Ask LeadMare
Published by GHC • Feb 21st, 2009 • Category: Junior Blogger Archives, LeadMare Tales
by Pony Princess, age 14
Welcome to this one of a kind interview! Just get seated on some hay bales and make yourself comfortable. Now, our interviewee this time is someone ya’ll know pretty well. But I’m sure you have some questions to ask. She will answer questions until February 28th. Everyone welcome LeadMare!
LeadMare runs Girls Horse Club. She lives with her human and animal family that includes her cat, BOO, and her dog, Hooteeny (who has visited us a few times before). LeadMare is a very important part of GHC; she creates the images, features, and sets up cool Interactive Views for us to take part in. She is truly the lead mare!
Good morning horse girls, or good evening to our friends in other parts of the world. This morning I’m up at the crack of dawn doing my chores around our virtual barn, then some exercise to start the day on a healthy note (especially since I had a piece of leftover pizza for breakfast…). I hope your day is off to a great start too!
How many horses do you have and did you always have horses when you were a child? Also why is it important to keep your heels down when riding in the sadle? One more question… what do you look for in a good article?
When you were a child, did you own or ride a horse? If so, what was its name? What color, breed?
Hey LeadMare! It’s me “Wild Rose”, but I have changed my name! What’s your fave movie and do you like my new name?
My horsey history: Like most of the girls who visit GHC, I don’t have a horse of my own. The closest I came was leasing Annie, the beautiful mare in this animated photo. When I was your age, I feel in love with horses and spent hours reading horse stories and drawing horse pictures. I didn’t have access to horses or riding lessons so could only dream and imagine. But thanks to horses, I discovered my love for books and talent for art. I studied art in college and have had an amazing career from there. (Hmmm, can you can see where the seed was planted for GHC?)
My riding experience: I don’t consider myself an expert when it comes to riding. I have tons of ‘book knowledge’ but only started doing ground work with horses about 6 years ago and riding 4 years ago. Like everyone else, I’ve heard ‘heels down’ a gazillion times, and intellectually I know the reason is to establish a solid center of gravity or balance, which benefits both horse and rider. What’s hardest for me is getting my body to realize it’s not about pointing your toes up (which, as a former gymnast with some ballet training, is my body’s instinct). It’s about relaxing in your ankles and toes, letting your weight settle into the heels. That’s very hard for me because I have stiff ankles, but I practice yoga regularly and it’s helped a great deal.
What I look for in a good article: 1) Most important — relevance to the GHC audience of readers. I regard them very highly, and want them to come here expecting meaningful content. Writers who are driven to inform, educate, entertain and/or inspire others (as opposed to gaining attention for themselves) are most likely to succeed at GHC. 2) Authenticity. Like the adult authors who have visited GHC for our Interactive View, I believe writers should write what they know and love, not what they think will get published. Readers can tell if an author isn’t being authentic. 3) Horses (of course)! We all have interests other than horses. The web is a HUGE universe and there are sites for anything we can imagine, so I don’t feel the need to stray from what we all have in common — our love for horses — and don’t want GHC to be a platform for other interests.
Those are the first three filters. After that’s it more straightforward — Is it well-written (taking into account the age of the author)? Did the author establish credibility? Is there a clear beginning, middle and end? Etc.
Whew, that was a mouthful… ;)
Hey LeadMare,
What gave you the idea for Girls Horse Club?
Champion! Thank you LeadMare. Have you ever seen a group of wild mustangs in the wild? Oh and are you still taking submissions for the art gallery page? I have a plethora of drawings and photos I would like to have put up if possible.
Narnian Rose, if the new name suits you, that’s what that matters.
I don’t know if I have just one favorite movie, but a few of my faves are Chocolat — or anything with Johnny Depp [swoons] — The Black Stallion, Amelie.
Pony Princess, first of all thanks for suggesting Ask LeadMare!
There’s actually a history of GHC (so far) starting here, but the short of it is that the seed was planted when I was around your age, and it sprouted while in the midst of a career developing meaningful content for kids, thanks in part to inspiration from a friend’s daughter. The vision has evolved over the years, but has always been about creating a place where young girls can share their passion for horses through reading, writing, art, etc., even if they never come in contact with a *real* horse.
HorseFeathers, I have not seen horses in the wild. I really want to visit the Wild Horse Sanctuary though. What about you?
We definitely want to expand the gallery with original creations. I’m picky about respecting the creations of others, so don’t submit anything taken in whole or part from Google or Yahoo images, or someone else’s web page.
Off to walk Hooteeny, but I’ll be back later!
