Horses Archives - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

June 15, 2019June 15, 2019

Horses of CG Heartbeats Farm

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Five horses live on CG Heartbeats Farm. In the past I continued to challenge myself with horses I found tougher to connect with, lead and train. Now I don’t mean the actual act of leading a horse with a rope, but rather the act of leadership in the process of teaching a horse to respond in a safe, trusting manner. After my traumatic brain injury in 2011, I found a had a strong desire to branch out my activities and knowledge to include other topics besides horses. Somewhere along the way I began to wonder who did God create me to be? Who was I beyond who I was as an equestrian? The idea of having horses was my sister’s idea when she was 6 and I was 7. I loved my sister that was 13 months younger. I wanted to help her in her desire to have a horse or pony. I jumped on board. Now here I was over 30 years later, realizing for the first time this passion of horses did not originate with me. I had to wonder who I would have become if I had found my own direction, what would I have developed into if I had not been concerned with those closest to me as a child. I do not recall exploring what I liked in any depth. Most of my thoughts concentrated on those around me. Well enough of all that, for now. These ponderings led me to begin looking around.

Horses still put a smile on my face even if all I do is feed and care for them right now. I am not in any way, shape or form ready to no longer own horses. Thus I have found one way for now they can contribute to my homesteading journey. Meet the horses of CH Heartbeats Farm.

Roses Casino

Out of an appendix Quarter Horse mare named Mismatched and a Quarter Horse stallion with Sugar Bar breeding. I purchased Mismatched pregnant, so I have owned ‘Rosie’ her entire life. I spent many hours riding her first training her to be ridden, trail riding, training and conditioning her to run barrels, of course, competing on her at more shows and rodeos than I can remember, team roping practices and simple rides down the road. I would have to stop and count, if I can even remember, the number of little girls we have provided rides for. The longest was one of my nieces when she was only 3 years old, we rode 3 and a half miles before she was tired.

One of my nieces riding with me several years ago.

Brave Diamond Dust

‘Dusty’ is the only horse I bred myself, meaning I picked out the stallion to cross with her dam, Melanie Lynn. This mare is another I have raised from a foal. The story about her that stands out to me the most was the injury she sustained as a 4 or 5-year old. A puncture wound that required surgery to flush out the hock joint to give her a high quality of life. It was a long 4 plus months of rehabilitation. She has a cute, knows what she likes, personality.

Dry Doc Drifter

Drifter before I started riding him with a bit.

‘Drifter’, who was purchased as a 2-year-old was foaled in South Dakota. He was the horse I was riding when I came off and sustained a TBI. He has wonderful stamina and I have yet to truly tire him. He has the breeding to do a job all day long. When he doesn’t have a job to do, he seems to spend his energy behaving badly.

Zips Country Bar Maid

‘Cider’ was bred by one of my sisters and I purchased her as a yearling. She is an intelligent horse who learns quickly, but I have not spent much time riding her. She needs more training, only because I have not made time for her.

Navajo Bo

One of many photos taken the summer we prepared for the 2015 TCA Thoroughbred Makeover.

‘Bo’ was bred to be a racehorse and fulfilled her job at Indiana Grand. A timid mare, on the track, she would back off trying to win if she was bumped. She has a personality all her own. Expressing her displeasure, when not happy with her circumstances, she has proven her willingness to learn. She looks for a leader, but likes to challenge the leader. She is a bit nosey always wanting to know where all the other horses are at and unhappy when they are out of site. My favorite story with Bo is the year we competed or rather participated in the Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park. I was not riding at my best level that year, but I enjoyed the entire process. The experience of showing at the Kentucky Horse Park proved to be my favorite venue to complete at. I was sponsored by an amazing grooming product Espana Silk and others helped to make my trip to Kentucky possible. As a part of the competition I was given a blog to share my journey. I wrote 140 posts and, in the process, realized that I liked to write. As a result, the desire to blog about my homesteading journey was beginning to form.

