SMILES

The fat from the soup was skimmed early this morning then the broth divided into 2 big pots. Both of those pots put on the stove to boil. I started chopping vegetables right after fixing Mark's breakfast and was still chopping and adding vegetables until it was time to leave for the walk.
We all had to dress warm today on the walk, it was below freezing and the the wind was blowing hard. 
The horses sure don't seem to mind the cold but I noticed today most of them were in the shelters this morning. We feed the best hay we have when we know there is going to be a cold spell. It is the digestion of the hay that produces heat for the horses. We have always tried to have a good quality hay in front of them 24 hours a day as horses need to graze pretty much all day and all night with short naps between. As long as the hay is available along with plenty of fresh water and a salt block we can be reasonably sure they will not just survive but thrive.
After the soup was done I ran a crock pot full over to Joan's, a quart over to Diane's and mom's and put a quart aside for John and Beth & Karin and Jackie. I still had plenty left over to freeze for later and left 1 quart in our fridge for us tonight.
I had to drive in to Meister's to pay the first of the month bills and make a deposit this afternoon. When I got back from that I went shopping on Ebay and was able to purchase 60 rubber snakes. Those along with the gooey frogs and salamanders Karin bought should be enough for the yucky gifts for the play. Rebekah sent the music for the play, now we just have to finish with the ending dialog. Speaking of the play, Karin has the horses well prepared. Today she just couldn't help smiling. First of all Evan did great. He is getting the routine down and following what she needs him to do. AND he is doing it willingly. He is enjoying getting out of his paddock everyday, enjoying the attention and the chance to roll in that nice soft sand arena. I  didn't even know she was here working with him as I was listening to Craig Stickling on AC central while cleaning up the kitchen. When she sent a text to please bring in Zalena and Oksana I was shocked to see it was that late. Let me tell you though I walked into the indoor to SMILES. Karin was working with Jenis and each time she rides her exclaims, "she is just so talented!" She is using the clapper on Jenis below.

 She finished with a rear which I didn't quite catch but I sure caught Karin's smile. 

 Oksana was the next mare worked. Oksana did amazing. She is able to collect even in the canter and hold the canter until Karin asks for the trot. She is bending when asked. 

 When I commented on how well she was doing, Yep, Karin just couldn't help smiling. 

 Zalena was the last mare worked today. By this time it was getting late but even Zalena brought out a smile. 

 Last year each time Karin would use the clapper Zalena would scurry away from the sound, especially if it was over her head. Today she stood for that and was even relaxed. 

We really do believe the horses are all ready for the big Sunday practice.  Once Karin finished with Zalena, she started doing the relaxation procedures on her which produced lots of yawning, exactly what Karin was hoping for. 

 Zalena decided she was finished and walked over to where Karin tacks and untacks. It is so funny to see how the mares will just walk over and wait. Zalena isn't tied, she walked over and stood waiting for Karin to untack her. 

 When I mentioned how unusual that is, Karin had to smile again. What well trained mares!

I didn't quite get everything done in the barn today as Mark and I left before 5:00 for Nancy Herman's visitation. That is now two of my sisters that lost a mother-in-law last week. Joan's mother-in-law was buried in Bluffton, Indiana yesterday.