Hey everyone! I have seen wild horses in real life! I saw the Corolla wild horses in North Carolina! Here is their website if you want to check it out:
CorollaWildHorses.com
No unfortuately have not seen any besides on videotape and DVD. I have seen domesticated horses running together in a pasture. Not the same but just as beautiful as well. I would love to submit my drawings.. I do not copy anything from online. =0)
Hi, LeadMare!
I’ve always heard that once you love a horse, you can’t get horses out of your blood. I believe it! Do you think that’s true?
LeadMare,
What’s your favorite breed of horses?
HorseFeathers, I hope we get to see wild horses one day. I also love seeing domesticated horses be horses — playing and socializing and arguing and loving in their own special horsey way. Seeing wild horses on a DVD or learning about them on a website is great, but observing them in their element is the ultimate experience. Those who have had the experience must feel grateful and humbled.
Jessica — thanks for visiting! You bet it’s true. In fact, I’d go so far as to say some of us are born with horses in our DNA, and it’s only a matter of time before they find their way into our lives (in one form or another).
Pony Princess, I couldn’t possibly pick one breed as a favorite because I’ve never met a horse I didn’t like. When I go to buy a horse of my own one day, I’ll look for characteristics suited to the kind of relationship I want with that horse. For example, if I’m looking for a horse I can ride, I won’t need a well-bred, expensive show horse because I’m not into showing. I’d look for a confident, easy-going horse who loves to explore nature with a trusted horse girl like me. The breed would be irrelevant. I’d also like to take in horses that no one else wants, even if they can’t be ridden. In that case, I’d care less about the horse’s temperament, I’d just want to make sure I have the resources to care for and (if possible) rehabilitate that horse.
LeadMare: Seeing the wild horses was AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! AWESOME WITH A CAPITAL A! They were some gorgeous! My family and I went on a tour in a jeep. On CorollaWildHorses.com I think it talks about how you can get tours if you ever visit they great state of North Carolina.
Hi: I’ve got guests coming over so I’ve got to make it short.(cyber sigh). LeadMare: What is the most rewarding thing about running Girls Horse Club?
Hey LeadMare!
I was wondering, do you prefer riding English or Western?
I am going to get a horse when I am an adult! I’m going to ride it every day! I love Mustangs because I read Phantom Stallion books and it makes them seem so amazing! I want to get a horse someday to inspire me! I am working hard to write books and someday I dream of getting published but I know that having someone to inspire you and remind you why you are writing about horses (or wolves) can really help you stay focoused while writing!
Narnian Rose, good question. I’d have to say that seeing GHC’ers grow into themselves is very rewarding. In the bigger scheme of things GHC is just a small, unimportant blip so I don’t take credit for anyone’s growth, but do enjoy creating a little place where you can read and write about horses, and have fun while your future unfolds.
freeasthewind, my preferred style of riding is bareback. I love feeling the rhythm and warmth of the horse, and generally feel more confident without stirrups. But (unlike riders like Stacy Westfall) there’s only so much I can do bareback so for now the next best thing is Western, mainly because I prefer being out in the open over being in an arena, and Western saddles are more comfortable for me. IMHO the best of both worlds (bareback and Western) is riding in a treeless saddle.
Violet Inkpen, your name conjures an old-fashioned ink pen topped with a fluffy purple feather. :) Our friend Terri will be happy to hear her books inspire you. It’s great to have dreams, believe you can achieve your dreams, and work hard in that direction. You sound like a very wise horse girl.
Hi LeadMare! This is really fun…
What was your most favorite vacation you took in life?
When did you get your pets?
That’s it for now.
What is your occupation? Do you work with horses?
Whew! The guests are downstairs, and I have escaped to the upstairs part of my house. LeadMare: Have you seen the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian? It’s a great movie! It’s my favorite movie. And if you had a horse of your very own what would you name it?
The only question I have(right now(:) is where do you find time to do all this wonderful stuff? I know it would take me an eternity to do half it!
mustangmane, glad you’re having fun!
My favorite vacation (so far) was Ireland. Besides seeing a lot of this beautiful country, I did a lot of horsey things that included a visit to historic Colaiste Ide Stables (blog here) and the Irish National Stud during foaling season, and riding Irish Draft Horses through Killarney National Park.
We first got our kitty BOO (aka BOOhda) from a friend who was moving away and was not able to keep him. I had known BOO since he was a kitten so it was like having an old friend come to live with us. He has me well-trained to open doors for him, he tolerates my affection, and occasionally shows his affection by sleeping on my pillow and purring all night.
