Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Team 102 - Grace


Team Grace from Michigan is made up of an 8 year old Fjord Quarter Cross named Idunn Grace (pronounced E dun) and rider Heather Grace. Occasionally our Australian Shepard, Wilson joins us on trail too.

We are grateful for every day we get to spend hanging out, doing ground work or in the saddle!

2012 was our first year together as this is my first horse so we tracked our progress together through FaceBook & hours on our calendar. This year we are excited to track miles now with this Derby & are wishing all fellow riders a safe, mutually respectful & joyful 2013 with your equine partners!

157 comments:

  1. 1-5-2013
    6 miles
    Rose Oaks

    13 miles YTD

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  2. We have a friend in Mich. that rides at cross country and trail rides in your state, Kirk briggs if you see him tell him hello.

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    Replies
    1. Juanita, what part of Michigan does Kirk ride? We will say "hi" if we run into him:)

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    2. Are you on FB? I will message you the city from there if you are.

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    3. Heather, Kirk lives in holland and his sister in law rides with us also and just moved to Wyoming a couple years ago.

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  3. 1-15-2013
    1 Mile
    Rach Riding Academy
    8 Miles YTD

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  4. 1-19-2013
    6 Miles
    Brighton Recreation Area
    14 Miles YTD

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  5. 1-27-2013
    8 Miles
    Brighton Recreation Area
    22 Miles YTD

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  6. *1-26-2013
    13 Miles
    Kensington & Rose Oaks
    35 Miles YTD

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  7. Miles not updated from Team Grace since 20th. Thank you in advance for updating:) posted this twice

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  8. Don't know why, I have them listed on the spreadsheet. I will make sure you are up-to-date on the next one, I promise :-)
    Diane

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  9. You just might be our first Michigan rider. Beautiful horse! Welcome, Heather!

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  10. Wrote this after my ride today...short but sweet and indelibly imprinted in my mind :)


    Winter’s Mirage
    February 2, 2013

    A place of sanctuary that is not what it seems
    A mirage
    Appearing in the hazy heat of hot white sands when all seems lost

    And yet today
    Not a desert oasis, but hidden worlds
    Of a Winter’s Mirage appeared…

    Blistering white snow hiding autumn leaves, tracks of all that had come and gone
    Even as we made prints, new flakes falling to hide our pursuit of the day

    From behind the stand of trees a flash of tan and white
    Fawns grown big enough to survive the harsh winter…
    Only to find dormant grass covered in tufts of snow

    “Hey!” sharply calls repeatedly into the frozen air
    echoing against the barren trees,
    But I am the only person in these woods
    “Hey!” I hear again
    and laugh at the insistence of the squawking woodpecker hiding on the other side of the trunk as I round the bend

    Rustling leaves, set into play as the wind blows overhead
    Play their gentle tune
    Winter woods’ orchestra

    Sitting astride my gelding, my guide
    Winter woods hide the truth of what is
    Altering reality into what could be

    And the hawk glides silently again in front of me
    Swooping across my path, down and up again into the shelter
    Of wooded sanctuary
    Where he disappears
    Until next time

    And I know, once again,
    That I am watched over and guarded
    In my wooded winter mirage

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  11. That is beautiful Heather! Ummm, you forgot to tell me your miles :-)

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  12. 2-3-2013
    6 Miles
    Kensington
    41 Miles YTD

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  13. Derby, Tammy & Juanita,

    Thanks so much for the kind words regarding poem, but that is my dear and talented friend, fellow rider & derby participant's poem, Kristine & Owen (Team 92). I think she posted here to share with me? or maybe she meant to post to her own? Will check:) We both get all glassey eyed and poetic when we ride :)

    This morning when my partner and dog were all nestled in bed and it was at best a mere 8 degrees outside I STRONGLY considered staying in bed. After an hours drive arriving to ranch and when 30, 40 then 60 minutes passed and I still couldn't line up my trailer and truck in the constantly shifting snow and ice I strongly considered going back, when I realized I didn't have riding gloves and when my horse decided that she didn't want to load after another 30 minutes I strongly considered abandoning ship.

