Sprucelands Blog Updates

Today is a snow day. I've had a few minutes to update the blog yet again. With the dogs sleeping at my feet, I write away and create new connections with you and for you.

What I love is that the blog is becoming a very helpful tool for educating new camper families. You might even find it helpful as you plan your packing and travel to Sprucelands this summer.

(1) I have reworded the header so that it better defines what our blog is about.  

(2) In addition to adding the slide show and search button, I have enabled a reactions section at the bottom of each blog where you can quickly give me your reaction to what you read. If I have succeeded, then it is now easier to make a comment. Just click on comments and a new form should open to you. Try it. Let me know if it works.

(3) There is now a Quick Access section on the right panel. Currently, there are three pages there that will enable you to connect with Sprucelands information immediately.

One page explains the power of the blog search button. A second page contains quick links into the website and a third page clarifies our Sprucelands location so you don't get lost when you arrive in our local area. Over and over again, I tell families that their MapQuest and GPS will not bring them to our door. That's the way it is in the country. So check out this map because it will give you a mental picture of our location.

To return to the main page of the blog, simply click 'home'.

(4) Remember to become a follower of the Sprucelands blog. Scroll down and you will see the follower listing. I would love to make our Sprucelands fan club a big presence on the internet. So join! Let's have some fun! I'll make sure those who are on facebook get this information.

As a footnote, let me know if you would like to see any particular pages added to the Quick Access area. I'm happy to make life easier for you. That way we will connect easier. You know how I always say that life is all about connections.

Comments are welcome always. I'm especially excited to hear what you think about the changes.

Sprucelands New Blog Features

I am so excited. This blog post is history in the making because it means our Sprucelands Blog is an even better tool for you and me! Take a look! With you in mind, I've added new features.

1. You can now do a search. Try it. Enter '2010'. You are now linked to every posting from or about 2010. What fun!

You will also discover additional tabs. They take you to links that I have entered from the website and also to my photography.

This makes life so much easier for all of us, especially those of you who are looking to learn quickly about Sprucelands. Discover our forms, get an overview of camp, and more. Over time, I'll expand those links so you have quick access to anything and everything.

In fact, if you have information that you want accessible through the blog, contact me in the comments below, across email or through a phone call. I will do my best to accommodate you.

2. There is also a Virtual Visit to Sprucelands through photographs. After much ado, I figured out how to upload a slide show. Hopefully, it will load easily for you. This enables new campers and interested families to see what we look like in all seasons. It also means old campers can take a nostalgic look around for memory's sake.

Best of all, you can click on the photos and the slideshow becomes larger. Many of the photos have comments that explain where you are in camp. Enjoy the visit and remember to ask for photos of other areas in camp that interest you.

3. Now as you look to your right you will see where you can become a follower of this blog. I encourage you to sign in here. Then you'll be aware when new posts are made. Besides, we love knowing who is interested in keeping up with Sprucelands. It's like Sprucelands will have her own fan club!

I've been working away at these new features for a while now and have more possibilities up my sleeve. It takes time to put them all together however in a way that really works. My goal is to make our blog and website both user friendly and like partners work together. It's all about teamwork at Sprucelands...even on the computer.

So use this as a tool to show your friends about Sprucelands. Remember: if everyone recruits one camper, we will celebrate Sprucelands 75th year with lots of enthusiasm and fun.

Comments? Leave one if only to cheer me on in my blog adventure. Let me know if things are working well for you. Should there be problems, I need to know. Thanks.

Sprucelands Challenges You

Sometimes I take a photo that I want to share, and I want to ask what you think about when you see it. That would make a short blog, I know. Maybe I'll risk that. Here are two photos for you to ponder.

The first is a picture of the handle on the tack room door in the main barn. That handle has been there for 31 years, opening and closing for riders before and after lessons. It has become smooth with use and yet continues to serve us all.

The second photo is a picture of a bridle hanging on the wall in the grain/tack room. It's just one of those barn pictures that brings us thoughts of camp. Perhaps it brings you different thoughts than I might have.

So take a look of these photos. Do they remind you of anything in particular? Are they symbols for some character trait? Where do these pictures take you? Let me know what you think.

For me, I love thinking how many riders have taken their tack from behind the tack room door and saddled their horses in hopes that their lesson will go well. Then after the lesson, they lug everything back again, smiling because the ride was positively wonderful or crying because they did not connect well with their horse that day. Afterwards, the door is pulled shut. The rider returns to his or her busy life and the door handle secures saddles and bridles till the next lesson.

So it is that this particular door latch has participated in the learning process, the hopes and dreams, the accomplishments and struggles of so many riders. When I think about how many of us have connected with this one door handle, it is mindboggling.

What do you think when you ponder this photo?

This bridle hangs in the middle tack room. Day after day it witnesses the feeding process as we dish and distribute grain to the horses. It watches horses walk through the grain room as they move out to the back paddock and then come back into their stalls. It hangs there and waits, and waits, and waits until it is needed for a lesson.

