Harrogate's Blog

June 25, 2011

2011-09-25T09:39:00.006-04:00

Three months today.

We miss you Mom.

All of us do.

Jim Gaffney: 1935 - 2010

2010-06-10T08:53:00.005-04:00

So after reading everything I can find I can clearly see that it wasn't just me. As a huge Secretariat fan, I felt that getting an opportunity to meet Jim Gaffney was one of the highlights of my life. His kindness and love of all things Secretariat in particular and animals in general came through in everything he did. You couldn't help but feel uplifted after talking to him because he was simply one of the most optimistic, cheerful people I have ever known.

Apparently many, many people felt as I did.

I will miss his friendship so much and hope he knew that so many people were pulling for him.

I also hope that Secretariat was waiting at the gate for him, with his saddle on, ready to take him the rest of the way.

God bless you Jimmy.

Thanks for everything.

Love always, PG

Tony Snow 1955-2008

2008-07-12T14:24:00.002-04:00

Tony Snow passed away from cancer early this morning.
In an interview with David Gregory he said"

"God put us on earth to help each other."
As his wife noted, Tony is a glass 3/4 full guy.
He will be missed by many especially his wife and children

"When you die, you graduate," Snow told Gregory.

Happy Graduation Day.

Via K.Lopez,

From 1989 but it still makes me cry

2007-09-16T12:26:00.000-04:00

Important events on this day in history

2007-08-31T16:44:00.000-04:00

On this day in 1980 the Polish communist government agreed to the demands of the striking workers in the Gdansk shipyard. Workers would have the right to organize freely and independently.

http://leadandgold.blogspot.com/2007/08/solidarity-originally-posted-31-august.html

As anniversaries go, I think that one is more important than Diana.....

140 years

2007-07-01T17:42:00.000-04:00

God bless Canada.
Remember not to take it for granted.
Cheers!

2007-05-21T22:28:00.000-04:00

So the 'riddle' on the window in the lounge has been solved.
Our next Horse Show on Sunday, June 24 will have DOUBLE POINTS!
This should really open up the standings for the season.
We'll find out who wins each division on the last Saturday of June.

(Be honest. You were starting to wonder about those notes weren't you?)

Promises, promises

2007-05-21T22:26:00.000-04:00

Just so it is a matter of public record, Becca PROMISED on Monday May 21st that she will never look down again.
If this makes no sense to you as you read this, take it up with Rebecca.
Cheers!

Update for Lily

2007-03-18T20:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks for asking about Lily, Alyssa.
Sam rode her on Saturday and the horse seemed to do very well.
I am not sure if all of you knew but Lily had a real problem with her left front foot.
When we got her she had a pretty nasty crack in that hoof but she ended up splitting it right up to her coronet band and then got an infection in her foot.
The blacksmith did a major repair job on her foot by drilling into the hoof wall, wiring it closed and covering the opening with fiberglass. She was pretty sore for a while but has improved steadily over the last 6-7 weeks.
As I said above, she was ridden on Saturday and she looked great.
Hopefully she will be back in the school soon.

Skeeter

2007-03-03T14:35:00.000-05:00

A hard decision today but we had to put Skeeter, (the best barn cat in the world) to sleep today.
As close to a dog as you can get in a cat and I mean that as a great compliment.
We are lucky to have such a good friend as Michelle who looked after my dear cat including the sad end.
It was very peaceful and gentle and G-d bless Michelle for having the skill and empathy to end his time with us in such a kind way.
I like to believe that he is a better place now.
Thanks for the memories Skeeter. I hope you will get fat and shiny once again.

Lily

2007-01-20T16:22:00.000-05:00

Well, Lily has arrived. She is a little bit asymmetrical because she lost the tip of her left ear from frost bite. Hopefully she will never be in that situation again!
She seems very friendly and I look forward to seeing what she is like under saddle.
Stay tuned!

Another "rule"

2006-11-10T15:57:00.000-05:00

“It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once.” (David Hume)

Nov. 10, 2006

2006-11-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

“The most important things in life you cannot see -- civility, justice, courage, peace.”
(Unknown)

A rule worth remembering......

Remember......

2006-09-11T17:47:00.000-04:00

September 11, 2006

"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."
Jefferson.

Always remember.