Hooteeny came to us through a dog rescue organization. Shortly before we left for Ireland I signed up as a foster care volunteer, and the day we returned I got a call that they needed a temporary home for a small dog named Chico. He was skinny and scared, but immediately attached to me. I fell in love and we adopted him. We renamed him Hooteeny (like Houdini, but teeny) because at first he was always on a mission to escape. Coming from a neglectful home, that was all he knew. It didn’t take him long to realize he had a loving home, but the name stuck — along with at least 20 nicknames…
freeasthewind, I’m not currently doing any work with real horses (only virtual horses), but volunteered at a therapeutic riding center for 4 years and almost went to work for them full-time. Unfortunately I couldn’t pay my expenses on what they could afford to pay, but remain a devoted supporter.
For years I developed ‘edutainment’ products for kids. You may have used some of the products I worked on — Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego, Kid Pix, some Dr. Seuss games, the LeapPad and Equestrian Challenge, to name a few.
These days I work for a company that caters to women athletes. I manage updates to our websites and various marketing programs. I’m fortunate to work with a lot of inspiring women (and men) doing something I love.
Sound’s neat!
Awhile back I got on GHC, and there was somthing called “Create Your Dream Horse”. What happened to that?
Hey Leadmare!
I too, love the movie Chocolat-or however you spell it. I don’t love it, however, when I watch the movie without any chocolate around. AGHH!
Also, what got you into writing?
Hello LeadMare! The other day I was practicing sitting trot, and at times I found it hard to balance, so I was wondering how people could canter and even jump bareback. My question: what do you find helps you balance when you ride bareback? Also, does it cost money to run GHC because it takes up internet space? And of course, how is Hooteeny recovering from his surgery? Thanks in advance for answering all these questions!
Narnian Rose, haven’t seen the Narnia movie, but great that you liked it so much. When I have a horse of my own, his or her personality will ultimately determine the name.
Salina, it’s not always easy to find the time. Most days I have a routine that allows me an hour or two of time for GHC, and over the years I’ve figured out how to make it manageable. My top priorities are always my real-world loved ones, my health/the health of my loved ones, and the work that helps pay for daily life. What’s left isn’t much, but for now GHC is part of what I choose to do with my ‘discretionary’ resources.
freeasthewind, the Perfect Horse activity got broken when GHC was hacked back in December. Rebuilding it will take help from someone more geeky than me, but it’s at the top of my list to fix when I can afford it.
Leadmare what is your favorite horse realted movie? Mine would have to be Spirit, Flicka, and National Velvet. This is sort of offhand for now but I think in the future it would be neat to have a singing contest to write a song about horses.. something like that. What y’all think?
Leadmare.. GHC was hacked into!?? What happened exactly?
Stargazer, I couldn’t agree more — any movie is better with chocolate. :)
What got me into writing? Interesting question that I’m not sure how to answer. I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a writer, although I love writing. When everyone else was starting a blog to write about their life or whatever subject they were passionate about, I was starting a blog to showcase other writers. I guess that makes me a person who recognizes, nurtures, and showcases writing talent more than anything else. But occasionally the horse spirit moves me to write something for LeadMare Tales…
Good morning Madelaina!
I’ve only done a sitting and posting trot bareback, and boy did my legs hurt after the posting trot! Yoga and Pilates really help my bareback balance. Both focus on core strength (stomach and lower back), which is also your center of gravity. The stronger your core, the better your balance. Like riding, yoga involves a balance of strength, flexibility and grace. The big difference is with yoga, you’re tuning into and gradually challenging your own body. With riding you have to be tuned into your body for balance, but also to be aware of the signals your body is sending your horse *and* to read the signals your horse is sending to you. That’s a lot to keep track of, so I imagine moving from a trot to a canter or even jumping (yikes!) takes practice, practice, practice…
Yes, just like running a real barn, it costs money to run our virtual barn. Expenses include monthly hosting (space on a server that houses all the site data), paying to own the domain GirlsHorseClub.com, purchasing stock photography used to create some of the photo illustrations throughout the site, and occasional payments to the barn mice (OK, they’re really talented people who help with editing and development, but it’s more fun to imagine them as barn mice). The ads you see on the site help offset costs a bit. It’s true what they say about being in the horse biz — you do it for love, not money.
Thanks for asking about the Hoots — he’s recovered incredibly well! My co-workers call him The Miracle Dog. He’s less nimble and more unstable on his feet since the paralysis, but does most of what he did before surgery and we have every reason to believe he’ll live a long, healthy life.
