#lessons about the rescue pony

[glass-expanse]

Hm... gonna muse in the tags

[toomuchracket]

play house anon has got me thinking about what other of the girls’ shenanigans flatmate dad!matty could get roped into. let’s play hair salon. let’s play ponies. let’s play fashion show. let’s play rescue the princess (matty is ofc the princess).

this ask brought to you by all the games I used to play with the pile of neighbor girls as kids

they all have their individual favourites to play with him and i wanna talk about it. lfg

from the time dylan is old enough to hold things, she wants to play hair salon with daddy, latching her little hands into his curls with fascination and delight and giggling when her hair grows and he gets to play with hers in return; when her sisters are born, and their dark curls grow in too, she adds them into the game (and takes far more care of their hair than she does with matty's lol), sliding clasps and butterfly clips in with joy. when she's almost a teenager, the constant need to do something with her hands will be finally diagnosed as anxiety, eased by piano lessons and filling sketchbook after sketchbook in prep for her inevitable fashion career, but as a slightly shy kid she keeps them busy and calm by styling the hair of the people she loves - most often, matty, who will never ever complain about spending time with his eldest baby girl, even when he's tour-tired and craving sleep. and he thinks the butterfly clips are his best look lol

elena, his mini-me middle baby... she LOVES tea parties. so like matty in more than just looks, she loves people, and would happily invite you and her sisters and anyone else to sit around the table, but she thrives a bit more one-on-one - given that she's in the middle, and so confident and chatty that she escapes worry (as much as you CAN escape worrying about your kid), matty actually loves the games with just the two of them, getting to put all his attention on her and yap about anything and everything. a lot of these conversations end up as learning moments, nuanced and strangely profound for her being like five or whatever; as much as she's like matty, elena has strong opinions on what she deems right and wrong, but lots of empathy and a desire to help people who need it, which is so very clearly inherited from you. the conversations continue over actual tea and then a glass of wine well into her adulthood, and the day she comes home from school at sixteen and declares she wants to be a lawyer like you isn't a surprise to matty at all, rather a deeply proud moment

last but not least... tiny baby phoebe. six years younger than dylan and four younger than elena, you and matty naturally end up spending a lot of time with her while they're at school (although they DOTE on her despite the age gap being not totally ideal for playtimes). all your girls are sweet, but she really is the sweetest, a happy little dreamer who loves games that require imagination and stories and elaborate scene-setting and thus absolutely inherited the healy dramatic gene lol - she's playing dress-up and doing fashion shows, she's making up dances and plays (the girls def do the little women thing of writing and performing shows lol), she's convincing (not that he needs it) matty to act like a damsel in distress so she can rescue him from the dragon (mayhem, who by this point is an old man but plays along regardless). everyone recognises the performative streak in her from the time she's two, and despite matty's worries about nepotism accusations and the toughness of the industry, she gets into drama school on her own merit and ends up being the only daughter to follow him onto the stage, even if she takes more after her grandparents doing musical theatre instead of just music. yeah, that's our girls <3

[chrisevansonly]

𝐃𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 - 𝐈𝐧 🐣

ʚheadcannon

ʚ chris evans x momma evans x arlie mae

ʚ no warnings

ʚ well i’ve listened and heard what you’ve been missing, so here’s a little check in with our little duck…i’m working on getting some more motivation to write for this au so all i ask is for a bit of patience but i see you all missing it ;)

Arlie Mae is now 6 years old and absolutely LOVING kindergarten, she’s making so many friends, helping her teachers and starting to gain some more independence!

Wesley is a year old now, he’s walking, running and of course saying a few words here and there, though he hasn’t started talking as much as they were hoping for his age so it’s something Momma and Chris are keeping an eye on!

Momma E is working from home part time as a lawyer still, she’s taking on cases every so often and working from home has made it a lot easier to manage the kids and now that Chris is home full time they have lots of time to spend together!

They now run a full time animal rescue and sanctuary at their home! They have a small group of staff who work at the barn and have some who stay in the apartment they have above the barn for overnight watch! Though they themselves are very hands on as well!

They have another dog now too, Dodger is still as energetic as ever, and now they have a cocker spaniel named Lucy, who Arlie absolutely adores!

Arlie horseback rides now during the week, she is OBSESSED with horses and loves her riding lessons coming home and saying “momma it was so fun!” “i jumped!” “we should get a pony!” and she’s been begging for her own pony, which is something you and Chris have been talking about recently.

Wesley goes to daycare, the same as Arlie three times a week to get some exposure to being around other kids and to get used to what it will be like eventually be like to go to school! Though he isn’t talking a bunch yet he is super expressive and adores painting just like his sister!

Wesley also loves anything with his dad, Chris takes him out for little father and son dates and he just loves it. He would rather spend all day everyday with his father than doing anything else!

All in all the family has been doing super well and loving the settled down life, there have been talks of maybe expanding their family but for now they’re enjoying the quietness of the country, and themselves.

🤍🐣

[lockandkeyhyena]

I had a dream about your runaway cultist au! It was! Something!

It started with Fluttershy pretending to join the village and then having a conversation with Starlight. She then got ownership of a really stupidly tall house and the friends could immediately tell something was up.

Jumping ahead to the confrontation on the mountains. Fluttershy still did not have her cutie mark for some reason while everyone else did. She stayed behind Starlight before suddenly jumping out, doing weird graceful swoops that were much more effective in battle than the failing around she was doing before. When she landed, we saw that her cutie mark had changed. It wasn’t the original, and it wasn’t the equality symbol; it was a dark purple square that contained a pink heart inside that pulsed slowly, making the square ripple. Twilight pointed out that cutie marks are not supposed to be animated, and Fluttershy retorted that this must mean that hers was the truest of all. She then disappeared into the tunnels at Starlight’s side.

Jumping ahead again, we’re now in Ponyville, and there’s a banquet happening. Fluttershy and Starlight infiltrate it, looking to steal the mane five’s cutie marks again. Ponies are everywhere eating fancy foods, and behind a curtain on stage, the five’s hooves can be seen poking out underneath.

We switch to Twilight’s POV. She reveals that this is actually a trap for Fluttershy. The world believed she was still a hero, and tonight, they would either save her, or reveal her for what she really is.

Back to the evil duo. After Fluttershy fails to sneak through the crowd, Starlight returns her cutie mark, just for this task. She easily finds a way up using butterflies (?) and prepares to jump Twilight.

As she falls, the curtains fly open, and Fluttershy hits the ground, her fur turning pale as Starlight hastily took away her cutie mark again. The crowd went dead silent, and the mane five stood behind her, glaring.

To save the situation, Fluttershy immediately shapeshifted into her vampire bat form, then her dragon form, then her kangaroo (form) and danced around in each one. The crowd, believing this to be a normal performance, cheered and went back to the party.

Twilight stepped forward, growling if Fluttershy had learned her lesson. Fluttershy shook her head and tried to reason with Twilight, explaining Starlight’s goals and how good it would be for the world. Twilight snapped at her to shut up, they would never stoop as low as she had.

Fluttershy started to leave, saying that she would try again at the next event, and Twilight stopped her. She declared there would never be another event, and Fluttershy and her ilk were never to return to Ponyville again. In fact, nobody else would be allowed to either, and nobody would be able to return. She was going to put a dome over the town like Trixie had, if that meant she would never target her people again.

Fluttershy swiped at her, and that was the last straw.

Starlight and Fluttershy ran through the streets as Twilight pursued, preparing a spell that would probably kill the two of them. Starlight noticed something above them and cast a spell, disguising herself as Princess Cadence. A moment later, Shining Armour flew past (he was a Pegasus now I guess) and said he knew he saw her here, and to follow him, quickly. They did.

Now we’re in the Crystal Kingdom. Princess Luna is flying above the castle, continuously casting some sort of spell, and Starlight (still disguised as Cadence) sits on her throne and thanks Shining Armour for the rescue, explaining that Twilight had gone mad and tried to kill her dear friend Fluttershy. Shining Armour believed her, and promised to keep Fluttershy safe.