How Horses Contribute to the Homestead

Horses collectively contribute to the soil I use for container gardens. The manure they have produced several years ago now provides a rich fluffy (from the shavings) place that I dig up dirt any time I need to plant in any containers. Basically, this is where I dumped manure, located under trees. I have 2 other piles composting now for future use. These newer piles have more chicken manure compared to the first so time will tell which produces the best.

This is another example of how I have been able to use what I have. I wonder how much money I have saved using my own composted soil instead of buying bags of potting soil? Like everything else one produces themselves, this is the way to know what is in what you are using, or eating. How are you using what you have on your homestead?

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May 26, 2019July 9, 2019

Roots and Wings: Beats that Matter

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Often, I share what is happening on the farm, how I move forward in my homesteading journey or enjoy other parts of the country I have visited. In this post I get a bit more personal sharing about my unseen journey, of the heart….Beats that Matter.

I have always had an interest in animal husbandry and the biology of how a body functions both human and animal. There has long been a special place in my heart for the appearance of new life. The wonder of it all, the few moments that life hangs in the balance before arriving, the nurture of a new mom and the trust of a new born have repeatedly touched my heart in a special way. My first experiences go back to my childhood, observing, learning, and assisting with the birth of baby goats. In high school as a part of the farm lab in an Ag and Natural Resource class, I assisted a sow(pig). My journey with horses was only beginning and it has continued to this day.

I have consciously made the decision to step away from horses while pursuing different areas of my life. Music, the beginning of my homesteading journey, raising chickens, producing vegetables and fruit, and attending farmer’s markets along with this website have taken hours of my time, energy, and money. Yet, in the last 3 weeks, caring for equines, felines, and supporting those practicing veterinary medicine seemed to take up a much of my emotional and physical resources. Now, for certain, I do not regret any of it, but rather I have enjoyed the moments as they came. Anytime I have been involved in caring for animals both good and bad, tears and joy abound. These last few weeks have been no different. I have learned new information and put to use my previously acquired knowledge. One such way was in the joint effort of mare watch and foaling. I made an exception to my decision to step away from such activity while focusing on growing new ventures. Largely because, this was to help another human with her animal when she was not in a position physically to do so herself. You see, I have had to rely on others to help me with my animals when I did not feel good. Another time, I found myself alone, no help, with serious health struggles with a horse that needed around the clock care. I jumped at the chance to support another. I am not sure how many times I teared up, happy to be a part of helping. I felt the old adage, ‘It is better to give then to receive’. I will say no more, but rather share this 12-minute video of my wonderous moments.

These past two weeks allowed me to add to the portrait of who I am created to be. This journey called life unfolds much like the stroke of a painter’s brush bringing details of a picture into being as the Lord shows me who He created me to be. For that I am deeply thankful and growing confident in His leading while I grow roots in unseen soil. As the roots develop I am learning it is not about what field I work in, but rather, no matter where I am, I find much joy in encouraging others. Heartbeats that make a difference to those you are around. What are you doing while your heart beats?

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May 1, 2018June 7, 2018

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ Part 1

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I ended the blog post titled Yellowtail Swimming Hole sharing my belief that the Lord had an encounter with the wild mustangs that was just for me. That a special moment would happen and I would know without a doubt it was intended for me. That is all I had was belief that had well up in me. Truthfully this doesn’t happen often to me. I had no conscious idea of how it would happen or when it would happen. Simply a belief that it would. This happened on a Sunday. Fast forward to Wednesday when a friend of my sister offered to take me to the Prior Horse Range. This time we were driving to the top of the range and the top of the Pryor Mountains. The Yellowtail, where we had been swimming a few days before was visible from our location on the mountain.

The Yellowtail, where we went swimming a few days before is pictured in the distant body of water. Photo credit: Denise Connelly

But first we spent about 2 – 3 hours driving. The first half of that time we were on paved roads, but the last half was a rutted, bumpy, dirt track. The closer we came to the top, the worse the ruts, it seemed. I was naushas going up and down the mountain. Oh, no worries, I would do it all over again. The experience at the top was worth it all. Life is like that too, isn’t it?

