$$ Money........

Money.........I like, I need it, I want some more of it. Is this a line from the movie "The Wedding Singer"? or a song? Anyhow, this is my motto today.

It seems, my dear hubby has pointed out, I have over spent my spending budget again, 3rd month in a row. So, I told him to spank me, he declined stating I would enjoy that too much. Leave it to my personal money police (S.) to inform me of my bad spending habits. I understand completely where he is coming from and I respect his points but..........I like to shop, do fun stuff, and I like 'nice' things. Everyone out there agrees, I am sure. Which would you prefer, a Coach handbag and Justin boots or a Dollar general faux leather clutch and fake rubber cowboy boots? I once knew a lady who actually wore fake rubber cowboy boots without socks! Yes, it is true and the smell, I only encountered it once but, it was bad, real bad.

Last week, a lady had called and was requesting training for 2 young horses, one 4yo and one 5yo to be exact (not my definition of young horses). The 4 yo has already been ridden, is green broke, but needs a lot of work. The 5 yo has been been broke to ride but has developed some nasty habits. The horses owner was alittle vague about the horses training, so naturally, my oh shit meter is going up. Earlier this morning, I loaded up my 2 yo son, and we drove over to the next county to check the situation out. Like I said, I need to make some spending money but I am not desperate. I was shocked by what I saw. These 2 horses were each at least 150lbs to 200lbs underweight, needing a good worming, a visit from the farrier, and most likely all thier vaccinations. C. (the horse owners name) was waiting for me out in her paddock with the horses. I have no doubts in my mind she saw the look in my eyes regarding the physical shape of these poor creatures. From checking out C.'s homestead, she obviously has a decent income and a great set-up for horses. I could not wait to hear the story behind the 2 sorrels that stood before me.

C. informed me, as I looked over the horses one by one, that she had come into possesion of them in E.Texas while visiting her sister. They had belonged to her sister's neighbor. It seems C.'s sister had reported the horses mistreatment to the authorities in her area, a citation was written but someone dropped the ball there. These horses were transplanted because of hurricane Katrina from Louisianna to Texas and ended up at a NOT SO nice and caring home. C. had lost her horse 2 years ago in an accident, and decided she was ready to have equines in her life once more. I did not 3rd degree her about her horse's accident, she had some weepy emotions not too far from the surface, and emotional people can make me very uncomfortable sometimes. So, C. stated that while she was visiting her sis, she could not let these horses live like they were, and offered the miserable owners some cold hard cash to take these animals off thier hands. Money talks, and she left Texas with 2 new horses and a borrowed horse trailer.

It was obvious, these horses, at one time were great equines. They have extremely good breeding and that was noted immediately because of thier conformation. I truly believe, with the proper care, these 2 horses would be great again. C. stated she already had her large animal vet out to have a look and C. showed me the written instructions from the famous Dr. H. He is known to be one of the best horse vets for small ranches, breeders, and the likes. I read his scribbly chicken scratch note and noted he had a follow up appointment with the 2 sorrels in about 2 weeks. C. told me she had started the feeding regime Dr. H. had prescribed, as well as the diet supplements.

Only once before in my career with horses, have I ever turned down a job because of the horse's condition. This incident warranted a call from me to the Animal Control authorities and the horse was removed from its owner. I am the LAST person to call the law on others, but when it is beyond my own power and a life is involved whether it be a human life or an animals life, I will take action.

So, needless to say, I told C. to call me after her next vets visit and maybe, her 2 sorrels will be ready for some training. I gave her my farriers number since she had lost touch with hers, he is excellent with any kind of horse and has the best prices around too. Also, a plus side.........he has a very appealing backside-but I left that part out!

Well, guess I better get busy cutting some coupons, huh?
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It is not enough for a man to know how to ride; he must know how to fall. ~Mexican Proverb