They looked below the balcony, and to their surprise saw Twiling on the ground, furious. Starlight casted a spell that manifested as dark mist not unlike King Sombra’s power, and sent it down toward her. A line of power also came from Fluttershy and Shining Armour, which strengthened the spell and sent Twilight flying out of the kingdom.

Princess Luna landed and asked what was going on. Again Starlight explained that Twilight had lost her mind. Luna took this in stride and asked her about her progress with the riddle.

“Uhm, well, I don’t think it matters too much,” Starlight says, trying to hide the fact that she has no bloody clue what the princess is talking about.

Luna squints. “I rather say it does, Cadence. It’s the reason why the fog is gone. Without the fog, we cannot see the shield around the kingdom, which is why I’ve been maintaining this spell for you.”

Starlight nods hastily. “Okay, alright, that makes sense. And the riddle was…”

Luna shrugs. “Something about poodles. Have you figured out the answer?”

Starlight looked back at Fluttershy, who smiles and leans up to whisper in her ear. Starlight turns back to Luna and declares, “boars.”

With a nod, Luna flies off to find this boar. Exchanging a look, Fluttershy nods as well and follows Luna. And then immediately gets lost, but it’s a good thing, as she finds Twilight in the snow, talking to what looks like a sort of boar Minotaur.

Twilight sees Fluttershy and doesn’t hesitate, using a spell to slam her into the ground while the boar grappled her.

As Twilight shoots a magic missile spell, Luna deflects it with her own magic and puts a bubble around Twilight and the boar, which sinks with them into the ground and all the way to Tartarus.

Luna lands next to Fluttershy and puts a wing over her, telling her that she will be protected, and if there was anything else she could do to help. Fluttershy looks back at the palace and said, “yes… there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

god i love how stupid and whack dreams are. THANK YOU PRINCESS LUNA FOR MAKING PEOPLE DREAM ABOUT MY PONY AUS 🙏🙏🙏

[whywishesarehorses]

Hi, happy January BLM auction season! 😊

I am a former horse-obsessed kid who grew up in the middle of the city without a lot of money. Now I am an adult who still has such a fondness for and interest in horses, still lives in the middle of the city, and still does not have a lot of money.

Do you have any ideas on how to start dipping a toe into the horse world? How I can spend some time with horses and their people, and figure out if it truly is a passion I want to start pursuing?

Thanks for all you put into this blog, as it has helped me remember why I loved horses as a kid, but definitely also shown me more of the reality behind the dream!

Happy auction season! It's a good one this month!

This is a great question! It can be an intimidating world to break into, but I firmly believe that it doesn't actually have to be that hard. A few particular options, depending on what is around you:

Volunteer at a rescue, non-profit, or other barn. Most places need someone to muck or groom or exercise ponies, especially if you will do it for free. Yes, I have some mixed feelings about using people for free labor, but yes, it's a great way to get involved. Examples: I groomed retired OTTBs for a year while I was in college and did not have my horse. It was a 45 minute drive, one way, but it kept me so sane. Second example: a random lady started coming to the barn where I board now and offered to help clean and feed in exchange for time with the horses. She started out just grooming, moved to riding, and now she's leasing a horse there! I think it's all free in exchange for her labor.

Lease! It's a cheaper way to get to ride a bunch, with a horse that is kinda 'yours'. You don't have to deal with as much of the daily care stuff. This is more feasible if you are near a place that has horses, and if you have some experience. You would probably have to be able to catch, tack, and ride on your own.

Lessons! One lesson a month is a great way to develop skills and get to scratch that itch. Prices range a huge amount depending on where you are. No shame in being a beginner adult though! This is also a great way to try different disciplines (although good luck with that if you're in, say, Wyoming or on the East coast. They are pretty discipline locked.)

Visit shows, conventions, clinics! Some of these are free to watch. If you're not a socially anxious person, you can chat with people there and maybe find an inroad.

All of these are great starting places, imo. Welcome to the world of horses! Just like any eclectic, money-driven hobby, there are some elitists and some assholes. If it sucks, hit da bricks and try something else. There are good horse folks out there.

[milfjagger]

long horsey post under cut to save my followers who don’t care

i think i rode a pony for the first time when i was about 5 but i started lessons when i was 7!! my sister started at the same time aged 5 and my mum took up riding again having not ridden since she was a kid. (btw all of these photos are from this really cute memories book that my mum had printed for me and my sister ♥️)

we used to go to northern ireland to see my dad’s family pretty much every easter, and we usually also combined it with a trip to donegal in the ROI bc that was where my dad used to go on holiday as a kid! there was a riding school in rathmullan where you could take the ponies along the beach and that was where i had my first gallop!!! my dad doesn’t ride so he always walked along the beach and tried to get pictures; this is me on a pony who i think was called pearl iirc (i have a really good memory for the names of horses for some reason even if i only met/rode them like once)

by this point we had moved from devon to hertfordshire and i absolutely fucking hated it there BUT they did have a very big and very good riding school in walking distance from our house . we had lessons there every week and when i was 10 my mum bought a horse from them! he was called boris, he was a big chestnut irish draft who was sooo handsome and sweet and everyone was so jealous of him lol but here he is 🧡

boris was supposed to be the family horse but my mum is tall and didn’t really realised how much too big he would be for me and my sister (and my brother who rode for a bit before he decided his horse allergies were too bad to continue 😭), especially bc he was only 5 when we got him and he grew about 3 inches from then (finishing at just under 17 hands). i was already like 5’3 at age 10 (early puberty lol) so was able to ride him a bit but my sister couldn’t really bc her feet barely reached the bottom of the saddle. for a while we loaned (for free, from another owner on the yard) a 14 hand haflinger called tommy who i have literally NO pictures of but if you google haflinger that’s pretty much him, they only come in one colour. tommy was absolutely fucking mental and the strongest pony ever, i remember one time i was cantering on him and literally couldn’t stop him at all so i just had to sit and wait until he got tired 😭 we also did some jumping on him and rode him in our lessons which was always slightly terrifying but we had a lot of fun on him until he went lame from a health condition and his owner put him in retirement. then the stable owners told us they had a pony we could loan for free (mainly for my sister) but quote “it’s not a nice pony” and that is the story of how we got isobel, who we have now had for 17 years, is 25 and completely retired from work. she is a very small (12 hands) roan rescue pony who was extremely nervous and unhandled (she had been turned loose for a year before we got her, she wouldn’t let most of the staff near her and her mane was down to her knees and super matted) but my sister was super patient with her. i rode her a little bit but i was already bordering on too big for her. she was 100% my sister’s pony and my sister ADORED her. we all still love isobel so much even though she is grumpy as fuck she’s so cute and she deserves to live out her retirement in peace and be a friend to mum’s current horses ♥️♥️♥️ this is isobel (first pic with my sister soon after we got her 17 years ago and another recent one)

isobel had some limitations though, mainly that she was terrified of jumping and given what she went through before she was rescued by the rspca we didn’t want to push her too much. our riding school was super jumping focused and at the time me and my sister were both really into jumping (and we thought isobel was only gonna be temporary) so mum decided to get a pony that was bigger than isobel but smaller than boris and would be able to do some jumping. which was when we got cookie, who was an absolute legend and i really hope she’s happy if she is still alive today ♥️ she was a skewbald irish cob with one blue eye and one brown, just over 14 hands and came highly recommended by the riding school who had owned her briefly, but she was being sold by a private owner. we had kind of a rocky start with her (when we went to try her out, me, my sister and my brother all rode her and told mum that she scared the shit out of us, but my mum was like “well it’s this pony or no pony”) and she was completely mental for about 3 months and would just buck and run off constantly but luckily we had trained at the school of tommy (and isobel who could also be kind of quirky) and i started really enjoying her. my sister was still nervous but she had isobel who was much smaller and also now that we had 3 it meant we could all ride together which was super nice :) cookie was an amazing jumper for a cob and so pretty ♥️ she had quite severe hayfever and was very bothered by flies so she had to wear a fly mask in the summer and would toss her head quite a lot and in many ways she was not an easy pony at all but we literally loved her and learned so much from her bc she was so weird and crazy. i always think there are two types of cobs, the ones that are basically walking sofas and the ones that are a bit fucked in the head and she was definitely the second type LOL. here is a pic of me jumping on cookie!!! this is from when the riding school took a bunch of school horses and other kids’ horses to a cross country course and i literally fell off at least twice that day and the yard owner actually got on cookie to try and sort her out and she was like fair play lol that pony is spicy!!! but at least we got some good pics before that