    But then two thoughts circled my head...(1) I have never regretted riding even with the worst of outcomes but often regretted not riding when I could...and the second thought...DISTANCE DERBY! You have succeeded in being that extra push on the days when an extra push is needed! I want MILES & MILES & MILES of SMILES! So once loaded I drove another 40 minutes to meet Team Owen where we headed out to ride 6 fabulous miles in the fresh snow!!!

    Thank YOU Distance Derby from those of us from mid-winter Michigan!

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  14. Thank you Heather! (and Derby, Tammy and Juanita, too). I did post it here to share with you Heather, as I know we share not only the love of our horses, riding, winter, but also the power of our words as they flow out of our horsey experiences.

    I LOVE your post of our ride today, and hope you read mine, as I alluded to your post and my hopes that you would explain all you went through to get where we ended up...big smiles and rock star hair! :)

    It's not even 9, and I am heading to sleep...I am all choked up by what you wrote about me, and my writing. I am elated and exhausted by our amazing ride today. I indulged myself with the second to last chocolate square from Belgium and now I am going to sleeeeeep.

    Sweet dreams!

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  15. 2-9-2013
    Highland Recreation Area
    10 Miles
    51 Miles YTD

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  16. 3-8-2013
    7 Miles
    Kensington
    58 Miles YTD

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  17. 3-9-2013
    6.5 Miles
    Kensington
    64.5 Miles YTD

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  18. 3-10-2013
    9 Miles
    Brighton
    73.5 Miles YTD

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  19. 3-17-2013
    12 Miles
    Brighton
    85.5 Miles YTD

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  20. Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    On those dark mornings when I rather roll over than roll out of bed.

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    When I calculate the time to walk the dog, gas the truck, drive to the ranch, hook up the trailer, grab & water the horse, pray for an easy load, drive to park only then to unload & tack and ONLY then ride as long as I can!

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    As dollar signs, minus signs
    all in red dance in my head!

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    In a Michigan winter that is
    only halfway through in March.

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    Awaiting snow, sleet and ice's
    give way to Spring's muddy start.

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    That has made the one and only drama free horse community.

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    That has made every day
    come snow, wind, rain
    or an old lady's pain
    a riding opportunity.

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    Whose given me an extra push
    to get my ass out the door.

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    That encourages my friends
    to ride ALOT more!

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    Whose loose measure makes me remember it ain't the hours or the miles it's the quality of 'em!

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    Whose trophy I will never win
    given I am a one horse recreational rider. Still it's Sunday calculations for the leader board encourage me to begin!

    Oh how I love the Distance Derby
    Because no matter what the final tally all those who have played will have progressed with their ponies, wearing more smiles and bragging about more miles where there were measurably less before!

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  21. Your poem about sums up the DD for me too! Thanks and keep on riding and writing :)

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  22. 3-25-2013
    .5 Miles
    Nelsons
    90 Miles YTD

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  23. Thanks for the positive feedback & hope you have a great weekend riding!!!

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  24. Hey Lady, point .5 miles would make it 86 miles. :-)
    Diane

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  25. Thanks Diane! Sorry for the error:)

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  26. 3-31-2013
    10.30 Miles
    Elba Weekend
    96.30 YTD

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  27. 4/4-4/8 2013
    3.7 Miles
    Peter Campbell Clinic
    Foundations
    2 Classes In Saddle
    100 Miles YTD

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  28. Awesome that you got your 100 mile marker done while at a Peter Campbell clinic! Two great things together :-)
    Diane

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  29. Thanks Diane! It is really was an amazing, humbling & inspiring clinic! As a new rider essential! Hope you are having a great season!!!

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  30. 4-14-2013
    Highland Recreation Area
    6 Miles
    Nelsons Easter Egg Hunt
    (in the snow:)
    4 Miles
    10 Miles Total for Day
    110 Miles YTD

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  31. 4/20-4/21/2013
    Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
    15 Miles
    125 Miles YTD

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  32. 5/4-5/5/2013
    Elk Hill Equestrian Camp
    Vanderbilt, Michigan
    12.57 (Sat)
    13.61 (Sun)
    Weekend Total 26
    152 YTD

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  33. 5-8-2013
    Kensington
    9 Miles
    160 YTD

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  34. 5-11-2013
    Brighton (Competetive Baseline)
    15 Miles
    175 YTD

