Abracadabra: animal encounters

Who was that?

I was out with my mom for some early morning exercise in the back ring when I noticed someone black. She was sitting there and doing not much. It was one of the barn cats. I think she was waiting for a field mouse to appear for breakfast.

*****

There must have been someone lurking behind those bushes – maybe it was a bunny rabbit as we met one time. My ears perked up but neither I nor my mom saw anything.

*****

One evening recently there were a lot of noises as usual when all the people had left for the day. There was a rustling of shavings and munching of the last pieces of hay.

Yoshi the puppy and Molly a visiting doggie friend were settled in for the night as well. It being quite warm still outside some of the stalls were empty.

After it was dark and very quiet there was a slinking noise and a very different smell.

Who was that? Yoshi and Molly asked quite loudly as they barked.

Someone came around the corner into an empty stall. Whoever it was was not interested in making himself known and everything got quiet again.

The next morning when my mom and the barn staff came into the barn – who is that in the stall?

It was a little fox. He moved out very quickly after this without even saying goodbye.

*****

So I never know who I will meet up with next.

Perhaps the next time it will be a deer or a goat or a skunk. These are all true stories – you just have to ask my mom. Charisma her first horse met a deer. Bishop her second horse met a goat. I believe my mom met a skunk in her back yard.

Canada Day 2012 as per Abracadabra

It dawned early but I was still sleeping curled up in my stall. The shavings were nice and cozy even on a warm summer night. A somewhat cool breeze came in through the open window and barn doors.

From time to time I could hear rustlings from the nearby stalls. Now and then I heard Yoshi the German Shepherd puppy in the stall across the hallway give a soft whimper. He must have been dreaming.

Quite a bit later it was time to rouse myself and have a good morning stretch. That felt so nice.

Then I started to look around for a stray piece of hay. Did I actually leave any from last night's supper? Not much.Oh well I would have to wait and see when my breakfast appeared.

Now I could hear the other horses going through their morning stretches and even some yawns. Eventually Yoshi was doing this too.

It was not too much longer that I heard some people footsteps and some movement of the breakfast cart.

Oh goodie - oats for breakfast yet again!

Was the barn staff wearing red and white and was that a small Canadian flag tucked in the side of the breakfast cart?

Happy Canada Day my friends.

Love from Abracadabra - a thoroughly Canadian horse!!!

Abra’s winter 2011 - 2012

So what have I been up to - now that spring is around the corner?

I am so easy and relaxed that I was asked to stay in the arena with a horse friend with a leg injury. I was not going to run around and get excited - that is not my style.

However squirrels or cats in the arena are a different tale. What are they up to? My mom does not like them to be around when we are busy trotting around the arena. I hear them first - being sensitive ear wise - and then both me and my mom can see them.

It has not been too snowy or cold this winter but I have learned how to skate on the ice.

Talking about ice…my mom puts me outside with my friends when we are finished trotting around the arena. I often take a long cold drink from the tub. I do not like ice in my drink - thank you very much.

Spring is coming slowly now. My winter coat is disappearing and my mom has hair all over her clothes. Did I see her with a broom sweeping up? I expect this will continue for some time. He…he.

I am a happy and healthy horse this winter. I have not been ridden too much either. What an easy life…

Until next time - love and horsy hugs

Abracadabra

Abracadabra: a getting ready for winter adventure

Abracadabra: a getting ready for winter adventure

The weather has been quite warm this fall but I have been busy preparing my warm winter coat for some time now.

I have a regular schedule of riding activities with my mom and also in lessons. This is supposed to keep me in shape.

Quite often I get rather warm and my coat gets wet - actually I get hot and sweaty. This happens even during a brisk trot around the ring several times with my mom.

This is most undignified. I get to wear my green fleece blanket regularly. It fits quite nicely and is cozy. When it gets colder my mom brings out my bright blue wool one with the yellow trim.

A fur trim had been suggested for some time so that I did not get so hot. So the other day it all happened rather quickly.

The clippers went down my front and my front legs and around my back legs and even my tummy and both my ears. I was very relaxed and not bothered at all by all this attention. I did jump a little when a ticklish part of my tummy was reached.

The clippers moved very quickly and were not too noisy. Hair was flying in all directions and both my mom who was holding me - not a difficult job at all - and Walter using the clippers were well covered in grey hair. Did I hear someone sneeze?

So after this adventure I was ready to check out the long term forecast. Is it going to be a cold or a warm winter? I am already for anything and of course when the days start to get longer I start to shed my coat anyway.

But before that time I must get my Christmas list ready for Santa. Does he have an email address?