Dominion Day

2006-07-01T08:01:00.000-04:00

I was at the Super Centre on Yonge Street the other day. They have an upstairs area with tables and sometimes, when I have some work to do I will go there, buy a coffee and try to get some things done.
The other day, as I looked out over the rows and rows of colourful, fresh produce and the stocked to over flowing shelves I couldn't help but be thankful that I live where I do.
The Super Centre is ONE store in Newmarket. There are all sorts of grocery stores in this country that look just the same; overflowing with good quality, fresh food.
Why are we so 'lucky' in Canada?
Perhaps my opinion on that is best left to another day but today, on Canada's 139th birthday, look around, reflect on how wonderful, easy and glorious life is in this country.
Don't ever forget that there are places in the world that are not like this.
Don't ever take it for granted.

Happy Canada Day!

June 11th horse show

2006-06-11T21:19:00.000-04:00

What a great day we had at the Blue Star show today. First of all, kudos to Shirley for making so many great renovations! The show grounds looked great.
Now about the Harrogate show team...What a great job they all did today. Everyone was turned out so nicely and had done a great job of getting the horses in 'show shape' too.
Every time we go to shows I always seem to see some people who have come unprepared and take it out on their horse. The Harrogate team, as always seems to be the case, comes ready to ride. They never blame their horses if things don't go exactly right and the whole impression is that the horses COME FIRST which is a philosophy I have always tried to live by.
I couldn't be prouder of all the riders from Harrogate today.
Thanks for making it so worth while!

I wish I had said that!

2006-06-07T11:18:00.000-04:00

"Show me your horse and I will tell you what you are. "
~Old English Saying

June 6th 2006 can mean something more important....

2006-06-06T09:37:00.000-04:00

Today is the 62th Anniversary of D-Day.
If you see a veteran, or if you know one, say thanks.
Always remember.
Freedom isn't free.

Thinking....just thinking....

2006-06-05T18:56:00.000-04:00

Our last horse show for the season is coming up and I am thinking that we should involve the adults this time.
Hmmm. May be I'll run this idea by the folks over at www.horseloverschat.com and see what ideas we come up with.
Anyone reading this can comment here or there.
Later...

MORE NEWS!!!!

2006-05-31T09:22:00.000-04:00

Okay. We have now launched www.horseloverschat.com and you can go there and post all your messages. There are different sections so if you are posting about your training schedule, there is a section for that. If you have questions about Harrogate Hills, there is a section for that. If you just want to talk to others about your experiences with horses, there is a section for that too.
Let as many people know as possible and we'll see you there.

Dr. Lori Wolf

2006-05-28T22:19:00.000-04:00

Today after the horse show at Harrogate there was a memorial gathering at Lori's house in Mount Albert. It was organized by Lori's family in the States and her mother, father, step mother, brother and aunt all attended. It was a chance for everyone to remember her as a good friend and as someone who contributed to the welfare of horses and animals all her life.
It was also an opportunity to meet others who had known Lori and to share memories and stories about her. Not too surprising, a lot of the stories contained references to her acerbic sense of humour but I think it was agreed by most that Lori used her 'hard' side to shield a very sensitive, generous and caring soul.
The gathering provided a much needed sense of closure for Lori's Canadian friends since we were so used to her going to Florida in the fall and returning around this time of year. Speaking for myself there was a jarring 'finality' to seeing all of the photographs and all of the letters that had been written about her. Despite knowing that she passed away almost two months ago, somehow I guess there was always a part of me that thought I would see her driving up to the farm again.
There is a lot to be learned from how Lori handled her battle with cancer, how strong she was and how much she seemed to appreciate the friendship that everyone offered to her. It is also not unimportant to remember that each day we have is a gift and that we shouldn't waste a moment.
None of us have an endless supply of tomorrows and losing such a vibrant, intelligent caring friend at such a young age should remind us all to live each day to the fullest.

Rest in peace Lori.

Horse Show

2006-05-28T22:02:00.000-04:00

Great day and I will try to have the results to post tomorrow.
The judge thought everyone conducted themselves in a very positive and professional manner and I think he was impressed. I know that I was!
Thanks to everyone who came out to help and support the riders.

Horse Show Sunday May 28th

2006-05-27T22:56:00.000-04:00

The horse show starts at 9:30 a.m.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
A "get well soon" message goes out to Kandice, Cassie and Bridgit who won't be able to join us tomorrow.
Everyone else, see you Sunday.

Comment about comments

2006-05-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much to Miranda and Melissa for taking the time to write reports on their work with Patrick and Kerry.
The comments are well thought out and informative.
Good job!

Horse Show on Sunday

2006-05-26T23:11:00.000-04:00

The show starts at 9:30 on Sunday and I will double check the time competitors are expected to arrive and I will post that information at this site tomorrow.