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  35. 5-13-2013
    Lake Trail & Indian Springs
    8 Miles
    183 YTD

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  36. 5/18-5/19/2013
    Waterloo Camping Trip
    Murder Mountain
    6 Miles (Sat)
    Pines, Lizard & Everywhere else:)
    16 Miles (Sun)
    Total 22

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  37. Congrats on getting over 200 miles :-)

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  38. 5-20-2013
    Indian Springs & Pontiac Lake
    West Loop (short versions)
    8 Miles
    213 YTD

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  39. 5-24-2013
    Pontiac Lake
    13 Miles
    226 YTD

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  40. 5/24 - 5/27/2013
    Pontiac Lake Camping Trip
    13 Miles (Friday) 226 YTD
    15 Miles (Saturday) 241 YTD
    17 Miles (Sunday) 258 YTD

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  41. ADDITION

    5/24 - 5/27/2013
    Pontiac Lake Camping Trip
    13 Miles (Friday) 226 YTD
    15 Miles (Saturday) 241 YTD
    17 Miles (Sunday) 258 YTD
    9 Miles (Monday) 267 YTD

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  42. 5-28-2013
    *Nelsons
    3 Miles
    270 YTD

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  43. 5-29-2013
    Rach Riding
    2 Miles
    272 YTD

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  44. 6-1-2013
    Kensington
    12.25
    284.25 YTD

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  45. 6/7-6/8/2013
    Elba Camping Trip
    13 Miles (Friday)
    18 Miles (Saturday)
    31 Miles Total
    315.25 YTD

    6-9-2013
    Nelsons Fun Games
    .75
    316 YTD

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  46. Congrats on getting over 300 miles :-)

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  47. 6-14-2013
    Rach Riding Academy
    4 Miles
    320 YTD

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  48. 6/15 - 6/19/2013
    Empire
    6/15 (Saturday) 11.6 Miles
    6/16 (Sunday) 18.4 Miles
    (Lake Michigan)
    Total 30
    350 YTD

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  49. 6/15 - 6/19/2013
    Empire
    6/15 (Saturday) 11.6 Miles
    6/16 (Sunday) 18.4 Miles First Time In Lake Michigan!!!
    6/17 (Monday) 0
    6/18 (Tuesday) 9 Miles
    6/19 (Wednesday) 2 Miles SOLO WHAT WHAT!!!
    Total 41
    361 YTD

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  50. 7-14-2013
    Pontiac Lake & Indian Springs
    15 Miles & Shooter Sheila

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  51. 7-20-2013
    Kensington
    BAREBACK FIRST TIME!!!
    13.5 Miles
    YTD 389.5

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    Replies
    1. Say WHAT?!!!!!! LOL Wasn't it AWESOME?????????? WHOOOOO! BIG CHANGES! *yes, I noticed all the caps, but it seems completely appropriate, doesn't it Idunn?*

      WEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  52. 7-21-2013
    Indian Springs
    5.5 Miles
    YTD 395

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  53. 7-24-2013
    Arena & Weekend Pasture
    SOLO
    5 Miles
    YTD 400

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  54. 7-25-2013
    Indian Springs
    5.5 Miles
    YTD 405.5

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  55. Congrats on getting over 400 miles!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I must say DD has given me great motivation & joy! Thank you for all you do!

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  56. 8-1-2013
    West Loop to East Loop
    Indian Springs
    Pasture & Lake Trail
    18 Miles
    YTD 423.5

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  57. I rec'd your shipping address for the t-shirt but not the order. Can you resend? THANKS!

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  58. 8-8-2013
    Lake Trail, Indian Springs & West Loop of Pontiac Lake
    11.5 Miles
    YTD 435

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  59. 8-11-2013
    Pasture Ride (Buck) & Fun Games
    5 Miles
    YTD 440

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  60. 8-16-2013
    Le Grande, Indian River
    Group & Solo Ride & Elk
    27.5 Miles
    YTD 467.5

    8-17-2013
    Wildwood Park, Indian River
    14.5 Miles
    YTD 482

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  61. 8-19-2013
    Le Grande, Indian River
    Night Runners:) & Elk
    29 Miles
    YTD 511
    Ran my 500 Mile Mark in the DARK!