Love and horsy hugs - until next time

Abracadabra

Abra’s adventures at summer camp 2011

So finally the last day of summer camp has come and I can say goodbye to my new little camp friends. There were so many of them that I stopped counting after the first week.

They all treated me nicely and the assistants helping getting me ready and dressed in my saddle and bridle had nice things to say as well.

There was lots of walking and halting and some trotting as well with the kids. Being gently ridden like this is just the life for me in the hot and humid Ottawa summers.

I became very friendly with Merlin as well - the friendly staff member’s dog. He is a very nice fellow. He rests a lot and tries to keep cool underneath his furry coat.

My mom rode me often as well - sometimes in the back ring. It is nice and sandy there when not wet and muddy. There are poles to trot over and jumps to avoid. Other times she rode me in the jump field which is nice and empty and there are no jumps. I cannot figure out how people give names to places.

I often had a sponge bath after the ride. I do have a sponge with my name on it. That means it will stay where it belongs and no one else will use it.

The same cannot be said for my halter and lead shank and bridle and saddle cover. When my mom looked puzzled and was looking all over I knew that someone again had not put away my things in the right place. However they were always found again soon and in good condition.

At night I relaxed outside with my friends in the fields. There was lots of grass to eat. I have made some new friends as my former friend Fatima has left the stable for other pastures - I hope she is happy in her new home.

Early in the mornings my mom often came to the fields to bring in my friends and I. I would look at her nicely and after we got in closer to the barn someone would catch me and bring me inside for a little bit of breakfast. There are not too many oats in my feed dish these days. I am still trying to watch my waistline.

That is all for now. I need to rest up before the fall lessons start next week. Perhaps I will lie down in my stall and have a nap.

Love and horsy hugs
Abracadabra

A spring tale from Abracadabra

Spring has been a long time coming. My winter coat has been coming out for quite a few months and fur has been flying in all directions - especially over my mom when she brushes me.

Now it has been muddy for quite a while. My mom gave me a partial bath - my tail was extremely black and it is supposed to be white. I expect there will be more bathes in my immediate future.

I have been staying outside at night for a while now. Some nights are warmer than others. That means I come in during the day and I like to take a long nap - lying down of course.

My mom has ridden me outside a few times. It is nice to be able to look around and admire the view - not too much though because my mom does not like that. The arena does get boring.

I had a visitor recently - she said I was very gentle and friendly. She was very happy to meet me and of course take some pictures. I do like being admired.

Now where is that green grass - hay does get so boring.

Until next time

Love Abracadabra

Abracadabra - it has been a while

Since the end of October I have been ridden many times, ate many meals and spent many hours outside in the fields with my friends. I have also had lots of time to rest and to sleep.

I must tell you about my Christmas. Mom came by with some Christmas carrots and apples - they were both yummy of course.

Then my handsome grey stable mate - Blue Ice - gave me some stud muffins. I thanked him profusely. (I can spell!)

This year my cousin Red Serge in Vancouver sent me some beauty products. Now my mom has some “Cowboy Magic Detangler and Shine” to use. I must admit that my white mane is not always as white as it could be.

I want to tell you about my cozy winter bed. It has a very large pile of straw in it. The barn staff keep it cleaned up and fluffed up every day. It is very nice to curl up in on a cold winter night or for a quick nap.

My mom takes me on the lunge line from time to time so I can perform in circles. In the winter I have lots of energy so I have to show off with a few bucks once in a while. My mom says that I have learned some lessons and know how to halt when asked. I also like running around free in the arena - that is lots of fun and I can go really fast - yahoo!!

My mom is still impressed by how I can stand still while she moves around me to shut doors, gates, turn on lights, etc. When there is some hay on the floor I have to stop and tidy up and eat some.

My mom is not so impressed when I do not want to come in from the field. She can bribe me with goodies but it still does not work. I have a way of grabbing the goodies and disappearing before she grabs me. I can also look at her and she looks at me but that is it. When I am ready I will come in.

My last news is about my winter coat - I started to take it off some time ago. Now my mom has my grey hair all over her clothes. He..he..

Until next time

Love Abracdabra

Abracadabra: ready for winter

A friend asked my mom recently - how is the horse?

My mom said - fine. She is getting ready for winter.

How does a horse get ready for winter - the friend asked.

I am going to tell you.

*****

My winter coat has grown in quite nicely. I feel warm and cozy even on a damp cool day.

For occasions when I need to dry off some - especially after being ridden - my blue wool blanket is hanging on my stall door.

