Lovelly Pets: April 2011

BTB: One fall, one near-fall, two frangible pins

One fall, one near-fall, two frangible pins
The jog (USEA photo)
Friday's footage: Peter and Lyle!

One fall, one near-fall, two frangible pins

Posted: 30 Apr 2011 02:26 PM PDT

The cross-country day was "a disaster" as a friend put it. I was there with my camcorder and by chance captured footage of two bad incidents, both at fence 15, the double corners. Kelly Sult and Hollywood took the second corner badly, and possibly were saved by the franginble pin(s). They went on to finish the course, amazingly. At Kristi Nunnick and R-Star fell at the first corner; R-Star was fine, Kristi was taken away in an ambulance, but I hear she is okay. The accidents seemed similar to me, but the pins only worked for Sult. WARNING: This is tough footage to watch. Take a look if you want to see and compare the falls (Sult/Hollywood first, Nunnick/R-Star second). For better or worse, the footage is pretty clear...

The jog (USEA photo)

Posted: 30 Apr 2011 01:33 PM PDT

I missed the jog, but a friend of mine suggested I check out the Ashker attire, which was reportedly not among the more conservative sartorial choices. Lainey is pretty open about being girly and fashion-conscious, and I think her choice here -- pirate boots and nicely fitting sweater -- is eye-catching, in a good way. I didn't see the jogs, but go to USEA Eventing to see a full photo layout. Everyone looks great! Laine

Friday's footage: Peter and Lyle!

Posted: 30 Apr 2011 05:34 AM PDT

Oh, what a wonderful coursewalk Peter Atkins (of Henny fame) gave to a crowd of his friends and fans. Peter gave just about the most educational coursewalk I've ever attended -- a lesson, as well as a course walk, and some of his hints I can apply to dressage. Here he talks about keeping the horse straight and controlling the shoulder:

Peter has a unique riding style, and he talks about his rationale for riding in a "defensive position" today. Would love to share it but the wind, the announcer, and Peter's walking around made the audio hard to hear. I hope to share one more segment...

Lyle Lovett reining
Later Friday evening I watched Lyle Lovett compete his palomino in the reining competition (yes, THE Lyle Lovett):

Your Daily Cute: Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 09:05 PM PDT

Today is April 30, which can only mean on thing: It's the Queen of Cute's birthday!Yup, that's right. Today I'm one year older, but we're not counting anymore. The only thing that counts is that there will be CAKE... right?Happy birthday to the best mom ever, Pimp says!(I dressed him up like that one year for his birthday, and it's officially my favorite birthday picture ever. I use it for

My Cat Goma Blog Update

Sexy Man-Cat Goma Is Back!

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 01:01 PM PDT

SACHIE: OMG SEXY MAN CAT GOMA IS BACK!!
GOMA: Look Kuma this is how you do SEXY!

BTB: Rolex April 28: Over before it starts for Katie Ruppel

Rolex April 28: Over before it starts for Katie Ruppel

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 06:51 AM PDT

The very first dressage ride Bob and I watched was a non-starter. Katie Ruppel's mount Sir Donavan made a definitive statement: NOT TODAY.

The pair halted at X -- and they stayed halted for about 30 seconds while Katie urged him on, first subtly, then more urgently. He looked very annoyed and nappy. He eventually trotted off, only to stop again a few movements later, for good. He responded to his rider's urging with two huge bucks, but no forward movement. I saw Katie's hand go up, and I believe the judge excused her at her request.

Bob remarked that it's a shame we can't convey to horses when "it really matters" that they obey. I observed that if I were Katie I would probably take him back to his stall and whack him a few times on the butt with a broom, just because.

Truly, I hope he's okay. My heart breaks for the rider. Here is some footage of Katie Ruppel and Yellow Rose Eventing.

How to Train your Cat

alternative cat toys

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 01:33 PM PDT

household items that make good cat toys

Daisy the Curly Cat

Tiny Dancer

Posted: 29 Apr 2011 01:00 AM PDT

Ever since I wore my Pink Swan suit, I am obsessed with all ballerina things! Here is a casual ballerina fashion. This would look cute with jeans. Except I do not know how to wear pants.