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  62. 8-20-2013
    Le Grande, Indian River
    Weepy Night Walk & Elk
    9 Miles
    YTD 520

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  63. 8-25-2013
    Last Stop Farm Trails
    Ride with nieces
    5 miles
    YTD 525

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  64. congrats on getting over 500 miles :-)

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  65. 8-29-2013
    Rothbury, MI
    9 Miles
    YTD 534

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  66. 8/31-9/1/2013
    Ionia Camping
    Saturday 11
    (Solo 3.6)
    Sunday 9
    (Solo 4.5)
    Total = 20
    YTD 554

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  67. 9-3-2013
    Highland Recreation
    9 Miles
    563 YTD

    9-5-2013
    West Loop
    Indian Springs (ALONE FIRST TIME)
    13 Miles
    YTD 576

    9-7-2013
    Circle Ride
    Kensington to Proud Lake & Back
    12 Miles
    YTD 588

    9-8-2013
    Maybury
    Group 7.5 &
    SOLO (Leg Caught On Tree 6.5)
    14 Miles
    YTD 602

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  68. Thanks! The Derby is VERY motivating! Today it rained...still rode!!! Thanks for doing this!!!

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  69. 9-14-2013
    Kensington & Proud Lake
    16 Miles
    Kids won't get out of the river!
    YTD 618

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  70. 9-15-2013
    June's Memorial Ride
    Indian Springs, West & East Loop Pontiac Lake
    15 Miles
    YTD 633

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  71. 9-18-2013
    Maybury
    (Found Bridge!)
    10 Miles
    643 YTD

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  72. 9-19-2013
    Highland Recreation
    (Learned Trails & Campsite # 15)
    11 Miles
    654 YTD

    &
    Rach Riding Lesson
    (Don't nag with legs, give her responsibility to maintain speed, legs out 1,2 & 3 BIG kick); Post up & forward, fast up & slow down; Giving to bit on sides for suppleness & turning; Low level eventing in 1 year! Hands down)
    LIBERTY Follow, stop, & turn different speed on ground AWESOME
    4 Miles
    658 YTD

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  73. Pontiac Lake Horseman's Association Fall Campout
    9/21-9/22/2013
    Saturday Ride 9
    Sunday Rides 17
    Total 26
    YTD 684

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  74. 9-25-2013
    Pontiac West Loop to East Loop
    & Indian Springs
    (Skiing)
    15 Miles
    YTD 699

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  75. 9-26-2013
    Kensington
    (Training Trot)
    13 Miles
    YTD 712

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  76. 7-27-2013
    Nelson's
    Trying out new saddle
    2 Miles
    YTD 714

    7-28-2013
    Rach Riding Academy Lesson
    Posting Trot in Different Saddles
    4 Miles
    YTD 718

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  77. 10/4-10/5/2013
    Kensington (KTRA Campout)
    Friday 8 Miles
    Saturday 6 Miles (Solo & Solo RIVER Ride)
    Total = 12 Miles
    YTD 730

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  78. 10-7-2013
    Bass River Recreation
    (Idunn leading in a new place like a complete champ!)
    7 Miles
    YTD 737

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  79. 10-12-2013
    FIRST Limited Distance Ride
    (30 Miles) +3 (Warm-up, Detour & Victory Laps)
    Oak Leaf Run @ Silver Creek
    Hamilton, Michigan
    Total = 33
    YTD 770

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  80. 10-13-2013
    On Lucky 13...13 Camps in 2013 @ Silver Creek
    Solo Stretch After Party
    5 Miles
    YTD 775

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  81. Entering The Last Quarter of 2013 With 775 Miles...One Might Ask What Do Miles Mean?

