Mornings with Billy

After saying good morning and giving my husband a kiss as he leaves for work...I head out to the barn each and every morning and see this adorable face looking for me. This is my pony Billy, he was born on our small farm in 1997.  It's hard for me to believe he is 15 years old and as ornery as he was the day he was born.  That reminds me that I too am 15 years older, good grief!  Some days I wonder why God sent me this pony, but I'm convinced that Billy was sent to teach me and teach me he has.  Billy has humbled me but he has also brought some of my most happy moments! He is absolutely adorable but ornery as all get out.  There are days that he can thank his lucky stars that he's so darn cute or he would have been sold down the road long ago.  

There is something so magical, so wonderful that can happen between a girl and a pony it is hard to explain. Billy has followed in the footsteps of other great ponies and horses in my life; each so special, each sent to me to teach me...  Indian War Paint, the shetland pony that taught me how to ride. Archie the quarter horse I will never forget, we learned to jump fences together and although he was just a baby (old enough to learn to jump) he took care of this young rider and might I add took care of this young girl's heart as she matured from a gawky pre-teen with pimples and braces, through the dramas of high school as I bloomed into a young woman.  Archie didn't see all those blemishes, he just simply accepted me the way I was.  Then there is "My" mare who challenged me as a rider to step up to the next level who really developed me as a proficient and good equestrian.   Oh, my goodness how I laugh when I think of the times I fell off of each one of these horses...how they taught me to sit up, to be confident, focus and to reach for my goals...no half way, half hearted attempts would do...I had to mean it and follow through and never give up! These are just a few of the very special equines that I have had the blessed privilege to know. Then one day, unexpectedly, God sent Billy.

Billy was a great surprise to our family.  I know the term rescue has gone out of vogue with some people; but Billy's Mom Beauty was a pony that we rescued.  She was so thin and her mane was in knots the day we met her. There was something so familiar about her and I could see in her big fluid eyes that there was a good pony in there no matter about the knots in her mane and sharp bones that protruded through her taunt flesh.  I could see the Beauty that God  meant her to be.  She came to our farm the very next day. You could have knocked each of us over with a feather the day the vet came to give Beauty an exam and said, "by the way did you know this pony is in foal." What?  Not what we had bargained for and to look at our thin pony girl...you would have never guessed there was a baby pony, or mule for all we knew, tucked away inside this little mare.

Billy was born on a summer's night, June 19th 1997 at the reasonable hour of 8 pm. He came out ready to take on the world.  And even though he was very tiny, in fact he looked like a 3D object because his Mama hadn't gotten the nourishment she needed throughout her pregnancy, he was absolutely beautiful and healthy!  We all breathed a sigh of relief.  We were all pleased he was an active foal and into everything. We have him on video tape his first day and what a little bronc he was. I could swear there are times where Beauty looks completely at a loss as to what to do with him. His first day out in the field with his Mama he trotted and cantered around and around her so many times I thought Beauty was going to get dizzy.  We wondered if he had somehow been wound up and would he ever run out of steam. He did eventually and then slept straight out on his side, in the middle of the field, without a care in the world.  That's our Bill.

Billy was named by my 4 year old son, Nick as was a rabbit that had been born on our farm that year.  Billy, the rabbit turned out to be a girl and her name was later changed to Jilly.   We needed larger ponies for our kids to ride and had not counted on having yet another small pony so we thought Billy would be for sale. We had one person out to see him once when he was quite young, but I just couldn't go through with the sale.  I felt Bill was worth far more than what was being offered and so he stayed. I felt I had to do something with him and that's when a friend suggested I train him to drive...and thus began my driving passion.

Billy was actually very easy to train to drive...extremely easy.  I made the normal mistakes with him, nothing huge or horrible just some of the common mistakes made with a first driving horse.  Billy took it all in his stride and was completely wonderful. Don't get me wrong, he can have his moments...and those moments have made my face red and humbled me to my core.  I have kept a journal of sorts and have written down those stories and some day I should compile them into a book...  But for now, back to the reason I started this post...

I just never tire of seeing this face each morning. We put our ponies in for the night year round because our pasture is far too rich to allow ponies to graze it 24/7, they have to come in off the field for a few hours everyday so they don't founder.  Each morning the other ponies run out of the barn to the hay I place in the field for them but not Billy.  I marvel that Billy chooses to stay with me and follow me around while I clean stalls.  He seems to enjoy checking out the stalls that have been freshly cleaned and most mornings will enjoy a roll in one of the stalls - usually Lil Miss' stall.  He stands while I scratch him in his favorite spots and then stands some more when I finish.  He truly just enjoys hanging out with me.  Lately he has been sneaking into the hay stall and enjoying the hay while I clean the barn and then when I ask him with a tap on his tail to back out he does and then heads out to the field with the rest of the herd.  Sometimes he will stand and watch me when I clean brushes or straighten up the tack area...clean and fill buckets, de-cobweb the barn.  He seems to find all the daily happenings fascinating and doesn't like to miss a thing.  He watches me as I slip in the mud or fall on the ice or struggle lifting something heavy...he takes it all in.  He listens quite intensely while I share my dreams, cry about my failures and tell him about our upcoming events or training schedule.  