pretty soon after we got cookie we moved back to devon and we were only planning to take cookie and boris bc isobel still belonged to the school but they basically insisted we take her, handed over her documents and she was ours 😭 we moved into a farm with its own stables and joined the local pony club, which kinda sucked tbh it was really cliquey and no one really thought much of cookie bc she was a cob and they all had expensive show ponies or thoroughbreds lol. she could easily jump a course of the same height as their horses but she wasn’t really fast enough to win the timed jump-offs …but we still got some rosettes ♥️ I didn’t take boris to many events bc he was mainly mum’s horse, and at this point my sister was really confident on cookie and wanted to ride her all the time so we thought about getting another horse that would be just mine. we heard from someone at our old yard in hertfordshire that she was looking for a home for her super nice dressage horse, but he would be super cheap bc he had health issues and intermittent lameness. i remembered the horse and had always thought he was really sweet and friendly and we ended up getting him, bc it was an amazing opportunity to have a really highly trained horse and have some fun with him when he was sound, but we did kind of know his time would be limited before he went completely lame. his old name was literally FUGLY which was so cruel and inaccurate but i assume he was a really goofy looking foal or something … anyway i was having none of that negativity so i named him lenny 🧡 he was a big 17 hand chestnut warmblood (oldenburg i think but you need a phd to understand european warmblood breeding) and was such a goofy silly head but so sweet and unlike any horse i had ever ridden and i was so extremely excited to have him. he was also best friends with boris who was a similar size and colour and they looked so cute playing together in the field 🥹♥️ this was lenny (with my mum riding him lol i never rode him at a show for reasons i will get into)

we had just got lenny and we knew he was kind of delicate so there was no way he was going to pony club camp to do jumping and all sorts, so for my first ever pony club camp (age 15) i took boris and my sister took cookie. and on literally the FIRST DAY we were having a jumping lesson, boris tripped and i went over his shoulder and broke my collar bone 😭 i had to go to hospital but luckily he was fine and he actually stayed for the whole camp and i think one of the pony club mums rode him and had a great time 😭 and then basically i couldn’t ride for weeks and was super nervous to get on even when my shoulder was better, especially bc lenny was new and a lot more of an advanced horse than i was used to. my mum absolutely fell in love with lenny though and got into dressage on him. I didn’t really ride much for ages after that and even when i did i usually rode cookie. then boris was diagnosed with arthritis - he could still be ridden a little bit though and had medication to manage his joints. I can’t remember if mum sold him before or after we got my sister’s next horse bailey but she ended up selling boris to someone from pony club who said they just wanted a horse to do light hacking on and we could visit him whenever, but within a few months they had sold him, probably for a profit and by lying about his health which was so incredibly irresponsible, infuriating and heartbreaking. so I have no idea what eventually happened to boris but i suspect he was put to sleep within a few years 💔 it’s really sad and i hate that person so much for lying about what they wanted him for and then potentially tricking someone else into buying a horse that wasn’t fully sound. fuck them forever fr boris was so sweet and deserved way better

anyway as i said my sister wanted to do more jumping and especially cross country jumping, and she was getting to a level where cookie couldn’t really keep up with the other more sporty type horses so she ended up getting a 15.2 hand bay irish sport horse called bailey. he was also kind of quirky and for a long time she would fall off him literally every time she took him to an event. my mum would be waiting at the finish line to take a picture and see bailey come running in without her 😭 he was so funny though, when you groomed him he would reflexively start grooming the wall with his teeth as if he was mutual grooming with another horse it was so cute ♥️ this was bailey

because my sister fell off so often over jumps, and bc we had lenny who was highly trained in dressage, both my mum and my sister got really into dressage, my mum on lenny and my sister on both lenny and bailey. i get sad talking about those two bc they both had to be put to sleep, lenny first when he went fully lame from his long term injury. he also had a tumour on his ear which didn’t look good and we had to do the kindest thing for him 💔 my mum was devastated (she absolutely loved him, maybe even more than boris) and one of her friends very kindly bought her a big orange rose to plant in his memory ♥️ and then with bailey, it turned out the reason he kept bucking after jumps was bc he had arthritis in his front legs and would be in pain when he landed. he eventually went fully lame and was in constant pain and again it was the kindest thing for him but it was incredibly sad as he was still quite young. i think at some point bailey overlapped with the new horses mum got for herself and my sister but my timeline is wobbly bc i wasn’t really into horses at the time. i did cry a lot over those two being put to sleep and i cried when we eventually sold cookie, but she went to a really good home with someone who really loved her and may still have her to this day (we lost touch but cookie would be about 23 and could well still be alive).

anyway then my mum had a big 16.3 hand piebald warmblood called stan and my sister had a 16 hand grey british sports horse called george. stan was older (15 when mum bought him) and very experienced and well trained but he was extremely grumpy and difficult a lot of the time and everyone except mum was scared of him 😭 and george was a super sweet youngster who was definitely my sister’s favourite horse ever (except probably isobel) but he kind of scared the shit out of my mum bc he was young and nervous. then my sister went to uni and mum had to sell one of the horses bc she wouldn’t be able to exercise two (we still had and still have isobel but she is too small for any of us and retired anyway, not to mention no one would ever buy her lol) and she decided to sell george for some reason even though he was the way nicer horse. my sister was obviously sad but she follows the new owner on instagram and it looks like george is still doing well to this day :) so mum struggled with stan for a few years and then decided he was basically too old to be competing anymore, snd that was probably why he was getting so grumpy, so she sold him quite cheap to someone who just wanted to do light work (and was really happy with him, he was a beautiful horse for the price they paid). and also if mum had kept george then she would probably never have got athena, who is her current dressage horse and my mum loves her to bits. she is a 16.1 hand dark bay warmblood and is basically perfect for mum in every way. she’s not the most friendly horse but she’s really calm and easy to handle and i love her a lot ♥️ this is athena aka bean aka babina she’s such a fancy girl

athena also has a few health issues though (literally classic our family’s luck with horses) and was off lame for ages in 2018-19 and since it was just athena and isobel at home mum was itching to ride so she spent ages looking for the perfect “project horse” i.e. a young horse that had been backed (ridden) but not really trained so she could do some training herself. after looking at about 20 horses she found this funny little 5 year old grey mare who was maybe 15.1 hands at best and really cheap. and that was bubbles aka bugs who I literally love so much she is soooo cute and friendly and has turned into such a nice little horse. she is the one that i ride now when i visit my parents and she is such a sweet girl i absolutely love bubbles ♥️ look how cute she is (ft. me jumpscare)

mum wouldn’t let me ride bubbles straight away though bc bubbles was young and i was really out of practice, plus bubbles needed a confident horse to go out hacking with (i.e. not athena who is too delicate for such things) so one of my mum’s friends really kindly started letting me ride her horse bonnie :) then through 2020-22 bonnie’s owner wasn’t riding so we moved bonnie to the farm and i loaned her full time. she was a little 15 hand bay baroque type lusitano who was bought for literally 100 euros from a meat factory in portugal 💔 she was also literally evil and would attack you while you were grooming, feeding, putting on rugs, tacking up or basically anything that wasn’t riding, but as soon as you got in the saddle she adopted the chiller nature and was really fun to ride, very speedy but really solid and unflappable, presumably bc she used to be a bullfighter and carriage horse back in portugal. despite how mean she was i loved bonnie and she gave me so so much confidence in my riding and i don’t think i would have got back into horses without her. me and my sister rode loads together during lockdown, switching between bonnie and bubbles :) she was also there for me when i wanted to take on another loan horse, a smallish cob called misty, who threw me off quite badly on like my third ride on her and i was terrified to get back on, so i got on bonnie instead and got my confidence back (misty went back to her owner, who then sold her bc he was a professional trainer and even he couldn’t fix whatever was wrong with her lol and she was supposed to be a riding for the disabled horse!!! she was dangerous fr!!!!)