We finally reached this sign, but no mustangs in sight.

A short while later we pulled to the side of the two track drive. My new found friends believed this area to be one of two watering holes in this area of the mustang range. Here was a sign with a few need to know facts and important behaviors to maintain around the wild horses. As a horse owner for over 30 years who had earned a reputation (I have been told) for being a bit crazy, I honestly did not give much thought to the ‘rules’. I felt super excited to be on the mustang range…now to see some wild mustangs!!! I am not sure if I realized at this time that this range was home to Cloud. Cloud, made famous by the 3 part PBS series to increase awareness for wild mustangs, lived out his life of 20 years under the watchful, but non-intrusive, presence of humans with cameras rolling.

Wild horse habitat had my attention. The dry forage, trails and this beautiful watering hole, but so far no mustangs.

There was one more watering hole to check out farther on ahead. Oh when I think of physical peace on earth, it was the time spent on this mountain top! A similar feeling to what I often had when foaling out mares. The view that appeared before me became eye candy to my soul.

I bask in the breezes and deeply smelled the fresh mountain air as I found myself walking across the mountain top.

I told my compainions, “Don’t mind me, I am gonna go be with the horses.” I took a deep breath as I walked away down the hill. To translate my meaning..“I am gonna go be one with the horses.” After all, I knew the Lord had a special moment for me, as promised a few days earlier.

A cremello colt caught my eye and I ambled that direction.

Camera in hand, I took pictures of 3 adults and 2 foals walking along.

I did not see a stallion with this group, odd I thought. I took a few more steps toward 4 horses to my right. I seen a stallion, obvious to me, root his nose in the air, toward the other 3 horses directing them to run towards me.

My thoughts were racing. ‘Nothing around to hide behind‘ as my first instinct was to run and hide. Next idea: An embankment, ‘perhaps if I could reach the other side it would offer some protection’. I took two steps to my right only to realize the timing did not work for that plan. If continued on that path those 3 horses would plow me over. On the path ahead of me the stallion charged toward me, ears pinned back.

Now I have been rushed by a stallion before, but NOT a wild one! At which time while somewhat fearful, I side stepped at the last minute to avoid being trampled. This was different. I felt scared, picturing a rearing, stomping, wild stallion. I am not sure scared truly defines the emotions I felt. Terrified might be more accqurate, as my mind logically realized potential death by trampling. I planted my feet. As he barreled toward me, I waited briefly until he was almost a stride and a half from me. I extended my arms out in front of me, placing one hand over the other and clasping my fingers together. Intuitively, I waited for the perfect time, feet still planted, I decisively pushed my hands up and down in short motions. These movements communicate to a horse that I am creating a boundry or in human terms personal space. Amazingly he shifted his direction and ran by me, kicking out as he went by. Perhaps he was being playful or defiant, but at least he was respectful of my communication to him. I immediately dropped my hands, shoulders, and head to indicate I presented no threat. I might have snuck a peak over my shoulder to see his response, an ear was cocked my way. Guess I had his attention.

As I walked up back up towards the others, I felt alive, more alive than I had in some time. Exhilerated might describe it, but I don’t know that I have felt quite the way I was feeling before or since. “I don’t want to do it ever again, but that was AWESOME!!!!” , was my statement. Denise told me, “I was sure we were going to need to have you life-flighted off the mountain.”

Another look at the stallion I later learned had a name. His ear was still cocked my direction. I snapped a quick picture.

How special to have a moment of communication with a wild stallion, I thought. I will be honest, I had a desire to continue interacting with him, but my common sense and logic won. A reminder from my fellow man regarding the rule to stay 100 feet from the horses chided my wish. “Perhaps another day, in another place and time the opportunity will present itself,” I consoled my desire with that thought. I decided to be happy with the moments I had been given.

In awe, I strolled, at safe distance from the other bands, and took pictures.

Remember the first watering hole we stopped at? One more treat awaited me back there…to be continued.

