May 2010

May 3, 2010

Remember to enter the Amazing Grace Stable May 8 THSA horse show by Wednesday at noon.  Click HERE for the prize list.  E-mail your entries to amazinggraceva@aol.com with the horse, owner, rider and classes. 

God bless,

Nardeen

May 9, 2010

We had such a nice day at our horse show yesterday.  The weather was bizarre - windy on and off all day - but the horses didn't seem to mind.  I was a bit worried because Ryann had decorated the jumps so beautifully with trees and flowers.  I was afraid the wind was going to blow them and it would spook the horses.  But I must say - and so did our judge Edee (McGregor) - not one horse seemed to mind the wind at all.   And, it kept things cool.

We had such a nice turnout and we thank all of you who came.  There is so much I want to write about but I can only touch on a few things because I'm really busy right now getting ready to leave for James River.

Kendall's baby horse "Deena" made her Baby Green debut and she was AMAZING.  She is so quiet, and such a good jumper.   She came on Friday and spent the night and settled right in.  She is one laid back horse.  Kendall had the best time, and of course it's always wonderful seeing Kendall's mom Robin.   Kasey (Evans) was Champion Baby Green on Susan Kaufman's new horse and he is really cute, and Ryann was Reserve Champion with "Sydney", Denise's WONDERFUL horse.  That horse is something else.

Neysa - came out of retirement - and was Champion with Reese in the Junior Amateur division. She rode him to PERFECTION.     They won both jumping classes and second in the under saddle.  Sarah O'Reilly - who also rides great, was Reserve Champion with Maverick. It was quite a good division.

Oh my - I could go on and on, there's so much I want to write about, but I've gotta run get ready for church.  If I have time later today I'll pick up where I left off. 

Thank you ALL for a wonderful day at our show.

Happy Mother's Day !!!

God bless,

Nardeen

I have had the absolute nicest Mother's Day.  I am so blessed. 

                                    DAILY MESSAGE FROM JOEL OSTEEN 

May 10, 2010

I'm at the James River Horse Show and Rose Mount Farm is as beautiful as always. I love it here. The weather is calling for some rain tomorrow - which is a blessing - and hopefully we will get some of that rain in Carrollton.  Boy it has been dry these past several weeks.

For those of you who know Ray (Miller) - the nice man who works for the Garnetts, please keep his family in prayer.  His 18 year old daughter is in the hospital with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer.  They discovered a lump a few weeks ago - actually in April, the first day of the Rose Mount Horse Show.  It was a small lump, but by the time it took for the insurance company to okay everything (which took a few weeks) the lump had grown to the size of a basketball.  That poor child has been through surgery, chemo, in and out of the hospital.  Poor Ray - he is torn up - and rightfully so.  No one should have to see their child suffer.  I feel soooo sorry for him and his wife, and of course his daughter Nicole.  None of us have answers.  None of us know why things like this have to happen.   All we can do is pray for God to give their family peace, hope and strength to get through this very, very difficult time.  So please, all of you reading this, whether you know Ray or not, please keep his family in your prayers.  During the James River Horse Show we are going to take up a donation to try and help with their medical bills. If you are reading this and your heart touches you to help out, please send your checks payable to Ray Miller c/o Rose Mount Farm, Post Office Box 440, Spotsylvania, VA   22553.   Ray has incurred astronomical bills already, and on top of worrying about Nicole he has the added stress of worrying about how he is going to pay for this.  So please, anything you can do to help will be a blessing. 

Well - I'm off to bed.  I've had an amazing day, with everything falling perfectly into place.  I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and so many wonderful people who help me at my horse shows, at our barn, and at my home. Getting packed to leave for these shows is usually so stressful.  But this time I prayed for peace about it and for everything to fall into place, and I'll tell you what that prayer was answered.  It was just the easiest it's ever been to pack and leave town.  I don't know why I don't ask God to help me more often.  I guess I think that I shouldn't be bothering Him with petty things.  But - I'm learning more and more that He WANTS us to ask for His help in everything we do.  So, thank you God for being my wonderful Helper today.  You are THE BEST !!!

Good night, and God bless.

Nardeen

May 11, 2010

Today went so smoothly.  Everything fell right into place. It was wonderful seeing all my horsey friends again.  I haven't seen most of them since last year at Middleburg Classic.  Dale Crittenberger, Peter Foley, Tommy Serio and Mr. Wheeler are here again this year.  Dale, Peter and Mr. Wheeler haven't come for the past few years and Tommy hasn't been here for (get this) fifteen years.   Fifteen years, that's a long time.  So I am really excited to have them back.  Alan Lohman is coming this year, and I don't think Alan has ever shown at James River. I'm very excited about spending the week with my horsey friends.  And I can't wait to see Mindy (Minetto) and George (Wallace) our judges.  I haven't seen George in several years.  He is such a character.

We are rallying together this week and doing several fund raisers for Ray and his family.  We are having ticketed warm-ups in both rings with a  big portion of that money going to them.  We are having a 50/50 Raffle.  We are going to put together a Silent and Live Auction.  If you have ANYTHING that you can donate to the Auction PLEASE contact me at 757-846-8176 or at jamesrivershow@aol.com asap.  Vacations are always a popular item in an auction.  Once before we auctioned off Bob Crandall serving Mimosa's in a TuTu and that brought in BIG BUCKS !   Hmmmm - maybe we'll do that again.   How about dinner at Tony Workman's house.   Tony is a fabulous cook!  I'm going to get to work on this.  Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. If you aren't at James River and you would like to place a bid, just let us know.  The Auction will end Saturday.  I'll post the items here asap.  I'm excited.  Jane (Gaston)  get paintin' girl.  Jane always donates an item to Middleburg Classic and it ALWAYS brings in BIG BUCKS - even before anyone sees it.  So maybe we can get Jane to donate something.

Please help out financially.  Ray is struggling.  Dig deep in your pockets and send a donation to help with their overwhelming medical bills.  Anything -ANYTHING you can do will be a help.  PLEASE - SEND SOMETHING.   

Whether you know Ray or not, please keep Ray and his family in your prayers.  And please - SEND SOMETHING to help.  Make sure you email me with what you will do, then mail your check to Ray Miller, c/o Rose Mount Farm, Post Office Box 440, Spotsylvania, VA   22553.  If possible - please mail it asap so we can present it to Ray on Sunday during the show.  If you can't get it to us by Sunday that is not a problem - mail it anytime.  Be sure to email me with what you will pledge so we can let Ray know.

Thank you for helping, for caring and for praying. God bless you.

Nardeen

May 12, 2010

A perfect day for a horse show.  Not too hot, not too cold - a light breeze - and sunny.  It just doesn't get any better.  And we had a nice group of exhibitors .  It's not a big show by any stretch of the imagination, but bigger than last year.  So I'm feeling very blessed. It's actually nice to have a horse show that ends at around 3:30 or 4:00, because the day doesn't get so stressful.  And - I'm getting ready to go out to dinner with Mindy and George, Glenn, Wayne and Kip.  It is so nice to be able to "socialize" a little.  Sure - I wish we were making more money, but as long as we're not losing and everyone is having a good time - that's the most important thing.

Donations are coming in for Ray.  Our horse community is certainly a very special group of people.  I love you guys.

Right now the Silent Auction has the following items.  It is going to close on Saturday afternoon.  If you have something you can donate to the auction please let me know.  And if you'd like to bid on something let me know that too.

1. Paris - an apartment for a week right in the heart of Paris - Lisa Rossi

2. Hilton Head - a 3 Bedroom condo for a week in beautiful Hilton Head - The Garnett Family

3. A Painting of "YOUR" horses head - Lori's Horse Portraits

4. A Bridle - Champion Saddlery

5. Coupons for 20 bags of Southern States Feed - Alan & Jessie Lohman

6. A Silk Designer Pillow - Horse Country Saddlery

7. A Monogrammed Belt - HR Embroidery

8. A Pearl Necklace - B.J.'s Hunt Room

9. 2 Framed Hunt Prints - Natalia Bledsoe

10. Mane & Tail Braiding at Deep Run Horse Show - Peggy Holt

11. A Wool Dress Sheet - Monogrammed - The Cloths Horse

12. A Grandstand Box OR a 3' Division at the Warrenton Horse Show - Warrenton Horse Show

13. An Alpaca Sweater & Scarf - Whitestone Farm

14. Custom Made Jewelry designed and crafted by 8 year Old Elizabeth Mueller - Whitestone Farm

15. 2 Bar Stools - hand painted with fox masks - Edee McGregor

16. Set of 3 Guest Towels - Horse Country Saddlery

17. 2 "lightly used" Martingales - Michaela Wittan

Thank you all for your generosity.  We have to all help each other.

