I have an idea.
I love getting the little tid-bits of stories in the comments from you guys. HOH tells us about riding in the moonlight and seeing moose. Slippin talks about working in a booth at the NCHA snaffle bit futurity.
I don't think I'm alone in wanting to hear from Redsmom about her trials, trevails and fun while learning to train and rein on her horse. I'd love to learn more about Gtyyup's training and her alfalfa farm in Oregon, or how Heidi the Hick's getting herself to ride when she has the "rainy April" blahs.
I got a really cool comment from the husband of the woman who owns Whiskey Starlight (he's also the chief stall cleaner for Whiskey Starlight himself). He has found the blog and had some great things to say about his wife's horse. Whiskey Starlight is the horse Blue rode to the Reserve Championship at the NRCHA World show. The comment is last on the Blue Allen interview post and I know a bunch of you missed it. Which is what gave me this idea.
My thought is this. How about if every Wednesday I post stories you guys have written. Then we can all read them and nobody will feel like they are off topic or hogging the blog, which I think makes a lot of you cut a good tale short. You can write about anything horsaii you want. Any subject is open, a ride you just took, a horse from the past, a experience you'd like to share, a fiction tale you're playing with, anything.
The only rules would be....
No meanness.
You don't have to be a "writer", just have a story to share. In return we all promise to only enjoy the stories. We won't comment critically on writing style, ability or spelling. Ever. We will feel free to encourage, enjoy and celebrate with each other.
It will be like "Horsaii Soup for the Soul."
If you don't want to write you can just tune in to read the stories and comment afterwards. Or just lurk, it's all good.
Comment on this post and let me know what you think. Then send the stories to jhuntington@cowhorseart.com I will throw away anything rude, rotten or nasty. That's the only editing I'll do. You can post with your name, your blogging name or both. We can all get to know each other better and find some great new topics to explore.
You want to?
I do.
Great idea Mugwump! I'll have to start typing...
ReplyDeleteGo Juli!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea too...I just have to think of a story since I have so many...and I have already mentioned some, just a short version. LOL
ReplyDeleteI had fun working at the futurity, but it wasn't the Snaffle Bit Futurity, it was the National Cutting Horse Association Futurity that is held at the Will Rodgers Collisium in Fort Worth in December. I had one well known cutter come out to the round pen and said, "HEY! They finally got someone smart to run this thing out here!" Ok..I am off to think of a story to tell. and I need to go work my horse on some buffalo...I have show in a few weeks!
Wonderful idea, Mugs!
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to learn something more about all the nice people posting here.
It will be fun!
Are you going to give us a theme to write about, or is it free choice?
Another thing, if we click on that google-ad thing at the top of your blog, will you benefit by it? If so, it would be an easy way to kind of repay you for all those great stories....
I always feel like I'm doing a disservice to a good story by shortening it to the point that it no longer really conveys the same message or emotions that it might have had it been told in full. A lot of people ruin really good stories because they feel like they have a word limit to meet.
ReplyDeleteWriting isn't about a word limit, it's about conveying a message and letting people see through your eyes.
If you take an experience and only write as if you had seen it through an eye-patch and sunglasses, how much of the rich world around you is everyone else missing because of it? Would we ever get to catch a glimpse of the radiant Colorado sunrise, or see the beads of sweat dotting an old cowhand's face after a long day's work? Would we know the feel of a heaving horse's sides underneath exhausted, quivering legs after an exhillarating ride across the open prairie, or touch upon the spine-tingling thrill that comes after finally achieveing that moment of absolute perfection? If you just let yourself go and let the words flow, the story will unfold in rich, colorful detail you might not have believed because you've been editing so much.
Take off the sunglasses and blinkers, and let people see into your personal world and experience the things you've seen and done in the full wonder and beauty the whole story provides!
Fabulous idea.
ReplyDeleteI am getting my thinking cap on right now!
I have lots of great stories! At least I think they are...
HOH - I think you're only supposed to look at the ads if they interest you. Anything else and I get dumped from their advertising....
