A look at 2013

I almost missed out on the last post of 2013... life has been busy. So much has been done this year, I thought I would take a look back at what has happened...

Anthony and I decided to enter the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Norco. My 3rd makeover and Anthony's first. What an exciting adventure we were about to have... See the picture in the ad is of Dixie and I competing in 2012!

January: We headed to Palomino Valley to pick up our mares.

Sweet Pea on day 1

 Luna on day 1

 the fun is about to begin...

February: Extreme Wylene came out for a visit and we got a chance to really work with our mares. Wylene is riding Dixie here while Anthony puts the first ride on Luna.

We made time to visit Charlie and Nancy Brooks in Scottsdale for the Arabian Horse Show.

March: 2013 also brought in some new friends, not so much for Dixie...

Luna in the water bottle 'pit of doom'

Of course, I didn't want to ignore Dixie while we were training our mares. She was after all in training to compete in endurance since I adopted her from the 2012 makeover. 2013 marked her 5th birthday and allowed her to compete in 50 mile endurance races. Anthony took Luna and I took Dixie to the Rides of March in Nevada.

Anthony riding in the Limited Distance race 

Dixie's first 50 mile race! She finished with flying colors!

April: After 90 days of preparation, we were feeling ready for our competition. 

Thanks to Charlie Brooks for this fabulous picture!

 May: We had a BLAST at the Makeover in Norco. We always meet lots of new and old friends. Anthony did a fabulous job with his first mustang ever. I was thrilled to be a contender in the top 10. Here is the freestyle I chose...

Charlie Brooks Photography

Of course, the very best part was finding fabulous homes for our horses. Luna stayed in Norco with a great couple and Sweet Pea came back to Northern California not far from us.

Congrats Sarah and Sweet Pea!

Congrats Sandra and Luna!

We also made time for a clinic at our favorite barn, Sonrisa Stables. These girls tame mustangs for adoption, just like us. They have their own version of a makeover and adoption event to get their horses homes. 

June: We were especially busy in June, starting out with the Sacramento Horse Expo. Anthony, Winston, and I helped out in the BLM booth to talk to prospective and current mustang enthusiasts. 

I think Winston was by far the most popular. 

I also brought Dixie to her 2nd 50 mile endurance race of the season. 

Not only did we have a great time, I sponsored a junior rider (he needed to ride with an adult) and he ended up winning in his division. 

Soon after, Napa Mustang Days came to town. It is a mobile BLM adoption event. One of Anthony's friends' picked out a cute little gelding to take home.

Congrats Suzanne and Scout!

This event had lots of beautiful horses, as always!

A day after Mustang days, we flew the to the Canary Islands for our wedding...

July: Upon coming home, we headed back to the corrals and picked out a wedding present for Anthony...

And a new friend for Sara 

Congrats on getting a great home Maverick!

Then headed to the most difficult endurance race in the United States, the 100 mile Tevis! 

Having a maximum of 24 hours to finish the race, usually about 60% of the riders are pulled or drop out. It is in the heat of the summer and is a true test of horse and rider. 

We crewed for the 2nd year for good friends Jennifer and Jenni.  As the incredible race unfolded, the girls finished 2nd and 3rd!!!! What a phenomenal night I will never forget! 

The Sonrisa team finally finished working their mustangs and it was time to adopt them out. Anthony and I helped in the auctioneer booth during the adoption. We were so proud! 

August: As soon as Sara had gentled Maverick and headed home, Conny brought a new wild one into their family, Raphael (aka Rafi)

Kirsten and her 2012 Makeover mare Georgia headed to the Mendocino Magic with Dixie and I. It was their first taste of endurance (they competed in the 25 mile LD)

Dixie and I took home our 3rd successful 50 mile race, finishing 7th!

September: Anthony and El Capitan (aka Capi) continue to make progress as he goes from 'wild' to 'mild' 

Dixie and I went to the North American Sport Pony inspection.

She placed as a 1st premium mare!

October: Extreme Wylene came back to visit, she can brighten anyones day.. including Clyde (pictured below, lol)

I was given the opportunity to train and find a nice mustang a home, it took one month for him to meet his special someone once we put him under saddle. Congrats Gretchen and family :)

Guess who showed up at the clinic?? Sarah and Sweet Pea!!!

November: Jennifer took Dixie on her 4th race to Lake Sonoma. I crewed for them and was amazed to watch them fly in at 4th place! What a way to end the season!!!!!! 200 competition miles under her belt for 2013! 

December: We were lucky enough to be at the World Arabian Horse Championship in Paris this year. I have never seen so many amazing horses in one place! What a special treat! 

A very cute picture of Rafi (pictured left) and Talitha (my TIP mustang from 2011)

When adopters send you pictures like these, it makes all that hard work worth it!

Dixie of course had to get into the holiday spirit too.

Well, I don't think even I realized how busy 2013 was until I wrote it all down!

A record 7 mustangs were adopted out this year through Anthony and I and we couldn't be happier. 

I want to thank you for reading my blog, whether it is your first time or you have been keeping up. The emails I get from people who have adopted, or want to adopt are so much fun. I have met so many wonderful people through these horses. 

I hope 2013 was just as exciting for all of you too!