Friday, November 10, 2006
Nov. 10, 2006
“The most important things in life you cannot see -- civility, justice, courage, peace.”
(Unknown)
A rule worth remembering......
(Unknown)
A rule worth remembering......
Monday, September 11, 2006
Remember......
September 11, 2006
"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
Jefferson.
Always remember.
"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
Jefferson.
Always remember.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Dominion Day
I was at the Super Centre on Yonge Street the other day. They have an upstairs area with tables and sometimes, when I have some work to do I will go there, buy a coffee and try to get some things done.
The other day, as I looked out over the rows and rows of colourful, fresh produce and the stocked to over flowing shelves I couldn't help but be thankful that I live where I do.
The Super Centre is ONE store in Newmarket. There are all sorts of grocery stores in this country that look just the same; overflowing with good quality, fresh food.
Why are we so 'lucky' in Canada?
Perhaps my opinion on that is best left to another day but today, on Canada's 139th birthday, look around, reflect on how wonderful, easy and glorious life is in this country.
Don't ever forget that there are places in the world that are not like this.
Don't ever take it for granted.
Happy Canada Day!
The other day, as I looked out over the rows and rows of colourful, fresh produce and the stocked to over flowing shelves I couldn't help but be thankful that I live where I do.
The Super Centre is ONE store in Newmarket. There are all sorts of grocery stores in this country that look just the same; overflowing with good quality, fresh food.
Why are we so 'lucky' in Canada?
Perhaps my opinion on that is best left to another day but today, on Canada's 139th birthday, look around, reflect on how wonderful, easy and glorious life is in this country.
Don't ever forget that there are places in the world that are not like this.
Don't ever take it for granted.
Happy Canada Day!
Sunday, June 11, 2006
June 11th horse show
What a great day we had at the Blue Star show today. First of all, kudos to Shirley for making so many great renovations! The show grounds looked great.
Now about the Harrogate show team...What a great job they all did today. Everyone was turned out so nicely and had done a great job of getting the horses in 'show shape' too.
Every time we go to shows I always seem to see some people who have come unprepared and take it out on their horse. The Harrogate team, as always seems to be the case, comes ready to ride. They never blame their horses if things don't go exactly right and the whole impression is that the horses COME FIRST which is a philosophy I have always tried to live by.
I couldn't be prouder of all the riders from Harrogate today.
Thanks for making it so worth while!
Now about the Harrogate show team...What a great job they all did today. Everyone was turned out so nicely and had done a great job of getting the horses in 'show shape' too.
Every time we go to shows I always seem to see some people who have come unprepared and take it out on their horse. The Harrogate team, as always seems to be the case, comes ready to ride. They never blame their horses if things don't go exactly right and the whole impression is that the horses COME FIRST which is a philosophy I have always tried to live by.
I couldn't be prouder of all the riders from Harrogate today.
Thanks for making it so worth while!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
June 6th 2006 can mean something more important....
Today is the 62th Anniversary of D-Day.
If you see a veteran, or if you know one, say thanks.
Always remember.
Freedom isn't free.
If you see a veteran, or if you know one, say thanks.
Always remember.
Freedom isn't free.
Monday, June 05, 2006
Thinking....just thinking....
Our last horse show for the season is coming up and I am thinking that we should involve the adults this time.
Hmmm. May be I'll run this idea by the folks over at www.horseloverschat.com and see what ideas we come up with.
Anyone reading this can comment here or there.
Later...
Hmmm. May be I'll run this idea by the folks over at www.horseloverschat.com and see what ideas we come up with.
Anyone reading this can comment here or there.
Later...
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
MORE NEWS!!!!
Okay. We have now launched www.horseloverschat.com and you can go there and post all your messages. There are different sections so if you are posting about your training schedule, there is a section for that. If you have questions about Harrogate Hills, there is a section for that. If you just want to talk to others about your experiences with horses, there is a section for that too.
Let as many people know as possible and we'll see you there.
Let as many people know as possible and we'll see you there.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Dr. Lori Wolf
Today after the horse show at Harrogate there was a memorial gathering at Lori's house in Mount Albert. It was organized by Lori's family in the States and her mother, father, step mother, brother and aunt all attended. It was a chance for everyone to remember her as a good friend and as someone who contributed to the welfare of horses and animals all her life.
It was also an opportunity to meet others who had known Lori and to share memories and stories about her. Not too surprising, a lot of the stories contained references to her acerbic sense of humour but I think it was agreed by most that Lori used her 'hard' side to shield a very sensitive, generous and caring soul.