ReplyDeleteP.S.- I think free choice...
ReplyDeleteHehe
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! I love visiting blogs around the country, reading about other lifestyles, seeing the pictures. If you can include pictures, that would be the icing on the cake, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI do have one request, if possible. I find it difficult to read (and tend to skip past) bad spelling. There is a dictionary, either the old fashioned paper version, or on-line. Most computers even have spell check (this blog does...spell a word wrong and it underlines it for you). Second is bad grammar, but mostly when words are used incorrectly, like their and there. Taking the extra moment to make sure these little items are correct will add a lot to a story. Perhaps Mugs can offer to edit without changing context?
Okay, off the spelling soapbox...
I can't wait to read other peoples tales :)
Jackie
That's a great idea. Some people think of neat storys that make them smile in rememberance, but don't want to type it all on in someone's comments because it doesn't really have a whole lot to do with what was posted. I love reading stories, especially yours, so I'm for it. (now that I have all the time in the world on my hands)
ReplyDeleteOK, so I had never watched the Blue Allen video you posted earlier, until today (after reading the blog comment from horse's owner). I went off to watch it and man! that horse is super cool. Then to read about his temperament--blew my mind! How do you find that?? A horse that can do well at shows and that you can keep at home and use as an all around? I was starting to think you kind of had to pick, show horse or fun horse. How do you find a horse like that one, which is both?
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's more common in the western disciplines?? (I ride h/j. My current mare is very sweet but the idea of trying to take her on a trail ride alone gives me the cold sweats.) If so, maybe I need to consider a discipline change.
HorsesandTurbos - I would hate to have somebody NOT share a story because he/she was worried about judgement becuase of spelling or writing skills.
ReplyDeleteAs I already said. I want everybody to write what they want, how they want.
I am not bothered by spelling or technique as long as the story is a good one.
I am not going to edit. If someone doesn't like reading a story because they feel the writing is beneath them then it would be best if they skip that story. And not comment.
As long as you're still ok with lurking, I look forward to reading all the interesting stories.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea!
~Lisa
Awesome, this is a great idea!! Guest blogger of the weekly Wednesday!
ReplyDeleteOh, I wasn't going to comment...it was just a suggestion. I think everyone should write...you only learn by doing. I wasn't trying to put anyone off, just a suggestion. Guess I was having a pissy mare moment :P Sorry for swishing my tail at ya all!
ReplyDeleteI may even try...only I don't have the fun, exciting tales most of you have.
Didn't get to post on the anniversary blog... I went back to see of I could find your "accent"...and I found it way cool that in one short year you have come so far!
Did you ever figure out how to run a clinic in Hawaii?
And how come my verification word is "shediram"? After the hour I just spent grooming, it should be "shedihorse"!
Jackie
Well, I do actually have some fun tales, but it's about racing my Pinto...the 4-cylinder, turbo kind!
ReplyDeleteJackie
I'd love to. :)
ReplyDeleteI think that a lovely idea. I can't wait to read all the stories!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea...I love your posts mugs, but the comments are priceless too! This will be icing on the cake!
ReplyDeleteTwo thumbs up!
Oh...
ReplyDeletePS...Wordless Wednesday was around long before me...no apologies needed!!
This is SO cool. I always love reading the comments here. This is even better.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a really great idea! I mostly lurk, but have posted once or twice.
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed all the stories and thoughts, and comments throughout the months.
Maybe I can think of something to share :)
Shh, I'm a lurker...I'd love to read these stories even if they spell like my cats (and that's not an insult). It's not the spelling or grammer I'm looking for, it's the story. The feeling, the understanding, the laughter...the nod of the head that says "I get it".
ReplyDeleteKathryn - I used to jump 4foot show jumping - which often has horses a bit more fired up than h/j - I didn't do h/j as my horse thought the jumps were too small and wanted to gallop them - she would also trail ride, one day event and game. however she had never seen the inside of an indoor arena, and I never thought that she couldn't do anything else.