I guess this is a symbol to me of how quiet and still camp becomes over the winter. Until clinics begin, lessons pick up, and you campers step foot back into the barn, bridles stand or rather hang ready for your hands to grab them and put them to work. They may be a bit dusty at first but it doesn't take much to nurture them into action.

Spring is around the corner. I received another camper application in the mail yesterday. The birds are singing differently. One of my Hill Parents saw a flock of robins last week. Hurray! Before you know it, the geese will return for a time to the lake.

So I challenge you with these two photos. Let me know where they take you in your thoughts and memories. I can hardly wait to hear what you share. Write me in comments below or send me an email. I'm happy to accept either.

Sprucelands Goes Full Circle

Yesterday I was at the barn for nine hours straight. Because we had a heat wave and temperatures were up to 30 degrees, it was a fairly pleasant day.

Of course, some people ask what I do for that long at the barn, especially in the off season. For me the answer is straight forward and simple: I have chores to do and I think while I work. Natural sounds feed my thoughts as I plug along with serving meals to the critters and doing stalls.

Heavy duty thinking is what I can't do at the house because that's where I feed machines. I do the wash, fill the dishwasher, vacuum, write on the computer, cook meals, and talk on the telephone. There's mechanical noise everywhere and that's different from the barn. At the barn, I can mull over my important thoughts and feelings while the birds sing about hope for spring. I get a fresh, earthy perspective and ready myself for how the coming week will confront me. My barn time gets me back to the basics. It's where I think about what is really important.

Tsz, Hayley and Katherine came for lessons. Their visits were pleasant because together we worked with the horses. I had a chance to check in with the girls on how school is going, how their horse felt under them, and whether or not the ride was all they wanted it to be. They are becoming such solid riders. It's fun to watch them progress and enjoy being here.

Besides, I love teaching. I love the partnership I see between horse and rider as they revisit a world where connection is important. And when my riders bid me farewell for another week, I return to my thoughts, hoping that their time with a horse recharged them.

When I think about the number of campers who have moved through our program, I wish there was a way for all those previous campers to help with marketing. Word of mouth is the best advertizing. If every camper recruited one friend or family member, just think about how many people we would reach. It sure would make my job easier in the off season.

Like many moms and dads and business owners today, I mull over the stresses created by our national and world economy. I have to admit I spend much time wondering about the future. I realize these times are a test for all of us in the larger Sprucelands family. I pray everyday that the realities 'out there' will not be too much burden for our program to survive.

My thoughts take me to all the learning, laughter and friendships over meals in the lodge, on trail rides, during bridge/lawn time, and in riding lessons. I remember horses and people, our history on this land, the stories we like to tell, and the dreams we like dream. I so want this place to continue as a beacon in the night, reassuring us that our camp roots will continue to give us the anchor we need.

In the middle of my quiet thinking and chores yesterday, I had a visit from an old friend, Kevin Cuddeback. He brought his wife and children to see Sprucelands. I wish I had taken their picture.

Kevin and his brother Keith were my very first campers ever. When their camp applications arrived in the mail 31 years ago, I could have walked on air. I wanted to frame those applications the way a store owner likes to frame the first dollar bill earned in their business.

The timing of Kevin's visit was amazing. For me, it was inspirational. I realized for a moment how my life had suddenly come full circle because standing in the aisle of the barn was the adult Kevin and his family. My first camper. What more could I want? He talked about his business, reminisced briefly about old times, and seemed reassured that I was still here keeping up with the horses. What Kevin doesn't know is how yesterday he became my beacon: a symbol of hope and reassurance for Sprucelands past, present and future.

Life goes on. Today I return to the barn for more chores and thought. The snow will fall off the barn roof, cats will play tag in the hay, Pudge and Lily will wrestle with each other, and the sparrows will hold a conference in the green stalls while I send you positive vibes about signing up for camp this summer. Just like with Kevin, I will be ecstatic when your camp application arrives because reality is, that's when another wonderful circle begins.

Comments? I hope so. I love when you share your thoughts.

Sprucelands Stories Continue

I have been asked to write about the bottom of the mares pecking order. There are two groups to address. One consists of Patti the chestnut and Dancer the bay; the other is Thunder, Ellie and Sugar. They're the girls who bunk in the indoor arena stalls.

When we turn the main barn mares out in the back paddock, Dancer and Patti usually go into the chute because they get picked on in the paddock. If I don't put them in the chute, Madge in particular has a great time chasing them away from the feed ring. So then they stand alone and lonely waiting all day long to get their turn at the buffet. It makes sense to separate them.

The interesting phenomenon is that when you pull out the bottom of the order, then one horse seems to suddenly become the boss. It's like an 'aha' moment when one mare says, "He he he, now I have my turn at being the queen and you'll do what I say!" So it is that Patti is the boss of Dancer. Interesting. Sometimes she won't let Dancer eat. Dynamics are amazing.

When Patti is in 'a mood', I pull her from the chute and put her in Ring #2 with the other mares that in the big picture are also bottom of the order. That would be Thunder, Patti, and Sugar. As I lead Patti over to Ring #2, telling her she was not very polite to Dancer, she stomps her foot and sighs, "Oh darn," she says, "I hate this! I'll be good. Please let me go back with Dancer."