Okay, I'm off to dinner. 

Thank you God for a wonderful day.

Nardeen

May 13, 2010

The horse community is sooooo wonderful.  Donations for Ray Miller have been coming in from all over the country.  I sent out a mass email two days ago and the response has been great.  God bless all of you for your love and generosity.  I was talking with Ray today and he told me that he had to have a prescription filled for $5,104.00.  He said he had to use his VISA card !    $5,104.00 - for medication for a few days.  UNBELIEVABLE.  So please - if you haven't already done so - please send a donation to:  Ray Miller, c/o Rose Mount Farm, Post Office Box 440, Spotsylvania, VA   22553.  Nicole has had five days of chemo and now she rests until next week, then she has one day of chemo, then the following week goes back to five days.  Ray says she has broken out in a rash all over from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.  They are having to wipe her with Aloe and it is so painful for her.  He says it is breaking his heart.  I can't even begin to imagine their pain.  So in addition to your financial support, please keep them in your prayers.

Also keep Charlie in your prayers.  He is not doing too good.  Scott is there with him, Jenny and Brian and he says it is sooooo sad.  He says Jenny and Brian have taken such amazing care of him and they are at the hospital night and day.  I don't think he has much longer - and the doctors are going to make a decision soon - so please pray for everyone to have peace and strength through all of this.

On a much lighter note - we had a GREAT day today at the horse show.  And,  "my" horse, Casallo, was the Grand Champion Hunter !   My favorite horse, winning the Blue Ridge Trophy.  Blue Ridge was my precious little 15.0 1/4" Connemara who was Champion of Virginia in the Small Hunter Division four or five times. And that was back in the days when they jumped 3'6".  He was the cutest horse - white as snow, with the thickest most beautiful tail. No fake tail for him.  And - he jumped the ever lovin' best.  I bought him from Richard Taylor as a Large Pony, but he grew out.  He and Peg became famous together.  He was the best - and as far as he was concerned he was 17 hands.  Everyone loved him.  So I was a happy girl when Casallo won his trophy today.

You know, as I'm writing this about Blue Ridge I'm thinking about how sometimes when things happen to us in life that seem devastating at the time - they may turn out to be the best thing.  I'll never forget how sick I felt the day Blue Ridge got protested at a local show.  I was devastated.  But - if he hadn't been measured out of the ponies, he would have never become the Small Hunter Champion all those years and Peg and I would probably have never had the success we had with our business.  Blue Ridge was the start of it all.  And one thing I definitely know, those were some of the best times of my life. That was the best little horse, and I thank God that he was in my life.

Thank you Lissa for "Memo" (Banner).  Tonight I googled "a horse named Banner and Scott Stewart" and up came a horse show at the 2006 Winter Equestrian Festival where he was Champion Green Conformation - won the model, third in the under saddle, won two classes and third in two classes.  Plus - a picture.  Neysa and I are picking him up on our way home from Keswick.  We are soooooooo excited.  God is good !   And so are my wonderful friends.  I love you guys.

Well - off to bed.  Looking forward to tomorrow.

God bless,

Nardeen

MAY 14, 2010

Life doesn't get much better than this.  Spending a week at a beautiful horse show, with wonderful people, and watching horses show.  We live such privileged lives. Thank you Lord for all our blessings.

"Our" Jenny Old - I will always call her that - was Champion today on her baby horse in the Modified Adult Hunter.  What a sweet horse.  And of course, Jenny can ride !!!  It was so fun because Jenny's mom and dad were there and I always love seeing them.  I miss them sooooooo much.

For the past two days Peter Foley has been telling me that he LOVES the horse show.  He said it is "the best kept secret in Virginia."  That made me so happy.  And Peter and Catherine (Thomas) have had a great show.

And you know who else has had a great show - Pam Herman.  Look at this tack stall.  You go team Pam Herman Farm.  They have been so cute.  They came up on Monday, a day earlier than they usually do, and they got themselves "real organized"!   And they brought a lot of horses and ponies.  

The complete results for the horse show are at www.horseshowsonline.com. 

The donations are coming in for Ray.  People are writing checks to Ray Miller to help with medical expense.  And hopefully a lot more checks will keep coming in.  The Silent Auction has some really nice things in it too.  I can't decide if I want to close the auction on Saturday or Sunday - but I think I'll go ahead and close it Saturday because everyone will be in a hurry to go home on Sunday.  Plus that will give me time to organize it and close it out without being rushed.  Then on Sunday we can give Ray a nice envelope FULL OF CHECKS.

Thank you everyone for supporting our horse show.  And most of all, thank you all for the wonderful support you are giving to Ray.  Keep his family - especially Nicole, in your prayers.

God bless you,

Nardeen

May 15, 2010

We are having a HUGE horse show.  It has grown, and grown and grown.  It is the biggest it has been in years.  Thank you Lord for good weather. That always makes people want to show.  Today has been gorgeous and it is so fun to see soooo many people sitting around the rings watching and/or just enjoying themselves. 

The Silent Auction finished a few minutes ago.  All the proceeds are going to Ray.  Thank you EVERYONE who donated something to the Auction.  And thank you everyone who bid on the items.  I'll get an amount posted here soon of what the Auction brought in.

Happy birthday to Andrea - Mike's wife at Showday Cafe.  We had a "little" birthday party for her.

I am having THE ABSOLUTE best time.  I love this "little" horse show.  Thank you guys.  This is the best the show has done in numbers and financially in "years" - many years.  And when I think that on May 5th I was thinking we may have to cancel because we only had 70 entries.  Isn't that AMAZING. Going from almost canceling to the biggest it's been in years.  God is sooooooo good.

I closed out the Silent Auction and it brought in $5,395.00 for Ray !   Isn't that wonderful.  Thank you all so much, and God bless all of you who supported it.  Now tomorrow we will add up all the donations that are coming in.  I can't wait to see how that does.  Our horse community is a wonderful, generous, special group of people.  Thank you all for supporting this family who most of you don't even know.  AMAZING !!!

God bless,

Nardeen

The following people have made donations and they are continuing to come in.  Some people left the show grounds and have called to say they are mailing in something. Thank you Lord for touching so many hearts.

I have not had a chance to really go over this list to make sure I didn't leave anyone off, so please, if you donated something and your name isn't here please forgive me and let me know.  Also - anyone who donated in the show office on their show bill has not been included in this list.  As soon as Debbie gets me that information I will add those names in.  Thank you again so much. 

Donations are still being accepted so it's not too late for you to contribute.  E-mail me at jamesrivershow@aol.com and I'll post it here.  Your checks can be made payable to Ray Miller and mailed to Ray Miller, c/o Rose Mount Farm, Post Office Box 440, Spotsylvania, VA   22553. 

God bless you for your generosity and caring.

Nardeen

Alan & Jessie Lohman

Betsy Fauntleroy

Bill & Kathy Rittenhouse

Bob Crandall & REC Farm

Caroline Moran

Carrie Kline

CeCe Williamson

Christina Bowen

Claiborne Bishop & The Barracks

Dana Bonnell

Danny Robertshaw & Ron Danta

Debbie Bowden

Denise & Glenn Snyder

Diane Wade

Don Stewart

Elizabeth Keating

Gail Jeffries

Garnett Family & Rose Mount Farm

Gene Paxton

Gottwald Family

Hilary Gerhardt

J.P. Bordeleau

Jackie Lee & Showplace Farm

James River Hunt

Jan Simpson & Eric Dirks - Hampden Row

Janyce & John McLin

Judy & Joe Old

Julie Karpan - Brandywine Tent Rental

Katherine Beale

Kendall Parks

Kenneth Wheeler

Kim Gottwald

Kym Smith

Lauren Peterson Fellows

Lee & Scott Nunnally - Virginia Tent Rental

Linda Foster

Lynn Ellen Rice

Mary Lou Yates

Michael & Andrea  De Signore - Showday Cafe

Monica Patton

Nardeen Henderson & Amazing Grace Stable

Neysa Bryant

Norton Family

Pam Hayden

Peg Seals & Freedom Farm

REC Farm

Robert Crandall

Ruth Douglas

Sandy Ferrell

Sandra Kroop

Scott Williamson

Sherri Crawford

Steve and Sally McVeigh

Suki Ritter

Susanna Rowe

Terri Wheeler

Tom Brennan

Tommy Lee & Diane Jones

Tommy Serio

Wayne Eubank

Whitestone Farm

Donations to date (including the Silent Auction) is well over $20,000.00.