but anyway then i went back to uni and even though my mum kind of wanted to keep bonnie, she wasn’t going to buy her from her owner after all the work and training and money that she put into her and her owner unfortunately really needed the money from a sale (a lot more than the €100 she paid for her…. thanks to the work of literally me and my mum and not bonnie’s actual owner but i digress). I would have bought her myself if i had the money and the time but i don’t live with my parents and the farm is about 1.5 hours drive away and i can’t reasonably ask my mum to look after my horse all the time especially bc she is such a nightmare to handle. and i can’t keep a horse nearer to me, it’s way too expensive and i don’t have the time 💔 but on the plus side i am definitely confident and competent enough for bubbles now (i don’t really ride athena, i wouldn’t get much out of her as i’m nowhere near trained to that level) and it meant i felt really confident on my riding holiday even on a more spicy horse… bc i know i can handle it !!! my mum even admitted yesterday i am “quite a decent rider” and coming from her that means a lot 🥲 ♥️ and i can ride bubbles whenever i visit my parents!! anyway here’s me and my sister on bonnie and bubbles 😁 thank you for reading if you got this far

[stwberryshtcake]

Strawberry Shortcake OC episode ideas

- Pumpkin opens his restaurant but has to learn to accept help. This is easier said than done. 

- An episode about Chronic illness and invisible disabilities, featuring Winterberry. 

- Elderberry has small segments between episodes teaching about health and when to treat yourself vs when to go to the doctor. She has one episode dedicated to her (it’s about Homeopathic Medicine and how it can be dangerous) but is otherwise a side character.

- Chamomile Tea moves to Strawberryland and teaches kids that some people are better off being avoided.

- Cranberry has an episode about colorblindness (because I’ve never seen it portrayed in Children’s media) and one about how it’s okay for friends to be alone sometimes. He sings a song where he just sing-yells “LEAAVE ME ALOONE STRAWBERRY I JUST WANT TO BE ALONE GO AWAY, I’M NOT UPSET(YET) JUST LET ME FISH IN PEAAAACE!” three times and getting increasingly more aggressive each time.

- The pets (OC and Canon) get together and have their own adventure trying to rescue Custard and Honey Pie Pony.

- Chamomile versus Sour Grapes and the Purple Pieman. It ends up with her repeatedly betraying Strawberryland every time the latter shows up in an episode. Sour Grapes is deeply bothered by her behavior and the Purple Pieman starts to agree with his sister after an Incident involving Angel Cake and a jar of honey.

- Obligatory Swearing Episode featuring Pumpkin, Rainbow Sherbet,  and Ginger Snap, because I think they curse a lot.

- Blueberry Muffin plots revenge against Chamomile Tea after the latter embarrasses her at a writing competition. The revenge is successful. Blueberry regrets nothing. This episode doesn’t teach any good lessons.

- Huckleberry hangs out with the boys and discovers a new house with new kids named Snowberry and Monkshood. They are (as their names suggest) also some of life’s antagonists like Miss Tea. Snowberry bullies Winterberry for being sick and Monkshood hates girls. Huckleberry protects Winterberry and Pumpkin beats Monkshood up after he insults Raspberry Torte, who is visiting.

- Pumpkin teaches the confections on how to cook healthy food and explains cooking the color wheel, plus why dieting is a bad idea without talking to your doctor. 

- The confections (Strawberry, Pumpkin, Huckleberry, Ginger Snap, Seaberry Delight, Orange Blossom, and Lemon Meringue) get lost at sea when helping Rainbow Sherbet crew her boat over a long journey. Lovecraftian horror nonsense ensues. Huckleberry punches candy Cthulhu. It's never too early to teach a crippling fear of the sea!

- Halloween episode. Featuring a ghost named Fruit Bramble, who scares the crap out of everyone. 

- Snowberry starts a prank war. It gets out of hand, because he and his brother are life’s antagonists

- An episode where the kids team up and make up their own TV shows. Experimental animation is included with each show.

[satellitetvcompany-blog]

Top 10 Must-Watch Kids TV Shows: Your Ultimate Guide for 2024

Discover the top 10 must-watch kids TV shows available on Dish Network! From educational adventures to beloved classics, these shows offer entertainment for all ages. Tune in to favorites like Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, and SpongeBob SquarePants for delightful escapades. Educational gems like Wild Kratts and Blue's Clues & You engage young minds with fun learning experiences. Adventure awaits with PJ Masks and Teen Titans Go! while The Loud House and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic foster creativity and friendship. With Dish Network, these shows promise hours of laughter, learning, and excitement for kids everywhere.

Bluey

Genre: Animated Comedy

Age Group: 3-8 years

Platform: Disney+

Bluey has captured the hearts of children and parents alike with its endearing portrayal of a blue heeler puppy and her family. Known for its humor, relatable family dynamics, and valuable life lessons, Bluey stands out for its positive influence and engaging storytelling. Each episode explores everyday scenarios through the eyes of Bluey and her sister Bingo, making it a delightful choice for preschoolers and early elementary-aged kids.

Cocoanuts: Above & Beyond

Genre: Animated Adventure

Age Group: 4-8 years

Platform: Netflix

Cocoanuts: Above & Beyond continues the underwater adventures of Captain Barnacles and his crew as they explore new ocean worlds and protect marine life. This reboot of the classic series maintains its educational focus, teaching young viewers about ocean conservation, teamwork, and problem-solving. With stunning animation and captivating storylines, this show remains a favorite for young explorers and budding marine biologists.

Mira, Royal Detective

Genre: Animated Mystery

Age Group: 4-7 years

Platform: Disney Junior

Mira, Royal Detective introduces children to Indian culture through the eyes of Mira, a young girl who solves mysteries in the fictional land of Jalpur. With vibrant visuals, catchy music, and cultural authenticity, this show promotes diversity and problem-solving skills. It's a refreshing addition to children's television, offering both entertainment and valuable lessons about friendship and community.

Word Party

Genre: Puppetry/Animation

Age Group: 2-4 years

Platform: Netflix

Word Party blends puppetry and animation to teach toddlers essential vocabulary and social skills. Featuring adorable baby animals, this interactive series encourages young viewers to participate in learning activities while enjoying simple yet engaging storylines. Perfect for preschoolers, Word Party makes learning fun with its colorful characters and educational content tailored for early childhood development.

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum

Genre: Animated Educational

Age Group: 5-8 years

Platform: PBS Kids

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum combines history with adventure as Xavier, his sister Yudina, and their friend Brad travel back in time to meet inspiring historical figures. This show promotes curiosity, empathy, and problem-solving skills while introducing children to significant figures like Amelia Earhart, Abraham Lincoln, and Marie Curie. Educational and entertaining, it encourages children to explore the past and discover their own potential.

Paw Patrol

Genre: Animated Action-Adventure

Age Group: 3-6 years

Platform: Nickelodeon

Paw Patrol continues to be a favorite among young children for its heroic rescue missions and adorable pups led by Ryder. Each episode teaches teamwork, bravery, and community service, reinforcing positive values through exciting adventures. With its catchy theme song and lovable characters, Paw Patrol remains a staple in children's programming, appealing to preschoolers and kindergarteners worldwide.

Elinor Wonders Why

Genre: Animated Science Exploration

Age Group: 4-6 years

Platform: PBS Kids

Elinor Wonders Why follows the curious bunny Elinor and her friends as they explore nature and science in their everyday lives. This series emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging children to ask questions and seek answers through observation and discovery. With its focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) concepts, Elinor Wonders Why promotes critical thinking and environmental awareness.