I am not eating any more than I was - I think the diet is continuing. Carrots and apples are always welcome as a snack from my mom.

My mom does not complain too much as she does up my girth. I cannot help it if I have a thick fur coat - that is the way I am.

The rings are still quite muddy. Sometimes in the morning there is some white frosty stuff around - but it is not snow yet.

With the shorter days I like to take extra naps. There is always time for this activity in my calendar.

There is a new black cat around the barn these days. I will have to get better acquainted before Halloween.

That is all for now. Where is my breakfast?

Love and hugs

Abracadabra

Abracadabra: my latest news

So what have I been doing since I last wrote on my mom’s blog?

I enjoyed summer camp. The young folks liked me a lot. It was not too difficult to trot around the rings with them. Now the little people have gone back to school and the barn is quieter - nice for having a morning or afternoon nap.

I recently gave up being outside at night. It has been very muddy recently. My mom had to make a special effort to wash my tail - it was not as white as it usually is. When it started to get cooler, I started to grow my winter coat. My mom always comments how soft it is - especially after being outside in the rain.

I have to report that my mom and Walter have put me on a diet. The girth was a little more difficult to do up. However I am managing quite well and I am not feeling too deprived.

My mom rides me early in the mornings and I get some more exercise in the lessons from time to time. The rings have been quite soggy and we have had to have our morning exercise trotting around in the indoor arena.

This lifestyle is suiting me quite well. I am well behaved almost all the time.

Until next time - love and horsy hugs

Abracadabra
　

Horses again…

Abra - someone was admiring her in the crossties. She is very pretty - they said. She thinks so too.

I sometimes put on her nice leather halter. It has Bishop’s name on it. I will not change it - a nice memento.

I was looking at Charisma’s (Cari’s) picture on my wall. I see it all the time.

It has been a long time that I have been involved with horses - 1965? I think.

On my Google home page I now have the aerial picture of Wal Ken Farms (check out that blog - http://walkenfarms.blogspot.com/ )

I recently changed my profile picture on Facebook from Bishop to Abra. Abra is also on my WW profile page. A horse friend admired her!

So Abra does get admired online and in real life!

Abra goes to summer camp

What do I have to pack? If it is a cute and quiet disposition (a big word for me) I have already have that.

I only have to walk around and not too fast - these are little people.

My mom was asked today - please keep her in after you have ridden her in the morning next week - she is needed.

I think I can manage this activity - I am so sweet and also available. I hope it will not interfere with such important activities as my naps or eating!

Let everything that has breath

I was thinking about this yesterday as I rode Abracdabra in the arena. It was raining somewhat and very muddy out in the rings.

It was so humid that my leather saddle was creaking. I thought abut Bishop who would be in major distress on a day like that because of his breathing difficulties.

What brought this to mind again was a blog entry I was reading about the link between prayer and breath.

Then I went looking for the quote.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Psalm 150:6.

Then I went looking for some music at Youtube. There was some there but not quite my style.

Abracadabra - summer is here

This is me enjoying one of my favourite activities!

*****
The grass is growing - there is lots to munch on - especially after it rains.

My feed rations have been increased - yeah! The note on my stall door says so.

I have been staying outside at night for quite a while now. Much earlier on there was a very chilly night and there was actually some snow on me when I woke up in the morning. BRRRR!!!

Most days when I am not otherwise busy being ridden by my mom or giving lessons, I step outside again for a few hours in the sunshine or whatever.

My mom continues to ride me mostly in the back ring. It is nice and sandy there and I can watch my friends in the next field. My mom does not encourage that too much.

She did take me out on the track. I liked that but the footing was just too muddy that day. Maybe another nice day we will do that again.

I keep on meeting the ducks who like the swimming conditions in the various ponds and larger puddles.

My mom is much enjoying having me - 18 months later. She says that I am very easy to get along with.

Some of the younger riders are rather fond of me too. I am so cute - one of them said on Facebook.

Until next time
Love Abracadabra

A friendly visit

Esther Bunny has not had any interesting adventures in the last while. Now she says it is time to tell you all about her latest one.

This is how Esther Bunny tells the tale (or tail).

****

It is a warm spring evening. I am to take a trip without my mom. For this I need some transportation. I sort of know where I am going.

So I whisper to the resident teddy bears - do you know how to get there?

What are you up to Esther Bunny? - asks her mom.

Esther Bunny has nothing to say so she goes on her way rather quietly as bunnies usually do. Soon after this brief encounter she hops into a teddy bear taxi. Now these taxis are quite comfortable and do not charge anything to any kind of stuffed animal - a real animal maybe.