Thank you all so much.  Ray is overwhelmed by the caring and compassion.

God bless you all.

Donations are still being accepted and the list will be updated as the donations come in.  God bless you.

Ray Miller

c/o Rose Mount Farm

Post Office Box 440

Spotsylvania, VA   22553

May 17, 2010

The response to the fund raising for Ray Miller has been overwhelming.  Thank you all so much.  So far over $20,000.00 has come in and we're still getting phone in donations.  You guys are wonderful.

It is RAINING in Carrollton, Virginia - something we haven't seen in weeks and weeks and weeks.  I know that for a fact because we seeded all our paddocks and then we never saw another drop of rain.  The crazy thing is that we had to wait to seed because it had rained and/or snowed sooooooo much that it was TOO WET to seed.  Then when we got a sort of dry day we put down the seed - and that was the end of rain.  So - I'm hopeful that there is still enough seed to do some good.

I had the nicest day on Monday after the show.  I stayed home and got organized from being gone for a week, and finished up some paper work from the show.  When the show ends on Sunday it is still not over for Debbie and me.  There is so much paper work involved in running a horse show that it's ridiculous.  Anyway - Monday was a perfect day for catch up and some relaxing.  Ryann and I went to lunch at our new Thai restaurant and it was absolutely delicious.  We love that place.  I still can't believe we have a Thai restaurant one mile from my house !!!   And a GREAT Thai restaurant.  Ryann and I eat lunch there a lot.  We love the Vegetable Roll.  It's sorta like Sushi but without the nasty fishy taste.  They use a soy paper to roll it in instead of that disgusting seaweed paper (Yuck) and then it has cucumber, asparagus, avocado and we add cream cheese.  It is soooooooo good - and actually healthy.  The soy paper is very good for you.  So we are happy girls.

Today we are going to Hampton and spending the day with Ma Helen.  Hunter and Brittany will come over after the barn gets done and we're all having a good ole' Ma Helen country dinner.  Then we watch American Idol.  Hmmmm - it's down to three.  Tense, very tense.

Please continue to pray for Ray Miller's family and his daughter Nicole.  She had a setback on Sunday and had to be taken to the Massey Cancer Hospital in Richmond.  I'm worried sick because I haven't heard from them so I'm very concerned.  So please keep those prayers coming.

Also, please continue to pray for Charlie, Brian and Jenny.  It seems that at this point it will take a total miracle - which certainly could happen.

Tomorrow I'm heading to the Keswick horse show with Neysa and Ryann.  I'm really looking forward to it.  I haven't been to Keswick in quite a few years.  The last time I went it was Josh and me and we had the absolute best time.  I love Josh Carr - who doesn't.  I'm gonna give him a call, he may want to go too.

I live a very wonderful life and I thank you God for all my blessings. I haven't been happier in the last ten years.  God is good.

Lots of love and blessings,

Nardeen

I don't know if you ever read the Daily Motivator that is on the opening page of our website - but I absolutely LOVE today's message.  This is one small part of it.

"Let go of your ideas of what should or should not be. Be joyful simply because you can, right where you are, with all you have."

Nicole Miller Update:  I have set up a "Blog" on the James River web site at www.jamesriverhorseshow.com and it has updates about Nicole Miller.  I'm confusing myself with what I've posted on that website and what I've posted on this website about Nicole.  So I will probably post most of the stuff about Nicole there. 

Below is from Lish Garnett that she wrote on my Facebook page:

May 19, 2010

I am having the nicest day.  I went to the Keswick Horse Show this morning to watch Casallo show and he (and Bob) were fabulous !  In the Green Conformation he was 3rd in the Model, 2nd and 1st over the jumps.  He jogged in first in both classes.  In the First Year Green he was second in both jumping classes to a fabulous horse that Kelly Farmer showed called "Taken."  So - it looks like I'm going to Devon !   This was the first time I've seen Debbie Ireland's horse "Surely" show in the 3'6" and she is adorable.  Sweet as she can be.  I was hoping to see Chris Chance's horse "Forecast Sunny" show in the Low Hunter but we never made it back down the hill.  I see on HSS where he was Champion. I'm happy for Chris.  She's a great lady.

Keswick is a "special" horse show.  And when I say "special" I mean it in several ways.  When you are at the main ring it is beautiful with it's old Virginia ambiance.  The wooden grandstand, the "pretty" ring, the wonderful shops - and most importantly - so many familiar people who you only see at "Keswick."  It's like going back in time.  Jimmy Hatcher - who NEVER CHANGES.  He looks wonderful - exactly like he did 30 years ago.  Elaine and Chanda Boylan, Judy Kelly, Douglas Wheeler, Meredith McLaughlin, Betty Oare, Bucky Reynolds, both Amy Nunallys, Sandy Gerald, Kelly Farmer, Larry Glefke, Debbie & Winkie Buchanon - it was nice seeing everyone.  And the hospitality tent - which is at the end of the ring - is beautiful.  Sandra Burke is in charge of it and she did a wonderful job.  It is so pretty with pastel table cloths and the cutest wooden horses (made by Debbie Buchanan) on each table. 

When I got there this morning the Model had just walked in the ring.  And while it was being judged the train went by - whistle and all!  We all looked at each other and said, "it's Keswick."  And it is "Keswick" - just part of the show.  Those train tracks run right next to the property.  But we're all use to it and nobody even notices anymore.  Before you come to the show you know the train will come by, so it's no surprise.

Now - the lower ring and stable area are also "special" - but in a different way.  We went down in Bob's golf cart and it was a whole different feeling from being up on the hill.  The stalls are crammed onto a very small area, the schooling area butts right up to the stalls and to the ring, and the train goes right by the ring.  Not really the best situation.  But again, before you come to the show you know the situation, so it's no surprise.

I will say - that "Keswick" has a very special feel to it.  I went back in time today remembering our first time here, over thirty years ago. Looking into that ring all sorts of memories came back to me.  I remembered watching Sally Wheeler - in her sundress, her perfect jet black hair, perfect makeup, perfect nails, gorgeous jewelry, standing "Stocking Stuffer" for Conformation.  I also remember watching Charlie Weaver show the Wheeler's, August Busch's and Mrs. Sylvester Johnson's horses to perfection.  What a rider he was. Those WERE the days.  It was "glamorous" and exciting.

Speaking of Charlie - it isn't looking too good. Please pray for the doctors to have wisdom to make the right decisions.  Scott (Williamson) was scheduled to judge Keswick but had to cancel to be with Charlie ,Brian and Jenny.  It may not be too much longer. My prayers, thoughts and love go out to them.  A nicer man would be hard to find.

Ryann and Neysa came up and met me at the show.  We had the most wonderful day.  We shopped, talked to friends, had lunch in the grandstands, and watched the show.  Ryann and I got purses from B.J.'s Hunt Room.  I knew we shouldn't go in there!  Then we left to pick up "Memo" and "Topper".  Neysa had her truck and trailer and she led the way and I followed in my car.  Well I got lost so they went without me and I came to the Gottwald's to stay with them tonight.  That was my plan all along - well, not to get lost but to stay at the Gottwald's.   And, as always, I have had the best time. 