HorseFeathers, unfortunately a lot of sites get hacked for no understandable reason, and it wasn’t specific to GHC. I was really sad when it happened, but didn’t dwell on that for long. Instead I decided it was an opportunity to learn and start fresh, climbed back in the saddle, and started rebuilding. That’s what horse girls do, right?
My all-time favorite horse movie is Francis Ford Coppola’s version of The Black Stallion from 1990. Love, love that movie. Especially the part that takes place on the island. Spirit was also a great horse movie!
Righto! Cowgirl up! the term mrs. Farely coined. =0) Thanks for answering my questions! Well gotta go do my chores!
Hi LeadMare: I have go to make it short, but what are your favorite pastimes and sports?
Hi there, LeadMare,
You put so much time into making GHC more than a “virtual horse” site. It’s a place where girls from all over the world can express their love for horses through writing and art. But because of all the time and effort you put in for little monetary return, have you ever thought maybe this isn’t worth it?
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want you or the barn going anywhere, I was just curious. :)
Thanks!
Narnian Rose, outside of GHC I enjoy getting out from behind the computer and spending time in the *real* world with my two and four-legged family and friends, traveling, hiking, arts and crafts projects, and motorcycling with my hubby.
Hi Julia. Thanks for the thought-provoking question!
I once told someone that if GHC is meaningful for just one or two girls, it’s worth it. But I definitely go through phases when I think it’s time to move on. When the site was hacked I thought (for a split second) about shutting it down entirely, but the determined horse girl in me would not allow hackers to initiate that choice.
I’m not 100% sure why I’m so driven to keep GHC alive, but I’ve always loved creating meaningful content and products for kids, and GHC is a way to keep doing that without being accountable to a boss or a company whose vision is not aligned. Although this is a place for young horse-crazy girls, it’s not a completely selfless effort. If it wasn’t fun (most of the time), interesting and challenging for me, there’s no way I’d invest my time and resources to keep it going.
So in answer to the question ‘is it worth it?’ the answer is yes, at least for today. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know change is always around the corner and all good things come to an end. Maybe I’ll decide it’s time for this LeadMare to move on. Maybe an ‘angel’ will come along who shares the vision and has the skills/resources to help evolve GHC into something bigger. Or maybe [insert predictions here...]
Righto! I think it woul be neat to get schools involved with the cite as a sort of equestion club. We could have major compeitions with schools competing and so on. Just an idea but I think it would be spot on.
Morning LeadMare!
I’ve had a great time on this rainy morning reading your responses to your herd, and
I’d love to hear what your BEST and WORST adventures with horses have been! I bet you have some cool stories for us!
Reading rocks,
Terri
Hay Terri, thanks for visiting– we’re honored!
My BEST horse adventure was last year when I went to Montana. Here’s my journal of the experience:
So I did, letting the heavy rain drip through my fashionable (but not practical for rainstorms) straw cowgirl hat, wishing I had windshield wipers on my glasses, and grinning from ear to ear. Then when hail started pummeling my bare arms, I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Newkie Brown, my Quarter Horse gelding trail companion, was sure-footed as the trail turned from dust to slippery clay. He never flinched when the thunder boomed and the frozen raindrops hit his sensitive hide. Being a Montana ranch horse, I guess he’s used to it. By the time we got back to the trailer, I was soaked to the bone and hugging Newkie for warmth. It was a blast!
The WORST, hmmm… I haven’t had many truly horrible adventures, but have had some painful ones, like when I was riding and another horse kicked my horse, but got my leg instead. When it happened my first thought (after *OUCH*) was dang, I won’t be able to finish my riding lesson. I have a lovely memento on my shin — one of many scars on my battered body but the only one from a horse. :)
The funniest ‘ouch’ experience was my first fall. At the time I was a very beginner, riding English at a historic barn that was in a lovely location, but was old and in need of upgrades. The indoor arena was very small, and I was in a group lesson with 4 or 5 others so it was close quarters. I was very focused, taking my turn trotting around the arena and trying to get a feel for posting on the correct lead, when one of the horses spooked and started a chain reaction. My horse started dancing around. I knew it was only a matter of time before I went flying, so decided to come off on my terms. At that point everything shifted to slow motion as I removed my right leg from the stirrup, lifted it over the horse and let go. I went to the ground feet first, but momentum kept me going so I just relaxed as my bum hit the ground, then rolled into a back somersault, came up on my knees, stuck both arms out to the side and said “TA-DA!”
“Sticking the landing” off a horse is pretty amazing if you ask me!
And hey! If you’d like to visit the Wild Horse Sanctuary once the weather clears up, and try to find the real Phantom with me, let’s do it! The big guy has been living up to his name since he was released with his five mares!
