When I switched the website to non-blog site I was tired, so many things going on in my world and too much to keep up with. But you know what I found? I miss blogging, and I miss sharing our whacky world with you and from all the emails I got I can reasonably assume that many of you missed all the farm photos!

It was a year on the 18th that Dumplin’ passed, and the babies arrived a year ago on the 22nd. The monsoon rains made a party nearly impossible but we were able to get a couple of fun shots in and a little “carrot cake”

The two little horses are just getting better and better as the days go by.  We have a young Borrowed Freedom student working with Firefly, and I see many shows in their future next year. The two of them together is just magic and they look so beautiful as a team. I can already picture the show clothes…soft dove gray breeches with a charcoal coat paired with Firefly’s white and grey…gorgeous.  Firefly will also begin training to drive although we will not be start in earnest for some time, she is just two so her job is to learn to be a solid citizen first, riding and driving come second.

Rye is filing in, he is getting that stocky little mini look that I love. We had our moments at first that is for sure, most of which were all my fault. It’s hard to bring in a new horse when you have just lost one who was your world. It’s not that I had expectations of who and what Rye was supposed to be, it’s that I wasn’t ready to be who he needed me to be. He was looking for a guide and someone to love him and I was mourning for my Dumplin’. Firefly was aloof when she first arrived and took the role as Rye’s protector so working with her was easier, she didn’t demand my undivided attention and my whole heart. But Rye was different! He wanted to claim me and I just couldn’t let him…I was not ready. But moments like the one below just kept creeping in and grabbing me by the heartstrings.

This little horse has my heart and soul now, he is lovable and playful and a joy to have here. He has a wickedly devilish streak and can unlock doors, untie ropes, rearrange his stall and play basketball and soccer. And he loves a good snuggle!

There are more photos on the Borrowed Freedom Facebook page so please stop by and become a fan! There is much going on around here and so many changes as the program continues to grow. It’s nice to back and to be able to share them with you all.

Colleen

We also offer Equine Therapy and Activities for the Special Needs community in the Southern Tier. Please click here for more information.

Katie Scarlett (2000) – Saddle Mule

Miss Katie was adopted from Sunkissed Acres in GA for our daughter Ally but quickly captured all of our hearts! She is so very, very smart with elegant legs and a refined face. Katie is in training now and is coming along nicely. She will be going to Classic Sport Horses in the spring for finishing and to begin Dressage training.

Paco (1989) – Buckskin Quarter Horse

Paco was adopted from Sunkissed Acres in GA as a therapeutic mount. He was terribly unhappy at the location and suffered a Stifle injury during a Special Olympics competition, so he is here for good and we could not be happier. He is gaining his weight back steadily, his stifle is healing and he is just an absolute love. We are hopeful that he will recover fully and will be able to have riders in the spring. In the meantime, he enjoys being loved from the ground and getting spoiled with lots of treats.

Rye and Fire Fly – (2007) Miniature Horse and Pony

Rye and Fire Fly will be part of the Borrowed Freedom Equine Therapy program. Adopted from Sunkissed Acres in GA, these two young cuties will have VERY important jobs when they mature! Rye will be a visiting horse, and will be traveling around the area to meet school children and adults and to talk about how important animals with special needs can be in the community. Fire Fly will be trained for therapeutic driving and also for showmanship, children’s lead line and short stirrup riders.

Dumplin’ (1980(?) – 8/18/2009

My first horse, and he will live forever in my heart. Adopted in December of 2008 from Sunkissed Acres, this little old soul was loved and adored every minute he was here. I could not have asked for more, and am forever grateful I had the chance to love him. You can read more about Dumplin’ here

I love Sunday, it is the day I get to catch up with my family. We cook, we clean, we play…it’s not always “pretty”, but at least we get to do it together, right?!?!? Here is some snapshots from today.

Ally riding at Classic Sport Horses

Jean’s kitty at CSH. Love this little cat. Such gorgeous markings.

Todd cleaning the pasture (I told you it isn’t always pretty right?!?!?)

Katie and Todd sharing a “moment”

Paco really dislikes the camera. I think he had a talk with Dumplin’ or something. See how his face is filling in?!??! He is starting to put on some nice weight now…he’s so sweet!

Bodie aka “Bixby”

Dumplin’ having his dinner. His favorite time of the day!

Have a glorious Sunday!