Friday, March 11, 2011

Friday's photolife--Time at the barn

Wednesday's answer and winner: It is a mounting block with two levels. If you look closely you can see the hoof prints in the gravel of the path beside it. The first to get it right was Stina Lindenblatt, but it's not just for the disabled. Using it helps keep the saddle padding, etc., in place when you mount. They're not necessary, but they're nice. I rarely used them when I was young, but I don't get on a horse these days without one.
I almost used this picture, but I thought it might be too hard. What do you think?

On to the photolife:


My kiddies (and myself for that matter) have a particular love for horsey kind. We have spent tons of time over the years at barns hanging with the horses. I don't usually take a lot of pictures there though. Sure, every now and then I will, but, when there, it's more about the enjoyment of the experience than keeping a record of it. There's just something about these amazing animals. Time with them is uplifting. It's no wonder there are great rehabilitation and therapy programs that use horses. 
My youngest with a pony she has a soft spot for.
The youngest grooming one of the sweetest ponies on the planet. She wasn't riding that day just wanted to come while her brother rode. 
I love how different riders express their individual personalities.
We find ourselves reflected in their eyes.
Application to writing? I've often wondered if I should write stories with horses. I almost included them in one WIP but ended up cutting the horse person. She was extraneous to the main plotline, and I found I only put her in because I wanted to include someone like her. That should be a clue, eh? They say you should write what you know. What do you think? Should I do a horse story?

18 comments:

Liza said...

When I write about what I know, I am able to become much more visual with my words. The resulting piece always seems more real. Go for it!

Ruth Josse said...

Yes! Maybe about the horse person you cut from your other story. She deserves it :)

Stina said...

Yay, I got it right. *does happy dance 'cause rarely gets these quizzes right* I worked one summer at a riding program for the disabled. ;)

Yes, definitely write a horse story.

Patti said...

They say write what you know. I think a horse story would be great.

Unknown said...

I grew up around horses too although I haven't ridden lately, not too many ranches left here in SV, sad to say!

My friend rescues horses and she also teaches disadvantaged youth how to ride--she is my hero :-)

I just love that bay's big brown eyes. heaven.

oh yes, absolutely write about horse! Not sure what genre you are doing but I know when I was younger I read anything I could get my hands on related to horses. I know some younger girls today who are the same way.

Anonymous said...

You can use the cut character in another wip or transform one of the current characters into a horse person, thus blending the two.

Great pics, and I love the last one.

Have a great weekend.

lotusgirl said...

Liza, The same is true for me. I love visual writing.

RSJ, She may get her time in the sun yet.

Stina, Congrats! I'll have to figure out the best way to do this story.

Patti, Yeah. It's probably a good plan for me.

SVD, I have so much respect for your friend for doing something like that. I bet you miss your horse time. I write YA. I've been thinking about trying an MG. Maybe a horse story would be the perfect way to go for that.

Medeia, Thanks. I particularly like that last one too.

Hannah Beth said...

I used to be OBSESSED with fantasy horse stories when I was in elementary & even into middle school. I would love if you wrote one with her as the main character. I love books about animal people

lotusgirl said...

Hannah, Wow. You remember the equestrian? I didn't realize you read the version with her still in it. I'm glad you liked her.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

I think if you feel compelled to write a story that involves horses or a horsey person then you should write it.

Happy writing, Lois!

Jan Morrison said...

I sense you are pretty passionate still about horses so by all means fly atter! I have a ranch in the novel I'm working on - it isn't a huge part of the story but it is there and I can use my past life as a horsey gal.
Jan Morrison

Sherrie Petersen said...

My daughter loves horses and buys every horse book she comes across. I'm more fond of them from a distance. But if you write a horse book, I know of at least one customer!

lotusgirl said...

Sharon, I beginning to get that compulsion.

Jan, I'm thinking I'll do a short story first to test the waters.

Sherrie, I have 2 daughters that are rabid horse book fans too. I'm really considering this hard, but I have these other projects...

Barrie said...

My 10 y.o. daughter loves horses and looks for books with horses in them!

Tess said...

oooo...love that reflection in the eye picture. something along those lines would make a great novel cover, I think.

and yes...the pics from friday would have been way more difficult...though I would have never guessed mounting blocks from either pic.

adorable kiddo.

Danyelle L. said...

I love your photos! You have such a great talent. If horses are calling to you, then I'd definitely write about them. :D

Samantha Vérant said...

You have horses??? Horses? I'm so jealous! Love the saddle pad too! Très chic...

Unknown said...

The funny thing is, my daughter is wild about horses too and I know so many girls her age that are. I think a book like that would have wonderful appeal to these soft hearted girls. Let us know if you write it!