An Unusual Derby, a Blue Pony, and Another Reveal

Yesterday Lisa sent me a link with the message, "This could be really fun at your horse show!"

She was right; I would enjoy doing that at a horse show. I may bring Happy Trails back some day, and this would be perfect as a party game.

For whatever reason, the links are different so I am including all three. All worked for me, so one should work for you if you want to watch it. 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/520652767669785?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://fb.watch/wXDgL-LChs/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=520652767669785&rdid=rEBulilQOyDH3znt

Yesterday I was surprised to get a delivery notice for my Tannenbaum. She wasn't due to be delivered for another day although tracking has shown that she has been in town since last Friday. 

I really wanted the blue, although the green is super nice, too. I'm so happy to get the color I most wanted.

I always put my blue horses out after Christmas - they coordinate well with a blue snowflake tablecloth that I made and some other winter decorations that I have.

Kathleen Moody's sculpts all have movement. Their manes and tails (and feathers in this case) show the motion of the horse beautifully.

I'm going to enjoy Tannenbaum here on my desk for a day or two and then put her on one of the tables on the overlook as winter decor.

Breyer revealed another BreyerFest Special Run yesterday.

This is Let the Good Times Roll, a buckskin leopard Appaloosa on the Show Jumping Warmblood. VIP, All-Access, and Online Traditional Access ticket holders will be able to purchase him.

He won't be on my list to buy even though I love Appaloosas and his pattern is gorgeous. The problem for me is that Olympic medal winner Royal Kaliber was produced on this mold. He was injured while competing and later colicked and had to be euthanized.

Chris Kappler, Royal Kaliber's rider, had a horse-loving cousin who was in my classroom at the time. I have a lot of fond memories of following the pair during their Olympic journey through the eyes of his cousin.  I felt a personal connection to Royal Kaliber and his death was dismaying and still hurts.

I did buy the Breyer model of him, but I have never opened the box and it is tucked away in my closet. It still makes me very sad to look at it. 

Thirteen years later and thinking enough time had passed, I bought Sugar Maple. I soon discovered that, while I love the uniqueness of his paint job, he still makes me sad when I look at him. I determined after buying him that I would not buy any more of that mold. And that includes Let the Good Times Roll.

It's going to be another cold day here in Indiana. Despite that, Florida Boi is still game to play frisbee down by our lake. Nash and Mama are coming today and he and Pepper will be so excited (while Craig and I won't get as much done as we usually do, haha!)

Stay warm, all!

 

Hodgepodge

(Today's post is going to seem a little disjointed as I have several unrelated things to write about.)

Yesterday I mentioned that I was looking forward to going to more model horse events soon, including Nancy Falzone's gathering at the end of this month, and that is true - I love gatherings more than I love shows! 

Nancy and me at BreyerFest, 2019.

But... this is all going to depend on the status of the migraines and whatever is causing me to go numb in various parts of my body. You just can't drive when you can't feel your hands, nor do you want to be picking up chinas, either! And, if your vision is blurring from a migraine, driving is not a good idea, either.

So, I am planning on going to Nancy's, the Clover Classic, and BreyerFest, I'm hoping to go, but ultimately it will be a last minute decision.

Next... the Kentucky Derby! What a surprise to have Mage pull it off. And did anyone else see the "chalky" horse being led down the track?

That's Cyclone Mischief. Look at how sharp and straight the edges of his blaze are! How white it is! The view of that bright white blaze from my television made him look like a chalky horse and almost cartoonish. I had to snap a photo and share it.

This last part is a bit sad and not horsey at all. Still, I want to acknowledge Marie and the heroic efforts her family made for her.

Marie was the sister of two of my former students. She had a very rare chromosomal disease, Ring 14, and was one of only 17 children with it worldwide. Her sisters, young as they were, loved her fiercely and were absolutely devoted to her. The family started a research foundation and have been working to help other families who have a member with Ring 14 and other rare diseases.

Halloween, 2008. Marie's family had dropped by to trick or treat at my home. Marie fell in love with our black lab, Zeus, and followed him around my living room. Zeus came over and sat voluntarily by her for the picture, and Craig happened to snap just as Marie leaned out of her mother's arms to hug him.

Marie passed away Saturday night and needless to say, the family is devastated. I was close to this family and they have remained in touch with me since moving to Texas several years ago. They are one of those families a teacher holds in her heart and never forgets.

Rest in peace, sweet Marie. You were fiercely loved, and you will be fiercely missed. Despite your brief life, you made a difference and brought joy to many. Love always, Mrs. I.

If you want more information on Ring 14, the Dewoodys' foundation site is  here: https://ring14usa.com/?subscribe=success#subscribe-blog-1