Shirley

Female

Dewitt, MI

United States

Profile Information:

A Bit About Me and my Horse(s): I'm the mom of three adult children, happily married to a great guy. I love to travel and horse around. I am a bit passionate about horses. I'm excited about getting out on some of the many horse trails to explore. I love progressing with natural horse techniques on the ground and in saddle.
I think of my horse as a fun partner. I started riding at 53 years old when Cash was 3. We'ver kinda grown up together and still have lots of goals to reach.
Horses definitely bring out the best in me.
Country: USA
Do you have any pets?: "CASH" 8 yr old QH and share "Quilombo" son's pitbull

Comment Wall:

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Veronica Delagard

And what a journey it is. I was 53 as well but I did not take lessons . I figured I rode as a kid so I should be fine. No not with him, so I went out and bought my Mare , my mare that was purchased for riding but I also purchased her bred. Well last weekend my trimmer said he didn't think she was pregnant at all. Oh what a bombshell. I have always sworn that she was. And I described her to people as " Like a woman who is tall and in good shape. She looks pregnant , but not fat.

Well this morning no signs. Tonight I leaned down to look and I am ecstatic to say she is bagging up. I kissed her and kissed her .

Between her and him the riding story is for another day!!!

Apr 20, 2010
Cheryl

Hi Shirley, was down and out with shoulder surgery over the last couple of months, so have not been keeping up on my Barnmice fix. Back at it now though. Sounds like things are going great for you and Cash, Did anyone ever actually diagnose what was up with his leg? Sure glad to hear he recovered well. I hear you with regards to the relaxation thing...tough to do at times, but sure does make a difference in the horses response. We are having a beautiful spring here, so am off to do some horsey stuff (now that my arm works again). Have fun with your horsemanship and keep us posted as to your adventures.

Cheers,
Cheryl

Apr 30, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

I moved Cooper to Puslinch, in between Guelph and Campbellville. It's the same driving time as the other barn. A quiet private barn, its soooo nice, first time I met anyone was Sunday and have been there everyday since Friday.
Gorgeous indoor arena, don't know what the size is, attached outdoor arena, a viewing room/ lounge to die for, with a/c, heat and a kitchen, which my hubby will spend a lot of time in doing what he does best, sleeping!
Indoor toilets facilities and a shower for us humans yippee!! I will get lots of exercise going up and down the stairs to go to washrooms, which will help me to get in shape.
And there's tons of trails for when I start to ride the kid LOL

May 5, 2010
Heike Bluemke

Hi Shirley, it's been great meeting you here. I have somewhat the same history than you. 3 Kids living their own life and having fun. The horses keep me company, the kind of company I love when the kids are around. I can get goofy around them without beeing judged or commented on. I learned how to ride and train when I was well above 30. I also learned the technique of massage and stretching and practise alternative healing methods when it comes to injury. Thank God we did'nt have alot of them yet. I feel that the future will hopefully bring many years of Happy Riding and writing blogs and stories people will find helpfull and entertaining. Kepp in touch.

May 7, 2010
Heike Bluemke

Thank you so much for your comment. It's been very interesting. When I came to Canada in 1995 I worked at a big Eventing Farm. Long Lane farm had 62 Brood mares at the time and send horses to the Olympics. I learned alot about Training and Breeding. When I had to leave because of moving the owner gave me 2 brood mares. That was the beginning of owning a horse for me. For the next 12 years I bred and trained Trakehners on a part time base. It has been a very fun time but after that many years my bones told me to slow down. I stopped breeding 2 years ago. Now I have a mare and a gelding left to ride. Fortunately I work from home which gives me the advantage to ride whenever I want. I was planning to take the horses more on the trail but they are not that road save yet. So I have to work on that. Well I hope you have a wonderfull day and have better weather than we have here rigth now.