Some people head to an office and speak to their co-workers or lead meetings and conferences.  Some people have their families; Mothers, sisters, cousins close by to share life.  Some have close friends that they call each day or get together, plan weekly outings or luncheons, kind of like Lucy and Ethel.  That hasn't been my story and that's okay. I know that each and every day I can count on seeing this beautiful face, looking for me and welcoming the day with me...and that's more than enough!

And so the journey continues...spring training!

Cute Gabby peeking over her stall wall and yes I said wall (it's taller than me around 6 feet something)!   She climbs her wall to peek at me each morning while I am getting her hay. A bit impatient....but oh, so cute! Don't adjust your screen or glasses the pic is a bit of a blur...but I had to take this quickly as she's up and down in a flash.  Please excuse the birdie doo...spring cleaning is on the list too - those birdies are busy in my little barn staying warm and dry throughout the winter. <sigh>

It's been a bit since I've talked about the sweet fillies...they are officially 2 years old now and we are happy to step up their training this spring.  They have become so friendly, true 'pocket ponies' following us everywhere we go when in the pasture and barn.  I don't think twice about reaching out to pet their nose or stop to cradle their head against my chest.  They've come a long way...as I knew they would.  They have good teachers both human and pony.  A wonderful team that works with my ponies in a good and kind way; farrier Jonathan Wilson, Dr. Monica our vet and great friends and friend's children/grandchildren who let them know that humans are pretty neat.  They have a good life...  Hard to believe they were ever dubbed the 'silly fillies', shy and skittish.

Here's an updated picture of Grace.  She is so sensible and laid back about life.  I love that my son, who named her, loves her too.  He'll stop and say hi to her and will talk to me about her - that's such a joy.  My prayer is that he'll take an active part in training her this spring and drive her next year.  I'm putting that hope and prayer out there, trusting God for a miracle.

Matthew and I are talking about driving these two sisters as a pair.  I think they would be cute - salt and pepper/ebony and ivory.  They look a great deal alike in structure and movement and the black and white theme could be fun...we'll see.  But for now they are right on schedule...their journey has been good.  I can't wait to see what God does through these two sweet fillies...look forward to journaling about their continued education and training.

Have a great day everyone from all of us at Wind Dance Pony Farm!

Alli visits Fredericktown Elementary School. Part 2

Alli and I visited the morning class at the Fredericktown Elementary school today.  Brand new class, a whole new group of children.  I noticed the children in the morning class are a bit younger than the children in the afternoon class.  We had a great deal of fun and Alli loved on all the kids!  We were once again well received as we walked through the hallways...such a pleasure and a privilege for me to be on the other end of Alli's lead.  She is a working dog and she does love her job.

I am using my blog as a Journal of sorts and wanted to share some sweet events of our visit today.  There was one little boy, the youngest of the group, I believe when asked his age he held up three little fingers. I couldn't help but be drawn to his delightful, if not a bit impish smile.  He seemed to have a twinkle in his eye as he smiled...you know one of those smiles that says I know I'm cute, into most everything and I love life!  Alli was drawn to him as well.  I so wish I had taken my camera as there are just those special moments where you hold your breath trying to take it all in because it's just so fantastic, so wonderful!  Everything stops in these moments...time seems to stand still as something so special transpires between a little human and a great big dog.  When we greeted this smallest of the group, he immediately put both hands up to Alli's face...embracing her long pointy nose between his tiny hands and just held it for the longest time.  Alli stood so patiently, so still and looked into his eyes so sweetly yet so intently. There was much going on between them, such a wonder to behold, just about brought tears to my eyes right then and there.  After they exchanged their thoughts...no words needed...this sweet little boy pulled Alli's head in close to his face and gave her a big kiss right on the top of her head.  Alli proceeded to wag not only her tail but her entire body...such joy that can not be contained in just a mere wagging tail.  She was enjoying the moment and I can't help but think she understood so much more of what this little guy needed from her than I could ever begin to imagine.  I have no concrete picture of this event but it is etched into my memory forever and always!  I'm hoping we'll meet again...

