THE NEW YEAR

Hi Everyone!
Wow ~ It's been a while since I went to visit the Big Filly so I though she was probably really worried and most likely feeling abit neglected.

I thought to visit her right away after I went and rode Nero in the paddock next to hers. Anyways I don't think she minded much, cause she watched the whole time and didn't say anything.



So, anyways, after I finished up having a nice afternoon, wintery, leisurely stroll with Nero, and giving him treats and a nice brushing, I figured it was a good time to go see my lovely, devoted and proper Filly who is enjoying her vacation.

"Hi Tia!" I greeted her.

Tia was not happy and she backed off. "So did you have *fun* riding Nero?" she asked.

"Gee Tia," I questioned. "You're not jealous are you? I mean No horse could ever replace my BiG Filly! There's only one Big Filly! You're on Vacation, though ~ so I can not ride you, remember? You get to rest and eat and sleep all day! But me ~ I am not on vacation! I have to keep my fitness you know ~ especially over the holidays."

"OHHHH! That's SO true!" She agreed without any hint of polite hesitation or attempted disagreement ...and then she added, "I thought you looked a little rounder."

"Well, now, Tia, " I encouraged, "This does not have to decend to a conversation about my weight. I AM wearing a lot of layers, you know..."




I was going to explain about the several layers of thermal underwear and extra thick thermal polar fleece sweaters, but I was not ready for Tia's reaction...

"Tia! .... TIA! It's not that funny!"

"Well then," Tia giggled, "I'd better get back to the hay bale and round up for when I get *out of vacation*.

How many layers will you be wearing by then? ..." and she kept on laughing...

... so, I just waited it out ...You know there is such a thing as nervous laughteur and it's not prudent to reprimand, as it makes it worse. Clearly it was the excitment of seeing me after so long being apart that was making her silly, and she can not be faulted for that.

Anyways ~ She finally got over the giggles and asked me about "New Year's"

"Has it really been that long?" She asked. "Has it been a year already since I've seen you? Beach said something about a 'New Year' coming tomorrow!"

"Well, He's right Tia," I answered, "But it's not that I've been away for a year, and you're not a year older either. It's kindof like the World's birthday, and there are lots of parties to celebrate."

"Will YOU be going to any of these 'World Birthday Parties?" She asked.

"Actually, yes I will!" I told her "Right here, tomorrow night!"

"Will there be food?" She started to giggle ...

"I'm just kidding!" She nuzzled me, "But ... If there are some nice *healthy* treats that I would like, could you come out and give me some? Then we could celebrate the world's Birthday together!?" Tia suggested.

"Tia that is an excellent idea!" I kissed her back," I will most certainly bring some of your favorite treats to share with you tomorrow, on the world's birthday."

Well that's our adventure for today :)

Bye for now
Me & TIA

The Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the barn
all the creatures were listening
to Nenagh spin yarn.

and , Tucked in her stall
with hooves tight in her ears,
Tia attempted to
fight back the tears,


"You're wrong!" Tia sniffled,
"I'm on holiday!
That's why my human
has not come to play."


Like nails on a glass
was Nenagh's retort,
"NO ~ She dumped you, Big Filly,
so she can cavort...



with stallions and geldings
all colors and sizes,
round mares with talent
are in her horizons...

You're not good enough for her!!! HAHA"
Nenagh did shout,
at Tia, whose lips
were beginning to pout.


"Enough of this Nenagh!
Put an end to this grinching!"
bellowed Beach from his stall
seeing Tia wincing.


...She's just a young filly!
Where is your class?
Why can't your heart
be as big as your ...
buttocks?"

Then, over Tia's wimpers
could scarcely be heard
a stall door unlatch ... and
cold were the words ...

"I AM THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE"
came from inside Nenagh's stall.
The rest of the Equines
were stuck to their walls.

Fat from digesting
the last mouse that stirred,
Barn Cat awoke
to see justice served. he he he...

"YOU" said the ghost,
"... HAVE BEEN A BAD MARE.
Follow me now,
If you have any care ..."

Nenagh did follow
the thing as it lead
her out of the barn,
lip drooping with dread ...

Trotting forever
through grim icy fields
they came to a halt
in front of four wheels...

"THIS," said the ghost,
"WILL BE YOUR ILL FATE
IF YOU DON'T MAKE AMENDS
WITH YOUR YOUNG STABLE MATE...

"NO MORE CURRIES OR TREATS
OR WARM WINTER RUGS~!
NO ROUND BALES, OR PELLETS
OR NICE HUMAN HUGS...

YOU"LL BE PULLING THIS CART
TILL THE DAY THAT YOU DROP.
THE WORK OF THE 'REAPER'
DOES NOT EVER STOP...