Denise and her husband kindly transported and shared this adventure. Denise takes beautiful pictures and owns a better camera. Generously, She allowed me to use photos of me shot the day we experienced this story. Credit for her photos are noted under applicable pictures. Every year she offers calendars for sale featuring Wyoming wildlife. To order your own beautiful calendar, email her at:

dconnelly1970@gmail.com

Read other posts about the Pryor Mountain horse range:

Yellowtail Swimming Hole

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ part 2

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April 10, 2018February 9, 2022

Roots and Wings: New Life ~ Horses

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Continuing the story concerning my passion for new life, this post shares briefly on the journey as it relates to horses. I say briefly because the experiences and stories might make up a small book. I am limiting my sharing to this blog post with no comment on the possibility of future stories. If you have not seen the first or second you may click on the underlined words to view.

Our pony, Glady, foaled when I was thirteen. This is where my love of new life birthed in a new species, horses. I remember sleeping in the barn a few nights to hopefully catch her foaling. I slept with blankets on bales of hay, NOT comfortable, but at 13 years old, it was an adventure. I must be getting soft, because my idea of adventure has shifted slightly. I can not say with certainty I would not sleep in a cold barn to watch a mare foal, cause likely I would. I simply much prefer a camera to view, a warm room and softer sleeping arrangements these days.

Life became busy in my teenage years and it was after my high school graduation that I was again blessed with a foal, re-kindling a flame.

The arrival of Roses Casino, out of a mare named Mismatched, created a story its own. While her arrival has a story to it, her impact on my life is currently an on going story.

Alas, it would be 5 more years until I foaled another mare of my own when Brave the Cold gave me Brave Diamond Dust. This time I had the privilege of studying the Book Blessed are the Broodmares by M. Phyllis Lose . I learned a lot. However, I had no experience knowing the difference between a tired pregnant mare resting at night and a mare actually foaling. I faithfully checked her during the night for close to 6 weeks. My excitement and anticipation for this foal, driving me to wonder about the meaning of her every move. One night I was certain something might be going on and called the only person I knew to ask, my farrier. Our families were friends and often his wife would invite us over for supper. But, I think he found me a bit overzealous to be bothering him in the middle of the night. Lesson learned! I smile at the memory! My consistency paid off and I was rewarded with being present for her foaling, a filly I called Dusty. This was the beginning of developing my eye for foaling and only added more to my passion for new life. To be honest, I have been fooled since thinking a mare was foaling when she wasn’t. However, it takes a bit more to fool me now. I would rather check on a mare and be wrong, than miss a foaling.

I was given the opportunity to spend time on a farm that foaled a few mares each year. Here I would trapes out in a 10 acre pasture to find the mares and look them over. I once found a foal stuck in the mud and pulled it out to return it to its mother. I was only gone for the evening and knew she was close. I checked her and found the foal. I guess by then I was getting a bit better at knowing what was a true sign and what was my anticipative thoughts. That said, I remember years later a mare I looked at that had NO bag, No softness under her tail, the slightest bit of change under her tail perhaps, but not presenting a picture of a mare ready to foal. Everyone was surprised she foaled that night. Now in this case, she did not even get her milk in for over 24 hrs after the foal was born. If I recall correctly, it was drug (hormone) induced.

Oh, do you see what I mean? I could share for days the stories I remember! I moved from this place with a bit more knowledge and a growing love for foaling out mares.

I spent the next 5 to 10 years focused on barrel racing and a bit of team roping. During this time I had only occasional reason to be involved in foaling out mares. One time, my mare who pregnant with twins lost them about 7 months. Another involved a friends 4 yr old Arabian mare who lost the foal due to a red bag. Several of us pulled for over an hour to remove the dead foal. The education I gained that day saved another foals life years later.