T.O.T.S.: Tiny Ones Transport Service

Genre: Animated Comedy

Age Group: 3-5 years

Platform: Disney Junior

T.O.T.S.: Tiny Ones Transport Service follows the adventures of Pip the penguin and Freddy the flamingo as they deliver baby animals to their forever homes. Combining humor with themes of friendship and responsibility, this series entertains young viewers while teaching them about caring for others. With its playful animation and heartwarming stories, T.O.T.S. appeals to preschoolers and toddlers alike.

Cocomelon

Genre: Nursery Rhymes/Animation

Age Group: 1-4 years

Platform: YouTube/Netflix

Cocomelon has become a global phenomenon for its collection of nursery rhymes and educational songs. Featuring colorful animation and catchy music, this series introduces young children to basic concepts like numbers, letters, and daily routines. With its gentle approach and repetitive melodies, Cocomelon is perfect for toddlers and infants, making learning enjoyable through music and visuals.

10. Ada Twist, Scientist

Genre: Animated Science Exploration

Age Group: 5-8 years

Platform: Netflix

Ada Twist, Scientist follows the adventures of Ada Twist, a young scientist with a boundless curiosity and love for problem-solving. Based on the bestselling book series, this show encourages children to explore scientific principles and embrace their curiosity about the world. Through Ada's experiments and inventions, young viewers learn about the scientific method and the joy of discovery.

Conclusion

As children's television continues to diversify and innovate, these top 10 must-watch kids TV shows for 2024 offer a blend of entertainment, education, and positive values. Whether it's fostering curiosity with Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum or teaching preschoolers social skills through Word Party, each show on this list contributes to children's development in unique and meaningful ways. With platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and PBS Kids providing access to these enriching programs, parents and caregivers can confidently navigate the world of kids' TV, knowing they're choosing shows that inspire, educate, and entertain.

[sadmachine1190]

Young Students Experience Hands-On Learning at Iredell County Agriculture Event

Annual event teaches children about the importance of agriculture in their lives and the local economy

Hundreds of enthusiastic 5-year-olds gathered at the Iredell County Fairgrounds for a two-day event aimed at educating them about the county's agriculture industry. The event, now in its 13th year, welcomed 1,200 students from Iredell-Statesville Schools, who had the opportunity to learn about various aspects of agriculture through interactive and engaging activities. Led by high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) groups and supported by community partners, the event aimed to foster an appreciation for agriculture and inspire future generations to pursue careers in the field.

FFA Students Lead Educational Programs and Activities

The FFA students took charge of leading programs and activities related to animals and livestock. They provided information on cattle, sheep, horses, and dairy cattle, and even operated a petting zoo with goats, a pony, and cows. The kindergarteners also had the chance to plant a sunflower seed, which they could take home and watch grow.

These hands-on experiences allowed the children to connect with and understand the importance of animals in agriculture.

Diverse Range of Activities

The event offered a wide range of activities to engage the young learners. They had the opportunity to learn how to rope cattle, witness a tractor safety demonstration, explore tractor displays from local distributors, and interact with trucks from Randy Marion. Mountaire Farms' feed truck and Southland Dairy Association's Mobile Milk Classroom provided fun and educational experiences.

Other activities included an Energy United electricity demonstration, beekeeping, an NC Forestry Service presentation, an to a fire engine from Troutman Fire and Rescue, and various safety and crop demonstration lessons. These activities aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of agriculture.

Understanding the Economic Impact of Agriculture

Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of Iredell County and North Carolina as a whole. Iredell County ranks first in the state in total cattle, dairy cattle, and milk production. It is also sixth in poultry production and in the top ten in grain crops, including hay and forage production.

The economic impact of agriculture in North Carolina reached a new record of $103.2 billion in 2022. Agriculture-related occupations employ approximately one-fifth of the state's workforce. The county's agriculture industry has an economic impact of $662 million, with cash gate receipts of $165 million benefiting the county.

Inspiring Future Farmers

The event aimed to inspire young children to consider careers in agriculture or other agriculture-related occupations. With the increasing loss of farmland and farmers, it is essential to encourage the next generation to pursue these fields. The high-tech nature of modern agriculture, which utilizes GPS-guided tractors, autonomous vehicles, drones, and advanced research and analysis, was highlighted to showcase the exciting and innovative aspects of the industry.

By showcasing the vastness of agriculture in Iredell County and its impact on their daily lives, the event aimed to instill an appreciation for the industry and its economic significance.

The annual agriculture event at the Iredell County Fairgrounds provided young students with a hands-on learning experience about the county's agriculture industry. Led by high school FFA students and supported by community partners, the event showcased the diverse aspects of agriculture, from animals and livestock to crop production and technology. The event aimed to inspire children to consider careers in agriculture and emphasized the importance of the industry in feeding, clothing, and sheltering their families.

With agriculture being the state's number one industry and Iredell County's strong agricultural base, it is crucial to cultivate an appreciation for agriculture among future generations.

[flyhighhorny]

Annual Agriculture Event Educates Kindergarteners on Importance of Farming in Iredell County

Hundreds of 5-year-olds learn about agriculture and its economic impact on their community

Hundreds of bouncy 5-year-olds descended on the Iredell County Fairgrounds on Thursday and Friday to experience hands-on learning about the county’s agriculture industry and its important role in feeding, clothing, and sheltering their families.

Laura Elmore, Iredell County Extension Agent for agriculture, livestock, and field crops, said the 13th annual event hosted 1,200 Iredell-Statesville Schools students with the help of volunteers from all five high school Future Farmers of America groups and many community partners.

FFA Students Lead Educational Programs

The FFA students led programs about animals and livestock, including cattle, sheep, horses, and dairy cattle, and operated a petting zoo with goats, a pony, and cows. The kindergarteners also planted a sunflower seed, which they will take home to watch grow.

Diverse Learning Activities

Other activities included learning to rope cattle, a tractor safety demo, tractor displays from area distributors, trucks from Randy Marion, Mountaire Farms’ feed truck and fun activities, Southland Dairy Association’s Mobile Milk Classroom, an Energy United electricity demonstration, beekeeping, an NC Forestry Service presentation, to a fire engine from Troutman Fire and Rescue, and various safety and crop demonstration lessons.

Understanding the Importance of Agriculture

While having a blast at the various learning stations, the kids “are able to see the vastness of agriculture in Iredell County and how it touches their lives multiple times every day. I hope they understand just the sheer amount of it and how vital it is to their lives and its economic impact on the county,” Elmore said.

Elmore also hopes to inspire kids to pursue farming or other agriculture-related occupations. “We need it all. Hopefully, they’ll enjoy it and take something from today.”

The Economic Impact of Agriculture

Iredell County is number one in the state in total cattle, dairy cattle, and milk production, sixth in poultry production, and in the top ten in grain crops, including hay and forage production.

Agriculture has a huge impact on the economy of North Carolina and the county, as well as the peripheral commerce around agriculture, including banks, farm equipment and tractor dealers, transportation, vehicles, processing, energy, and technology.

Modern Agriculture and the Need for Efficiency

Elmore noted the high-tech nature of modern agriculture, which uses GPS-guided tractors and other equipment, autonomous vehicles, drones, and biological and chemical analyses and research to improve crop production on smaller amounts of available land.

“We have such a loss of farmland and farmers,” Elmore explained. “We are having to do more with less. We are working to increase our efficiency and production on smaller pieces of land.”

The annual agriculture event at the Iredell County Fairgrounds provides an invaluable opportunity for kindergarteners to learn about the importance of farming and agriculture in their community. Through hands-on activities and educational programs led by high school FFA students, the children gain a deeper understanding of the economic impact of agriculture and the need for efficiency in modern farming practices. The event serves as a catalyst for inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in agriculture and ensures that the vital industry continues to thrive in Iredell County.

[smilethroughtherain]

Bouncy 5-year-olds Learn About Agriculture at Iredell County Fairgrounds

Hands-on learning event teaches children about the importance of agriculture in their lives

Hundreds of enthusiastic 5-year-olds gathered at the Iredell County Fairgrounds for a two-day event aimed at educating them about the county's agriculture industry. The 13th annual event, organized by the Iredell County Extension Agent for agriculture, livestock, and field crops, provided a unique opportunity for the children to experience hands-on learning about the various aspects of agriculture. Through interactive programs, demonstrations, and activities, the event aimed to showcase the vital role of agriculture in feeding, clothing, and sheltering their families.