    That I prioritize play with my horse above...
    Money
    Material Things
    Position or Power
    Or sacrificing my horse & my happiness to fit others' expectations

    Miles mean...
    Conquering fear of all the things that could go wrong by focusing on all that could & does go right

    Miles mean...
    Not letting the weather or weariness limit our lives

    Miles mean...
    Idunn lives a BIG life
    Where she sees many things, makes many friends, grows to feel more capable & less fearful (as a prey animal I believe all the exposure & confidence I can build in her will make her more peaceful)

    Miles mean...
    All the learning about what Idunn needs (environment, feed, tack, leadership) & how to improve our partnership (through skills, disciplines, experiences etc)

    Miles mean...
    All those moments spent in the present, breathing in time with my horse among all of Michigan's Amazing Trails

    Miles mean...
    Instead of continuing to work indoors, in meetings, sitting in car, in front of computer, being on phone at all hours & volunteer most of my waking life as I have for over two decades...I SPEND WHATEVER TIME I CAN ACTIVE OUTSIDE

    Miles mean...
    Making & building new friendships

    Miles mean...
    Lots of camping & preparing to ride

    Miles mean...
    A deepening relationship with my family...My life partner (James) who is happier because I am happier;
    My riding partner (Idunn) who is growing in leaps & bounds as am I;
    My canine companion (Wilson) who has an even bigger life now...more friends & adventures than ever before; My feline familiar who is ever so happy with the slow blinking quiet time we spend when I am recovering from adventures

    Miles are far more than a measurement of distance & time.
    They are reflections & motivations helping to push me from comfort & complacency to gratitude & active living. Whatever the number we conclude with this year, the act of recording them has made so much more possible than I could have imagined before!

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  82. 10-16-2013
    Jog at Grand Haven Farm Trails
    5 Miles
    YTD 780

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  83. What type of Gps do you use, saw one of my friends that used to live in Michigan, and now live in wyoming Kurts, sister in law. She stayed at my house on her way home.

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  84. Is it Kurt or Kirk? I ride not far from Holland sometimes so I may run into them. Anyhow, I just use Distance Free...a simple app on phone & round down to make tracking mileage easier & have bigger bragging rights:) @ the end of year..."This many miles & then some" kinda thang :) LOL Except when I ride with my friend Kristine who is doing this too. She is a VERY competitive individual & has a super fancy GPS watch that is the size of my head :) I let her track when I am with her.

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  85. Ahem...my garmin is NOT the size of your head...it just LOOKS big because I am such a fragile, delicate flower :) WHOOO! Big miles this weekend Team Grace as we head back to Ionia...I've been up since, well, don't ask, but the chicken salad is made, I am all packed, and tapping feet ready to leave asap this afternoon! :) Double bra weekend lady! LOL

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  86. Oh, and did you notice my 'name' changed from Kristine to Ms.B? I made a writer's blog for my MMS Writing Club, and now this one changed...cannot have my kids calling me Kristine...right?!

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  87. Oh Kristine, Ms B., Fragile Delicate Flower, I trust where my miles leave off you will REPRESENT on the DD! Go Get 'Em CowGirl!

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  88. You are another one of those phone mile people. I can't do that, since my phone cost $9.99, lol. It is Kirk Briggs from the Holland area. I am almost in need of another gps, I have chipped most of the letters off the keys, by putting in in my horn bag. I hate to spend the money on another one like I have because they were so pricey and never used it for anything but checking miles. What type does she use. I may have to just break down and buy another one of these for myself for christmas, darn it. I don't do change well at my age. I will have to ride with Ms B she sounds like fun.

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  89. 10/19-10/20/2013
    Ionia State Recreation Area
    Jamesey Camp, Pumpkin, Mouthwash & Mullens!
    Too much time socializing & not enough time riding!
    Saturday 10.5 Miles
    Sunday 3 Miles
    Total = 13.5
    YTD 793.5

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  90. Don't lose those points of miles adding isn't that hard, lol. I am trying to buy a used wrist gps local, but so far no luck. I sent team 94 0r 96, can't remember a solar blanket in the mail. she stay out all night in Arkansas, if you have a a cheap compass, sent it her way.

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  91. 10-23-2013
    Lake Michigan Beach Ride!!!
    First Lope on Sands of Lake Michigan On A Windy Wavey Day!!!
    Not enough exclamations!!!
    One time I wished I didn't round down cause I coulda hit my 800 mile here!!!
    But I love clean, consistent & under tracking so here goes!!!
    6 Amazing Miles
    YTD 799.5
    What What!!!

