July 19, 2010 – Howdy everyone… how’s your summer going so far? We are having a pretty good summer here at Shady Ridge. The weather was pretty darn hot again this past week and only a little bit of rain. Some places in Southern Ontario got lots of rain and some pretty wild storms but they all seem to be detouring around us. The clouds are producing some beautiful sunsets(and you know how much I love a good sunset)  but we could really use some rain! We are having the type of summer that we haven’t seen in a number of years with a lot of heat and fairly dry. A lot of people have been wishing for this type of weather but me… not so much Read the rest of this entry »

July 12, 2010 – First… I’m so sorry for not getting an update out last week. I’ve had a number of  subscribers ask me how come I didn’t do a post last week. In truth, I just didn’t feel like it…LOL  I was wiped out after spending a hot day over at Teen Ranch watching Alyssa and her new horse Aullie (they rocked it, btw ) and then coming home to laundry, grocery shopping, outside work, etc. so I just was in one of those moods where all I wanted to do was play a game on my computer while I vegged in front of the TV. So, my sincere apologies to everyone for not getting an update done. I will try not to let that happen again but I can’t promise, especially during the summer, as we always have so much on the go. And congrats to Alyssa on a great showing with Aullie! Read the rest of this entry »

June 22, 2010 – Summer has finally arrived but the summer weather, and summer plans, started long before the official season formally arrived. It was wonderful weather, for the most part, last week which has given the girls and horses an opportunity to get in some more in-the-saddle time. They didn’t get off the property last week (they… being the horses, that is) but they each had a good amount of time here to do some work (in between rainy episodes). Read the rest of this entry »

June 7, 2010 – It has been a really hot spring here in southern Ontario but last week we finally got some rain and the grass and plants are loving it.  I am not so sure that the horses like it. There are no bugs biting them when it’s raining but do they like to stand out there with the rain soaking them? I imagine that when the temperatures are high, they welcome the rain but what about other times? To me, they just don’t look like they are enjoying it. Read the rest of this entry »

June 1, 2010 – Phew… what a hot week it was around here last week! It was one of those kinds of weeks when you walk out the door and wham!… a wall of heat hits ya. Yuck! We usually have nice temperatures in May but this past week we even had heat alerts… it was sweltering. Is this a sign of things to come? Is this summer going to be a scorcher? I hope not and imagine the horses hope it isn’t either… the poor things were sweating just standing in the paddock. Read the rest of this entry »

May 24, 2010 – Happy Victoria Day to my fellow Canadian horse lovers. And since I decided to spend time with friends and family instead of working today, I also set aside some time to update you on our past week here at Shady Ridge. Did I mention how well the girls and horses did at last weeks in-house show at Greyden? LOL Yeah… I guess I did gush a little in my last post but I am just so proud of both horses and Megan & Harley (not to mention everyone at Greyden… it was a wonderful day!). Read the rest of this entry »

May 2, 2010 – It’s been a week of changes this past week. Ok… maybe just one actual change but there were also some gradual differences around here that made for an eventful week. First and foremost, the sand ring is now ready to get a half decent ride on it. There was supposed to be another load of sand put down but after the girls rode in it, we realized that it was a little too deep in some areas so Eric is just going to spread out the sand we already have to fill in the last bit that needs it. (See a video of them all jumping) Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone in Canada, especially in Ontario and BC, is aware (unless you have been living under a rock) that effective July 1, 2010, the taxes will be harmonized into 1 tax and must be reflected that way in our books. For those that have always sold products and charged PST, it may be just a matter of combining them into one tax. However, for those that only charged GST in the past, they will have to now charge the equivalent of the PST combined with the GST to make up the HST (I know… totally confusing and some would argue, absolutely unnecessary).

But… did you know that there is a transition period where some will have to start charging HST effective May 1st if they plan to deliver after July 1st? (still more confusion). Read the rest of this entry »

April 25, 2010 – Have you hugged your horse today? Most equine people have a bond with the horses they own and/or the horses they ride and a good hug every time you see them not only shows them your love but offers you comfort and becomes a happy part of your memories should something happen to them.  I found out today that one of the horses I love to ride at the barn passed away overnight. I didn’t realize I could become so emotional over something like this. However, I rode her last week and it was one of the best rides we have ever had together so remembering that is helping me and remembering how I used to hug her all the time and compliment her on her beautiful doe eyes:-). My heart goes out to Jess, the little girl who was part-boarding her. You will be sadly missed Perky! And this post is dedicated to you, pretty girl. (see… am I emotional or what?) Read the rest of this entry »

April 19, 2010 – What an awesome week we had. Lots of positive things happened this past week which hopefully are a precursor to a wonderful summer of horses, horse shows and farm life.  And yes… I had my camera handy for most of it so took lots of pics and videos.  Let’s get started (and let me apologize for the length of this post… lots to tell you)… Read the rest of this entry »