FFA students lead educational programs and activities

The event, attended by 1,200 students from Iredell-Statesville Schools, was made possible with the help of volunteers from all five high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) groups and community partners. The FFA students took the lead in organizing and hosting various programs about animals and livestock, including cattle, sheep, horses, and dairy cattle. They also operated a petting zoo, allowing the kindergarteners to interact with goats, a pony, and cows.

Additionally, the children had the opportunity to plant a sunflower seed, which they will take home to nurture and watch grow.

A wide range of activities and demonstrations

The event featured a diverse range of activities and demonstrations to engage the children and provide them with a comprehensive understanding of agriculture. These included learning to rope cattle, a tractor safety demonstration, tractor displays from local distributors, trucks from Randy Marion, and a feed truck from Mountaire Farms. The Southland Dairy Association's Mobile Milk Classroom, Energy United's electricity demonstration, and a presentation by the NC Forestry Service were also part of the event.

The children had the chance to explore beekeeping, learn about fire safety from Troutman Fire and Rescue, and participate in various safety and crop demonstration lessons.

Promoting awareness of the economic impact of agriculture

While the children had a great time at the event, it also aimed to raise their awareness of the significant economic impact of agriculture in Iredell County and North Carolina as a whole. Laura Elmore, the Iredell County Extension Agent, highlighted the county's rankings in various agricultural sectors, such as total cattle, dairy cattle, milk production, poultry production, and grain crops. Elmore emphasized the importance of agriculture in the county's economy, noting its impact on peripheral industries such as banking, farm equipment, transportation, processing, energy, and technology.

Inspiring the next generation of farmers

One of the key objectives of the event was to inspire children to pursue farming or other agriculture-related occupations. Elmore expressed the need for a new generation of farmers and agricultural professionals and hoped that the event would ignite a passion for agriculture in the young participants. She emphasized the high-tech nature of modern agriculture, highlighting the use of GPS-guided tractors, autonomous vehicles, drones, and advanced analytical and research methods to improve crop production on limited land.

Elmore underscored the importance of farmers in providing food, clothing, and shelter to the community.

The hands-on learning event at the Iredell County Fairgrounds provided an invaluable opportunity for young children to gain a deeper understanding of the county's agriculture industry. Through engaging programs, activities, and demonstrations, the event showcased the vital role of agriculture in their daily lives. It also highlighted the economic impact of agriculture in Iredell County and the state of North Carolina.

By inspiring the next generation of farmers and agricultural professionals, the event aimed to ensure the continued success and sustainability of the agriculture industry in the county and beyond.

[littlestarwithoutsky16]

Kindergarteners Learn About Agriculture at Iredell County Fairgrounds

A hands-on learning experience for young children highlights the importance of agriculture in Iredell County

Hundreds of enthusiastic 5-year-olds gathered at the Iredell County Fairgrounds for a unique educational event that aimed to teach them about the county's agriculture industry and its significance in their daily lives. Led by volunteers from local high school Future Farmers of America (FFA) groups and community partners, the event provided a range of interactive activities for the kindergarteners to explore.

Laura Elmore, Iredell County Extension Agent for agriculture, livestock, and field crops, expressed her hope that the children would gain a deeper understanding of the vastness of agriculture in their county and its economic impact. Elmore also aimed to inspire the young participants to consider pursuing farming or other agriculture-related occupations in the future.

A Multitude of Learning Stations

The event featured a variety of learning stations designed to introduce the children to different aspects of agriculture. FFA students led programs on animals and livestock, including cattle, sheep, horses, and dairy cattle. They also operated a petting zoo, allowing the kindergarteners to interact with goats, a pony, and cows.

In addition, the children had the opportunity to plant sunflower seeds and learn about the growth process.

Other activities included roping cattle, a tractor safety demonstration, tractor displays from local distributors, and a visit from Mountaire Farms' feed truck. The Southland Dairy Association's Mobile Milk Classroom, Energy United's electricity demonstration, and presentations on beekeeping and forestry by the NC Forestry Service were also part of the event. The children even had the chance to explore a fire engine from Troutman Fire and Rescue.

Throughout the event, the children engaged in various safety and crop demonstration lessons, gaining valuable insights into the agricultural practices in their county.

The Economic Impact of Agriculture

Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of North Carolina, as well as in Iredell County. The county ranks first in the state in total cattle, dairy cattle, and milk production, and is sixth in poultry production. It is also among the top ten in grain crops, including hay and forage production.

The economic impact of agriculture and agribusiness in North Carolina reached a record $103.2 billion in 2022. In Iredell County, the agriculture industry has an economic impact of $662 million, with cash gate receipts of $165 million benefiting the county. With 1,055 farms covering 36 percent of the county's total acreage, agriculture is a vital part of the local economy.

The High-Tech Nature of Modern Agriculture

Modern agriculture in Iredell County incorporates advanced technologies to increase efficiency and production on limited land. GPS-guided tractors, autonomous vehicles, drones, and biological and chemical analyses are just a few examples of the high-tech tools used in agriculture today. These innovations enable farmers to do more with less and meet the growing demands of a changing world.

Laura Elmore emphasized the importance of agriculture in providing essential resources for everyday life. Without farmers, there would be no food in grocery stores, no cotton clothes, and no timber for construction. The event aimed to highlight the crucial role of agriculture in sustaining communities and the need for future generations to carry on this vital work.

The hands-on learning experience at the Iredell County Fairgrounds provided kindergarteners with a deeper understanding of the importance of agriculture in their county. Through interactive activities and engaging demonstrations, the children learned about various aspects of farming, livestock, and crop production.

The event also shed light on the economic impact of agriculture in Iredell County and North Carolina as a whole. With its rich agricultural heritage and commitment to innovation, Iredell County continues to thrive in the agricultural sector.

By inspiring young minds and fostering a connection to agriculture, events like this lay the foundation for a future generation of farmers and agricultural professionals. The investment in agricultural education and infrastructure further solidifies Iredell County's commitment to supporting its agricultural community and ensuring its continued success.

[glapplebloom]

Un-Convention-Al: At The Turn Of The Tide

Pony Gandalf to the Rescue.

Shadow Lock was shocked. One of the Pillars, the one who created many of the spells his family learned, was here. And instead of helping him, he was saving the Pony of Shadows. He could not believe it. “I do not know what kind of spell he placed on you Starswirl,” Shadow Lock declared, “but once his life ends you will be freed of whatever enchantment he placed on...” “ENOUGH!” Starswirl shouted.

Starswirl closed his eyes as his horn glowed. Shadow Lock was ready to defend himself, but instead of an attack the glowing stopped. When Starswirl opened his eyes, he began to speak. “That was a spell I created. It allows me to see the past up to a certain point in the area I am in. So I know your reason for your action.” Starswirl walked up to Shadow Lock. “If you truly believe Stygian deserves death, then that punishment must be mine as well.”

Shadow Lock was in disbelief. How could Starswirl say this unless he was under some sort of spell. “There’s no reason you should be to blame! It was him that became the Pony of Shadows! It was him who tried to steal your powers!” “He was not trying to steal our powers. He wanted validation that I wrongfully took from him.” Starswirl’s magic created a screen. It showed visually what Starswirl was explaining.

“Stygian was a Unicorn who thought of gathering the greatest heroes of legend together to save his village from Sirens. When he arrived with the other Pillars, I immediately took control of the situation. As we grew in notoriety, Stygian kept falling deeper into the Shadows. When we confronted him about taking our items, it was I who thought the worst. I didn’t allow him to explain himself. So it is my fault he became the Pony of Shadows.”

“We sacrificed ourselves to put him in Limbo, but all that did was continue the cycle of hate your family received and the darkness in his heart. If only I understood the meaning of Friendship, none of that would happen. Instead, it was my ego that ruined any chance for Stygian and your family. And it would take the heroes of this time to show me my own failings.” Starswirl turned off his magic and walked towards Shadow Lock.