When I learned a veterinarian I had recently ask to work on my horses was involved in opening a foaling barn, I could not resist asking about the progress every single time I spoke with him. You see I had given thought to taking a job on a ranch in Wyoming to be in charge of foaling operations. I decided against it. Now a foaling barn would soon be in operation, locally. Offered a job there cleaning stalls, I took it. Employed there for 5 years, I gradually was given responsibility for overseeing the foaling mares. I loved watching the mares shape up to foal. Each one was different and I learned to expect the unexpected. Oh wait! In some ways I was that way from the beginning, perhaps the years of seeing goats do unpredictable things when kidding. They are different in some ways goats and horses. But then again new life is new life when it comes to the beauty of it and unpredicateble timing of arrival.

I probably do not even consciously remember all the mares I seen foal at the foaling barn. I often operated on 3 to 4 hours of sleep for months during the foaling season. There are some memories that stand out where I learned a new lesson or encountered a special moment. I could write a small book on those experiences alone. I grew my knowledge base of foaling out mares. The opportunity to see a wide range of breeds and sometimes special cases like a mare that was partially paralyzed allowed me to learn in a way no book can.

It has been almost 5 years since I ended my employment at the foaling barn. This was where my focus started to shift in a different direction. But last year I was ask to help foal out mares at another local barn and sure enough, my passion for foaling mares has not left me.

A part of shifting my focus involved starting to live a homestead life style on almost 12 acres. My love of new life has manifested itself in the form of hatching chicks. Stay tuned for New Life- Chickens.

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September 15, 2017September 16, 2017

When a Chapter Ends

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I do not like failing, loosing a battle, giving up or quitting. I like to set high expectations for myself and those around me. I do fail, loose battles, give up and yes as hard as it is to write theses words, I do quit sometimes. Honestly, whenever I do, I hate on myself. I work hard to regain my self esteem after knowingly committing any of the above actions. I can reason through the act itself, knowing why I do not further pursue an action or goal, but not giving my all does not sit well with my heart.

I recently experienced the loss of a horse that I possibly could have prevented. I will always wonder. As I write these words I cringe inwardly, wondering. Did I do the best by him? Am I at fault for the loss of his life? I want to cry typing this. Nobody has said it was my fault and yet I wonder if I could have done more or made different choices. The Lord clearly reminded me on multiple occasions that I am more than just how I care for my animals. I strongly believe that caring for ones animals is an important and worthwhile task. However, my sole identity needs to lie in who the Lord says I am and I am still learning about who He says I am.

I have said I would share both the heartache and joys of my homestead adventures. Last week was a struggle when dealing with an ailing horse while fighting a short term illness along with 3 chronic diagnoses I battle daily. I felt alone. I prayed for the Lord to save him. He didn’t. My faith knows He sees a bigger picture than I do. I am watching to see what is next since He closed the door on the life of my dear McCoy. For the record, I also almost immediately reached out for help from an equine veterinarian.

This horse I called McCoy was registered as Jaywalker Frost and for good reason. As a foal he often found his way into other pens, pastures and generally anywhere he was NOT supposed to be. This trend continued until the last day of his life at 10 years old. He was the horse who thought through his next move. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again described him accurately. At times one could see him thinking.

He loved adventure, going somewhere new. He was often brave, more so before he was gelded at 5 and 1/2 years. McCoy found pleasure in going swimming and bossing other horses around. He wasn’t mean, but he had a way of persistently keeping after what he wanted. I have always had a soft spot for the uniqueness of people, horses, trucks, dogs, chickens, ect. I am attracted to the ones who stand out because they are different. Don’t expect me to be like everyone else either. That was what I loved most about McCoy, his uniqueness. That is also why it hurts so much to loose him cause in believing he is special I know I will never find another quite like him.

I come back to my belief that when one door closes another will open in the Lords perfect timing.

Note: The pictures I am sharing in this post are a memorial to McCoy sharing some of why I found him beautiful. The earlier stages of his training can be viewed on his FB page. I have a vision of new growth rising out of ashes, flowers to be exact. I am not clear on which flowers, but beautiful color rising out of ashes.

Have you lost a beloved horse? Or other animal? Feel free to leave a comment sharing your heartache or reach out with an email.

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