The Gottwalds are an AMAZING family.  I've just never seen anything like them.  There are six children with Lilly being the youngest (9) to Nancy who is 22. All the kids (except Nancy) were here for some part of the evening, and they are the most polite, sweetest, AMAZING children in the world.  B & Hays are such cute - I guess I should say handsome young men.  And so personable.  Lilly and Kimmy are both adorable.  And Nancy and Caroline - oh my goodness, what wonderful young women.  Caroline is leaving on Sunday and will be gone the entire summer.  She is starting out going to Africa to a  village to help the children learn "English."  Then the rest of the family are going to meet up with her.  She is so excited about going.  She went last year and LOVED IT and says she can't wait to get back to see everyone again.  Imagine that - someone who lives such a "privileged" life as Caroline Gottwald looking forward to spending months living in an African Village, bathing out of a "bucket" of water.  No showers there.  She told me she loves the people. She says it is unbelievable how little they have and how happy they are. What an amazing young woman!

I could go on and on and on about the Gottwald's.  Kim Gottwald is the most wonderful mother, amazing person I've ever met.  And all six of her children are a testament to that.  They all love and respect her so much.  I told them last night that they are "TEAM GOTTWALD."  They all pitch in and help with whatever is needed - most of the time not even needing to be asked.  If they see something that needs to be done - like clearing the table - they just do it.  They are a precious, precious family and I am so blessed to have them in my life. 

Kim and I have both been involved with "fund raising" this week - so tonight we are still on a "fund raising roll."  You know how it is.  Your adrenalin gets going about something and sometimes it's hard to slow it down.  Anyway - we've come up with some fun things we want to do to raise extra money for Ray Miller and for Danny and Ron's Rescue. My wonderful friend Caroline is also helping us come up with some ideas and "names" for some of these things.  She's THE BEST !!! 

One thing we think would be fun to do is have a special class at one of the upcoming Deep Run Horse Shows (either Deep Run or Old Dominion) for riders who haven't shown in four or more years.  We picked four years because that's how long it's been since Hays has shown and he wants to do it.  We're going to get B to participate too.  Actually, that's how it all came about.  I was talking to B and asked him if he missed showing?  We are going to have a Calcutta along with that class.  We've done a Calcutta at Middleburg Classic before and it's a lot of fun. 

We are also going to do a dinner and karaoke at Kim's house one night of the Deep Run Horse Show. There will be a cover charge to get in and all the profits (after paying the caterer) will go to Danny and Ron's Rescue.  That will be a lot of fun. Heck - everyone goes out to eat after the show and spends money.  Kim's house is AMAZING and everyone will enjoy getting an opportunity to see it while contributing to a great cause.  We will do that on Thursday night.  Anyone who would like to come will be welcomed, whether you are showing at Deep Run or not.  So if you'd like to join us please RSVP to me at amazinggraceva@aol.com  Kim is getting ready to go to Africa and will not be back until right before Deep Run so that is why you will RSVP to me and not to her.  I'm excited. This is going to be so much fun.

I talked to Ray this afternoon and he said the doctors have stopped the chemo for now.  They are going to start it back soon but slow down the amounts.  They think they may be giving her too much, too often.  They also said a lot of what is going on with her is "normal."   All I know is, I don't care if it's normal or not, I feel so bad for Ray and his wife to have to watch their child suffering.  Lots of prayers please.  Today when I got to Keswick, people started coming up to me handing me donations for Ray. The word had gotten out to this group of people and they wanted to help too.  Our horse community is amazing.  Sandy Gerald, Mary Anne Kean, Pam Baker, Betty Oare, Larry Glefke, Susie Olfson, all either gave me a donation or pledged a donation.  Isn't that wonderful!  Lish called and said several donations that had been pledged came in the mail today so I will and get those names posted tomorrow.  Thank you all and God bless you.

More donations (given or pledged today at Keswick)

Betty Oare

Larry Glefke & Kelly Farmer

Mary Anne Kean

Pam Baker

Sandy Gerald

Susie Olfson

Ray asked me to tell everyone that he and his wife are grateful and overwhelmed with the outpouring from our "community."   God bless you all.

So Ryann and Neysa picked up "Memo" and they say he is the cutest thing.  Thank you soooooo much Lissa.  God is so good.  I'll tell you that story tomorrow. I'm falling to sleep at the computer so I'm off to bed.

I had a glorious - blessed day today.  Thank you Lord.

Nardeen

May 21, 2010

I'm home from Keswick.  I literally drove into the barn and had a lesson waiting for me to teach.  It was great seeing all the "kids" and horses again.  I miss them when I'm gone.  But I'll tell you what - Ryann, Brittany, Sam and Agita have done such a great job at the barn taking care of everything.  I am totally comfortable leaving them in charge.  I'm sooooo comfortable that I've planned several trips this year.  I'm even going to Blowing Rock and spending some time with Caroline, Alex and Gracie.  I've never been to Blowing Rock.  I know it will be wonderful and I can't wait to see Burr Collier again. I haven't seen him since we went to Las Vegas. He was too much - hardly ever left the tables. 

We are excited about going to Bridlewood on Saturday. The kids are really looking forward to it, and actually so am I.  They put on a nice show, and have a nice big ring.  Our ring is small - sort of like Keswick's. Their's is more like Rose Mount's.  Ryann is going to love it.  And - we may be taking a couple to Carla's (River Birch)on Sunday.  They're trying to talk me into it.  I just hate missing church because I LOVE IT.  But we can have a little Bible study and prayer time on the drive over.  So - we MAY be doing two shows this weekend.  Neysa and Denise can't show on Saturday, but they can on Sunday. So they really want to go.  We'll see.

I'm posting information about Ray & Nicole Miller on the James River website at www.jamesriverhorseshow.com.  I will update the donor list as they come in.  The horse community has been so generous and the Miller family is overwhelmed with your compassion and generosity.  Thank you all so much and God bless you. 

Thank you Lucy and Sarah. 

I'm off to the barn.  It's going to be a WONDERFUL, blessed day.

Lots of love,

Nardeen

May 22, 2010

It was an absolutely WONDERFUL day at the barn today.  Lisa Gammill spent the morning with us - helping trim up and pull manes. She is such a blessing.  Thank you Lisa - we love you.  And, she went with us to Horseman's One Stop and lunch.  So that was a great start to the day.  Then Anne came out this afternoon, and we all love it when she's at the barn.  The kids had a lesson and all of Anne's horses were out there at one time.  Britt on Sly, Sam on Toby and Lucy on Corduroy.  And, they were all so good.  We all thanked Anne for her generosity with her nice horses and told her how blessed we are to have them (and her) at Amazing Grace Stable. 

We have the nicest group of people.  God has really taught us a lot this past year (well actually these past several years) . We thank him for all the people who have been "in and out" of our lives during these "seasons". We have learned something from each one of them, and we and have grown spiritually from those lessons.  I should write a book about the past few years because some of it has been very interesting and definitely AMAZING !  God is good.

One of the AMAZING things that has happened recently is "Memo."   While I was at the James River Horse Show, Lissa Bachner Brazeal walked over to me and said she had a horse she wanted to give me.  She said she bought him from Scott Stewart, he has shown for the past several years, and she needed to find him a home. It was a similar story like "Reese".  He's shown and WON at all the big shows but he's ready to slow down a "little." She was "thinking about" donating him to Sweet Briar College, but she said "for some reason, while she was standing there, she had an overwhelming feeling to give him to me."   She said "she didn't know why, she just did. "  Well I know why .  It was our wonderful God putting in a good word for us.  That's how it all works.  He gives us little hints about things He wants us to do and sometimes we're in tune to hear Him.  Aren't we blessed that Lissa was "listening."  God is good !!!  Neysa rode him yesterday and Ryann rode him today.  They love him.  Ryann says "he is A BLAST."  Thank you Lissa and thank you our wonderful God.

Oh my - I never told you about how PERFECT Casallo was on Thursday.  He was the best boy.  He was Champion in both the Green Conformation AND the First Year Green.  And the amazing thing about him being champion in the Green Conformation is that he was only third in the model. In the Green Conformation, if you don't win the model it is tough being champion or reserve because even if you are first in every class that model horse is going to be behind you.  And depending on the judging that horse can move up one and sometimes two places.  And in Casallo's case at Keswick being third meant the first AND second place horses were going to be behind him.  So - this was an extra special win because he totally won it from his performances.  He has learned sooooooo much since the last time I saw him - which was last year at the Old Dominion Horse Show.  He showed at Middleburg Classic but I'm so busy there that I rarely see a horse go.  Bob has done a great job with him.  And he is the sweetest thing.  I gave him almost all my Altoids and Tic Tacs after each class.  And he's so spoiled that he comes right out of the ring looking for them.  I can't wait till he comes to live with us !!! 