    Remember Heather (This is me talking to myself please don't pay attention) If you didn't stretch to get Idunn a second home in West Michigan, If you didn't stretch to make new friends, If you didn't work hard to get her safe with you & with groups you would have missed this!!!
    Life ain't a dress rehearsal!

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  92. 10-25-2013
    Farm Trail Ride
    3.5 Miles
    YTD 803

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  93. 10-26-2013
    Silver Creek
    Walking Across Water
    Full Fall Color
    20+ MPH Wind
    The Universe Applauding
    Little Dog On Trail
    All Things Are Possible!
    10.5 Miles
    YTD 813.5

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  94. Thanks for the congrats!
    Must say this is very motivating.
    Would love to hit 1000 before year end. Not sure if we will but we are gonna give it that 'old college try!

    10-27-2013
    Yankee Springs FIRST TIME!!!
    WHY HAD I NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE???
    One of the BEST of Michigan!
    Elba & Brighton rolled into one without rocks or mud!
    Practical Magic
    16 Miles
    YTD 829.5
    (Also fairly hard to get lost! Perfect!)

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  95. 10-28-2013
    Bass River
    Hosting
    Walk Ride Then Walk & Trot
    Idunn & Wilson Carrot & Apple Party!
    7.5 Miles
    YTD 837

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  96. 10-29-2013
    Grand Haven Farm to Bass River
    Idunn down road amazing with cars going 50+mph & meeting Sydney in gocart!
    11 Miles
    YTD 848

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  97. 10-30-2013
    Bass River Recreation
    (Tree & Wide Track Loops)
    Solo Ride!
    Unlocked, Opened, Locked & Shut Door Mounted!
    Wilson on trail to water!!!
    5 Miles
    YTD 853

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  98. Grace, Kirk rides with the Silver Creek Buckaroos and does the DTRA. I found a wrist gps that I can use to see if I like it. Nobody I ride with uses anything but their phones. Kirk is out of Holland if that is close to you. his sister in law stopped here on her way back home to Wyoming a few weeks ago and spent the night.

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  99. 11-2-2013
    Bass River Recreation
    (Monster Truck Bash Down Road So Sounded Like Monsters In The Woods; Ran into Melissa & Wyatt; Idunn was an Epic Success; Wilson Unfortunately an Epic Fail...we will get him next time!)
    11 Miles
    YTD 864

    11-3-2013
    Bass River Recreation
    Exploring
    No Go On Willy...too many new horses I think! Training begins again in earnest tomorrow!
    10.5 Miles
    YTD 874.5

    Notice no camping required at Bass River & I have been seeing my baby EVERY DAY! What What!

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  100. 11-4-2013
    Bass River Recreation
    James & Willy Short Training Session
    2.5 Miles
    YTD 877

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  101. 11-5-2013
    Bass River Recreation
    57 Fabulous Degrees
    James & Willy Training Session
    (In Front)
    Brenda, Texas & Pony Join
    Solo Ride (Trot & Trail Poetry)
    10.5 Miles
    YTD 887.5

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  102. 11-7-2013
    Grand Haven Farm Trails
    With JAMESEY!!!
    (Lost Glove, Found Glove, Wilson Had A GREAT Time too!!!)
    3.5 Miles
    YTD 891

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  103. 11-8-2013
    Grand Haven Farm to Bass River
    Conquering the Trifecta of Road Riding Challenges
    9 Miles
    YTD 900!!!

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  104. Thank you & Thank you for all your work on the DD!

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  105. 11-10-2013
    Bass River Recreation Area
    Wilson's 7 Mile Trail Ride!!!
    My Little Trail Dog
    7 Miles
    YTD 907

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  106. 11-11-2013
    Grand Haven Farm Trails
    Solo Ride; sadly Wilson would not come but there is always tomorrow & he & Idunn did do great in arena & then the cart!!! I think it is a sign!
    5.5 Miles
    YTD 912.5

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  107. 11-12-2013
    Grand Haven Farm Trails
    Solo Ride, sadly no go on Wilson again today :( He needs a Marley or Jamesey to help him through. Although through no lack of trying on my part. It was really zen to go round & round but also a little disappointing. He would start & then look back at truck & bail. At least he is safe there.
    7.5 Miles
    YTD 920