ReplyDeleteFind a buddy with a good trail horse - find out how to ride out side the arean, and get ut there - your horse witll love you for it once it gets used to being in the great out doors.
What a great idea! I'm a frequent lurker, and I love reading all the stories and comments. Sometimes they make me think of something that happened to me once, too. I've learned quite a bit from this blog, and am excited to hear more stories!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea too, as I, like everyone else have loved reading this blog. I enjoy your stories, as well as the writings of everyone's posts. Your blog has inspired me to start my own. I felt that I was at a time in my life to write whatever is important at the moment, not just horsey things. I, like you, have changed the course of what I'm doing within the horse industry. I'm enjoying my new areas, and it has given me the free time I want to ride my own horses more. Enjoy your new job and the flexibility it has given you. That is what I have now, with the kids all gone, and I'm taking the time to do what I enjoy. I'm not as gifted in writing a story that will hold readers in suspense, but now and then, maybe I can write just about riding. thanks!
ReplyDeleteLet's do it!
ReplyDeleteCan I post stuff I've posted on my own blog???
I just got back from a few days away from the computer and I think this is a fabulous idea. If you still have the long, long tale of my day waiting for my first reining class, you can post it. LOL. And/or I will write more. Thanks, Janet!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be fun.I'm getting a stack of stories already. I'm thinking I'll post 3 or 4 at a time, you think?
ReplyDeleteAlso, yes Heidi the Hick, anything you want.
If you want to, post you're blog name along with and maybe we can direct some traffic....
I mean post your blog, and that's everybody....
ReplyDeleteMugs, if you are not drowning in stories personally I'd love if you could post one at a time instead of 3-4 in one post (unless they are related, or very short).
ReplyDeleteI would think that everyone who has sent a story to you would like us who reads it to be able to give it some thoughts, and discuss.
If there are several posted at the same time, maybe one or two won't get the attention they deserve?
Just a thought.
I think since it's "wordy wednesday" post anything that came in that week. The more the better!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeleteThis is totally off topic, but I would like to share anyway.
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you guys, but I love an underdog story.
This one brought tears to my eyes.
Have a look at
http://tiny.cc/ygETi
(Links to a clip of one of the contestants in the first episode of "Britain's Got Talent 2009".)
It's worth the click IMHO.
HorseofCourse - just saw the video tonight, tears and goosebumps by the way. Loved the story. Loved the lady and will probably buy anything she puts out!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea... my brain is stirring up ideas.
ReplyDeleteHiya Mugs, I did the same thing with baby Rosso (snort- baby - he's 6) last night. Had 'nother nice ride! :) When can I ask for more do you think?
ReplyDeleteCheers! Shanster
Mugs,
ReplyDeleteWhile I know you're busy, if you get a moment, would you please stop by my blog and tell me what you think of Casey? I'm not talking confirmation and I think without saying what I'm talking about you'll see it. And I'm not talking about his "silly haircut" as my husband put it.
I'm very torn as to what to do. While Casey is healthy and in good condition, he's not really "better". Do I just keep plugging along with him and hope for that emotional change to come for him? Or do I sell him and hope he finds it with someone else? Your opinion?
I'd appreciate it very much. Thanks.
http://oregonsunshine.wordpress.com
I can't even remember how I ended up at your blog, but I've been reading for a couple of months now and figured this was as good a time as any to say, I love it. And I love this idea!
ReplyDeleteSince my horsey-fix at the moment is limited to reading about other people's horses, this sounds exciting. And if I can squeak in an hour of "me time" between finals and job hunting, I may whap my better judgement over the head and write up a tale or two... which I imagine will end up reading like a cautionary tale for mothers with horse-mad teenagers who don't have the sense to find dark in a cave.
I'm a bit late to the game, maybe, but I love this idea as well! I'm a trainers assistant for a paso fino barn, and we are traveling to shows several times this year, so I'm sure I'll have stories myself, not to mention the day to day at the barn with 25 horses, a latin trainer who LOVES women, and my own horse to boot LOL.
ReplyDelete