May 8, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley, just checking in to see how you are? How's Cash?
I found a Carrot Stick Club in the area http://carrotstickclub.ca/about.html and I signed up for a PP Fawn Anderson clinic on June 5/6 http://www.naturalhorse-man-ship.com/calendar.html 5 minutes from the barn.
I will be participating in the ground clinic on the Saturday morning then auditing the rest of the weekend.
I had a set back with Cooper a week ago Friday. He spooked at the arena door and ran me over. I lost my memory for 1/2 hour, went to the hospital and all is ok, but now I am scared of him. He spooked again the this Friday and I got really shook up and didn't want to work him. But I did and ended on a positive note. Parelli instructor suggested I try letting him go through the door first and walk with him more to the side, rather than behind me. I hope finding this club will be good for me and him. Can't afford the instructor right now but she said I can come to the free club once a month. All I think of is horses lately, nothing else in my mind LOL

May 25, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley!! Time is flying very quickly for sure!

I don't know what is with that moderator thing, I have it all for just my friends to see, view and comment. The dots were in places that I had to approve comments, maybe that's what it was.

What a great feeling you must have had with Cash! Stress can affect so much, and being with our equines is the best therapy. I am still quite scared of Cooper but know I have to be around him. At the end of a session I feel so much better, still scared, but a little more relaxed.
There is a parelli instructor in the my barn area now, maybe I should call her and take a few lessons, but sure is expensive!!

Jun 17, 2010
Stina Herberg

Thank you Shirley

Jun 18, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

So glad you are doing better with Cash, I long for the day when I can do that.
I don't remember what the 1* Parelli instructor was charging here, I'm sure it was 65 plus travel time plus tax!! Wow!! I was thinking I should book a few lessons in before the HST comes into effect, right now its only GST until end of June. But can't pay for a trainer and lessons right now.
I was going to send Cooper to a 3* Parelli guy in Niagara, but its way too expensive too, I would still have to pay the board at the barn and then pay for him out there. I think later I may try some lessons with the 1* instructor but for now I am going to have a university student at my barn work with Cooper starting today. She works with a natural approach mixed with a lot of other different methods. I have heard good things about her and she was highly recommended.

I am afraid of him now, when he spooks and jumps I jump out of my skin and feel like crying!!
I went to a lunging clinic on Saturday afternoon and it was hot and humid. Then over to see Cooper after. I was too pooped to work him so we just went in the empty front field and he grazed while I ate a sandwich. New pics on my page, lots of clover in that front paddock now too.
I was going to work with him but when I took him out of his pasture he started the scary stuff again, snorting, jumping towards me, just making me feel ill. Then the barn owners wife came around the corner with her kids and he jumped in the air and took off around me, I bumped him backwards and made him go back to the spot he was.before he spooked. Then I made him go all the way backwards into the front paddock where I let him run loose.
I should start wearing a helmet for ground work but I can't stand my head sweating, bad enough to wear it when riding. Hmm, wonder whats better, passed out from a cracked head or passed out from the heat and a sweaty head?

Jun 21, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley, so glad to hear about the jury thing.
Cooper is on the mend, he had an ulcer in his left eye. He was on a treatment of BNP ointment and a serum made from his own blood, 4 times a day, and bute 2 times a day. He had to stay inside during daylight hourse and was treated for about 10 days. He is now back outside wearing a fly mask with duct tape over that eye. He had something put in it to dialate the pupil on the first day and its still dialated 2 weeks later!!! We still have to watch him, if his eye starts to weep or close up I have to call the vet back. This is getting very expensive, going to have to cut out a few things for awhile to pay the vet!!

Sep 21, 2010
Connie Breedveld

Hi Shirley,
I just wanted to say,I love your Cash...he is beautiful and your pride and joy.I also love the pics of the Mustangs and your videos.I am working on a new farm for an elderly lady who has 4 horses,16 cats and one dog.I still train a bit on the side,but am no longer with my so called friend.It is a long story which I will post.I lost many lovely horses.Have a good rest of the week and pats for Cash.Keep in touch and take care!Connie

Oct 5, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

I loved your video you posted!! Great play area!