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  108. 11-13-2013
    Grand Haven Farm Trails
    A little progress with Wilson but we are going to wait until James can help him as he did at Bass River; Idunn started getting her mash & she is being much more patient & responsive than ever!
    5.5 Miles
    YTD 925.5

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  109. 11-14-2013
    Pigeon Creek
    (Little Brighton with Sand!)
    Girl Leading Out!
    4.25 Miles
    YTD 929.75

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  110. 11-15-2013
    Opening Day For Hunting
    Riding Pigeon Creek Safely SOLO
    Whole Park To Ourselves!
    8.5 Miles
    YTD 937.75

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  111. 11-16-2013
    Opening Weekend For Hunting
    Pigeon Creek
    Loping & Laughing
    Hay Hook Up
    20 Miles
    YTD 958.25

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  112. 11-19-2013
    DRIVING DAY 1
    Indiana
    (First time out of state!)
    3 Miles
    YTD 961.25

    11-20-2013
    DRIVING DAY 2
    Indiana
    3 Miles
    YTD 964.25

    11-20-2013
    Salamonie Resevoir
    Lost Bridge West
    Andrews, IN
    SOLO on new trails we don't even know, in new park & new state for fist time what what!!!
    3.75
    YTD 968

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  113. 11-21-2013
    DRIVING DAY 3
    (Wilson joins in!)
    Indiana
    3 Miles
    YTD 971

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  114. 11-22-2013
    DRIVING DAY 4
    (Single with Wilson on road)
    Indiana
    3 Miles
    YTD 974

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  115. 11-23-2013
    DRIVING DAY 5
    (Single; Leaf Jump; Wilson stays in!)
    Indiana
    3 Miles
    YTD 977

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  116. 11-25-2013
    FIRST SOLO SINGLE DRIVE
    DAY 6
    Indiana
    3.5 Miles
    YTD 980.5

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  117. 11-26-2013
    ROCKING THE TACKING UP
    ALMOST! LOL
    DROVE LIKE A PRO ALMOST! LOL
    DAY 7
    4.5 ROCKIN MILES
    EXPRESSWAY & DOGS
    & TALKING
    & HILLS
    & WILSON ALONG THE WHOLE WAY!
    & HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
    YTD 985

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  118. 11-27-2013
    DAY 8
    Semis, Snow & Nearly Frostbit
    3 Oopsies I worked through on own!
    3.5 Miles
    YTD 988.5

    11-29-2013
    DAY 9
    Easy Trotting To Dairy Queen!
    4 Miles
    YTD 992.5

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  119. 11-30-2013
    DAY 10
    Driving back to Dairy Queen!
    Miles 4.75
    YTD 997.25
    Riding Zahm's
    Miles 2.75
    YTD 1000!!!

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  120. Congrats on getting to 1000 miles :-) YeeHaw!

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  121. Thank you soooooo very much! Wasn't sure we would make it but here we are with a month still left! Thanks again for all the work calculating & posting! The DD is really a motivator!

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  122. 12-1-2013
    DAY 11
    Last Day of Driving School
    Drove our 1001 Mile with the Amazing Cathy Zahm
    4 Miles
    YTD 1004

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  123. 12-4-2013
    Pinckney FIRST Time!
    52 Degrees!!!
    Perfect sitting trot!
    Idunn is crazy about Slumber Party with Mary!
    7.15 Miles
    YTD 1011.15

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  124. 12-5-2013
    Pinckney
    Levi is crazy for Idunn!
    7.5Miles
    YTD 1018.65

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  125. 12-6-2013
    Brighton
    3 Hours
    24 Degrees (Feels Like 15)
    Broke Out Winter Gear First Time!
    Some BEAUTIFUL Canters
    Great Hill & Rock Work
    A Willing Sweaty Treated Horse
    9.75 Miles
    YTD 1028.4

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  126. 12-13-2013
    Grand Haven Farm Trails & Across the Street
    First Time in really good snow
    Rode just long enough to round out our miles!
    3.6 Miles
    YTD 1032