You see in Ring #2, Sugar is the boss. You can see her perking up her head when Patti enters the ring. Sugar stands for no shennanigans from anyone. "Do it my way," she says, "or you're out of here." Patti trots over to hide behind Thunder - the bay - and suddenly all is right with the world because Thunder is somehow the grand protector, the good angel, the wordly wonder in the larger scheme of herd dynamics.

Thunder is an important mare because she is a mustang. She came from the wild, lived with the gangs on the streets so to speak, and knows how to stand up for what she thinks is right. She will defend any horse and make a statement about her principals like no other horse in the barn. Even Sugar who thinks she is the boss really isn't because when Thunder is not around, Sugar is a whimp. She spends her time running frantically around the arena screaming for Thunder who possesses a unique protective power.

Ellie is the other mare in Ring #2. She is the princess who wears high heels all the time and flaunts her new red nail polish. Attached to Thunder at the hip since last summer when she first arrived here, Ellie tiptoes around the arena fully dependent on what Thunder says and does. She hasn't learned to think for herself yet. Not sure when that will happen.

Now when Dancer, Patti, Thunder, Ellie and Sugar go with the whole herd of mares to the pasture, they are best friends. That makes me laugh. They stand together, wait to eat together, look at the scenery, talk about how the Sprucelands Olympics are progressing and sing camp songs until there's a place or a moment when they can sneak into the round bale and snatch lunch. Lorie has started putting round bales near the entrance to Ring #2 so the bottom of the pecking order has their own dining area. Ellie requested red tablecloths believe it or not but I told her they were backordered and she'll just have to wait.

One little story about Thunder - if you have a moment to stand by the fence and chat - is how she took the gold in a past Winter Olympics for cross country in the moonlight. She took a group of eight mares down the railroad tracks behind camp. That was years ago. We found snowmobilers to help in our search and finally discovered them in a cow pasture after their long trek. I'm certain their journey was charged by their thrill of adventure but also by Thunder's desire to get a taste of the wild.

It took me nearly three hours to walk the girls back to the barn. I managed to get ahold of Thunder and then the others followed. I remember Glory and Cutie were part of that escapade. The hardest part was walking from the railroad tracks back into camp. I had to come across the back pasture where the dressage arena is and the snow was up to my chest. The horses and I took one step at a time, breathing hard, and praying we would make it into camp without first having a heart attack.

So the bottom of the pecking order has their own stories to tell. There are many more, but this post will be very long if I continue. One thing for sure, the 'cross country at midnight' event has been terminated in the Sprucelands Winter Olympics. It's just too physically challenging and besides I think Thunder had her fill of exploring unchartered territory. The rest of the mares decided they much prefer the warm campfires back here at the barn. Cross country on the railroad tracks somehow didn't cut it because they all came in last.

Comments about this post are welcome. Maybe you remember Glory and Cutie?

Sprucelands Winter Games to Surprise You

The Olympic games continue at Sprucelands. This morning the horses initiated the qualifying trials for an event called "Let's hide from the barn manager". Lightning and Audi actually made it in the top 10, but Casper and Mikey are good for the gold if they keep up their strategy of running down the camp road and into girl's village.

Scribbles continues to train for another event entitled "Strongest Jaw-thalon". Now I know that doesn't make much sense, but then there are many surprises in the Sprucelands Olympic Winter games. Scribbles is the only horse at the moment who can carry an entire bale of hay from one end of the back aisle to the other. Poco is doing her best to compete and so is Fella, but so far Scribbles may be the #1 contestant.

Now I know there are other events in the Olympics. Here in Java Center we have a winter riding competition that tests every rider's skills. It also challenges the horse's stamina as they walk, trot and canter in the snow. Kokomo and Honey had quite a workout on Monday.

Here are the guidelines for all those arm-chair judges on the sidelines (and of course some of those judges are horses). Can the rider and horse keep their feet under them in the snow? Will they find the one patch of ice that we hid there to offer the element of surprise and trip them up? Can the rider look where she is going and get the horse to look in the same direction?

Rosalie and her mom stopped by from Boston, Massachusetts. They were visiting relatives in Geneseo. So a lesson made sense and they decided to jump into the Sprucelands Winter Olympics. The horses cheered. We took pictures. They even managed a trail ride which could place right up there with cross-country skiing. You just have to use your imagination. Our Olympics is expanding by the minute.

Then we gave the horses practice as an audience and challenged them to support a snow sport that combines the luge with downhill skiing. First of course, we had to get their attention. That works when you climb on a hill with a big, plastic black sled that resembles a spiderman bat. Suddenly the horses are fixated on whatever is about to happen.

Best part of this event is that the participant has a choice - and you know how I love choices! It means you can design your own program. You can sit or lay down on your spiderman sled and enter the luge scene; or you can stand up to water-ski the snow and qualify in downhill men's whatever. You really have to carry the risk gene in order to capture the gold.

Lorie's son Jason was the star - and only - entrant. He got the horses attention enough that a bunch of them gathered. Then Jason went for more than a dozen best runs. He actually made it all the way to the round riding arena and the horses stood their ground, nodding their support. Marea was especially proud of Jason's performance, and we were happy that Jason could keep the horse's attention for so long.

