo. If you are interested in purchasing a banner spot for the duration of the expo please contact us. We will also have deals for advertising on our website too.