“Don’t you see? None of this would have happened if I just listened. And when I finally did, the Pony of Shadow was truly defeated. No need for us to disappear or for some creature to die. The only thing that remains are memories; lessons that we should keep not to avenge our past but to prevent it from happening again. Let go of this hate and move on. You’ll be surprised what Harmony can do for you.”

Shadow Lock listened to Starswirl’s tale. Those words really got to him. His entire family from generation to generation carried this hate. They were the only ones who considered the threat of the Pony of Shadows as others moved on. Other dangers came and went while they waited for one that never came. Could Starswirl be right? But that’s when Shadow Lock remembered something. He turned to Stygian and looked him in the eye.

“What happened to my father?”

-----------------------------

So what happened to Daddy Shadow?

[spiritsnstuff]

Mediumship Reading ~ the crazy cat lady

Card #1... Princess of Pentacles

The person who has passed on ~

This card represents a very grounded and down-to-earth female.  She loved animals, and you would probably find her with an assortment of pets, all the while she's either worrying over or trying to rescue other animals as well.  She would take in any stray.  Her demeanor was very earthy and natural, and she didn't wear a lot of makeup or give great thought to fashion or hairstyles.  She was the kind of woman who could be ready to go somewhere in two minutes or less, throwing her unruly hair in a pony tail and slipping into a comfortable old pair of blue jeans.  She was perfectly at ease doing this, lacking the vanity of most women.

Card #2, addresses the spirit... 7/pentacles

Looking back on your life, how do you see it?

She see's her life as one engulfed in the act of nurturing, mostly animals, but also people who were outcast or emotionally adrift, a plant that someone else threw out for "dead", an injured bird on the back porch... constantly feeding, nursing, comforting, helping other living things.

She was constantly engaged with new ideas and plans and adventures, a lot of them not very successful, but entered into with unabandoned enthusiasm none-the-less.  She was never afraid to try new things and was not discouraged if there was not a 100% success rate, because there would always be something else, something new, to try and to experience.

She was not necessarily very tidy, and she was not bothered by a certain amount of clutter or a messy atmosphere about her.  The chaos of such surroundings seemed to lend themselves to the wonderful pulse of life.  This is how she viewed it.

Card #3, addresses the spirit... 4/cups A lesson you'd like to share

Do not put off something you may regret later.  There's something in her life she didn't finish up on, look into; someone she put off contacting; something she kept putting on the back burner; something she tried to avoid, thinking there was all the time in the world, until there wasn't.

Card #4, addresses the spirit... 6/swords

Something you wish you would've paid attention to

There is a relationship in her life that she wishes she would've been more patient with, a relationship she wishes she would have worked harder at.  She regrets walking away.  She feels that when she did this, her life took on a more nomadic feel about it, that she lacked roots to a particular physical location, or there was a place that she missed and thinking of it would make her feel sad and nostalgic, and homesick.

She felt she couldn't go back, ,that she had burned her bridges.

Card #5, addresses the spirit... 4/swords

A message from this spirit

Slow down.  Don't rush through life so fast that you miss something important.  Don't be afraid to back down from a fight; don't be afraid to be the first one to say "I'm sorry", or the first one to lay down the sword.  Don't be afraid to take time in life to reflect, to rest, to sleep, to dream.

Audio Version @ YouTube https://youtu.be/Fwj_zLGlKUI 

[zippyequestraincentre]

Zippy Horse Riding Academy in Bangalore | Horse Riding Training

Zippy Horse Riding Academy in Bangalore

The Zippy horse riding academy in Bangalore offers a number of services that include horse riding lessons, equestrian consultancy, showjumping training, and horse boarding facilities.

If you are in the market for an equestrian training facility in south Bengaluru, you should definitely consider this place.

Basic horse riding for kids as well as adults

In Bangalore, India, there are several horse riding schools. Some are good, while others are not. When choosing an academy, you should consider the level of instruction and the ability to accommodate large groups.

The Zippy Horse Riding Academy in south Bangalore offers basic horse riding for children and adults. The academy is also known for its personalized training, and its stable management.

In addition to basic horse riding, the academy also offers two stable management classes. This is a great way to learn about the care of your horse and how to keep it healthy and happy.

Whether you want to ride a pony, or a horse for show jumping, the Academy has you covered. They also offer summer camp programs, which are perfect for beginners.

For advanced riders, the Academy offers two-hour cross country rides. It is also known for its affordable classes. If you are an experienced rider, you can participate in the horseback safaris.

Stable services if you own a horse

If you have a horse and are looking to improve its well-being, consider the services provided by a riding stable. Riding stables offer a variety of horse-related services, such as training, grooming,  Horse boarding, and transportation. Some larger stables also provide space for local rescue organizations.

In order to run a successful stable, you will need to make a lot of smart decisions. For instance, you'll need to hire the right staff, secure insurance, and pay for the right kind of tack.

Depending on your budget, you may be able to rent or purchase a riding stable. The most popular types of facilities are those with indoor and outdoor arenas. Outdoors, you can choose from dirt or synthetic footing. Indoors, you'll have more control over temperature, humidity, and other factors.

One of the easiest ways to start a successful stable is to advertise your offerings in your community. This can be done in the form of newspaper ads, on your website, or in local horse show publications.

Summer camp

The Zippy Horse Riding Academy, located off Kanakapura Main Road, provides horse riding lessons and stable services. Their trainers are highly qualified and their facilities are state-of-the-art.

The Zippy Horse Riding Academy is designed for beginners and those looking to take their first steps on the equestrian trail. They offer a beginner program that teaches the basics of English riding, including how to trot, canter, and walk. There are also two levels of stable management training.

Aside from a solid education in horse care and safety, the academy offers several exciting programs that introduce new riders to the world of horses.

For instance, the "Secretariat" camp is a bit of a mouthful, but it aims to strengthen your body and your mind with a series of skill building and challenging games and activities.

Those who are looking to improve their skills can join a 10-day dussehra camp for a chance to win a pair of horseshoes. Other options include private instruction or renting a horse.

 Zippy Equestrian Center For Excellence

The Equestrian Center for Excellence (ECE) is a horse riding academy in Bangalore. It provides stable services for the horses and is located on the Palace  JP Nagar 

The Equestrian Center For Excellence. They provide training for equestrian athletes in all equestrian disciplines. The facility is surrounded by lush green grassy land.

They provide Horse riding lessons and certification programs for both kids and adults. They also have a horse boarding facility, equestrian consultancy, and stable management.

Horse riding is a sport which is perfect for the fitness conscious as it teaches coordination, balance, and strength. Also, it is a good workout for those who love animals. In addition, horse riding is fun and a great activity for young children.

There are several horse riding schools in the city. You can choose a school according to your budget and experience level.

[opera-ghosts]

Hauk, Minnie (1851–1929)

American dramatic soprano, the first international opera superstar to emerge from the U.S., who was particularly celebrated for her Carmen. Name variations: Minnie Hauck. Born Amalia Mignon Hauck in New York City, on November 16, 1851; died at Villa Tribschen, Switzerland, on February 6, 1929; daughter of James Hauck; married Baron Ernst von Hesse-Wartegg.

The first full-fledged, internationally acclaimed operatic prima donna to be produced by the United States, Minnie Hauk was born Amalia Mignon Hauck (she later chose to drop the c) in New York City during 1851. She was the only child of a German-born father, a carpenter who had fled Germany after the failure of the 1848 revolution, and his American wife. The Hauck family moved to Providence, Rhode Island, where at the age of five, Minnie attended her first theatrical performance while seated on her mother's lap. She later reminisced about this experience, recalling that after returning home she did not even look at her dolls, "sitting in a row near my bed. I had seen at the theatre much larger, much finer ones." Stagestruck, the young girl became obsessed by Jenny Lind , "the Swedish Nightingale." She owned many pictures of the singer, read a biography of Lind "at least once a week," and named her dogs and cats Jenny.