So the games continue. I'm sure there will be more surprises this week, especially if Lightning, Audi, Casper and Mikey manage a longer run like to the lake. Then we'll get them in on a cross-country event, perhaps teach them how to wear snowshoes or shoot a bullseye. Imagine. They would be quite the stars if they could pull that together.

Meanwhile, thanks to Monday's participants. It was awesome that you could join us Rosalie and Janet. We had another team of riders - Tricia and Rachel - who came to work out in the morning, but they were unable to stay long enough to view the afternoon games.

As a footnote: I include this lovely photo of you Rosalie and hope you'll keep it as a memory of your victory lap in ring #1. I'm happy you were able to keep your feet under you in the snow and hope your trip home was safer than driving down our camp road. See you in the summer. That's just around the corner, isn't it?

Your comments catch my eye. Hope you'll leave one today about this silly post.

Sprucelands Olympic Games

Friday night the Winter Olympics opened in Vancouver, Canada. I'm sure many of you watched the opening ceremony. It was special to see the color and dancing as representatives of countries worldwide were introduced. What an experience it must be to participate.

Well, since it was a Friday night, the horses of course got into celebrating. Seems to be a tradition of sorts although they've been pretty good about staying in their own stalls for the past month or so. Not true last Friday night. I think they vicariously knew it was the Olympics, and so they celebrated until dawn.

This time I caught three of them. When I opened the sliding front door on the main barn, Patti and Kokomo were in the front aisle. They gave me the infamous horse-in-the-headlight-look. "Uh oh! We're caught!" said Patti. "Guess we lost track of time."

Boomer gave me his victorious glance over the shoulder. He was in the grain room where he was wolfing down finger sandwiches and potato chips. What a mess! You wouldn't want to see a photo! There were saddles, bridles, and manure everywhere. Even crops and lunge whips were strewn across the floor.

Apparently, Boomer opened his own door as well as Patti's and Kokomo's and during the party, the door to the grain room got bumped shut. Boomer - relishing in his solitude - opened one bag of soy and got into another of grain aka finger sandwiches and potato chips. Worried he would have a royal stomach ache, I told him no more party treats until Monday and kept a close eye. So far he seems okay. Cross your fingers.

Meanwhile, the horses have started their own version of the Olympics. In fact, come to think of it, I believe they have been training all year. Lightning, Boomer, Buddy and Kokomo have prepared for an event called 'Stall Wall Removal'. They can dismantle their stalls completely in 10 minutes tops. However, Folly, Bugler and Bonnie want to compete in that event too. Only problem with them is they've only figured out how to remove one board at a time.

Poco and Scribbles are working on 'Pass the Bucket' which means they work really hard at wedging Scribbles feed bucket under the stall wall. Only problem this weekend was it got pretty stuck. So they don't have the technique down yet. Marea and Dancer tried the same trick with Dancer's 5 gallon water bucket. They must have tossed it over the wall because it was in Marea's stall the next morning. Maybe they will get a gold in that event.

Fella and Boomer are neck and neck in a competition for seeing who can fill their feed bucket with the most manure. Sunrise and Romeo are trying out for who can tip their winter water bucket over the fastest. Audi and Folly are competing with Scribbles to see who can make the messiest stall in one 12 hour period. Casper has challenged any horse in the barn to see who can escape from a stall or a ring the quickest; and the entire back aisle is in a competition with the front aisle to see which team can be the pickiest eaters and throw the most hay over their stall door in the night.

Meanwhile, life goes on at the barn. I clean up after the weekend partying and wonder what I will find Monday morning. This is after all a long weekend for us.

Dylan and Daley were here Saturday afternoon to work with me and the Saturday Club - Katie, Alycia and Yvonne - on righting the barn again after Friday's spectacle. Of course, Dylan was not so secretly cheering for the Sprucelands horses to win their respective events. He thought Mikey should race Honey or challenge her to a jump off.

For now, everyone is all innocence as they nonchalantly take their meals and make plans for new winter games. I must warn Lorie though. This could be a long week because I know Madge is organizing creative Olympic events. I hear the horses whispering when I walk by. I just can't make out what they're telling each other. I will keep you posted if there are any new developments. Long live the Winter Olympics!

Leave any comments pertaining to this post. Always love to know what you're thinking.

Bottom of the Pecking Order

Writing about our horses has been a bit entertaining for me. I get a chance to put myself in their shoes. I guess you would call that empathy, and then I put my own spin on how things could be, might be or would be if these guys were human.

The horses make me laugh some days. Fact is, there are times when it gets pretty boring and mundane at the barn: feeding, watering, cleaning stalls, feeding, watering, going to bed, and then the next day doing it all again in the slippery sliding, freezing cold temperatures. Just ask Lorie. To keep our sanity, we have to rely on an 'out there' sense of humor. Otherwise, we go bonkers in the winter months.

I haven't said too much about Fella's group although you had an opportunity to see Audi and Harry in an earlier post. So today let's chat a bit about the men and boys in the bottom of the pecking order.