The gathering provided a much needed sense of closure for Lori's Canadian friends since we were so used to her going to Florida in the fall and returning around this time of year. Speaking for myself there was a jarring 'finality' to seeing all of the photographs and all of the letters that had been written about her. Despite knowing that she passed away almost two months ago, somehow I guess there was always a part of me that thought I would see her driving up to the farm again.
There is a lot to be learned from how Lori handled her battle with cancer, how strong she was and how much she seemed to appreciate the friendship that everyone offered to her. It is also not unimportant to remember that each day we have is a gift and that we shouldn't waste a moment.
None of us have an endless supply of tomorrows and losing such a vibrant, intelligent caring friend at such a young age should remind us all to live each day to the fullest.
Rest in peace Lori.
It was also an opportunity to meet others who had known Lori and to share memories and stories about her. Not too surprising, a lot of the stories contained references to her acerbic sense of humour but I think it was agreed by most that Lori used her 'hard' side to shield a very sensitive, generous and caring soul.
The gathering provided a much needed sense of closure for Lori's Canadian friends since we were so used to her going to Florida in the fall and returning around this time of year. Speaking for myself there was a jarring 'finality' to seeing all of the photographs and all of the letters that had been written about her. Despite knowing that she passed away almost two months ago, somehow I guess there was always a part of me that thought I would see her driving up to the farm again.
There is a lot to be learned from how Lori handled her battle with cancer, how strong she was and how much she seemed to appreciate the friendship that everyone offered to her. It is also not unimportant to remember that each day we have is a gift and that we shouldn't waste a moment.
None of us have an endless supply of tomorrows and losing such a vibrant, intelligent caring friend at such a young age should remind us all to live each day to the fullest.
Rest in peace Lori.
Horse Show
Great day and I will try to have the results to post tomorrow.
The judge thought everyone conducted themselves in a very positive and professional manner and I think he was impressed. I know that I was!
Thanks to everyone who came out to help and support the riders.
The judge thought everyone conducted themselves in a very positive and professional manner and I think he was impressed. I know that I was!
Thanks to everyone who came out to help and support the riders.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Horse Show Sunday May 28th
The horse show starts at 9:30 a.m.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
A "get well soon" message goes out to Kandice, Cassie and Bridgit who won't be able to join us tomorrow.
Everyone else, see you Sunday.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
A "get well soon" message goes out to Kandice, Cassie and Bridgit who won't be able to join us tomorrow.
Everyone else, see you Sunday.
Comment about comments
Thanks so much to Miranda and Melissa for taking the time to write reports on their work with Patrick and Kerry.
The comments are well thought out and informative.
Good job!
The comments are well thought out and informative.
Good job!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Horse Show on Sunday
The show starts at 9:30 on Sunday and I will double check the time competitors are expected to arrive and I will post that information at this site tomorrow.
Sunday also happens to be the Memorial for our friend Dr. Lori Wolf who passed away in March.
I mention that because I will have to leave very quickly at the end of the show and if the time is tight I may not have the opportunity to explain where I am running off to.
Joan is going as well.
Sunday also happens to be the Memorial for our friend Dr. Lori Wolf who passed away in March.
I mention that because I will have to leave very quickly at the end of the show and if the time is tight I may not have the opportunity to explain where I am running off to.
Joan is going as well.
Format Trials
Thanks to every one who has posted to this site. Stay tuned because we may change the format to more of a forum/bulletin board.
If you think that would be a better way for all of us to exchange views etc. please let me know by commenting on this post.
Again thanks for reading what has been posted these last few days.
See you tomorrow.
Pat
If you think that would be a better way for all of us to exchange views etc. please let me know by commenting on this post.
Again thanks for reading what has been posted these last few days.
See you tomorrow.
Pat
Thursday, May 25, 2006
"BABE"
The new horse arrived tonight and has settled into her new home quite nicely. She will be accepting guests shortly!
Actually she is very friendly and even Shade seems to be warming up to her. Omby has not made a decision either way and Grandpa is convinced that she has noticed him more than anyone else. I am beginning to think that is just the way that Grandpa looks at life.
(Surely it can't have anything to do with the adulation he receives around here........ )
Actually she is very friendly and even Shade seems to be warming up to her. Omby has not made a decision either way and Grandpa is convinced that she has noticed him more than anyone else. I am beginning to think that is just the way that Grandpa looks at life.
(Surely it can't have anything to do with the adulation he receives around here........ )
Training updates
This post is for all of the training comments. It will eventually move down and off this page but you will be able to access it from the 'recent posts'.
Thanks
Thanks
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
New horse
This Thursday evening the new horse arrives around 7:00.
Hopefully she'll settle in okay and everyone can meet her this weekend.
Hopefully she'll settle in okay and everyone can meet her this weekend.
