In January we started off the year super busy. Once again we were at a cross roads with the barn where my horses stayed. My trainer was leaving and we were asked to stay on and help run the boarding side of things. It was a good learning experience, but we found we couldn't work for free (yes, it was supposed to be paid) so by the end of February we made the decision to leave.
February also brought the loss of my Duel. He was 10 1/2 and had lived a long healthy life. We lost him quickly and unexpected, but he didn't suffer. I still miss him, but I am blessed to have his sister Dakota still :)
My DuelBy mid March we were in the throws of trying to move barns. Not an easy task when you have 5 horses! However, we were super lucky and our new barn came to pick up all of them at once. One of the hardest choices about moving barns would be the horses would be 30 minutes away. That is the farthest they had ever been! But with the distance came great things such as their own big pasture, 20,000 acres to ride on, and being back to full care. As of March 26 we were members at Beartooth Ranch :)
As winter faded away and spring was upon us we spent most of our time riding and playing with the horses. Spring brought Navi's and I first ride! It was uneventful as we had hoped :) Throughout spring I put a few more rides on her, but then gave her the summer off to grow.
Before we knew it Summer was in full swing. I was busy busy at work. Most weeks I found myself working overtime. I found myself teaching grooming academy again and soon discovered I would be doing a lot more teaching this year!
Summer was shaping up to be busy at work and at home. In July we found ourselves at the vet with Devan a lot due to the fact she was losing weight and was fading away before our eyes. The 4 + weeks before we got our diagnoses of EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic insuffiency ) were heartbreaking. Finally we found the answer and we started treatment. She started slowly improving and we once again had hope :)
By September Devan was doing much better and I was underway with my 2nd Grooming Academy of the year. One day before work we decided to take Laurel and Devan to Tractor Supply to see their old foster family. Well we ended up coming home with a little skinny puppy, lol. He was 6 weeks old and weighed 5lbs,he won Sarah's heart and Henry joined the family.
The holidays were fast approaching and before we knew it Halloween was here. This year we went over to a friends house and ate dinner and watched movies. Why is that a big deal you say, well because we never leave the house on Halloween, lol.
Mid November we had a scary incident with Laurel and the icy partially frozen Yellowstone River. It was okay in the end, but it certainly taught me a lesson about icy rivers and ice rescue!
By November 23rd I was on the road north. I stayed in Kalispell, MT teaching my 3rd Grooming Academy for the year until December 20th.
The end of 2014 is here and I am happy to say we are all healthy and happy. Devan is continuing to maintain weight, Laurel and Henry are active and drive me crazy. Dakota, Riley, and Tigger are older so they are content to lay around the house watching over the young puppies. The horses are extremely happy in their new home. We love all the riding opportunities and the fact that all the horses are fat and happy! Oh and yes, the cats are well also :)
Here is to a great 2015! I look forward to what it will bring! Wishing everyone the best for the rest of 2014 and all of 2015.
