War Horse Trainer

Thought many of you would enjoy the meeting the trainer behind the horses of "War Horse". His name is Bill Lawrence of Ellensburg, Washington. Enjoy!

War Horse, the movie

A good friend and I ventured out yesterday afternoon for a matinee showing of "War Horse". I couldn't wait any longer, I was ready to see the movie even if it cut into my Christmas festivities. I read the book, so I knew the storyline and knew what to expect. Armed with Kleenex, popcorn, and a soda, I went in hoping I wouldn't be disappointed.It didn't take long, and I was in my pockets pulling out that Kleenex. I don't want to give any plot elements away, but anyone who has sold a horse they didn't want sold is going to cry when the horse is handed over to the British Cavalry. The beginning of the film is very "Disney"...touching, family, community, sweeping landscapes, and simple living. But as soon as the horse "Joey" leaves for France, the movie takes a different tone. It is visually stunning. Some of the shots were truly breath taking, if you can peak over your jacket you have pulled over your eyes. I wasn't that bad, but I did find myself holding my breath and gripping very tightly to my popcorn. Some scenes are going to be hard. Imagine men on horseback with swords taking on a gatling guns. It is not going to be pretty. The wonderful directing choice made by Spielberg, is that he chose to show zero blood or red. The horror of the battle sinks in without seeing any gore, just a battlefield full of horses and men.The horses in the film, beautiful. An amazing group of equine, that just made the cinematography even more stunning. Again, not giving anything away, "Joey" is like the "Forrest Gump" of the horse world. He seems to end up on these interesting adventures that eventually lead him back to where he needs to be. I really enjoyed the film, but it was emotionally exhausting. To me, that is what makes a good film. Anything that makes you feel that strongly, has done something right. I keep telling my horse friends they need to see it. To not see it, is to deny all those horses in wars throughout history their sacrifice.We left the theater checking our mascara when we got to the car, and couple big exhales, and the promise of Christmas dinner waiting for us made us feel a little better. This movie has impact, even on those who have never know love for the horse and that is invaluable. Go see it. Let me know what you think.


***Side note: There is a scene on the farm with a white "attack goose". Boy, did that bring back memories. We had one that looked just like that one. "Gandy"...he attacked everyone that showed up to the farm. He even managed to knock a few people down and was endlessly getting trampled by horses because he couldn't leave them alone. He lived about 16 years...it was like going back in time when I saw that goose come out of nowhere, chasing the man. A little bonus on Christmas day.

Horses at the Mall

I headed to the mall up in Vancouver, Washington to get some last minute Christmas shopping done. As I pull into the lot, I see tons of horse trailers. What is up? Looks like a makeshift horse show is about to take place. Then I notice they are the Clark County Sheriffs Posse. They are patrolling the parking lots on horse back, making sure people don't break into cars. How great is that?

Showers and Nursery

My stablemate friends are like family to me. Over the years, we have have all been through the ups and downs of horse ownership. Laughing, crying, progressing, sharing adventures, and crossing off things on our bucket lists...we have done it all. So it was so nice when the barn girls got together and threw a little baby shower this past weekend for the new little cowgirl that is on the way.I received the most special gifts from everyone and it was a fun night of making "cake pops" and having dinner. My mom happened to be in town from Minnesota, so she was able to be there too, which made it all the more special.I am almost done with the nursery with the help of my mom. I don't know if there are enough horses in it yet:-). I managed to find a little nursery set with a horse that looks like Maddy. I just love it. So 7 more weeks and little Arlie Fisher will be here. Counting down.

Horse 360 App

I just bought this app for $1.99. It could come in handy. Check it out.

Ground Driving

I have struggled with ground driving. I've tried it a few times and ended up with a horse that wanted to side pass all over the arena. She is "trying", but as her teacher, I fell short. I struggled with how I could help convey what I was asking. What was I doing wrong? Thanks goodness for Michael Sparling.
Michael is a Parelli clinician I met a couple years ago and have had quite a few lessons with him. He is an excellent teacher. I think he is the real deal, a wonderful "reader of the horse." Regardless of how you feel about Parelli methods, Michael goes beyond Parelli and is just an amazing student and teacher of the horse. A big "ah" moment was thinking of the horses nose as crossing the diagonal...when she did that to the inside..I left her alone. The side passing slowly went away.
I always walk away from the barn imagining I can't love this horse any more. Then she does new things that make me so proud of her and she finds ways to become even more special to me.
Can you tell I am 30 weeks pregnant in these photos? In ten weeks I will have a baby girl. One I hope loves horses as much as I do....looking forward to pony shopping.

Hitched...in more ways than one

Hitched horsehair...always wanted to learn how to do that. I crossed it off my bucket list when I went to a 3 day intensive workshop up in Kettle Falls, Washington with famous horsehair artist, Shoni Maulding. I had an amazing time, learned a lot, and starting my first browband after many successful key fobs. Speaking of hitched, I got engaged in July on a trip to Joseph, Oregon surrounded by lots of friends and horses. My boyfriend was panicking about how to do it and after many nixed plans, on our final day as we were packing, I decided to walk down and look at the herd of mares and foals down the road one last time. I told him and headed out. A few minutes later, I heard him following behind me and caught up. We walked down and looked at the foals running with their moms...I picked out a couple I wanted to take home and all of a sudden he was down on one knee. He said "I knew I could never find you happier than when you are looking at baby horses." He was right. So lots more news to report on. Just need to get my feet wet blogging again...it has been too long:-).