Tallman Training Centre

Well now, it has been just as white and probably colder than the average Saskatchewan not-so-sunny-Season, but otherwise, at least around here, things have been a little different.  That is to say, I have not been around so much.  For much of December and the first part of January I was entertaining life (and, primarily, work) in another province, while my flocks and herds were well tended by the dearest of neighbours and friends. 

My roommate of 4 years, dear old dad, has moved on and taken his cats if not his cars with him.  I have had a new roommate, however temporary, since the beginning of January, a friend from gradeschool with whom I have grown quite "chummy", you might say.  I don't reckon I have ever used that particular description for any of my relationships thus far, but on this paticular evening in this particular mood it seems a fitting term.  At any rate, she has been most helpful in providing me freedom to move about, working & playing where I must, which has been wonderful, and of course, being a good friend, listener and companion when I am home.  Alas, she prepares to leave the country and exercise her own freedom of movement in a couple short weeks and we will all miss her but wish her well and safe travels about the land overseas, and also great thanks for her contribution here.

I have started into some renovating of the trailer, first the bathroom, which is now pretty much finished, and next the kitchen.  The bathroom got a complete overhaul including new sink and toilet and floor and paint and, well, the whole nine yards.  I did it myself and it all works and yes, I am proud .  I have visions of a farm kitchen, with adequate counters and cupboards and new paint on the walls and tile on the floor.  At least I think there will be tile on the floor, if the tile gods should eventually choose to smile down upon me, which so far they have not (so I have postponed the project).  Yes, I have big visions for improvements inside and out this year, just try and stop me.  No, really.  If you decide you want to buy the farm, I can let you pick the floor colour. 

So I am feeling pretty good about my decision to take a year off training.  I have once again signed on to coordinate the beer gardens at Ness Creek this year, why I cannot say for sure, but there you have it - I am going to need some extra holidays before and after, so it will be good to not have outside horses in the yard!  I plan to spend more time roaming about in my Mazda 323 bringing the magic of good working relationships to horses and their people all over, and spend more time in the bush.  It is high time for that development.  So clinics, yes!  Tell your friends!  Rally your troups!  It has been lots of fun so far, so I hope you will join me.  Forgive my exuberance, I am feeling pretty good just in general.  I blame the chocolate.  I have added some information to the website regarding clinics, camps and riding lessons, and am just generally in the process of bringing the whole site up to speed, check it out!

Well now I am tired and ready for a book in bed, so I will leave you with visions of little red horses bounding through the snow, as John and I took Chutney and Stone for a jaunt this evening and it was lovely and wonderful, and I was very pleased with my mount (Stone) and his very good and quiet behaviour, and Chutney looks fantastic, even if she is a bit saucy.  So goodnight and good winter and I hope you are having as much fun as I am, or even more.  Don't let the winter bring you down, the mosquitoes will be back soon enough.