Sunday also happens to be the Memorial for our friend Dr. Lori Wolf who passed away in March.
I mention that because I will have to leave very quickly at the end of the show and if the time is tight I may not have the opportunity to explain where I am running off to.
Joan is going as well.

Format Trials

2006-05-26T23:04:00.000-04:00

Thanks to every one who has posted to this site. Stay tuned because we may change the format to more of a forum/bulletin board.
If you think that would be a better way for all of us to exchange views etc. please let me know by commenting on this post.
Again thanks for reading what has been posted these last few days.
See you tomorrow.
Pat

"BABE"

2006-05-25T23:31:00.000-04:00

The new horse arrived tonight and has settled into her new home quite nicely. She will be accepting guests shortly!
Actually she is very friendly and even Shade seems to be warming up to her. Omby has not made a decision either way and Grandpa is convinced that she has noticed him more than anyone else. I am beginning to think that is just the way that Grandpa looks at life.
(Surely it can't have anything to do with the adulation he receives around here........ )

Training updates

2006-05-25T21:45:00.000-04:00

This post is for all of the training comments. It will eventually move down and off this page but you will be able to access it from the 'recent posts'.
Thanks

Robert Zimmerman

2006-05-24T23:24:00.000-04:00

Happy 65th Birthday to Bob Dylan!

That's for Cherylyn and Mike....

New horse

2006-05-24T22:27:00.000-04:00

This Thursday evening the new horse arrives around 7:00.
Hopefully she'll settle in okay and everyone can meet her this weekend.

Accidents happen

2006-05-24T22:24:00.000-04:00

If you see Kandice make sure you wish her a speedy recovery. She's done some damage to her ankle (possibly broken) but I think I'll leave it to Kandice to explain how she did it!
Hint. It had nothing to do with horses.
Get better soon Kandice!

Pete stars in Black Beauty remake....

2006-05-24T22:08:00.000-04:00

Tonight the lesson took place in Cash's field because despite ALL THE RAIN on the long weekend, the sand ring was dusty!
At any rate, good old easy going Pete passed by the south east corner of the field and leaped sideways. Now I had just tried to convince Zahra that Pete would be just fine and yet there he was spooking at nothing.
The two went around the field again and as they passed that corner he jumped sideways once more, almost losing poor Zahra in the process. Finally at this point, given that Pete rarely gets frightened, I thought perhaps we should investigate. There, lying in the grass, was metres and metres of electric fence wire that had all been pulled off the fence (Eddie???).

Where is the Black Beauty moment you ask? Well, remember when Black Beauty wouldn't cross the bridge because he sensed it had washed out? And remember how his driver had gotten angry with him for not getting on with things and doing as he was told? Well. It is a bit of a stretch [a bit? Ed.] but that is who Pete reminded me of tonight. None of us saw the fence wire was down and it would have been pretty awful if a horse had gotten caught up in it.
Okay. Maybe it is not quite a Black Beauty moment but it did remind me that horses often have a very good reason for acting the way they do and that instead of whispering "idiot!" under my breath when Pete jumped away from 'nothing' I should gone to look right away to see what was making him act out of character.
Live and learn......

How to add comments

2006-05-24T16:11:00.000-04:00

From what I can tell, if you wish to comment on this blog you have to register and get a user name etc. Again, my understanding is that once you have done this once you can post a comment whenever you wish.
I hope it makes sense to all of us eventually! LOL
Signed the Techno Wiz!

Horse Show

2006-05-24T08:06:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that our in house horse show is this Sunday, May 28th. Even if you are not entering the show, feel free to come out and cheer on your friends. It starts at 9:30 and Michael Crawley is the judge.

Brigadier's law

2006-05-24T07:58:00.000-04:00

Petition for Brigadier
I received this information from a friend of the farm and thought I would pass it along.

The Humane Society has started a petition to present to the Federal Government in the hopes of amending the Police Service Animals and giving them the much needed protection they deserve.
Please go to http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/brigs_law.html and complete the petition and pass this on to all the people you feel would like to support this worthwhile endeavour.

Barbaro's Recovery

2006-05-24T07:44:00.000-04:00

If anyone is interested in reading information on how Barbaro is making out go to www.bloodhorse.com. They have a lot of up to date information on his progress.

Welcome to the New Harrogate Hills blog.

2006-05-23T17:40:00.000-04:00

It is my hope that we can create a more workable format for exchanging information. The guest book at www.Harrogatehills.com has been working so far but this might allow all of us to expand on things we want to talk about.
I plan to check in frequently and hope that we can keep all our comments polite and friendly. That is the way it is at the farm so lets keep it that way in cyberspace too!
Looking forward to hearing from you all.