So Esther Bunny arrives shortly at a certain address on Albion Road.

A friendly black and white cat who says her name is Oreo sends her in the right direction. With a very large hop she is sitting on a railing beside a feed bowl. She does not want to sit beside the water bowl. She is not ready for a bath or a swim at the moment - thank you very much.

Abracadabra the horse has been resting and suddenly her eyes open wider and her ears perk up.

Who are you? She asks. She has never seen anyone quite like this - what kind of animal is this?

My name is Esther Bunny.

Where did you come from and how did you get here?

I live with my mom in Gloucester.

Oh so you live with Vicki. Do hop in and we can have a chat.

I do not want to fall into the feed bowl.

How about if I put a bit of hay in the bottom and then we can talk and be at eye level.

There are no carrots in the feed bowl, says Esther. There are no carrots - agrees Abracadabra.

So Esther Bunny gets cozy.

How did you get to live with Vicki at her house?

I have lived with Vicki for 6 years now. She was sort of sad then. Her mom was sick.

She was sort of sad too when I came into her life. She was missing Bishop the horse.

Two sets of ears droop just a bit.

But our mom has a space in her heart and her life for us both, says Abracadabra. We are important like family. Esther Bunny nods her head in agreement.

This is not at all a sad conversation. There is much giggling and comparing of notes - what it is to be a stuffed bunny or a horse. Of course this takes some time.

Abracadabra is starting to look sleepy and so is Esther Bunny.

I have done lots of hopping today.

I have done lots of running around in the field with my friends. I have even trotted and cantered around in a lesson. You would think that someone wants me to keep slim and trim. Just look at my profile. I am sure that it is not such hard work to be a stuffed animal.

Vicki cuddles me, says Esther Bunny.

She gives me a hug sometimes and talks with me often, agrees Abracadabra.

*****
Now at this time of day Abracadabra likes to lie down for a while.

Esther Bunny thinks it might be nice to cuddle up beside her.

Abracdabra gently lift up Esther Bunny behind her ears.

Thank you Says Esther Bunny - being a polite bunny.

The two new friends get cozy together.

Do either snore? I will leave that to your imagination.

*****

Some time passes.

Abracadabra eventually gets up and stretches - being very careful not to step on Esther Bunny.

Esther Bunny is awakened by the straw rustling around her.

Esther Bunny says - It is starting to get light. It is time to call for a teddy bear taxi.

It will soon be my breakfast time, says Abracadabra.

Soon Vicki and Margaret Bear and Ruthie Rabbit will be looking for me.

See you again Esther Bunny.

See you again Abracadabra the horse.

They blow each other snuffly kisses. Esther Bunny gives one last wave of her ears and she is off.

****

Some time later in Gloucester, Vicki is inspecting Esther Bunny. Is that some straw or hay? Where have you been?

Esther Bunny answers - If you check your blog this morning you will see the tale (or tail). Ruthie Rabbit loaned a paw and helped me to write my little story.

Very nice says Vicki after some time.

Whatever will Esther Bunny get up to next?

THE END

　

Abracadabra - early spring ruminations

The mud is appearing.
The snow is going.
The green grass is a little ways off.

When my mom walked me out to the field the other day, I stopped. Do I have to go out there - I asked her. It is so muddy for my delicate feet. My mom persisted and I finally I got to the field. It was not so nice. It would have been muddy enough to take my shoes off but I have none to take off. I heard stories about Bishop who used to take off his shoes in the mud.

I did have another encounter with the blacksmith. He trimmed my feet quite efficiently. He made nice comments about me and told me I was a good horse.

The arena is getting boring for riding - both my mom and I agree on this. The ring looks nicer every day. I hope I will be out there soon.

My mom is starting to take off her warmer winter riding clothes. I continue to shed my winter coat.

Walter is home from his winter vacation. I waved a friendly ear at him.

That is all for now.

Love and hugs,
Abracadabra

Abracadabra - my winter activities

It has been two months since I last reported on my activities. I have not been lazing around my stall or in the fields too much.

Now winter is here in full force with some very strange weather and it keeps on changing. Quite wild weather this week alone. It was raining and then icy and then yesterday brief snowstorm and today very chilly. I am not too sure what to do with myself!! One minute I get very wet and then I was slipping around and then there was a lot of snow.

This morning with the cold I am not sure whether I want to put my nose or anything else out the door. However my mom probably has other ideas and we may go for a brisk ride around the arena.

I have started to take off my winter coat. It is something about the days getting longer again. My hair falls on the floor when my mom brushes me. I am sure there is much more to come off. I am still quite fuzzy.

