Horsin' and Stuff

 

His name is Fred . . . Marienau, that is. 

He was pretty impressed when I told him that his grandfather Dr. Fred Marienau had delivered both of my 40-something kids. 

While on lunch break yesterday, Fred told me that he's having fun at horse camp. 

It appeared to me that most of the kids were enjoying themselves at this week's equine educational event at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. 

After all, three square meals a day, an estimated 30 hours of horse-riding time, meeting new friends and lots of learning along with caring for their horses, keep a kid pretty occupied from dawn 'til dusk.

I went back to horse camp yesterday because two family horses, my brother Kevin's and mine are being used by their trainer, Mary Marienau for Western riding clinics. 

To say yesterday was a major thrill for me would be an understatement.  

It marked the first time I had seen CB ridden on scene.  I've watched a couple of short videos, but there's nothing like seeing the real thing. 

Mary used Kevin's horse Newly in the morning and CB in the afternoon while teaching sessions to students representing different levels of riding. 

All students learned how to tune up their horses. Advanced kids practiced rollbacks, beginners learned more about trotting, sitting and holding their reins while intermediates practiced "bending" their horses.

Both Mary and I were thrilled with CB.  The young gelding took everything in his stride and just quietly and willingly did whatever Mary asked.  

By his second session, she did point out that he's lazy and that she'll probably put on the spurs again. 

The day's events also provided opportunities for visiting with old friends and new and even some fun reminiscing.  

My friend Judy Hull brought a photo which had been taken eons ago at a horse show when our respective daughters, Annie and Jenny kept themselves entertained in the stands collecting and arranging pop cans.

In those days, it was usually a toss-up, as riders competed in the arena, whether parents or kids in the stands were making the most noise.  

To say a fair amount of giggling among adults occurred---yeah, another understatement.  

Now, three generations later, at least two old retired school teachers are still having that kind of fun, and those little girls organizing pop cans are leading productive lives of their own.

Yep, horse camp definitely reflects a comforting generational view.  Plus, it's fun to see so many longtime, older friends show up to watch the next generation learn horsemanship while remembering the good ol' days. 

Longtime friends Connie and Gail. 

Judy Hull and her granddaughter Taylor. 

Below:  Annie and Jenny, doing their jobs in the grandstands at a horse show circa early '80s. 
 

Jenny still likes pop cans----one at a time these days. 

Her daughter is participating in horse camp this week. 

~~~~~

In other news of this week, I won't be going to horse camp today because Bill will be having his second cataract surgery.  

He's already had his last meal before surgery and will be anxious to dig in to his next after surgery later today.

Bill has been looking for a kayak of his own.  Yesterday he learned that North 40 had received a batch.  

So, he purchased one, brought it home and then took it for a spin at the lake. 

He told me this morning that it will be called "Cataract." 

I think Cataract may get some additional use over the next few days as we experience triple digit temps.  

Happy Tuesday.