While the children were getting their coats on to leave for the day...Alli was interested in looking around the room.  We were given a hardy thumbs up and started our fun adventure around the room full of wonderful things to take in for human and dog.  Alli sniffed every square inch and I was interested to watch her problem solve a new scent she encountered.  Of course, I saw the snake in a little aquarium long before Alli smelled it and I wondered...what would she think of this little creature?  I was so fascinated when she finally got up close and personal with this new scent.  There was a small stool in front of the aquarium and Alli put her two front feet on it - hey, it's there and this is what your suppose to do with that stool - why not! By stepping on the stool she was up close and personal with this new exciting creature in the glass box. She sniffed and sniffed and could see the movement of this tiny red striped corn snake.  The snake looked up at Alli and came close to the glass toward her nose.  Beside the aquarium there was a basket of the snake's skin it had shed.  Alli sniffed the skin over and over again, joyously embracing this new creature, this new scent this wonderful new thing.  I so enjoyed her enjoying this new event and couldn't help but think, lucky dog.  So many dogs live in beautiful homes and have lovely back yards but so often many don't get the opportunity to explore their surroundings, their environment...the opportunity to learn new things and grow.   

Right smack in the middle of this new ecstasy Alli was pulled back into reality by her new little friend.  He was all bundled up from head to toe ready to go meet the bus.  Alli immediately left the snake and stood with her friend again.  He once again embraced Alli's nose between his bright blue mittens and gave her one last long look...kissed her nose and waved Good bye to me.  Alli followed him to the door and the teacher's assistant remarked what a special little friendship was forming...it was quite evident to everyone the rapore between tiny human and great big dog.

After our visit, Alli and I took a walk around our small town in the brisk cold air...  I couldn't help but be filled with the wonder of the day...all the great snapshots of our time with the kids in the preschool class at Fredericktown Elementary etched in my memory.  I can't help but think Alli was filled with wonder too...well done, girl...well done! 

Alli, collie followed me to school one day...

Alli and I visited Fredericktown Elementary School today and read the above book to the children in the preschool class.  I love this book for very young children as it talks about how dogs use their senses, especially their sense of smell.  At the end of the book the author then talks about how you tell when a dog is happy and about working dogs and how dogs help us in our every day lives. This book is a great tool and helps me to introduce Alli, explain what she does and how she helps people.  The kids were great today and loved Alli.  They asked wonderful questions and we had a great time from start to finish.

This was Alli's first visit to this school and I was so pleased to see her so happy to be there.  We checked into the office upon our arrival and then found our way to the classroom.  Luckily our room was in the very back of the school and we had a happy time visiting children along the way.  I always call ahead when visiting a new facility to be sure the teacher who invited us has informed the school and they are aware that a dog will be in the building.  Apparently the news had gotten around and it seemed people were expecting us as we were greeted with many smiles and lots of pats for Alli.  Alli reveled in the attention and the smiles on the kids and adults faces alike were priceless to me.  Alli's tail was going full force as well - very happy collie completely in her element!

I am also very excited to report that this school is interested in learning more about Reading Dogs and are open to the idea of Alli coming to school for students, who are struggling with their reading skills, to read to Alli. Reading education assistance dog programs are going great guns all over the country.  I'm hoping we can offer this excellent program right here in our small community, completely free of charge - all volunteer.  The benefits of this type of program are many and we have concrete statistics of children meeting and often exceeding their grade level in reading by practicing reading to the dogs.  Dogs are calming and are a non-judgmental listener - they could care less if a child stumbles over a word.  And the more you practice reading the better you do!  I dropped off my folder of information at the office for the Principal to read.  I am so hopeful that they will utilize Alli's gift - the job that she was created to do.

This program that Alli and I are offering is very near and dear to my heart.  It's a part of my story...  I was so thankful when the school's reading teacher stopped by the room to meet Alli and hear about what we could offer her.  She happened to complement me on my speaking to the children; saying that I didn't seem to be at a loss for words. I quickly shared with her that that wasn't always my story.  When I was quite young I was often described as "backward".  I think I had trouble finding my voice because I struggled to learn to read. I was the child whose stomach hurt, who missed a great many days of school, who knew she was different from the other kids, who knew she was struggling but didn't know why.  I couldn't read, I couldn't put letters together and it made everything in school more difficult.  I had to repeat 1st grade and in my 2nd year my small school finally had a "reading teacher".  I was called out of class to go to the "reading room".  I remember feeling a bit strange being called out of my class - different.  I now know that all the feelings I described above that I experienced are the typical feelings of children who are struggling to read.  I'm so thankful for my reading teacher, I still remember her -  she was wonderful.  She quickly realized what I loved and what made me come alive and would read to me and have me read small books about horses and dogs.  She spoke with my Mom and gave her great suggestions at how she could help me at home. My Mom read to me every evening before bed and made flashcards for me to practice the words that were especially difficult for me.  It's funny I still remember getting stumped with car - rots. I kept saying the words separately perfectly...my Mom smiled so big and kept saying YES, now put them together. She said my face was priceless when I finally put it together - carrots.  I did learn how to read and flourished in school from that point on.