Accidents happen
If you see Kandice make sure you wish her a speedy recovery. She's done some damage to her ankle (possibly broken) but I think I'll leave it to Kandice to explain how she did it!
Hint. It had nothing to do with horses.
Get better soon Kandice!
Hint. It had nothing to do with horses.
Get better soon Kandice!
Pete stars in Black Beauty remake....
Tonight the lesson took place in Cash's field because despite ALL THE RAIN on the long weekend, the sand ring was dusty!
At any rate, good old easy going Pete passed by the south east corner of the field and leaped sideways. Now I had just tried to convince Zahra that Pete would be just fine and yet there he was spooking at nothing.
The two went around the field again and as they passed that corner he jumped sideways once more, almost losing poor Zahra in the process. Finally at this point, given that Pete rarely gets frightened, I thought perhaps we should investigate. There, lying in the grass, was metres and metres of electric fence wire that had all been pulled off the fence (Eddie???).
Where is the Black Beauty moment you ask? Well, remember when Black Beauty wouldn't cross the bridge because he sensed it had washed out? And remember how his driver had gotten angry with him for not getting on with things and doing as he was told? Well. It is a bit of a stretch [a bit? Ed.] but that is who Pete reminded me of tonight. None of us saw the fence wire was down and it would have been pretty awful if a horse had gotten caught up in it.
Okay. Maybe it is not quite a Black Beauty moment but it did remind me that horses often have a very good reason for acting the way they do and that instead of whispering "idiot!" under my breath when Pete jumped away from 'nothing' I should gone to look right away to see what was making him act out of character.
Live and learn......
At any rate, good old easy going Pete passed by the south east corner of the field and leaped sideways. Now I had just tried to convince Zahra that Pete would be just fine and yet there he was spooking at nothing.
The two went around the field again and as they passed that corner he jumped sideways once more, almost losing poor Zahra in the process. Finally at this point, given that Pete rarely gets frightened, I thought perhaps we should investigate. There, lying in the grass, was metres and metres of electric fence wire that had all been pulled off the fence (Eddie???).
Where is the Black Beauty moment you ask? Well, remember when Black Beauty wouldn't cross the bridge because he sensed it had washed out? And remember how his driver had gotten angry with him for not getting on with things and doing as he was told? Well. It is a bit of a stretch [a bit? Ed.] but that is who Pete reminded me of tonight. None of us saw the fence wire was down and it would have been pretty awful if a horse had gotten caught up in it.
Okay. Maybe it is not quite a Black Beauty moment but it did remind me that horses often have a very good reason for acting the way they do and that instead of whispering "idiot!" under my breath when Pete jumped away from 'nothing' I should gone to look right away to see what was making him act out of character.
Live and learn......
How to add comments
From what I can tell, if you wish to comment on this blog you have to register and get a user name etc. Again, my understanding is that once you have done this once you can post a comment whenever you wish.
I hope it makes sense to all of us eventually! LOL
Signed the Techno Wiz!
I hope it makes sense to all of us eventually! LOL
Signed the Techno Wiz!
Horse Show
Just a reminder that our in house horse show is this Sunday, May 28th. Even if you are not entering the show, feel free to come out and cheer on your friends. It starts at 9:30 and Michael Crawley is the judge.
Brigadier's law
Petition for Brigadier
I received this information from a friend of the farm and thought I would pass it along.
The Humane Society has started a petition to present to the Federal Government in the hopes of amending the Police Service Animals and giving them the much needed protection they deserve.
Please go to http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/brigs_law.html and complete the petition and pass this on to all the people you feel would like to support this worthwhile endeavour.
I received this information from a friend of the farm and thought I would pass it along.
The Humane Society has started a petition to present to the Federal Government in the hopes of amending the Police Service Animals and giving them the much needed protection they deserve.
Please go to http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/brigs_law.html and complete the petition and pass this on to all the people you feel would like to support this worthwhile endeavour.
Barbaro's Recovery
If anyone is interested in reading information on how Barbaro is making out go to www.bloodhorse.com. They have a lot of up to date information on his progress.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Welcome to the New Harrogate Hills blog.
It is my hope that we can create a more workable format for exchanging information. The guest book at www.Harrogatehills.com has been working so far but this might allow all of us to expand on things we want to talk about.
I plan to check in frequently and hope that we can keep all our comments polite and friendly. That is the way it is at the farm so lets keep it that way in cyberspace too!
Looking forward to hearing from you all.
I plan to check in frequently and hope that we can keep all our comments polite and friendly. That is the way it is at the farm so lets keep it that way in cyberspace too!
Looking forward to hearing from you all.
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