Please keep baby Alice in your prayers.  She has a hurt eye and I'm worried about her.  Ryann and Brittany have taken such good care of her.  They were right on top of it.  Ryann has been "bugging" poor Dr. King to death about it, but he seems to think it's going to be alright so that's good.  I'm a little gun shy about eyes.  We had a beautiful horse - ummmm probably thirty years ago - who had an eye injury and ended up having it removed.  We gave him away as a pleasure horse.  It was such a shame because he was so beautiful and so talented.  Well - hopefully this will have a different ending.  Poor baby Alice.  And she's such a good patient.  She's the sweetest thing. If you haven't seen her you should come out and visit.  She is absolutely precious.  Peg saw her the other day and she said she is the cutest "little" thing.  She is little.  Her mommy is a crossbred small pony, and her father is a crossbred pony.  So who knows what size she'll be.  When they have crossbred parents on both sides it's hard to say what will happen.  Anyway - come visit.  Ryann LOVES to show off Alice. 

I'm off to bed.  I have a big two day show weekend ahead of me. Hmmmm - why did I agree to this !!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.  The weather is going to be perfect.

God bless you,

Nardeen

May 23, 2010

We had a WONDERFUL day yesterday at the Bridlewood Horse Show.  We LOVE our "little" THSA Association.  It is a perfect place for our kids to get a start in the show ring.  They are starting to make friends, and everyone is learning how to ride.  And the most important thing they are learning is that they are learning !!!   This is a hard sport and we are dealing with animals.  Animals are unpredictable.  And, it's all about figuring them out. The best trainers in the country are the ones who can figure it out the best.  There is no set formula for show ring success because every horse is different.  What works for one may not work for the other.  The challenge is figuring out what works for each horse.

I have so much compassion for our horses when we go to a show.  They are such creatures of habit and they love routine.  When we go to a local show we come into the barn in the morning earlier than they are use to us being there and we totally disrupt their schedule.  They may be use to being turned out but instead we load them into the horse trailer.  They may be use to coming in from being out for the night but instead of letting them take their morning nap we load them into the horse trailer. Then instead of them grazing in the peace and quiet of their pasture or taking their morning nap in their comfortable stall, we haul them down the road in a noisy trailer where they are cross-tied in a little teeny slot, probably standing next to a horse they don't know or like.  Then we take them off the trailer, quickly tack them up, ride them in a strange ring, probably with other horses they've never seen before - going in every direction, coming right at them, flying past them, with trainers screaming out instruction.  And then - after all that - we expect them to go into the show ring and perform to PERFECTION.   I am so sensitive to what they are experiencing that I have learned to be happy with any accomplishment they make.

So - this is why I love our "little" local circuit.  It is peaceful.  It is laid back.  It is the perfect place for our kids and our horses to get their start in the show ring. The shows start at 10:00 a.m. so we don't have to leave the barn at a ridiculous hour.  The shows are well run and most importantly the shows are peaceful.  And our kids are learning how to go to horse shows in a calm, relaxing atmosphere instead of it being chaotic, hectic, nerve-wracking. God is sooooooo good.

I am so grateful to Anita and Kasey for joining up with us and giving our kids another place to show besides our barn.  We love going to Bridlewood. 

We ALL went to dinner at Anna's last night - way past my bedtime.  It was 9:00 p.m.  But we had a great time and a great dinner.  It reminded me of the good ole' days when we were just starting out.  We ALWAYS came home from a local show and went out to dinner.  Back then we loved to go to Port Arthur on Warwick Blvd.  Anyway - I guess we are just starting out - well Ryann is just starting out.  I am so proud of her.  She is doing an amazing job and loving every minute of it.  She loves the Lord with all her heart and soul.  She is such a wonderful role model for the kids.  She is the joy of my life.

We started our day with prayer yesterday and we had a peaceful, wonderful day. Thank you Lord. 

Today we are off to River Birch in Courtland.  We NEVER do two local shows on the same weekend. And we really dislike Sunday shows because we LOVE going to church.  But we will have a little Bible Study and Prayer time on the way to the show and maybe even at the show.  We are going today because Neysa couldn't show yesterday because she was judging.  And since she is going to show Reese at Deep Run I felt like she should probably go to an away show   She's only shown him once and that was at our barn.  Well - he is a little different when he goes away from home.  He's still his ridiculously lazy self but he's also nervous.  So it will be a good idea for her to get one under her belt.  Plus - Denise can never show on Saturdays because she works so I thought she might like to go.  And Ryann wants to take Memo and just play with him a little.  Sam decided to take Supernatural.  Brittany was going to take Sly but she felt so good about yesterday that she decided not to.  I'm proud of Britt.  She is really riding well.  So, we are going to the afternoon section and doing Special and Baby Green because we won't have to leave so early.  We're looking forward to it because we've never been to River Birch to show. 

Thank you Anne Martin for being such a blessing in our lives.  We love you.  And thank you Sarah for the delicious food all day long.  We have the most AMAZING TEAM !!!   And that's what it takes - team work.  We all have different talents and different skills we can contribute.  And when everyone helps and does something to contribute it makes it all that much better.  We are truly blessed with our Amazing Grace Stable team.  We love you guys.

Well, I better get going.  Time to head out to the barn.

We left for the show at River Birch a little later than we planned but it worked out fine.  When we got there they were on Green Hunter, and they still had a few divisions to run before the break.  We were planning to show Supernatural, Reese and Memo in the Special Hunter and Sydney (Grand Illusion) in the Baby Green, but since we got there before the Junior Amateur I told Sam he should just go ahead and do that.  We had plenty of time for him to get ready without feeling rushed and it just made more sense for him to be in his real division.  So he showed without schooling or even getting a chance to walk into the ring.  Toby (Supernatural) is a wonderful horse, and I knew he wouldn't care a bit about doing that.  Sam has never shown without schooling so it would have benefited him to have been able to go around, but all in all it was a good experience.  And a learning experience.  He rode beautifully and Toby was perfect but he added in the lines.  Several people came up and told me what a nice, soft rider Sam is and what a nice horse Toby is.  Sam's riding has come a long ways and Toby is a lot of the reason why.  He is a very sensitive thoroughbred and that will teach you to be soft and quiet.  That's part of the reason he ended up adding because he was trying to give him that very soft ride so Toby would stay soft.  But that's okay, Sam is learning and it is all part of the "learning experience" that I was talking about earlier.  Good job Sam - I was proud to be your trainer today.

Neysa showed Reese and the first class was beautiful, but for some reason in the second class he scooted off with her going to the last line.  It came from no where so we're not sure what bee got in his bonnet.  Other than that it was perfect.  And Kendall rode Memo - long story, but thank you Frank (her dad.)  She did an amazing job with him and it was a great experience for Memo with his new barn at his first show with us.  It all worked out great for us and that Kendall is a doll.  She is so upbeat, positive, and forgiving - and understands the horses and what they go through.  I always LOVE working with Kendall. 

Sydney (Grand Illusion) - didn't get to show again today.  The sky was getting darker and darker and thunderstorms were only minutes away (according to the radar). They canceled the Baby Green.  Soooooo - Sydney traveled 160 miles this weekend and jumped nine (9) jumps during schooling.  Yesterday she went with us to the show but didn't show because when we got there she was "colicking" (we think). Denise didn't get to go to the show so we took her with us because she is showing in the Baby Green division.  So Sydney's  "Mommy" (Denise) wasn't there to get her ready in the morning. Sydney loves Denise - it's very cute - but I'm sure she was a bit confused about where Denise was. Anyway, she has never ridden on a trailer with another horse, nor has she backed into a slot on a trailer - and she had to do both.  Of course - typical Sydney - it was no problem at all.  Then when we got to the show when Ryann was tacking her up she was pawing and trying to lay down.  So I immediately gave her 10 CCs of Banamine and called Denise.  After a few minutes she seemed better.  So she stayed out and grazed for a while and when she seemed okay we put her in a stall with some hay.   A little while later I was down at the in gate with the kids and I see Agita walking Sydney.  Well I about died.  Then - Sam says to me, "you know Nardeen, Sydney lays down all the time and takes a long nap every day.  Maybe she's just tired."  With that, we put her back in the stall, she plopped down, sprawled out, and began SNORING !!!  And, like Sam said, she slept most of the day. UNBELIEVABLE !!!   We didn't show her, and Kasey was very sweet and didn't show her Baby Green horses so it didn't hurt her points any.  Thank you Kasey for that, it was very nice of you.