So I am hopeful that Alli and I can help kids like me, bring them some comfort in the form of a tri-colored collie; reduce their heart rate, calm their anxiety and help them practice reading so that they too can flourish in school.   I'll let you know what happens, cross your fingers and toes for us.

Meet the Pack...Alli

And last but certainly not the least of our pack of three is our sweet Alli collie.  Alli is our registered Therapy Dog.  She is the most gentle and kind of all our dogs.  If the JR's (Ezra and Libby) bark, Alli and I will look up and then usually say, "those silly JR's"!  But, if Alli barks I know something is up. She knows what belongs here and what does not and let's me know.  The best guardian ever. 

Alli is the great great niece of our Emma collie.  I do see a few very close similarities and it's a joy and a pleasure to work with Alli. Alli is very tuned into all people. She amazes me constantly by her wisdom; watching her problem solve as we go along. One day when we were visiting a preschool event there was a little girl wielding a lollipop right in front of Alli's nose. I saw Alli look away and then at me; as if to say, "that lollipop is not mine, right?"  Good girl, Al!  She is so soft and gentle when we visit those in wheelchairs; often placing the side of her body up close to the wheel chair so that the person can pet her.  I didn't teach her this; she just figured it out. Recently, we went into a room of a lady who was visiting the facility for rehabilitation purposes.  She had not met Alli yet and after asking if we may visit she said we could come in.  The minute she saw Alli she said, "Oh dear maybe not".  Telling us that she was frightened of large dogs. It all happened so quickly that I didn't have time to reel Alli in by her lead, but was astounded when Alli turned away from her and came back to me without hesitating.  In fact, as we were talking about dogs Alli laid down by me as if to take the smallest and most unassuming position she could to allow for this lady to feel comfortable. Alli was successful, the lady loved her - pet her and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.  Well done, Alli - you did it again!

Alli is my demo dog and partner, in every sense of the word, for obedience classes.  I am amazed how she can dissipate the fearful energy of dogs in our class and invite them to participate in a good and productive way. I follow her lead when working with dogs; especially fearful, dominant and aggressive dogs.  She tells me by her body language what's going on with these dogs.  I always trust what I read from her and only proceed after I understand Alli's leading.  I've seen her completely calm a very upset, ready to bite dog by the positioning of herself and her body.  Allowing these very insecure dogs to know that she means them no harm.  Then we can really get to work; helping the human in the equation understand their dog and what they can do to help them.  These types of events happen with Alli all the time, the list goes on and on. I have always said there is a reason why they chose the breed of a collie for the show "Lassie"!  They really are very intelligent and tuned into people, especially their families and their place.  

Today I took Alli with me to my Toastmasters meeting.  My project speech for today was about Body Language.  Perfect!  I thought of incorporating Alli immediately in my speech and asked if she could attend with me.  I received a resounding yes, bring her!  Since Alli was going to help me I practiced my speech with her quite a few times.  She was a living example of that which I was sharing and talking about.  Well, during my speech, as happens when you are in front of people, I lost my way. Because I had practiced with Alli she knew the script, what to expect and when.  When I veered off course, went off script, Alli told on me.  I laughed out loud and had to confess.  Last time I practice a speech with my smarty pants collie; I'll add lib with her from now on!!!

I am thankful for that bond that formed so long ago between man and canine.  Alli truly makes my life both here on my small farm and in my work with dogs so much easier. I've said it before and I will say it again, what a privilege it is to be at the other end of Alli's lead...

Meet the Pack...Libby

Libby loves to pose for the camera as you can tell in this picture.  When I get the camera out she is the first dog by my side ready to sit, down, jump up on a chair or object, she's just ready to be a part of the process.  She seems to keep a watchful eye on me as well when she spots the camera.  She loves the camera!  She is a large dog in a small package and is all heart.  Libby, the smallest of our pack, is the leader.  I've always said it is way easier to add a new puppy into your household and train a new puppy when you have an older, wiser doggy pack leader to help.  Emma, my beloved once in a life-time collie, helped me raise Libby.  I am continually fascinated by all the many things Libby picked up from Emma, how she does some of the very same things Emma did.  I often say Libby has the spirit of Emma and I truly believe that.  