Oct 8, 2010
Ayesha

Hi Shirley!.

Just had a look at your video and I must say Cash is a very lovely horse, and very much a gentleman.

Feel free to tell me what you think of my videos. Although many of them are old now, ill be uploading her most recent acheivments too including her new tricks ridden, groundwork, jumping and cordeo work for you to have a look at. All at liberty too.

Cash is a very brave boy and not afraid to take on new challenges and he is obviously very capable. Have you ever tried getting him to play with you 'at liberty' in the sand school and really testing out your bond? maybe playing with the big ball without having him on a lead line to see him really playing and exploring? It would be great fun to watch. I use liberty work to improve myself not my horse, if she doesn't seem interested then I am not making it fun enough, if she walks away I respect that. Horses generally speaking are not lazy if you ask them questions in the right way and make your training short, and fun. Leaving them wanting more is a sure way to get your horse to really enjoy your company. You've done a lovely job with him, and his pole work is comming on a treat too!. He reminds me a lot of Navara very playful and uses his mouth a lot. And seems to be very expressive!. Please please keep on loading up the video's so I can see how he gets on and keep in touch with any idea's etc that you have, as im more than happy to try things out

All the best, Ayesha and Navara

Oct 18, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

Great videos!! I have been watching all of them, the old ones too, all the time! I love them!! I watch mine over and over too LOL
I talk a lot to Cooper too while playing, I want him to know the commands for when/if my daughter rides him.
I see Cash is interested in whats outside the arena door! Just like Cooper and I still get scared when we go back near the door because of where he ran me over. It just about happened again on Sunday when I was taking him back out. But I was prepared this time, did not take my mind off of him at all.
Have you seen Guy McLean? Another fabulous natural horseman! I posted the video from youtube on here. I hope it's ok for me to do that?

Oct 19, 2010
Connie Breedveld

Hi Shirley,
Hope you and Mr.Cash are great?Thank you for your kind words,well all is good and i am happy at this new farm.It is small but nice.The 16 cats aren't all in the barn,lol!MaryJo has some in the house too,but we are quite mouseless.lol!
I was looking at the pictures of the wild horses....they don't look too bad,condition wise I mean.I hope they all got caring,loving homes.
Are you still riding quite a bit?I know Michigan's and Ontario's weather is pretty much the same.It is pretty mild still ,but a bit wet.I manage to ride every day....horses i train and my own boy.
Well Shirley,you take care,pats for Mr. Cash & happy riding! Connie

Oct 26, 2010
Sandy King

Hi Shirly; You and I have a lot in commin. I got my 1st horse when she was 3. She is 5 now. Kind of learning as I go. I am very interested in learning parelli levels. I thought if we could talk in person some how that would be great. Maybe you could give me some advice. Thank you.
Sandy King

Dec 5, 2010
Sandy King

Hi Shirley; Thank you for the nice welcoming, I have not done any Parelli training yet. I have only watched some dvd's I ordered the getting started dvd and watched it but have not tryed anything yet.. Posted my pic today of me and my horse she was around 4 in that pic. She has mule ear's lol. Her name is Shasta.
Sandy

Dec 6, 2010
Sandy King

Hi Shirley; Your horse is beautiful, I did not like bay colors until I got my horse, always liked black or chestnut lol. Did you see the pic of my horse? I think It would be great to talk in person. U can leave your cell on my e-mail if you want to ---- sandy_k_96001@yahoo.com
Sandy

Dec 7, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

So sorry about your mother in law. My father had COPD, he was 61 when he passed away in 1996. My thoughts are with you and your family through this hard time.

Dec 8, 2010
Nicola Barnes

Awesum pics u have! No. 5 is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 9, 2010
Lauren Cala

Love those pics but i love number 27!