We had a nice time at River Birch today.  Carla and Anne did a great job.  And I finally met Anne's husband.  We've chatted before by e-mail, so it was nice to put a face to a name.  He was the announcer and did a good job.  Carla's mother did the concession stand and the food was delicious.  And Carla's sister, Kathy, set up a nice little gift shop, where I (of course) had to buy a couple of things.  There were several other vendors there too - Neysa being one of them with her embroidery information and saddle pads.  Too bad Sarah wasn't there today.  She would have bought several of them.  Nobody has as many saddle pads as Lucy. 

River Birch is a beautiful facility.  The courses were very nice.  We had a GREAT time.  I hope we get to go back sometime this summer.  Thank you Carla and Anne. 

It was wonderful seeing Sheri again.  I haven't seen her in such a long time. I miss her.

We had another Bible study on our way to the show.  It took the place of church this morning.  But I missed going to church.  I really don't like these Sunday shows and probably won't do too many of them.  All the kids, Ryann, Agita and me all go to church on Sundays and we all LOVE it.  It is not something we have to do it is something we LOVE to do.  So we really missed it.  Carla says that after school gets out they move the shows to Saturdays, so that will be better for us.

We are back at the barn.  Everyone's pitching in and doing the barn chores.  We have the best customers and kids.  Everyone gets along beautifully. There is no back biting, no gossiping, NO DRAMA.  Thank you Lord for all you do in our lives everyday.  We are truly blessed.  LIFE IS GOOD !

Have a blessed and wonderful day !

Nardeen

May 25, 2010

Ryann and I had the best mommy and daughter day yesterday.  Becky went with us, which was nice.  Becky lived with me for a year when she was in Master's Commission, so she's like a daughter too.  We went to Williamsburg and had the nicest time.  We started out with lunch at the Cheese Shop and it was delicious.  We "special ordered" a  Cream Cheese and Watercress sandwich - which reminded us of the Devon Horse Show Tea Sandwiches.  It was delicious - but not as good as Devons.  They are THE BEST !!!  Then we went shopping and we had a blast.  We went upstairs in Binns and Ryann tried on some beautiful gowns which she looked fabulous in.  She may need one for a Military Ball she and Hunter are going to in August.  So that was lots of fun.  One of them was a cocoa brown color with lots of beading.  It reminded us of a Badgley Mischka - and almost as expensive.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  Then we went to Steinmarts - which we love, then the Prime Outlet Mall.  We were gone all day, then finished the day off with a late (8:30) dinner at Captain Georges.  It was sooooooo good.  We ate so many crab legs that right now (that will change tomorrow) if I never see another crab leg it will be just fine.  ANYWAY - we had so much fun, and I was truly blessed to spend such a nice day with those two precious young women.  Thank you Lord.

Ray called me this morning and it sounds like they had a better weekend.  He says it was tough for Nicole because all her friends were going to the prom.  But it sounds like she has a wonderful boyfriend.  He shaved his head when she shaved hers, and he's been right by her side through the whole thing.  Ray wanted me to tell you all AGAIN how grateful and overwhelmed by everyone's generosity he and his wife Annette are. 

I talked to Brian McGowan today and we are going to get together at Amazing Grace Stable and have a "Family Day."  Brian use to be the Worship Leader at Bethel Temple when Ryann was in the Hampton Master's Commission.  He is an amazing, anointed man of God.  He has been truly blessed with such a wonderful talent.  So we are going to have an afternoon of Praise and Worship, a family Pot Luck, and Pony Rides !!!  I can hardly wait.  Everyone's invited so please come out and join us.  Believe me, it will be an AMAZING day. Hopefully Brian and I can come up with a date when we are both available soon. I'll post it here as soon as I know.

Isn't life good?

Nardeen

We're going to Devon !!!   I'm so excited.  Ryann and I are going to leave on Sunday after church and come home either Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning - right after the Green Conformation Stake.  I can't wait.   I have to be there to see Bob and Casallo show at Devon !!!  And I'm really excited because Caroline and Alex are going to be there.  I can't wait.   Ummmmm - Tea Sandwiches, Fudge, Wonderful Vendors !!!   I LOVE DEVON.

MAY 27, 2010

Thank you Lisa (Gammill) for teaching Ryann how to body clip.  Reese looks beautiful.  He is so precious.

Thank you Dale (McGregor) for servicing our fly control system and teaching Ryann all about how to do it.  What a blessing Dale has been to us. Dale and Edee are two very special people. 

We are also grateful to Mr. Clark for all he does for us.  His advice and help is invaluable.  Mr. Clark has been selling me feed for about forty years.  He is 84 years old and still going strong.  He - himself - delivers us our feed !!!  And he still foxhunts with James River.  He is an amazing man.  I go to him with a lot of questions I have about the barn, and he is always so helpful.  I figure if it's good enough for Mr. Clark around his barn then it's good enough for us.  It saves me a lot of time of having to "research" things.

And Jaimie (Ferns) - what a precious, helpful and thoughtful young woman.  The kids were so surprised yesterday when they got to the barn and you had cleaned their stalls.  And - how sweet of you to bring me a Gatorade and a cup of ice when I was teaching yesterday.  What a precious young woman.  We LOVE you.

Sam, Brittany, Lucy and Agita.  WE LOVE YOU GUYS !!!  You are AMAZING. 

We are truly blessed with our wonderful lives.  And I am finally enjoying life again. Since Chuck died - nine years ago - I felt like I was just existing.  I was just going through the motions of living.  I have had so many "big" changes in my life and looking back I realize they have been wonderful life lessons.  At the time they were happening it seemed like the worst thing. But I believe they have all happened to strengthen my walk with the Lord.  I don't believe that God causes bad things to happen in our lives.  I believe that God is good and can only do good things.  I feel that the devil has control over this world.  The Bible says "what the devil means for bad God can turn into good."  I didn't think I could ever recover from losing Chuck, but the Lord taught me to be grateful for the thirty wonderful years we had together.  I didn't think I could ever recover from losing Peg and all my "friends" at Hunter's Way, but I learned to be grateful for the years we were together. This past year has been incredible with the people who have come in and out of our lives.  And we've learned something from each one of them.  They were in our lives for "a reason and a season."  I can't tell you how much that saying has applied to us - especially this past year.  They all brought something into our lives (a reason) and when they were gone, well their "season" was over.  I am going to write a book because this past year has been incredible.  Each person in our lives has been a "teacher" to us.  And God has been AMAZING in the lessons he has taught us and is still teaching us!!!  He is "pruning" us, which can sometimes be painful - but in the end we will be better off.  I'm learning that when things don't turn out the way we hoped they would, to accept it and be patient and in the end we will see the reason why.   It's exciting to see what each day has in store. GOD IS GOOD !!!

Baby Alice has the Ophthalmologist today at noon.  Please keep her in your prayers.  She is the best little thing. She has her eye treated four times a day - which should make her act naughty.  But that precious little thing is just as sweet as she can be.  Ryann and Brittany love her so much and they spend a lot of time with her, so she totally trusts them.  Dr. King can't believe how good she is.  She is an "angel" pony.  We ARE breeding B.G. back to Meadowbrook's Special Edition.  After all, Alice is PERFECT so we hope to get another one just like her.

Girls night out tonight at Tokyo Thai.  Come out and join us.  We should get there around 7 or 7:30, after the 5:30 lesson.  We LOVE Tokyo Thai !!!

We are having a horse show at Amazing Grace Stable on June 5.  Click HERE for the prize list.  The schedule has been changed a little bit so be sure to look at it.  We will be going back to the jumping divisions in the morning.  Be sure to get your entries in by Wednesday at noon so we can plan out the show.

Have a blessed day.