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  127. 12-15-2013
    FAMILY DAY @ Grand Haven Farm!!!
    James let Idunn out no lead & she ran to the barn to me!!!
    Where I mashed & electrolyted her
    Brought her back
    James & I went to breakfast
    Then came back for family walk & ride, then solo, then with a friend!
    Weeeeeeeeeee!
    It was soooooo cold (21 degrees (feels like 6 degrees) with 30mph winds) my bare fingers felt like they were going to fall off & then with gloves & all the fun it wasn't cold at all!!!
    Idunn had a ball riding with a new horse & following James & his verbal commands for Wilson & simply getting out to stretch her mind & body!
    Wouldn't trade the ride walk with my family, solo time with Idunn or ride with friend for anything!
    I can't help it I LOVE WINTER!
    Oh PS
    4 Miles
    YTD 1036

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  128. 12-16-2013
    2nd Family Day & Photo Shoot!
    Wilson does better on trail
    Idunn is perfect as always!
    4 Fabulous Miles in the Sun & Snow
    22 Degrees (Feels like 11 Degrees with 9mph winds) BEAUTIFUL!
    YTD 1040

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  129. 12-17-2013
    3rd Family Day!
    Can't believe James is volunteering to come play horsey with me!
    30 Degrees & 30 mph Winds
    No worries
    Idunn was happy to be mashed, groomed, ridden, treated, grained & a shitton of hay to keep her warm in wind!
    Wilson was jolly with the jolly ball as always!!!
    2 Miles (every little but adds up though!)
    1042 YTD

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  130. 12-18-2013
    4th Family Day & Photo Shoot!
    Could it get any better!!!
    30 Degrees, Blue Skies & Sun Peeking Out!
    4 Miles
    1046 YTD

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  131. 12-19-2013
    Short ride before taking her to Nelson's!
    2 Miles
    YTD 1048

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  132. 12-21-2013
    She is happy as a clam!
    Because you have to ride a little on the Solstice!
    Trying out new saddle in arena
    .5 Miles
    YTD 1048.5

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  133. 12-26-2013
    Indian Springs New Trails SOLO
    Who knew in this short time I would be riding confidently SOLO
    Even though Idunn was nervous at first I was able to lead her to a relaxed gait! At Nelson's even!
    Such an AMAZING YEAR!
    2.5 Miles
    YTD 1051

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  134. 12-27-2013
    Back Trails, Vortex & Pastures
    2.5 Miles
    Indian Springs New Trails
    4.75 Miles
    Total = 7.25
    YTD 1058.25

    ReplyDelete
  135. 12-28-2013
    Indian Springs & West Loop Short
    Introvert Trail Ride
    6.5 Miles
    YTD 1064.75

    ReplyDelete
  136. 12-29-2013
    Indian Springs New Trails SOLO
    (2 folks were supposed to join me but ended up canceling. In the past I wouldn't be able to ride. Now I am unphased. Saddled up & rode out where once I was toooooo nervous. How fitting to finish the year SOLO!)

    Last ride for 2013

    (Idunn started off nervous navigating ice along road, listening for the herd call, checking out the ranch from across the lake & then settled in again for the affable head nodding walk that I love so very much. She has most certainly grown up!

    In fact, this is the same trail we rode together in our first two weeks when I tried to take her Solo too early & ended up...off. LOL So how fitting that we conclude our second year together, our major year, SOLO on this same trail!

    Even dropped a glove on the way out & found it on the way back...just perfect.

    So grateful that she loves to camp, trail ride & altogether adventure! 2013 is just one of the BEST years of my life & hopefully her's too!

    Thank you Idunn for changing my life! And for my loving partner James' support & encouragement & Wilson's canine companionship. How blessed I am for this little family!

    Thank you Distance Derby for providing us so much inspiration to RIDE, RIDE & RIDE some more! Consequently, we have learned to ride in nearly all kinds of weather - windy, cold, hot, rain, mud, snow, partial ice & so much more!

    3 Miles Solo to End 2013
    YTD 1067.75...and then some:)

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  137. 12-30-2013 & 12-31-2013
    Drizzle turned to ice made it impossible to safely ride in Michigan.
    So mashed, treated & kissed my girl.
    Cried from so many emotions...
    Sadness for the ending of this Amazing Year; Joy & Gratitude for this Amazing Year; Relief for it's Conclusion. WHAT A YEAR!!!

    ReplyDelete

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