Oh no – the wheels, they are a’turnin’

T. Boone Pickens’ wife just bought 2,000 wild mustangs.  Hmmm…  I think they should hire someone to evaluate and start good candidates.  I’d love to pick out some outstanding individuals to be embassadors for many disciplines:  jumping, field hunters, eventing, stock seat and of course, dressage. 

What a fantastic opportunity to have a large population from which selective breeding could preserve the best qualities of their Spanish blood, and create a commercially viable breed that is less likely to end up on a double-decker bus to Mexico en route to a Frenchman’s plate. 

From this...

... to this

 And who wants this job?  ME!!  (mostly because I want that – right above!)

I’m off to figure out how I can get in the Pickens’ good graces.  You may be laughing – but if you are you clearly don’t know me too well.

The view from my weekend office

Oh.

My.

God.

Today the weather was just…. UN-F*ING-BELIEVABLE.  Seriously.  I just spent 4 hours outside and it feels like how July must feel in places that have sunny summers I’m wearing a tanktop, jeans and Blundstones and feel like I’m going to keel over from the heat.

I taught two superfun lessons and had this lovely view to gawk at whilst standing in the arena.  I thought I’d be nice and rub it in share.  Yes, that is the Pacific Ocean. 

Before you resent me too much it’s usually fog to the ground with gale force winds while I’m trying to shriek at my students… but not today.  Today was divine.

So, so, so very sad

Less than a week after being short-listed for the Olympic Eventing team, my most favorite (famous) horse in recent history, Theodore O’Connor, had to be euthanized following an accident at home.  “Teddy” was not really a horse – he was a pony with a heart twice the size of the biggest horse.  He mopped up his competition even as they towered over him.

Karen O’Connor, when she was still Karen Lende, was among my first equestrian heroes.  My room was plastered with pictures of her riding The Optimist.  Then she married the dashing and brilliant David O’Connor and they became US Equestrian Team royalty.  It was an unforgettable honor to meet them both at a clinic in Woodside.  They were totally real, incredible teachers, and so super nice.  They treat their horses as their family.  Karen wears a belt with the bridle tags from all of her past competition horses – a daily tribute to the horses that made her who she is today.

I was SOOO looking forward to watching one of my favorite riders, on an amazing pony show the world that we DO have great talent here.  The ultimate underdog:  an American on a short little mutt, showing up those with the finest European pedigrees.

Such a tragic loss…  I can’t imagine the feeling of sadness at the O’Connor barn. 

   

 (all pics courtesy Team O’Connor)

Congratulations to Beautiful Aunt Susie!!

Yesterday Susan was awarded her colors from the Los Altos Hounds!  I think that must be IS some sort of record:  she’s only been a member two or three years!