Dec 12, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

How was your riding lesson? I haven't ridden Cooper for about 2 weeks, he has been crazy with the colder weather, acting like a rodeo bucking bronco! So not getting on that. Have to start letting him blow off steam loose in arena first before any work from now on.

Dec 13, 2010
Sandy King

Hi Shirley Wondering how you are doing? Are you getting any lake affect snow. Getting ready for a big storm here by Friday night.

Sandy & Shasta

Dec 17, 2010
Coopersmom_1958

Hope all is well with you and family. Wishing you have A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!

Dec 23, 2010
Linda Hokanson

Thank you Shirley for the nice comments. I did notice that Cash and Stars High Time have similar markings, kewl. The CHA is Certified Horsemanship Association. You can check them out on the internet. They have been certifying instructors since 1967, I believe.

I have a web site too - http://www.starmyriappaloosas.ca and a facebook page as well - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Starmyri-Appaloosas/15020...
with lots of horse pictures!

Jan 11, 2011
vickie lawson

hi shirley: thanks for the comment!! my daughter, who originally 'owned' the horse is taking care of her. i just couldn't afford 3 horses, so i was ready (before she was diagnosed) to put her down. she is 22. but char took over her care. she's got her on a commercial product called cushy life, which is chaste tree berry extract. she's not great, but is holding her own. i've heard from others that she is young to have cushings, and also that they usually go down hill quite quick. it's been a yr now that she's had it, and less than that that she's been treated so i guess she's ok. we took her to a ribbon day with her daughter for char's birthday in nov. she enjoyed herself, and being out with her daughter.

Jan 13, 2011
Sandy King

Jan 15th 2011

Hi Shirley; how are you. hope you are ok. I sent you a e-mail to your e-mail address. It has a link to pictures of my horse. Also my computer has been on the blink so I have not been on line very much. Sandy King

Jan 15, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley, sorry to hear about your MIL, she is at peace now and hope you and your family are well.

RTTH, I see lots of people writing about it, very nice to watch the videos of Pat with his new boy, Troubadour. What a gorgeous horse he is.

Have been having ongoing issues with my arms, rotator cuff, both arms. Sure hope it improves soon so I can get back to riding Cooper.

How are you and Cash doing? Cross my fingers you win that lottery so you can get another camera and keep those photos coming!

Mar 5, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Thanks for the well wishes,. Sounds like we are going through a lot of the same things, health and at the barn. I just tried accupuncture for the first time at physio yesterday, it didn't do a darn thing, but maybe I have to try it a few times? Also thinking would love to try hypnotherapy to make me forget all the aches and pains and be able to cram in a million things in the day, like a lot of other people seem to do!!

I am afraid I will regress in my riding also if I don't soon start feeling better. I am moving Cooper AGAIN at the end of this month. It's just a little closer to home, only about 8 minutes than the barn I am at now, which will still be 35 to 40 minute drive. Poor guy always moving, but when I think of some that move their horses every 6 months or so, we aren't that bad at all.

I have a young girl who just started riding Cooper a few times a week since I can not get out there through the work week. Cooper has been getting aggressive towards other horses and another owner too.

The new place will be indoor board, good for me,not good for him. Double the price almost, and they will work with him daily to tame the wild beast.

They also offer western lessons and are Lyons certified instructors. I have been wanting to go there ever since I got Cooper but the price scared me off. Well not going to think of that now, I need help with him when I cant be there 24/7. I am still going to do natural, but not going to focus mainly on that.

I will have to check out Chris Cox, I heard he won but have never seen him. Does he have a website?

Mar 8, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley! Time is just flying by these days!