Libby may be small but she is so mighty.  She can give the other, much larger dogs a look, a stare, a certain body stance and they immediately submit to her authority.  What a picture of confidence; knowing what you want and getting the job done with the least amount of cues, useless expended energy and fuss.  I have learned so many valuable lessons from Libby and have tried to model the attributes I have learned from my smallest teacher.  First, you have to have a direction, you have to know what you want.  Next, you have to have the confidence to step out and accomplish whatever it is you want.  And most important getting what you want doesn't have to include expending copious amounts of negative energy; such as yelling and getting frustrated for instance. Simply ask in a direct and calm way.  I still look to Libby for inspiration.  I recently read that we 'teach' people how to treat us.  Wow, what a revelation and how very true.  Libby is a real life example of that for me.  I am amazed at how much respect my little lady garners from her pack members and other dogs.  All with little to no fuss or fanfare.  She believes in herself and her abilities, she asks and she gets results!  The other thing I've learned is not to run away from the camera, run towards it...those pictures will be great memories to be treasured by those who love you in years to come!

Libby was a Delta Pet Partner and has since retired.  I was amazed at the screening process involved with this great organization.  Libby passed everything with flying colors; there is no doubt she is a great doggy ambassador after passing all their very stringent tests.  Libby loves to play and do tricks.  Everyday she brings me something; if she can't find one of her toys to play tug, a sock will do.  I love that about her.  At 9 years young, she is always the first in line to play a good game!  She is my husband's agility partner and can't help but talk her way around the course.  She loves agility and spending time with him. It's apparent to everyone around her just how much fun she is having.  Another lesson learned - let people really know how much you enjoy being with them!

Libby is a creature of comfort and we often say, "Libby can take a funny turn."  She is our little lady afterall.  IF a trip is too long, she'll tell you.  If she isn't quite comfortable you know it.  If she doesn't want to do something she may say so first and then will be obedient to your requests, even if her heart isn't in it.  She is definite about what she likes and what she does not.  I love my little Jack Russell girl and enjoy seeing the world through her eyes...  I have learned a ton from this little 12 pound ball of energy and presence.  Thanks Libby!

Meet the Pack...Ezra

He's my heart! I can't say I have a favorite dog, but I can say Ezra is my heart. When Ezra arrived it was during a very unexpected event...the loss of one of our dogs.  He seemed to take on the role of comforter that day and never stopped.  

EZ (pronounced Eazy) is the best ride along dog.  He travels everywhere with me.  When my Mom was in a terrible car accident a couple years ago and I needed to leave immediately for the 7 hour trip to be with her...I didn't hesitate and took Ezra.  I knew I wouldn't be alone, would be well guarded (he may be small but he's mighty) and that he would be no trouble at all. He sat on my lap as I drove in the many tunnels that take me through the Allegheny Mountains.  Those tunnels have always made me a bit nervous...but EZ was right by my side. He stayed where I put him, walked with me when I returned home from the hospital each day, snuggled with me at night and gave me the comfort I needed in the midst of such uncertainty. Thankful to report my Mom is doing really well and all healed.  But it could have gone either way and I would have been very alone had I not had Ezra with me. 

When my husband and I went on a recent driving trip to Kentucky with ponies in tow...EZ came along.  He just fits in; no muss - no fuss.  He is a pure pleasure, he eats when you feed him, he potties when you offer him the chance. He snuggles in and sleeps whether in a tent, a truck, a stall or in a hotel room.  He stays right with me - no need for a leash. And it doesn't matter how many other dogs are around or barking at him, no matter how many ponies drive or ride by; he stays right with me. 

He's the most aware dog too.  He sees things and notices things that most dogs don't.  I sat on the couch the other day to watch the beautiful first snowflakes fall of the season.  They were huge.  And Ezra joined me...sat on the back of the couch; front row seat to enjoy this spectacular and beautiful event. He seemed to savor the moment with me enjoying watching the snowflakes. I have seen him follow unseen things with his eyes.  I've often said he sees Angels...who knows but I get that very strong feeling every time he follows movement - in the air - watching something I can not see. When my son stop competing in agility with Ezra; I picked up the challenge and handled him myself. What a hoot...what fun!  He was already well trained by my son and I just went along for the ride.  EZ quickly picked up my cues and I pretty much followed his lead. It was more fun than should be legal...not at all about the ribbons for me; but we added a couple more titles and a bunch more ribbons to his already large stash. As I sit here typing; I look over at my EZ boy.  He's sleeping on the back of the couch in the sun on this cold day.  All of a sudden his eyes meet my gaze...how did he know...so tuned in to me.  EZ is my heart!