Welcome to Fern Valley

Here in central Alberta prime farm country,my husband Martin and I work together raising beef cattle and Appaloosa horses. Fern valley appaloosas have long been known for their quality of temperament conformation and color.I have recently rediscovered a love of writing and have published 2 collections of poetry. "Telling Tails" and Tails Trails and Campfire stories" . I look forward to a future spreading my wings as an author and as a horse woman .

Friday 2 March 2012

Marching ahead

2012 is moving quickly, at lest it seems to be for me. Spring is around the corner, and soon we will be dealing with calving , and foaling and....

For right now though, I am working on a few things. First , my new book has gone off the the publishers, and once the editing process is complete it will be in print! Look for news on "Tails, trails and Campfire Stories" soon. Also I will be attending the MANE EVENT  again this year, taking with me, my book/s ,and also some cards I have had made of my favorite photos , and a few other goodies .

Before all that though , I will be interviewing trainers, I have one locally I am talking with later today , and another recommended by my niece  and a friend , further south . Time for Phoenix to go out and do something . As much as I would love to say I could do it myself ,I am not the caliber of rider or trainer  anymore to do him justice I would like to see him complete and put some of that athletic ability to good use.Thinking he will be a good prospect for reining or working cow horse . We will see what trainer we find and what the horse is best suited for .



 Cat and Andee need to be started under saddle this year , depending on costs and time, we may  work them here, but if my back is not up to it I need to have options . Ernie, who trained for us previously , is  no longer available , far to busy as a farrier , and I hear sending his own horses out these days due to lack of time .(sucks when you get a good one and they get too popular )And not sure about Katie's availability . At the end of the day I need to find options.

I also need to get FV A Shocking Comet , and FV Quicken the Wind .(golden boys Comet and Quinn)  advertised and marketed . We cannot keep them all , and I believe these two  will do well.
First have to get some decent photos of them , these 2 are a start ,but winter pics are not the best for sales ads so will be working on that for some time to come






 On top of all that , I need to book in at the local Physical therapy clinic to sort out my back, start swimming , keep working on my diet (12lb down, Mexico slowed me down a bit) do my job, and  keep up at home!Ride Johnny and Annie. No problem ,right?
Stay warm and safe, and wish me luck!
edited to add
Met with the first trainer today , nice guy , I like him. Seems to be a good hand with a horse as well. Was riding a warmblood colt when I was there, and I like that he continued his ride and let me observe . May work out as a good fit for Andee and Cat .Seems  honest and straightforward , and open the the fact that I am likely to show up pretty often to check on them. No openings till August though so... we shall see.

12 comments:

Nicole said...

I'm so excited for you and your book deals, and maybe even a little envious too :) Super awesome! Keep up the good work there!

Country Gal said...

Thats awesome to hear about your book and book deals ! WOW a busy time eh? Hope you have some time for some R&R ! Good luck with it all and have a great day !

Prairie Ridge Performance Horses said...

You are one busy gal!
but I know this feeling, working full time hours in Nursing, and then trying to keep my head above water (snow?) here at home..........'nuff said!!
Good luck with the book, will be looking forward to it!!

Shirley said...

Have you thought of Brad Peterson for training Phoenix? May as well shoot for the top, and he likes Apps.
That's terrific about your new book, hope you do well at the Mane Event.

Reddunappy said...

Sounds like youve been busy busy!

Fell in love with Jonathan Field at the last Mane Event they had down here!!! They put on a good show, I wish they were still doing one down here!

4RRanch said...

Wish Comet and Quinn were closer, I'd take a look. They are gorgeous. Congrats on getting your book off.

Crystal said...

Haha Shirley read my mind, i was told to suggest Brad as well! Hope you find someone good and will showcase him to be as good as he is.

Sounds like you have a busy year too. I hope to be able to come up to the Mane Event again this year and so far looks good. You gonna be there all 3 days?

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Yes I will be at the Mane event all 3 days. I wont be at the ApHCC booth , rather I am sharing a booth with Drayden insurance, Hope whoever is able stops by to say hi

aurora said...

Busy, busy, busy...never a lack of things to do! Congrats on the new book!

Confessions of a Closet Hoarder but you can call me Judy said...

Oh those babies are gorgeous!! Comet and Quinn. Love the names, too! Hope things open up for the trainer to be available before August for you, and I really hope you're able to get some relief for your back. There's just nothing quite like back pain. :(

Mama Mess said...

Congrats on your new book! Sounds like you've got plenty to keep you busy and I hope you can get your back sorted out!

GoLightly said...

August, eeesh. When aren't you busy?!