Nardeen

May 28, 2010

We had the best time yesterday.  Lessons ALL DAY LONG.  Thursdays are one lesson right after the other.  I loved my lesson with Savannah and Shannon.  They were both adorable.  They are so little and our perfect Jack is so good with them.  He is an angel pony. 

The 5:30 lesson was a BLAST - as always. 

Brittany rode Toby (Supernatural) and she did wonderful.  She really got the hang of him.  He's such a good boy but he's very sensitive so they have to learn to sit still and be soft.  He has been a "great" teacher for everyone who rides him. Laura (Molzon) rode Sly and she had a blast.  He is also a good boy - and a much different ride than Toby.  We love Anne's horses and we love Anne.  We are so grateful and thankful to her.

Speaking of Sly being such a good boy.  Well, I just found out from Anne that he is eligible Baby Green !!!  He has only shown over fences one time - and that was last year at our barn with Donna.  He's sooooo good that it's hard to believe that he is Baby Green.  So Ryann is going to start showing him sometimes too.  She is having so much fun with all the horses she gets to ride.  She actually has TOO MANY which is a good problem because the kids all get to ride them to help her out.  I'm sad that Donna isn't still here because she would be having a blast.  I miss her - but I guess it isn't her "season."  

Neysa and Reese were EXCELLENT.  He is a tricky ride because if you see you need to move up you only need to "imagine" moving up.  If you ask at all he totally overreacts.  But she is getting the hang of it.  She is so excited about showing him at Deep Run.  I hope he's a good boy.  She told us last night that she is already starting to pack.  She's too funny. 

And of course - Denise and Sydney - PERFECT !!! 

Sam rode Melody because Lucy hasn't been out this week because of school.  And, it worked out great because all "HIS" horses were being ridden by other people !!!  Sam loves riding Melody because she is such a "challenge."  I'll tell you what, for Lucy only riding for about a year and half, she does an amazing job.  Mel is a challenge but I LOVE HER !!!  She's going to be alright - it's just going to take a little while.  She's much better than she use to be. 

Ryann rode Memo in the lesson.  He is adorable and she LOVES HIM !!!  He is such a good jumper.  And - he is the laziest horse in America - which is Ryann's favorite ride.  She would much rather kick than ride a sensitive on, but I must say she rides Toby beautifully.  She says Memo reminds her of Luna (Victoria's Secret).  Thank you soooooo much Lissa for this precious horse. 

After the lesson we all went to Tokyo Thai for dinner.  Debbie (Bowden) joined us.  Dinner was my birthday present to her.  I LOVE TOKYO THAI !!!  We are so fortunate to have that nice restaurant in our area - and only about a mile from my house. 

On a sad note, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Laurie Gellman and Freedom Farm on the loss of Redd (Final Choice). He was such a sweet little horse who taught a lot of people how to ride.  I know everyone will miss him.  Redd was with us when we were at Shamrock Stables in Newport News - 24 years ago.  So that made him about 30 years old now.  Back then he belonged to the cutest young couple - Fred & Delores Lamm.  When we were at Hunter's Way on Route 10 we sold him to Laurie Gellman.  He was perfect for Laurie and her son Jonathan to learn to ride on.  Then we moved to the new Hunter's Way (now Amazing Grace Stable) and Redd of course came with us.  He made a "short" trip to New York to be Laurie's friend's horse, but he didn't like that.  Poor Redd, he whinnyed all the way down the drive way when they were taking him, and when he got to New York he didn't get along at all.  They had to ship him back, and he was right back to his happy self.  Horses are funny.  The same thing happened with G-Man.  He LOVES it here.  Poor Maralyn moved him closer to her home - to a beautiful place.  Lush grass filled pastures and wonderful care, but he wasn't happy so she brought him back here.  This is a peaceful place, and the horses feel it.  After all, it is surrounded by "angels." 

When I was leaving for James River I was at the barn getting in my car and a man drove up and was inquiring about lessons for his daughter.  He told me that he has driven by our barn everyday to and home from work for years.  He said it looked nice from the road, but he said, "this may sound strange, but the further down your driveway I came, the more beautiful it looked and the more peaceful I felt."  I told him it didn't sound strange at all.  We hear that all the time and we all feel it.  I wasn't kidding when I said it's because it's surrounded by angels.  I am a firm believer in angels and we have several of the most wonderful angels ever in heaven. My precious mother, my wonderful husband, his wonderful father, possibly (ha) my father, and my sister Grace.  There is not a doubt in my mind that they are all together in heaven and looking over us. 

Alice update - the Ophthalmologist ordered some special medicine which is being shipped to us overnight.  He thinks there is a fungus growing behind the spot.  That makes me a bit weary.  So keep those prayers coming.  As I've said before, what appears to be bad can sometimes turn out to be good.  Worst case scenario we keep Baby Alice and she becomes a broodmare.  We're hopeful for more, but we can all certainly live with that.  After all - she is the sweetest thing in the world and she is beautiful. So - we'll see what happens.  Whatever the outcome - we know it is God's will and we will accept it. I've quit trying to do God's job.

Click here for a great article about "Quitting trying to be God."

Lots of love,

Nardeen

I'm at the barn waiting for Hunter, Ryann and Brittany to get back from Youth Group at church.  It's been another wonderful day.  The kids are learning to ride !  It does my heart good to see their hard work paying off.  And when I say hard work I don't just mean "riding."  These kids come to the barn EVERYDAY and they WORK !!!   They LOVE the barn, they love riding, they love learning - but most of all they love the horses.   And when they are done with their work they ride - and that's not always everyday because some days there is more work to do than other days.  They are learning to be true "horsemen."  Ryann and I are so blessed with these AMAZING, WONDERFUL kids. And the entire situation is because of the favor of  God.  It has been a blessing for us, for the kids, and most of all for the horses.  We are grateful.

Today Lucy rode Corduroy and it was PERFECT !!! She jumped a little course three times, and it was so adorable.  He just gets in a rhythm and that's where he stays.  Then he gets to the corner and does a perfect flying change.  And - he's beautiful.  He reminds us of Kathy Buhrer's horse Ratte.  So hopefully Lucy will show him some this summer.  Pam Herman use to ride Anne's three horses and she told me that Corduroy was her favorite.  I don't know - it would be hard for me to pick which one I love the most.  They are all different and they all three have very redeeming qualities. Gosh, we're blessed to have those horses (and Anne.)

I told the kids today that it is no coincidence that Anne brought her three horses to Amazing Grace Stable.  We have three kids who are deserving and work hard.  The horses, the kids, Anne, Ryann and I are all happy.  It is a total win/win situation for everyone.  No coincidence - totally God's favor.  WE LOVE YOU GOD !!!

Lucy and Mel were really good today too.  And Emma Claire and Precious were adorable.  Precious has more of a motor than Jack so it's taking a little getting use to. But it's getting better and better.  And Precious is such a good jumper and mover.  Emma Claire LOVES her !  Cute - very cute.  Thank you Shannon (Bartlett) for thinking of us and sending Precious for the little ones.  Shannon's been a blessing to us too.

We are going to be at the barn all day on Saturday doing "barn maintenance" so if you want to come out and pitch in we'd love the extra hands. We'll have pizza or burgers for lunch - so think of it as a"PARTY". 

Take care and God bless,

Nardeen

May 29, 2010

There is nothing better than seeing someone whose dream has just come true !  Yesterday when I was working on the Deep Run Horse Show I realized that the perfect situation was possible for Sam.  What's happening is that Reese is going to Deep Run with Neysa - which is also very exciting.  She is showing him on Wednesday and Thursday. Well on Friday at the end of the day is the Pre-Children's/Adult division.  PERFECT situation for Sam to come up and show Reese.  I asked Neysa first if it would be possible for Reese to stay another day (she is hauling him) and she said "absolutely."  Neysa knows how hard Sam works and she was happy to be a part of doing this for him.  So - when I told Sam about it, he was really calm

and talked to me very maturely and matter of fact.  Then he went out to the barn and cleaned a few stalls - then a few minutes later he came back in the office and was about to jump out of his skin.  I've never seen anyone so excited in my life !!!  He was sooooo cute.  He can hardly believe that he gets to show at Deep Run.  I wish I could have videod his reaction - it was priceless. What a blessing for a very deserving young man.