When I refer to groups, for the benefit of new people, we separate our horses. Geldings are in one group, mares in another. When they go to the pasture, all the geldings go together. When the girls take their turn in the pasture, then the geldings from the main barn (Boomer's/Bugler's group) stay in the back paddock and the guys from the green stalls barn (Fella's group) go to ring #2.

Fella's group is most definitely the bottom half of the pecking order. The horses in that group are Fella, Harry, Audi, Casper and Mikey. So the stage is set, and I have to tell you that the best part about separating the guys is that Fella gets to be top dog, excuse me, top horse for a little while. He gives the others a mean eye, looks like he's going to give them heck, and then claims his section of the round bale which of course is totally spread all over the ground.

Harry and Audi are pretty respectful of Fella. They move. Plain and simple they move when he puts his ears back 'cause they know he means business. Casper and Mikey on the other hand are silly ponies and they like to take exception to what Fella says. I often hear Casper saying, "Hey big guy, you're not going to boss me around", but then Fella gives him the evil eye and Casper says nothing more. In fact I think he starts to sing camp songs under his breath.

Casper is more apt to go after Audi and Harry. I guess Casper doesn't like red heads. That's about all I can say. He backs right up to them and kicks like a donkey with a bee under his halter. Harry and Audi generally scoot out of his aim, looking at Casper with an exasperated smirk and then muttering to Fella, "This little pipsqueak is so annoying." Fella's answer, "He's just assertin' himself. Goes along with being little you know."

Mikey is Casper's co-conspirator, except Mikey usually plays by the rules. Given a choice he stays inside the ring when Casper will do about anything in his power to escape.

While Mikey is very capable of defending himself, I've noticed that he mostly kicks at Casper and not so much the other big guys. Mikey has settled into an easy friendship with Audi, Harry and Fella. When Casper has a day where he gets into everybody's space, then Mikey puffs up his feathers and gives them an aside, "Hang in there guys. I'll take care of Casper." Fact is, Casper generally wins and Mikey mutters, "Well, I tried."

When Fellas bunch joins the top of the pecking order in the pasture, they all bow to their superiors like hens in the barnyard and let them have their way.

Often I'll see Fella's group entertaining themselves with a game of chess while Boomer's bunch talks about the New York Times crossword puzzle over their scrambled eggs and bacon. Then when Boomer's group moves out to exercise in the pasture gymnasium, Fella's group dives into what's left of breakfast. They hardly talk. They inhale what they can before the guys who are working out return for lunch.

Every once in a while there's an explosion. Usually it's Casper trying his little guy stuff with one or two of the big guys. It's funny because they look down at Casper who is behaving like a young rooster and then tactfully give Casper the data that he'd better watch out or he'll be breakfast tomorrow morning.

I hope you've enjoyed hearing a bit about our horses. It's always fun to give you a different perspective. Fella would be interested in hearing you put a spin on your experience with Sprucelands horses. He says that if you write something creative, I need to put it into the blog. So see what you can do. I'd love to share your writing with the world.

Leave your comments below. The horses and I love hearing from you. We get lonely here in the wintertime. So spice up the day and write away.

A Mare's Perspective

Working with mares is another story. They create much more drama than the geldings. Anyone who knows horses well will most likely agree. Mares are the opposite side of the coin.

All Sprucelands feeders know drama begins as you walk into the barn for morning feeding. I can make that statement because we have an appaloosa horse named Madge who squeals and throws herself against the wall of her stall or kicks the boards for reasons unknown.

She either believes she is the spokeswoman for the entire group of mares who want their meal served up immediately or she has on her 'cranky pants' and is just not a morning person. Quite honestly, I think she is a frustrated woman wearing horse garb who wants her coffee!

Then there's Bonnie who stretches up over the stall wall to make sure Sunrise is there. Sunrise of course paws the ground incessantly because she wants to get the breakfast show on the road. Folly paces in circles biting her fingernails as she listens for anything 'out there' that might scare her; and Marea stands tippy toe on the frontmost plank of her stall so she can see absolutely, positively everything that's going on in the aisle.

Once the grain bag is open and feeding is underway, Madge escalates her squealing and banging. Once upon a time she must have been a spoiled little girl because she is irate she doesn't get fed first. "How can you feed those men first," she screams. "We ladies have a social schedule to keep. Get me my coffee!"

Scribbles and Poco have stalls on the backside of Madge. They seem fairly quiet although I can tell from their low whinnies that I need to stop dawdling because they're about to pommel Madge or at least get even with her once they're out in the pasture.

Once breakfast is served in the main barn, I trudge over to the green stalls for sweet rolls and juice with the geldings. They're creating their own conversation about Madge. Fella and Harry are fit to be tied with her shennanigans. The general feeling is that she jolly well needs to get a grip and deal.

Next I pop into the indoor arena where Sugar, Thunder and Ellie are drooling wildly as they await their coffee cake and tea. They have their own private drama whereas Sugar and Ellie have panic attacks when Thunder is not with them. It is pretty obvious that while Thunder doesn't mind the attention she gets from them, she loves the privacy of her own stall and revels in relief from having these two act as if they are all attached at the hip.