I'm going for 4th accupuncture tonight after work, it's still not doing anything for me except getting itchy where the needles have been. Therapist has been doing some horribe pushing and stuff on my shoulder and then it hurts worse for days afterward, going to tell her tonight to stop that :(

I am registered and already paid for a riding clinic with Cooper on April 22-24th with a Lyons certified instructorn at the barn I am moving to, no trailering required YAY!! Sure hope my arm has improved by then or I will be getting that cortisone shot. There is another Lyons symposium this year there, on April 15-17th which my husband and I are attending. This one is with John Lyons, my husband likes his wasy, it will be great to see him!!

If Jonathan Fields ever comes this way we will definately be going :) I missed when he was in Ontario a year or so ago in Ottawa. We would have gladly travelled those 4 or more hours to go see him!!

That sure would be fantastic if you find yourself in a career with horses!! I still havent' checked out Chris Cox.

Mar 16, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

*** sorry for all the typos, I hope you can still understand what I meant to say :) ****

Mar 16, 2011
Sandy King

March 17th, 2011

Hi Shirley, I was wondering how you and Cash is doing. Sorry I never called! Shasta and I are doing well, except had a scar 2 weeks ago. She stepped on a one inch screw on left front hoof, real close to frog. She was only lame about 5 day's. I am so thankful she has no limp nothing. Did you ever look at the pictures on that website I sent you? Hope all is well for you.

Sandy & Shasta ....;)

Mar 17, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley! Sure would be nice to meet someday!

I am not going to give up yet on the accupuncture. It was feeling like it was helping a litte but then the therapist changed my treatment and it hurt my arm like crazy so she is not going to do that pushing on me again. Cost is covered under my husbands insurance if it is part of the physio treatment. If I go somewhere where it is just for accupuncture then I have to pay a certain amount, I think 50% or more which is still good I guess. Physio told me they do the western accupuncture and the other is chinese accupuncture?

I did not have a good weekend with the pains in both of my arms and had stomach troubles too. I ate beef a few days in a row and I know I am not supposed to. It always bothers me but love a good steak or burger now and then!! I often think I should learn to eat the vegetarian way, maybe that will help with my stomach problems.

Mar 21, 2011
Willow King

Hi Shirley!

I'm fairly new to barnmice and just saw your post to Ashley's discussion, so I thought I'd come check out your page. Your horse is gorgeous!

I also love trail riding when I have time for it, maybe we could talk trail sometime :)

Apr 26, 2011
Willow King

I live in northern Colorado. I love it here, it's super pretty and there's a lot of horsey people, so I get a lot of chances to ride and stuff even though my family isn't into them :)

Apr 27, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Great video!! You look so relaxed! He has a very nice jog/trot. So pretty there, nice arena and the grass is so green.

May 10, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley, I hope things are more positive for you these days. I just read your post in the Riders Over 60 group.

Jun 3, 2011
Cheyenne Billy

long time no taalkkk! (: how have you beeen?! hows cash and the rest?

Jun 19, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

The heat was horrible last week, especially Thursday. Lesson was cancelled, thank goodness! I rode a little yesterday, it was a nicer. We did some softening of the shoulders and hips then chased the ball around a few times. He wants to go fast and I am still a little scared to go too quickly. Fun day yesterday, weather was nice.

Jul 25, 2011
Mary Barrett

Shirley - Thanks for the friend request! I will get back to you about the EFLC work. I am very busy now so it may take a couple of days. Mary

Aug 12, 2011
Gaia Vincenzi

Hi from Italy =)
What a beautiful pictures!

Please visit my horseblog:

www.iconadeironchi.blogspot.com

Stay in touch also on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/IDR/133709530041269

Hope to see you soon,

Gaia

Sep 9, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

I posted a comment on your youtube video. You guys look great! Cash reminds me so much of Cooper.

Nov 14, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley!! Another great video! I love watching them!!

Funny I was going to ask you what you used to process your videos also. I am just using windows live movie maker with no sound, it sometimes takes forever to put together a video and then upload onto Youtube. Then when I post it to Youtube I use that new feature they have on there to add music that way no copyright infringement thing happens. I was always getting a lot of warnings, and I see they muted some of my videos.

