I don’t do well with too much time on my hands… with a few lovely days my boys are ready for more. They are on track for a x-c school given they seem bored with small SJ at home – more dressage of course – but we have it ‘please let’s go play!’

Mother Nature has given me a day to bathe and clip my guys.

Dakota thought the clip was too ticklish until I went to his chin… thought he would push me – HA we went from easy (neck and head ohhh yes) to ticklish except he was still drying so tomorrow I’ll finish. He looks so proud of his ‘do’. Carrots, carrots, carrots. Tomorrow the back half of the body.
Chille didn’t think being bald with hairy legs was going to be fun but managed with out drugs… he just had to take some tickles… not quite as smooth as his stablemate but many pats was good enough. Funny that he liked the head part too. Oh and carrots.

Love Da’ Boyz,
Jane

Elizabeth,
So I have made the very hard decision to sell Ides Pride aka “Seary”. I have placed an add on Equine.com and my local Craigslist, but have had no luck. I as many other people have run into financial hardship and my hours have been cut and I am no longer able to afford her. I need to find a home for her as soon as possible. I was hoping that you would be able to help me find a forever home. She has been out of work since October. I started working her this week and she is still as great as ever. She is the most loving sensitive horse I have ever owned. I want to find her a home that will be able to bring her to her full potential. I have attached some photos from this fall and her first horse show at GMHA H/J show. She showed in the flat classes with 19 other well seasoned horses. Anything you can do to help would be great. See Ides Pride’s pedigree. See the earlier Ides Prides Success Stories on the Bits & Bytes Farm Web site. Ides Pride is located in Vermont. Contact Kacy LaBerge at (802)373-9789 or by e-mail: ridenblue01@yahoo.com

[View with PicLens]

Stevie Loverboy and Missy Miller learn new lessons together.

I am finally sitting down to write a long overdue update about Loverboy…I say overdue because we have been so productive and had so many great moments in the last few months that I don’t know where to begin!  Due to a run of sick kids, rain, and wicked cold weather, I actually suffered through a 2 week stretch without a single day in the saddle…needless to say, it was a very big “Mom Moment” when the next time I saddled up, I was able to hop right on Loverboy without even longeing him and he was amazing!

We have also started trying to do regular weekly lessons with Alice with the goal of trying to do a horse show, and not embarrass ourselves, by the end of the year.  Loverboy seems to really enjoy the work and the variety and is responding so well. . .

[View with PicLens]

I might actually be the one impeding our progress at this point. . .(something about “old dogs” and such).  After an outstanding lesson with Alice this past week, I was actually able to repeat some of our success today on my own and it felt so good, I am still beaming!  With some luck and a lot of hard work we might actually get the hang of this whole “equitation” thing. . .

I continue to love every minute of my journey and am so thankful to you and Barry for providing such a wonderful environment for all of us “old dogs”.  Your wisdom and encouragement are endless…

Blessings,
Missy and Stevie Loverboy

Veterinarian, Rebecca Kestle, fullfills her dream of owning a horse again.

Having a horse and riding again after many years  is  a dream come true.  I was so lucky to have a wonderful horse growing up, I rode just about every day from middle school through high school.  I even was able to take my horse to college with me.  When I went to veterinary school, I gave up riding and started showing dogs.

Every five years or so I would try and get back  into riding but it just never panned out.  There was so much going on in my life, raising children, running a business, showing dogs.   A high school friend bought a horse two years ago and invited me to go riding at Bits & Bytes Farm.   I finally found a place I could go and ride, unwind after a busy day, and totally get into a better state of mind.

I rode a few horses and fell in love with Foxy (Pride of the Fox).  He has plenty of get up and go but he is the ultimate gentleman.  He has the kindest eye that just look right through you.   We have just started taking some basic dressage lessons and what a transformation he is making with just minor adjustments in my hands and seat.  We also love riding in the woods, love jumping small obstacles and we are looking forward to a hunter pace or maybe more.

I can’t thank Elizabeth and Barry enough for such a wonderful horse/friend.  Now I do have to tell you that I at first considered Foxy like a big dog because he is just so sweet.  I am having to relearn horse behavior and having a good time learning Equine Veterinary Medicine.  Life is just one HUGE lesson and I am a willing student.

Rebecca Kestle, DVM

Rebecca Kestle, DVM is a breeder of Akitas. Fern is Foxy's sister.

Today at the barn, Fern meeting Foxy and vice versa. Both got chiropractic adjustments.  Fern had a great time!!

Jenscott Akitas Scandal and Relic playing in the snow.

Rebecca Kestle, DVM is a breeder of Akitas. Jenscot Akitas in Marietta, GA has had many champion Akitas. Here are two of her dogs playing in the snow this weekend. Dr. Rebecca’s vet clinic is Centre Court Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Springs, GA (Atlanta).