In the late 1850s, the Hauck family moved again, this time to the frontier town of Sumner City, north of Kansas City and situated on the Missouri River. With her father working as a boatbuilder and her mother running a boarding house, Minnie was often on her own. She took advantage of her freedom to stroll across the prairies, often winding up in a nearby Native American camp. As she recalled, "The Indians would call me their 'Prairie flower'; they would give me fruit, carry me in their arms, and take me for a ride on their little ponies. Their children would show me how to string a bow and shoot an arrow, would dance or have a sham battle or a pony race for my amusement, and, towards evening, they would accompany me a good distance on my homeward way." Alarmed by their wandering daughter, the Haucks sent her off to a girl's seminary in nearby Leavenworth. Here, her irrepressible spirits quickly got her expelled.

After a fierce flood on the Missouri River virtually destroyed Sumner City, the Haucks again decided to move on. James Hauck built a boat, loaded it with his small family and all their worldly possessions, and they set sail for New Orleans where life would be easier. Just south of St. Louis, however, their houseboat was rammed by a steamboat and demolished. As Minnie and her parents floated in the water, clutching debris from their vessel, they watched everything they owned sink into the mighty Mississippi. The steamboat's captain rescued the shaken family and took them free of charge to their destination. By the time the Haucks arrived in New Orleans, the Civil War had begun, the city found itself blockaded, and economic life was at a virtual standstill. Soon, however, Minnie's parents were able to find employment and a modest lifestyle was enjoyed by the family. Minnie attended the Belleville School and took singing lessons from a European basso, Gregorio Curto.

Before long, she was facing an audience, singing in the city's grand opera house at a charity concert to raise money for wounded soldiers.

Convinced of her talent, Minnie's parents again relocated. In late 1862, with the Civil War still raging, they sailed from New Orleans to the Florida Keys, and from there to New York City. In Manhattan, Minnie soon became a musical sensation, regularly singing in the homes of the social elite, including Naval Commodore Ritchie, August and Caroline Perry Belmont , and racetrack entrepreneur Leonard Jerome, father of Jennie Jerome (Churchill) . After a brief but intensive course of study with Achille Errani, who had gained fame as a teacher of a number of successful American sopranos, Minnie made her operatic debut, singing in La Sonnambula at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on October 13,1866. A month later, she made her Manhattan debut at the Winter Garden, singing the role of Prascovia in Giacomo Meyerbeer's L'Étoile du Nord. The New York Times' assessment of her performance was highly enthusiastic, noting that she was "an artist who in time will rank among the foremost. Her power is quite equal to her brilliancy, and experience will beyond a doubt develop in her an artist quite equal, if not superior, to any we have yet heard."

Youthful and supremely confident, Minnie Hauk quickly emerged as a prima donna, adding major roles to her repertoire at a dizzying pace. The only component left to secure her career was a trip to Europe, and funds for this undertaking were provided by the music publisher Gustav Schirmer, whose confidence in Hauk's talents was repaid quite literally with interest soon after her first engagements on the Continent. Traveling with her mother—who would serve as Hauk's best friend, constant companion and closest adviser—the young soprano's first stop was London. Although no engagements materialized in the British capital, Hauk attended the opera, made a number of important connections, and carefully studied the singing techniques of several of the city's reigning singing stars including Adelina Patti and Christine Nilsson . In Paris, however, she secured an engagement in the role of Amina in La Sonnambula. Hauk became the instant darling of the French public not only because of her vocal and dramatic talents, but also because her colorful American frontier background provided great copy for the local newspapers, which described her in fantastic terms as a half-civilized Pocahontas figure who in the wilds of the New World was accustomed to riding a mustang bareback.

Within months of her Paris debut, Hauk was singing in the major opera houses of London, The Hague, and Russia. In Russia, she appeared in both Moscow and St. Petersburg's imperial opera houses, and it was during these Russian engagements that she began to earn a reputation for displaying a fiery stage temperament. A simmering artistic jealousy between Hauk and Désirée Artôt , then one of the leading sopranos on the Russian operatic scene, came to a head during a performance of Don Giovanni. Artôt's husband, Mariano Padilla, jerked Hauk's hand at the end of their duet in Act I. Convinced that Padilla was intentionally trying to cause her to break a high note, Hauk slapped him in the face. The audience, entranced by the events, gave both singers such an ovation that the entire duet had to be repeated.

Hauk's Russian successes made her an internationally recognized singing sensation. For the next decade, she would sing mostly in Vienna and Berlin, making her Viennese debut in May 1870. She quickly mastered the German language both to meet the requirements of daily living and because the non-German operatic repertory was customarily sung in German. At the time of her first appearance in Vienna in the role of Marguerite in Gounod's Faust, Hauk had not yet completely mastered the complexities of German. A slip-up she made in performance served to endear her to Vienna's music enthusiasts: responding to Faust, she told him she intended to go home ungekleidet (undressed) instead of the correct word, unbegleitet (unaccompanied). The sophisticated Viennese audience was delighted by the imperfect German of the American girl from the Wild West, and she became an immediate star. She enjoyed a comparable success at the Berlin Opera, where she starred in, among other popular operas of the day, Goetz's Taming of the Shrew.

Despite her late and rather sketchy vocal training, Minnie Hauk was a quick study and mastered not only the German language, adding dozens of roles to her repertory in a brief period, but also learned roles in exotic languages. In Budapest, for example, she sang the role of Maria in Ferenc Erkel's Hunyadi László in the original Magyar, even though she never learned a sentence of conversational Hungarian and learned the words, as she would later note, "like a parrot." Now a world-class artist, Hauk met many of the composers of operas she starred in including Richard Wagner whom she met after a Budapest performance of Der fliegende Holländer. On that occasion, she told him that she always made an effort to "act in accordance with the symphonic indications of the orchestra." A grateful Wagner replied, "That is right, that is right! Thank goodness! Here is an artist who knows how to act and sing according to my intentions."

Always willing to sing in contemporary operas that were fresh to the ear and even controversial, Hauk was glad for the opportunity to sing in Bizet's Carmen. In May 1878, when that opera was only three years old, she sang in the starring role at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels. Her performance was a huge hit, at least in part because in order to totally master her role she had immersed herself in the French language, read the Prosper Mérimée short story the opera was based on, and took dancing lessons from the Monnaie's ballet master. On June 22, 1879, Hauk performed Carmen in London, singing it in Italian, the operatic language favored by British audiences of the day. Here, too, it was an immense success. Although she married the wealthy Austrian journalist and globetrotter Baron Ernst von Hesse-Wartegg in 1881, Hauk had no intentions of abandoning her immensely successful singing career, which by the 1880s had made her name as well-known in the United States as it had become in Europe during the previous decade. She toured constantly in the United States and Canada, and was invited by President Chester A. Arthur to perform at the White House.

Fearing that her success as Carmen might doom her to being seen as a one-role artist, Hauk was constantly searching for, and mastering, new roles, which included Hector Berlioz' rarely performed La Damnation de Faust. Among other novelties, Hauk introduced Massenet's Manon to the United States in December 1885. She sang at New York's Metropolitan Opera during the 1890–91 season, and her appearance in Carmen on April 2, 1891, marked her final New York performance. As a last hurrah for her fans, she founded the Minnie Hauk Grand Opera Company in mid-1891 to make an American tour. During this tour in Chicago on September 30, 1891, she appeared in Mascagni's sensational new opera Cavalleria Rusticana, in what was one of its earliest American performances. With the death of her mother in 1896, Minnie Hauk retired from the hectic but stimulating life of an operatic prima donna. She and her husband retired to their Swiss villa outside of Lucerne, the same Tribschen that Richard Wagner had occupied at the time he composed his masterpieces Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and the mighty Ring cycle of music dramas. Here, she and her husband lived an idyllic existence until World War I destroyed their Austrian investments. After her husband died in 1918, Hauk became virtually destitute, a situation she attempted to remedy by dictating her memoirs, even though she was enfeebled and blind. Fortunately, operatic star Geraldine Farrar and the Music Lovers Foundation raised sufficient funds to make Hauk's final years financially comfortable. Minnie Hauk died at Villa Tribschen on February 6, 1929.

On the photo she is seen as Marguerite in Gounod's "Faust".