All the different hair colors I used in my hair were bothering me. Itchy, scabby, so maybe an allergy. I was tired of coloring it every 2 weeks and went to hairdresser twice to get color and highlights to start blending the gray in. The gray roots would come in and I looked like a skunk. That was so expensive, I never went and had that done before at a hair salon. My scalp feels a lot better and my hair is soft, not coarse like some gray hair is. I have been thinking of coloring again, one of those L'Oreal Color Expert kits in a light tone, and forgot about that problem. Now have to think hard about it again. I'll have to tell my sister about the health warning but I know she will say, well it's only 1 percent, she'll risk it :( She is always after me to do my hair, telling me I am too young to be gray. She's almost 11 years younger.

Dec 2, 2011
Kate Green

Hi Shirley! Thanks for joining my group. I posted links to more information on the breed. Feel free to ask any questions and if I cannot answer them, the folks that run the .org site can. Did you view the pic of the foal?

Dec 3, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Love that video, Cash is so full of it LOL I like when Cooper gets like that, but of course on the ground only!! Cooper often bucks when I ask for the first canter/lope on the ground.

Dec 5, 2011
Coopersmom_1958

Hi Shirley! The cold has really been bothering me so far this year. Very unusual for me but I can't bundle up either because then I overheat. I have been sick all week and will probably stay in all weekend. Cooper is in a good spot, I don't have to worry about him. And a little ground work before riding gets his mind right.

I don't remember if I got notice, I think I did, but this week has been fuzzy.

Al's truck is broke down and is in the garage right now. It's too old to spend lots of money, 1996 Ford Explorer, or Exploder as they call them. Nothing works in it, he's got a lot of the fuses and bulbs out of it, but it at least it was running until yesterday.

He is still working on a tack locker for the new place too, so right now my car is stuffed with horse things.

Soon time to go home, I was off work 1 day this week and came in late 2 other mornings. I feel guilty being at home even though I am really sick.

Dec 9, 2011
Debra McDaid

Hi

I love your attitude towards riding, and I think your horse is pretty awesome. The first horse I owned was a 1/4 horse, and he was an amazing partner for me, he took me where angles dare to tread! The courage of a lion, and the willingness to win of a million dollar horse, all for 500 dollars purchase price.

I'm glad you liked little Steal's photo. He is a really cute 14.3-15 hand stb gelding we bought for cheap to get my husbands' licence (back) with. He is a stb, so he is a horse, and with his long trotting feet he is about 15 hands, but he is really just a large pony!!! Tough chew for us as we like big horses, I though that my 15.3 1/2 hand stb Tattoo was small enough at 750 or so lbs!!! now this little guy is no bigger than a minutes-- that's what you get when you buy them over the phone sight unseen (not as bad as it sounds as you do have race lines with stbs lol)-- anyway, I thought that this was a cute photo of him, he will make someone a great family pony when he is done racing as he is a gentleman, and really sweet with people and horses. I haven't broken him to ride yet, but if I get that far with him, I know he will make a great little english jumper (or a very good trail horse for someone). deb

Jan 9, 2012
Ayesha

Thank you so much for sharing my paage!

Mar 20, 2012
Coopersmom_1958

That video is amazing! You have to have lots of time to train them this well. I sometimes think If we could spend 8 to 10 hours a day working and playing with our horses that we could have our guys almost this good LOL I often wonder how they do it, get to work and play with horses every day, being able to make a living at it and pay all their bills, own a big property, drive big trucks and have big horse trailers. What a life...((sigh)) (yes hard work that they enjoy)

Mar 21, 2012
Cyndi

Hi Shirley!

I just noticed that you left a comment on one of my photos from 2011!! Sorry I didn't reply sooner! (or maybe I did, but can't remember). My mare, Fanny, is half Canadian Horse and half Newfoundland Pony :o)

Apr 21, 2012