Well, so feeding is done. Next step in the process is to move these ladies into the pasture or the back paddock, depending on the day. And if I break the routine and change things up a bit or separate a few of them, you should hear the stewing that goes on. "That's not how you do it!" they mutter. "I want to be with Honey," shouts Bonnie. "Forget about Honey," fusses Poco. "Get Madge out of here!"

So it goes through the day. At some point, the ladies sewing circle settles down to do their cross-stitch and munch on the buffet in front of them. They like beverages served up between 11-12 noon and if that doesn't happen, then they stand at the gate and rattle it incessantly until I notice that they want tea instead of coffee or root beer floats instead of lemonade with sugar.

Marea likes to rub up against the round bale in the middle of ring #3. She has chosen to do that of late instead of rolling in the snow. Guess its more like a back scratcher from Bed, Bath and Beyond than the more natural feel of the cold ground. In the process, she tips over the round bale and then the entire group laughs out loud because they can unravel the round bale, roll in their lush food and then stand up, stretch and sigh a victory sigh. "Ladies. That was better than the hot tub!" exclaims Bonnie. Only thing is their resulting hay-filled hairdos would win a prize for disgusting in any beauty school. They don't care. Not one bit...pardon the pun.

At the end of the day, it's feeding time again. That's when more drama than you can imagine gets to knocking around on the other side of the gate. Sunrise is now first. Bonnie bows to Sunrise's spots and works very hard at keeping the others at bay so she can at least be second. Madge, Folly, Scribbles, and Honey stand by tapping their feet and giving me the cold stare that says, "Get a move on sweetheart. I've had my fill of all this gossiping out here."

Eventually everyone trots to their own stall, flaunting their wares in front of the geldings and making a production out of who can be the first into the barn. Once they're in and supper is served - steak and potatoes tonight - it's time to call it a day.

That's when I hear Madge. She wants more to drink, preferably red wine, but that's not on the menu. Naturally she sighs and tells me to just leave with the words, "Us girls need our beauty sleep, you know." So I gather up odds and ends of baling twine, grab a halter out of the brushes basket, turn off the lights, shut down the generator, and retreat to my own stall until tomorrow morning when it all begins again.

Comments about our feeding fun and the Sprucelands mares? Leave them right here. Besides, like always, I love knowing you've stopped by.

Sprucelands Herd Dynamics

There has been a kind of revolt at the barn or maybe it's a passing of the guard. Perhaps what is happening is a political struggle. I'm not sure. The dynamics are changing. Something is different. Our dear friend Boomer - the big, chestnut quarterhorse/belgian mix - is no longer top of the pecking order amongst the geldings.

Can you believe it? I've been watching the men-and-boys group of 17 horses very carefully. I seldom see them kicking each other. There doesn't seem to be fighting within the ranks, maybe a little pushing and shoving in play, but not honest to goodness fighting. I've heard no shouts or disagreements that worry me. However, when it's time to line up at the gate, Boomer and Lucky stand back and wait for Bugler to lead the way.

There's no discussion. Bugler is first at the gate. His stomach tells him what time it is. Bugler focuses on dinner, looks toward the barn and waits for us to make overtures that feeding time is here and now. When the gate is open, Bugler scrambles toward dinner. Boomer follows, then Lucky. Because they all know where their stalls are, they walk or trot on their own and we follow to shut them in for the night.

Speaking of. You know how we have to double latch Boomer's door. Well, interestingly enough, we have to double latch Bugler's door. Only thing I know for sure is that Boomer knows how to open all other doors in the barn. I don't know that about Bugler. I don't want to find out either. We are very careful about making sure that latch is in place.

I spent a little time on Sunday observing the guys. They had their turn in the back paddock. Boomer and I had a little talk because Boomer and Bugler seemed to be at both ends of the feeding ring, keeping a respectful distance. Boomer didn't have a lot to say except he wants everyone to know that he is still definitely the bigger presence in the paddock. There is no debating that reality.

Boomer also knows that Bugler just came into camp last summer and back then Bugler was a mama's boy. At the same time, Bugler kept bragging that he was a true black and consequently more beautiful than any of the other guys. Boomer decided something needed to be done about that, and quick.

Boomer says he could tell Bugler had the potential to be a good leader in the herd. So Boomer and the rest of the men decided to educate Bugler about the ropes and routines behind feedings, lessons, and friends. Bugler has learned well. Now the geldings are backing off, giving Bugler opportunities to be a good leader and Bugler is stepping up to the gate and doing okay.

Boomer says Bugler is still much more focused on food than he is on being an actual leader. Boomer is proud that Bugler has gained so much weight. Bugler looks much rounder than he did in the summer. From what Boomer is telling me, it was necessary for the herd to support Bugler so that Bugler would relax and settle in. "All us guys really like Bugler," says Boomer, "but he wasn't looking like a Sprucelands horse. He was too thin."

