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 .

Wednesday 1 May 2013

By Jove I think he's got it! and some cool stuff

The Mane event  was a great weekend and is already in the vault for another year! Since I have been home I have been getting back into the swing of things with work and life in general .Dad had his hip surgery and is recovering well.Mom is also doing well but missing him, it looks like he will be discharged on  the weekend . What a relief to have that done,he said on the weekend he already had less pain than before the surgery.

So to the title? The  trade show at the Mane event is huge, last year it was all about the books for me and I did quite well. This year, far less book sales ,but the interest in my horses was HUGE! Many folks stopping to look at the photos and talk about the  foals coming .One fellow in particular  asked about  prices,first for a foal,and then for stud fees. When I answered he said "hmm, so I pay less and breed my mare and gamble on a good outcome,and also feed and care for the mare , or I let you take all the costs and risks and pay  more for the  finished  product so to speak"
Hallelujah!!!!! someone  finally said it and understands (not that lots don't understand this premise  but its sure nice  to hear it ! )
Several others complimented me on the  breeding program I have established and I did sell a few cards and books. Overall I am very pleased.
I looked around  but didn't buy much other than a really lightweight carbon longe whip and an awesome 18 oz wine glass!

The cool stuff? I did get to see a couple info sessions, and I took a gander at Wylene Davis in the trainers challenge(she had picked a  bit of a pistol but did quite well, however she did not win the competition) But honestly other than to  peek at he challenge I find I am not particularly interested in seeing a horse started in 3 days ,I like to see it done slow and steady and I believe that will be a better and more lasting outcome. That said ,these trainers are GOOD!
But the really cool thing is I got to meet  Get Rich Quick's (That Richie mare)  former owner who had the booth beside me.

 She was pleased to see that Richie has a good forever home and is doing so well ,and has offered to send me copies of her race record, news article about her and her winners circle photos!!!!! How cool is that"?
Also  got to spend some time with friends old and new and overall had a blast! 
Hope everyone has a wonderful week .
 And as always stay safe!

8 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh I am so happy to hear about your Dad. Wow you had a great time, lots of excitement and I bet you are going to love getting those records. Hug B

aurora said...

What wonderful connections you made at the fair, that's what it's really all about!

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

All exciting stuff. Yay!

Unknown said...

Sounds like fun stuff!

Cut-N-Jump said...

Sounds like it was a good weekend all the way around. Yay for You!

C-ingspots said...

All sounds wonderful! Glad your dad's feeling better.

GoLightly said...

Good news all the way 'round!!

kden said...

It's nice when someone honors what you do. Love the wine glass ;-)