Happy to introduce you to Rosebud.

Hi all. I'm Rosebud. Aren't I pretty?

As many of you know, we accept horses for the summer. They get extra training here. At the same time, their addition to our riding program expands our existing string of school horses. Always we are grateful when families 'out there' share their horses with us.

A good number of Sprucelands horses are aging. While we may have added them to our program when they were four, now they are 21. One such horse is Boomer, and he has been having issues with his back.

Anyway, I always tell the kids that they are learning from the masters when they learn from an older horse. Those with experience under their belt do their level best to 'save' unbalanced riders. Many won't trot unless they feel the rider is ready. Most won't canter if they sense a rider is not well grounded. As far as I am concerned horses like that are worth millions of dollars because they take care of your children.

I think these kids like me. I feel so accepted.

I want now to introduce you to Rosebud. We are calling her Rosie and she seems to like that. She arrived on Tuesday. Our cook AnnMarie is leasing Rosebud for the summer and is generously allowing Rosebud to be ridden by a few other riders.

Rosebud is a full belgian who can be ridden. She also drives. So her talents are many and varied. When she arrived on Tuesday, we all took notice. She is much bigger and taller than our wonderful Boomer. In fact, she is as pretty as these pictures make her out to be. I think she is all of 18H, maybe even taller.

Boomer was in his stall when Rosebud stepped off the trailer. Talk about taking notice. He thinks she is the best thing next to a bucket of oats. His ears perked up. He puffed out his chest and stood taller. I'm thinking Boomer has a girlfriend. Now we'll see if Rosebud gives Boomer even a glance.

How ever will I get down?

Amber is working with Rosebud. She showed her off to campers and staff in front of the barn. Happily, Amber is riding Rosebud twice a day, feeling very confident and satisfied about her new project. They have already worked in the ring and ridden on a trail ride. While I'm certain Rosie will challenge Amber, so Amber will be consistent with Rosie. They will make a very good team.

I've had a few instructors giggle a little about their lessons, especially the ones where Honey or  Thunder are working right alongside Rosie. Honey and Thunder look like little mini horses next to Rosebud. I'll have to get a photo of that sometime this summer.

So Sprucelands has a new project and a new love. I'll keep you updated on Boomer's status. Maybe he and Rosebud will start sending love notes when we aren't looking. I understand the kids have already written a love song about the two of them. Go figure. There's always something brewing that makes me smile.

Comments from you are always welcome. I love when you share.