So the geldings have taken Bugler under their wing so to speak. Gradually Bugler has become less anxious and more independent. He is rounder, happier, and one of them. "If he wants to stand at the gate," says Boomer, "I'm okay with that. We're not in so much of a hurry to eat as he is. Besides, every leader needs support. We're teachers to Bugler and most important he seems to be gettin' the message that he's got to be a teacher too, you know, a safe ride for our riders."

Well, after having that extended conversation with Boomer on a cold afternoon in the sun, I have a different perspective. It sounds in some ways like Bugler and Boomer are sharing the herd. Boomer is wiser and knows how to motivate the geldings. Bugler may be more intense about getting his dinner right now. In time, he may also learn how to negotiate life with his buddies and enjoy just being one of the guys.

Share your comments about Boomer and Bugler. Maybe you have some information that would shed even more light on this change in the herd.

Sprucelands Wintertime Horses

Many of you have asked what it is like at the barn in the wintertime. I've showed you photos of snow in the parking lot. This year except for one big storm, the snows have been mild. I know I hear about snow in Arizona, Texas, Virginia and Maryland. You are all taking your turn, and of course, now that I've said that, we will probably get clobbered next week!

Anyway, I thought I'd include a couple of blog posts this week about horses. That way you can see a few pictures that show their winter fuzziness. They look some different from summertime when they are sleek and shiny and smooth to the touch. I will say the upside of snow is that the horses treat themselves to the quick roll-in-the-snow-cleansing-spa each day. That basically keeps them clean and neat. And then on really cold days, the hair on their coat bristles in a way that only makes them look fuzzier and more huggable. I love it.

Our horses have been handling quite a bit of cold this winter. Saturday it was windy and between 10 and 18 degrees farenheit most of the day. Sunday it was 5 degrees F when I went to the barn and crept slowly to about 20, but that 20 degrees didn't happen until almost 4:00 p.m. I don't think I've actually felt colder in a long time. The riders who took lessons Saturday and Sunday were very brave to manage those freezing temps, and the horses they rode were heroes. That would be Fella, Kokomo and Bugler.

You can see above that Audi and Harry continue to hang together. They are generally turned out in ring #2 with a group of horses that include Fella, Casper and Mikey unless they go to the pasture.

The pasture of course is all about socializing with friends. They catch up on each other's news, talk about the weather, chew the fat, catch a roll in the snow, pull off each other's halters and rub each other's backs. We put round bales of hay out there for them to eat. This weekend they were funny because they rubbed against their round bale, flipped the bale right over and looked at each other like it was a big joke.

Kokomo is another of our fuzzy guys. He did two lessons this weekend, one with Lia and another with Tsz. I actually think Kokomo thrives on his connection with you kids. He carries himself so proudly and gets all kinds of tender loving care. Then he humbly tells all the guys in the paddock about what fun he had. I really like Kokomo. He is such a pretty paint and dependable besides. I think those of you who ride him know what a gem we have in Kokomo.

Well, after a very busy weekend of lessons, stalls and feeding in the cold, it was time to call it a day and prepare for the Super Bowl. Harry was eager to get in for feeding. You can see him walking to the gate or if you want to pretend you are here on a very cold winter day, then he is coming over to see you and get a little of your attention. Harry is really looking good these days. I like to call him Handsome Harry.

Anytime you want to come help with barn chores or get a lesson, just let me know. You can be part of our Saturday Club that occasionally pops in for their fix with the horses. Remember the horses are here for you to enjoy even in the off season. Lorie and I work hard to keep them plump and healthy all winter long so they can give you lessons and eventually serve you in the summertime.

So guess that's it for this morning. Have a great Monday as you jump into your week. The geldings will be doing their thing in the pasture today. Girls get to enjoy their buffet and lots of gossip in the back paddock. Until tomorrow, I'm signing off.

Leave me any comments you have about our horses. I know they love to hearing from you. I promise to pass your greetings along to them.

Sprucelands Camp Information

I haven't a lot to write about today. It's just another regular day in the woods. Thought I'd share a few FYI pieces of information that might be helpful to both of us.

First of all, the 13-16th of February is a long weekend. Already some are booking riding lessons or out of town visits. I welcome you if you would like to schedule a riding time. I'll be here.

In fact, I offer riding lessons every weekend as long as it isn't below 20 degrees. When it gets that cold, we save our riding for a slightly warmer day because cold, really cold, makes the riding experience and freezing your toes and nose not a lot of actual fun.

Second, if you are a facebook fan, I want to alert you all that there are four Sprucelands options for you. As you know, I have a personal page. That exists under the name Eileen Thompson. I am happy to honor your friend request as long as you let me know who you are and give me a reason to accept you as a friend on facebook. You see, I'm fussy about that, and you should be too.

There is a facebook page for Sprucelands Camp, another page for Sprucelands Inc., and a third page called Sprucies for Life. So that you experience those pages, I'd suggest you join them too. You'll find tidbits of information and also input from older campers about good times and memories they've kept all these years. Your input on those pages is welcome. It's even a good place to ask questions.

If you are a brand new camper or if you are someone considering Sprucelands, these pages are a resource for you as you make your decision about the summer. It's like researching a product before you make a purchase. You'll be amazed at the spirit we share and you'll want to be part of the comraderie that is uniquely Sprucelands.