The blacksmith was by the barn this week. He just smiled at my nicely. We did not have an appointment for hoof trimming. I keep my feet in good shape and as for shoes - I do not wear them at all.

I have been enjoying time spent with my mom. She says my cantering is getting much better.

In the lessons I have even done a little bit of jumping. The rails have been kept quite low as appropriate for my shorter stature. This is fun.

Until next time

Love and hugs

Abracadabra

Strange encounters of the animal kind

Charisma met a deer. I wondered why she was getting all excited when riding out one evening. The deer was in the next field. I do not know who moved faster - Charisma or the deer!


Bishop met a bunny - it just sat there in the path close to where I was riding him. They looked at each other very cautiously.


Bishop met a goat - you can read about his encounter here.
http://vickimilcahistorical.blogspot.com/2009/06/lucky-goat.html


Abracadabra met some lively squirrels who were running around in the rafters in the arena. She did not get too excited by them.


*****


Encounters with young foals is always interesting at a barn where moms and babies are not often seen. The young ones who are running around and being their usual lively selves gets anyone else interested.


This will be happening again early next spring. There is a mare in foal. When leading her out to the ring this morning the barn staff thought better of leading her through the narrow passageway - she might not have fit!

Abracadabra: my exercise routine

My mom expects lots of me when we go up to the arena together. I like the outside rings and so does my mom but they are just too muddy.

We walk slowly.
We walk faster.
We trot some.
We trot some more.
We canter with varying results.
We walk.
We trot some more.
We walk.
We do lots of circles - I can draw them much better than I used to.
We even do some figure eights.
My mom makes me change direction often.
We do lots of halts as well.

When this is all done my mom and I have both warmed up. She wraps me up in my blue winter blanket. Did I mention that I like the colour blue? I feel nice and cozy. This is when my mom feeds me some carrots or apples - either is good for me.

My mom waves me goodbye or pats me gently on my nose. I disappear into my stall for a late breakfast.

I do not go out to the field to play until later in the day. There is something about the field being too muddy.

Soon there will be snow and a visit from Santa. I have been a good girl this past year.

Love from Abracadabra　
　

Get the shot - protect the herd

“Get the shot - protect the herd” is one of the articles in the Ottawa Citizen today. It is related to getting the H1N1 flu shot.


*****

Going to the hospital can be quite an experience.

I spent a lot of time with my mom in the Hopital d’Argenteuil in Lachute. The last time I went there for myself was a long time ago at Christmas. I had gastro and I felt miserable and I could not enjoy the Christmas eating events and activities. The doctor told me to eat gently and soon I would recover. I did just that and I was fine.

I want to avoid going to the emergency department of any hospital in Ottawa. It is just too crazy an experience.

I have been quite careful about going for a flu shot in the past few years - because I was close to my mom and my doctor recommended it even though I was healthy and I still am.

I will be going for the H1N1 flu shot later on when there is not such a rush.

*****

As for Abracadabra she has various injections and is a very healthy horse. She does not complain at all as Bishop did at one time.

*****

Taking care of oneself and those who are close by - either people or animals is important.

Abracadabra: almost October

I have had a lot of fun this summer. I have enjoyed being outside at night with my girlfriends. My long time friend Fatima has sometimes been with me.

Sometimes in the morning I see my mom coming to catch me in the field. I expect she wants to ride me. I look cute and interested until she gets closer. Then I just walk away. I have other thoughts about what I want to do that day.

However either my mom or one of the barn staff manages to catch me. Oh well - this is my life. There is always time when it is quiet in the barn to have a little nap.

We girls in the field did have a couple of times of running around and getting all excited and certainly not wanting to come and be caught. One time there was a fierce tractor. I heard someone call us a not very nice name. Fall frolics is what I call it!

The leaves are not so green now and they seem to be falling off the trees. There is still some grass to eat when we are outside but hay is plentiful as well.

My mom and I have shared some longeing adventures. In the little round pen she has often let me loose. I can show her that I can walk and trot in both directions as she asks me. Being asked to stop or to canter is a different matter. I expect we will be working on these activities some more.

Being loose in the arena is fun too. My mom gets to run around a lot too. Then there is lots of room to go faster and to canter as well.

I had a little adventure recently as I was asked to jump over a little jump. I did as I was told. It was sort of fun. Maybe I will do this again soon.

I know my mom likes to trot me over poles. I do not want to trip over them so I pick up my feet nicely.

*****

That is all for now. Perhaps I can have a little nap before my mom comes to ride me again.

Love
Abracadabra