HE'LL FILL UP THIS CART
WITH SOULS BLACKER THAN YOU,
AND THEN, WHEN YOU'RE FINISHED,
HE'LL PUT YOU IN TOO."

"Must this come to pass?"
Nenagh shrieked with such pain,
"I just cannot live without hay
and grain!"

I do have some care in my heart
for the filly,
as much as she's skinny
and dresses too silly."

And SO ~ like Nero's whinny is
three octaves too high
Nenagh awoke
with a humiliating cry...

"I'm sorry, Tia!
Your human loves you~ I lied!"
"Of course she does!" chirped Tia,
"she's here by my side :)"

"You've had a bad dream~"
Said Tia to Nenagh.
"Cheer up and check out
what you got from Santa!"

...and so they all munched
on the stocking delights,
Merry Christmas from Big Filly ...

And to all a good night :)

Me&TIA

Tia's Quotation ~ Holiday

Hi Everyone!

It's me, Tia :)

Guess what I'm getting ? ~ a holiday! I'm not sure what that means. So anyways, I asked Beach, and he said a holiday is when you get to eat lots, sleep in, and relax all day for a long time. He said you don't have to 'work' when you're on holiday. Hmmm ... well I don't really know what 'work' is exept that my human goes to 'work' caring for 24 minis all day in a single paddock. I've never done that ...

So then Nenagh said that 'holiday' means when your human abandons you for what seems like forever, and you have to survive on only equine company, including annoying relatives, who can't even manage a good wither scratch, and you're lucky if you get a couple treats and a good brushing twice a week...

........Well, gosh I think Nenagh's being a bit negative. Maybe it's the weather...I hope I like my holiday :) wish me luck!"

Tia!

Tia's Quotation ~

"Have you ever noticed that Equines tend to look like their humans?"

Tia's Jin Shin Jyutsu Adventure!

Hi everyone!

Tia had a very interesting adventure the other day! She experienced the traditional Japanese art of Jin Shin Jyutsu. She would love you to see it, because she found it really interesting, and had *lots* to say about it ... See if you can guess what she's saying!?

Check out the video adventure on the website; bigfillyadventures.com

See you there!

Lise :)

Jump Preparedness for the "less than confident"

OK ~ It's REALLY important to be well prepared for jumping lessons ~ especially if you are even the slightest bit nervous. The best thing for 'anxiety' is to make sure you've got all you bases covered, and KNOW that you're prepared for anything. So I've compiled a list of some common sense items to bring with you for a jumping lesson.

• Back protector ~ in case you should come off, it will protect you vital organs
• Helmet ~ Make sure it's a good quality, certified helmet in good condition.
• A good jumping saddle that fits ~ with all leather in tact and in good condition. You don't want to find out your stitching is coming undone over a jump!
• Your favorite boots and gloves are a must ~ for better control and confidence.
• A first aid kit is probably a good idea ~ stocked with items for both you an your horse. Not to be negative, but you just never know, right? Include trank, and one for the horse too.
• Two extra pillows and duck tape is a really good idea for added front and back protection.
• Also, the duck tape can come in handy for the instructor to keep you in the saddle, also to keep you quiet so not to interfere with the horse's concentration, or as a blind fold, or EVEN to keep you from getting back into your car.
• Toilet paper is sensible.
• I would bring along your favorite comfort object, because sucking your thumb is virtually impossible when doing a proper release.
• If you have a prayer book or bible, it's a good idea to bring it along for inspiration ~ or possibly for the coach ~ something to do during those tight spots ~ or while you regain consciouseness.
• Champagne is a good idea for after the lesson. You will probably want to celebrate having survived.
• A copy of your recent WILL ~ so that there's no uncertainty about who inherits your horse debt. The champagne will also come in handy if and when the Will comes into play.

Most importantly it's important to keep a POSITIVE attitude! Breathe and have fun! Remember ~ You're doing what you LOVE!

Me :)

Tia's Quotation ~ on Compromise

It's really important to learn 'compromise'. Rarely does anything ever go 100 percent your way. I mean ~ lets face it, everybody can't have their own paddock, haybale, apple tree ... and then it wouldn't be fun anyway ~ Would it? I mean ... it's way more fun to share those things ~ :) Even sharing the water bucket with Beach can be fun ... sortof. My human calls being able to compromise ~ being 'evolved'.

Well anyways ~ I really like pink, but I dislike black, and my human really likes black (beach says it's because black is slimming ~ which is why it works for her, but not me ... ). So *anyways* we have made a compromise. My new saddle pad ensemble is black with pink ribbing! I don't mind my human's new pink hat with ears, but when the wind blows, I really can't figure out her moods. She's kindof 'all over the place' ... you know? Why would a human wear ears that they can't control? It could be dangerous, you know? Not every equine understands compromise! ... Sigh ~ I'll look out for her ...

Tia :)