To access these Sprucelands pages, just type the title of the page in the Search bar in the top right hand corner on facebook. It will open the door to their very existence. We all invite you to walk through that door to an experience of a lifetime.

Comments? Questions? Please share on this fabulous Friday.

Connect and Make a Difference

There is one trait - connection - that I mention over and over again in a Sprucelands summer. I talk about it in morning thoughts for the day. I've written about it in my small book: Connection Gives Us Strength. There are other blog posts in which I state the importance of connection with people and also with our hard-working horses.

I have come to believe connection and the ability to connect with others is an exchange that builds character and somehow reveals our true colors. It is a selfless reaching out, caring, sharing a moment, and also accepting when others reach out to you. There is a give and take, a real talent for reading the moment or person or horse and being sensitive to what might be happening. That give and take makes you a special person and if you are into horses, then you are a gentle, effective rider.

Connection is often quiet, subtle, spontaneous, and happens when others don't notice. It is just being with a horse and communicating, "I am here. I appreciate you. You are important." It is winking an eye at a passing camper and smiling a quick smile or sharing a complimentary comment about a job well done.

A photograph that catches one second of genuine connection takes my breath away. It is nothing I've planned. It happens quicker than the snapping of your fingers or mine. The moment is here and it's gone just like that. I am sad when I realize I've missed it, and I celebrate when that connection is mine to remember on film.

Connection gives us wonderful memories of people who are precious and dear. It saves us when we are lost, helps us see color in our days, keeps us learning, refreshes our sensitivity to birds singing at the feeder, and lowers our blood pressure. Connecting is a willingness to stretch ourselves, try something new, reach for the stars, solve problems, be on the same page with those surrounding us, initiate new relationships, take the first lesson in what we most want to learn, and even for a moment hug a horse.

I've learned through camp that connection is what many children and adults are hungry to experience. Sprucelands is unique because it is like family. We stop and talk, exchange smiles and hugs, live and learn together, share high fives, play games, work on projects, and genuinely motivate each other toward success. We live connection at camp and thrive on it.

As you move through today, think about your connections. You'll be amazed at how often you interact with others, and when you consider the quality of your interactions, you will begin to realize that not only do you feel more upbeat; you are making a positive difference to those around you. So go for it. Connect. Accept my long distance hug and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Passing through my blog? Good to see you. Leave a comment about this post and where it takes you in your thinking about connection. Should you be interested in my little book, you can order it at http://www.blurb.com/.

Powerful Role Models

No matter what age we are, role models are powerful.

I came across this photo from last fall and just couldn't resist using it in today's post. The photo is from a weekend riding clinic that we did in September and we had such a good time together. Anyway, these girls are two of my awesome clinic helpers. They are instrumental in spotting riders and teaching correct grooming practices. They tack horses, teach saddle and bridle parts, and show riders how to lead their horses safely.

I have to say that my clinic helpers - guys and gals - are excellent role models for riders in a clinic, no matter the age of the rider. And if the truth be known, they are also role models for each other.

Often riders in weekend clinics are Girl Scouts earning specific badges: horse lover, horseback rider, even special interest badges. Sometimes we enjoy clinics for adults who are new riders. In the fall, we often do trail ride clinics. No matter what the event, the Sprucelands helper team guides riders through a memorable, safe horse experience. By the end of the weekend, everyone is best friends. Ta dah! Sprucelands magic is awesome!

Our clinic helpers work closely together weekend after weekend and as they do so they become role models for each other. They teach the basics of mounting and dismounting, starting and stopping, steering, and balance, learning new approaches about communicating with riders from fellow clinic helpers. Then over lunch or supper, evaluative discussion about those approaches happens. They gain new insights into their teaching that they can practice on Sunday.

Clinic helpers do much more than take meals together during their down time. They chatter about social life in school, laugh, tell jokes, sometimes play games, and even do homework. This is a powerful time. I enjoy watching the group interact because they observe each other's attitudes about school and friends, and frequently there are hints that one helper is looking up to another.

Never is that more clear than when the helpers participate in their personal riding lessons on Saturday night. They watch their clinic helper friends and work hard in lessons because they are after all riding with peers. Fact is when you see an admired friend ride, it is wonderful motivation because it creates a vision for the rider you want to be.

So being a clinic helper gives young people an opportunity to not only be a role model for others but to seek out positive role models for themselves. And what I love best: in the process of their growing, these young people are becoming teachers. They are learning to think for themselves, teach in front of strangers, share their knowledge, and make a difference. To that end, they are achieving a Sprucelands goal. They teach safety in horsemanship, become effective leaders, and make the world a better place.

[FYI: Sprucelands is happy to put a weekend riding clinic together for your group of 15 or more riders. Come into camp on Friday evening and stay until Sunday afternoon. Experience horses and riding for the whole weekend. Any and all groups are welcome. Just give us a call. Click here to look at clinic details.]

Always your comments about the above post are welcome. Perhaps you can offer an additional viewpoint. Share that viewpoint with others. If you see that comments have been posted, take time to read them. Often they are interesting.