Bob (Crandall) is going to train both Neysa and Sam which is going to be fun.  Sam is so funny - he talks about Bob and Pam (Baker) all the time.  He LOVES them.  Now mind you - he has never met either one of them - but he reads about them, he hears about them, and he is in awe of them.  I think he has only seen them once - at Middleburg Classic last year - and that was thrilling for him. He asked me if Pam Baker was going to be at Deep Run and he hoped she would be wearing one of her big hats !!!   I assured him the answer to both was yes !!!   I can't wait for him to meet them. 

You know - today when I was teaching a lesson I was explaining about "give and take".  I told them that the important part of that is the "give" and they need to give more than they take.  I realized then that principle applies to everything in life. It is one of life's most important lessons - and it even works with riding horses. 

Well - off the barn "party."  Hope you're coming out to join us.  It's gonna be a fun and productive day.

God bless you,

Nardeen

So - my daughter is turning into Peg.  She can do most anything now - just like Peg.  I guess that's what happens to "barn girls."  They learn how to do plumbing, landscaping, mowing, painting, clipping, taking care of horses, and riding. And, just like Peg, she loves stores like Lowes, Northern, etc.  After all, Peg was a major influence in her life - and definitely someone she respected and looked up to.  She AMAZES me every single day - just like Peg.

The work party was good and almost everything on Ryann's list of things to do got done.  Sometimes she plans about a week's worth of stuff for one day and today was a little bit like that.  Weed eating, mowing, shrub trimming, landscaping, sheath cleaning and the regular days worth of work got done today.  She was disappointed that she didn't paint a couple of fence boards in the paddock. She said she'll never do weed eating and shrub trimming again on the same day.  Ya think !!!

Lucy has done an unbelievable job with Rocky Pony !!!  He walks, trots and canters now and jumps every jump in the ring !!! It is quite cute.  And his shape is starting to change.  He's starting to look like a real pony instead of a Thelwell pony. Lucy is very diligent about riding him - and - he loves Lucy.  She's even teaching him how to bow. Today she wanted Logan to ride him and that was adorable.  Logan even jumped him over a little gate. Lucy was like a proud mother watching her little boy.  She was tickled pink.  So - Rocky may show in the June 5 horse show.  Probably just in Pleasure. He is cute as a button.  Great job Lucy Lou !!!

We decided to take Sly to Deep Run and show him in the Baby Green and the Pre-Children's Adult. We're planning and hopefully taking all the kids to the Old Dominion Show in July. 

Well - I'm off to bed.  Tomorrow is a busy day.  Church in the morning, spending some time with Ma Helen, Annia's graduation from the Hampton Master's Commission in the evening. Then we will leave right from graduation and drive as far as we can until I get too tired to drive any further. We'll spend the night then get up early on Monday morning to hopefully get to Devon before the start of the show.  I CAN'T WAIT. 

Take care, and God bless,

Nardeen

May 31, 2010

There is nothing like Devon.  The blue grandstands surrounding the ring, the old wooden stalls (which they've done a lot of work on), the Country Fair, and most importantly the "hundreds" of volunteers who are helpful, friendly and AMAZING !!!  This is a WONDERFUL horse show.

We spent the morning sitting with Anne Garnett and her boyfriend Wheeler, then the afternoon with Caroline, her mom and a precious little lady named Milly.  Milly is a spectator now, but has been a volunteer for the past 41 years.  Isn't that wonderful !  And Sam - you'll be happy to know I spent some time with Pam (Baker), and yes - she was wearing a "big hat."  I told her all about you and how we needed a picture of the two of you when we get to Deep Run.  She was very flattered and is looking forward to meeting you. 

When we got here this morning we went back to the stalls to find Bob and Cassallo and the first person I knew was John French.  I introduced the girls to him AND told them that they would be hearing his name a lot today.  Sure enough - the winner of the first class of the day was John and "Truman."   His mom, Jill, was here and it was so nice to see her again.  I haven't seen her in about 25 or 30 years.  She was as precious as ever with her English accent. 

Cassallo was a very good boy.  He only had one jumping class today - so that made it hard - but all in all he did great.  It is hard walking in that ring at Devon - especially on the weekend or Memorial Day because of all the spectators.  They are EVERYWHERE - and I mean, everywhere, and let's face it - our "hunter" horses aren't use to seeing spectators.  The hunter's aren't that "exciting" or easy to understand so they don't attract many spectators.  Anyway - back to Cassallo - all of our group agreed that he was one of the best jumpers of the day.    He got a score of 81 but today that wasn't high enough to get to jog.  Caroline was telling me about a few years ago when she and Pave' got a score of 92 and jogged 4th in the Amateur Owners.  That's how good the Amateur Owner division was that year. A score of 92 only jogging 4th - that's crazy !!!  That was the high score of the day today. I believe it was earned by that handsome Ken Berkley.  And - I was very fortunate to get a big hug and kiss from him today.  I love Ken Berkley - and he knows it. And he is always so sweet to me.  Scott (Stewart) and Ken are amazing riders - and their horses are incredible.  They had quite a good day today, along with John French.  Those boys can sure ride !!!  They hardly touch the reins (on most of their horses) and they let the horse do it's job - or so it appears - which is the hardest thing in the world to do.  They've mastered it and make it look easy.

Peg was second in the Green Conformation under saddle with "Surely."  She's sure a sweet horse.  I was surprised the judges didn't move her up to first in the conformation phase because she was second this morning in the model, to Jane Gaston's fabulous horse "Listen."  I love "Listen".  Kelly  (Farmer) says he is the sweetest horse and always tries hard.  The two judges - Russell Frey & Steve Wall - debated moving Peg up, but in the end decided not to.  I must say I did not agree with their decision. 

I have so much to tell you, but I'm falling asleep at the computer.  I wish the kids were here with us.  They would be having the best time. 

We're at our hotel now and Ryann is reading to me from the book of Peter.  We love the book of Peter.  We're talking about Noah and how he built the ark even though people laughed at him for building it. In the end only 8 people were on the ark and saved from the flood.  Only eight people who didn't think Noah was crazy. AMAZING !!!

The following are some verses Ryann read.  Then she conked out just like I'm getting ready to.  Thank you Lord for a wonderful day.  We (all of us "horse people") are VERY BLESSED.

"To sum it up, all of you, be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kind hearted, and humble in spirit, not returning evil for evil or insult for insult but giving a blessing instead, for you are called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing."  1 Peter 3:8-9

"And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed."  1 Peter 2:6

We stayed after the hunters were done to watch the "Scurry Class" because we were curious about what they do.  They are carriage horses with a driver and passengers - and it didn't seem to matter how many passengers.  Some had one, others had two or three.  It was judged on time and they had to maneuver an obstacle course of orange cones with oranges on top of each cone.  If they knocked over a cone or an orange they received time faults.  They didn't go very fast but maneuvering those cones without touching one took quite a bit of skill.  Those drivers were incredible.  Well - one of the last ones to go had a terrible mishap.  It was quite frightening for everyone witnessing it.  It was so frightening that Ryann was actually videoing them and when it happened she put her camera down and we all started to pray.  I think everyone watching was praying.  What happened was one of the teams - who were doing quite good - made a turn to the right and when they did the driver and I believe the seat of the carriage fell out of the carriage.  So the horses were totally on their own - with a passenger in the back.  Well - that poor man had the look of fear on his face as the horses took off around the ring - totally out of control. There were spectators all around the ring.  I was so fearful that the horses were going to run through the fence and over the spectators.  There had to be 50 people in the ring trying to stop the horses and to me they were making the situation worst.  They were running at them - and hold the cones up in front of them.  I know they were trying to stop them and to help, but those poor horses were scared to death.  It took quite a few minutes to get them stopped and it was only because they were tired that they did stop.  I'm telling you - my heart was in my mouth.  I've never seen anything so scary at a horse show in my life.  People we were sitting with said they have been watching the Scurry Class for years and have never seen anything like this in their life.  Thank God it had a good outcome and the driver and the passenger got back in the carriage and drove the horses out of the ring - to a loud round of applause from the crowd.  Hmmmm - so scary.  From now on I will be calling it the "Scary Class", not the "Scurry Class."   Praise God it all turned out alright and everyone was fine.

"For nothing will be impossible with God."  Luke 1.37