Wow, wouldn’t it be cool if some of the horse girls that hang around your Girls Horse Club barn could visit, too?
Yee haw — let’s set a date to go Phantom spotting, and in the meantime put our noggins together about the idea of a Girls Horse Club meets Phantom Stallion event!
BTW for readers who don’t know, Terri has spent more time around wild horses than anyone I know. Yet another example of how a writer’s passion influences in their work (and vice verse) and, given the success of Phantom Stallion, more proof that authenticity resonates with readers. Go Terri!
It’s good news to hear that the Phantom Stallion was released. I have read about him at your website, Miss. Farley. I would love to experince his beauty in person. Thank you for commenting!!!
Ah, so you got a taste of the North! :) Yes the weather up here is very unpredictable. Take last week for example, it was a balmy 55* and the next day we got a blizzard. About the only thing that is predictable around here is wind.I HATE wind!!
I’m glad you enjoyed yourself while you were here, though!
THANKS LEAD MARE! But why I am ‘Violet’ Inkpen is because Violet is a very special relative of mine and my name sake! I use Violet alot, including the name of a secrit charter I write about in my Diary. Diaries don’t have to be about just MY day! I pretend there is a girl named Violet Inkpen who really own a horse, writes books, and lives life to the fullest clinmbing and camping on mountains and rescuing helpless animals!
i just simply LOVE being a secret charter and it really helps me unwind from my days. Keeping a Diary may seem girlish for me (I am called a Tom Boy by everyone who knows me(I really whoop em in Baskey Ball and soccer so the boys arn’t too flattered))
but I like writing and a Diary is almost like writing my Histroy to read to my children! You know ‘Gather round kids and listen to an enrty in my diary………now you see that I did this and this and this but I should have done this and this and this. So let this be a lessont hat you should….’
basically a diary can be fun and a totally cool place! You can build your own world around a diary! So if you don’t have one, you should try to make one! EVERYONE! someday wehn you are older it may be fun to look back at a younger life and see how much you have grown and matured.
It would be really neat to see the Phantom running on his homeland. I live states away from that but its neat to see it on video. I might be able to go to Yellow Stone National park this summer. Does anyone know if they protect wild horses on that land or have any for that matter?
Hey! LeadMare: How do we know when the submissions for the blog book club are opened and closed? Mrs. Farley: I like to read Wild Horse Island. Cade is my favorite character.
To Leadmare,
I want to become a junior blogger. I was wondering if it’s free? I love horses and love writing about them.
To Terri Farley,
I love your books. PPPPPPLLLLLEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEE keep writing!!
Narnian Rose, it’s posted on the publishing and events calendar starting in March.
Cowgirl, everything at GHC is free. The old-timers will tell you that becoming a JB takes time and dedication. Currently there are 2 open slots on the roster if you want to give it a shot. Detailed info is on the Casting Call for Bloggers.
Horse girls, I’m going offline for today but you’re welcome to hang out with the barn mice. ;) Thanks for all the great questions, and enjoy the evening with your loved ones.
I was wondering, how long did you lease Annie? What breed is she? Do you still lease her?
Thanks, LeadMare! Welcome back, Terri!
I’ve always wanted to see Ireland, and definitely everywhere in the continent of Europe.
A few more…
If you could have any super power, what would it be? (Example: super speed, fly, etc.)
-mustangmane
Goodnight everyone!
Nicker,
NR
LeadMare: Have you ever been to NC or SC (the two states)? If you haven’t, they are very interesting places to visit. And do you enjoy learning about history?
Cowgirl- If you publish 4 or more blogs, you are eligible to join the roster
Happy Monday horse girls! I hope you had a fun weekend. Back to school and work today…
Peanut, thanks for being helpful to Cowgirl. I always appreciate it when old-timers and JBs pitch in to answer questions for newbies.
Annie is an Appaloosa. Before I met her I had never seen a buckskin Appie. Her owner was a 16 year-old girl who started to lose interest and only rode her once a week or less. It was great for me being the only girl who leased her, but sad that Annie didn’t get much attention when I wasn’t there. I leased her for a year, then she started having lameness issues around the time I got a new job and had to stop leasing her. :( I still visit her, and am happy to see she’s been moved to a better pasture with 3 horses. And other girls are leasing her so I hope she’s a happy, healthy mare!
mustangmane, great question! My super power is definitely flight. I have frequent dreams where I can fly. I just hop up, float into the air and whoosh — I’m flying! What’s your super power?
Narnian Rose, I have not been to North or South Carolina, but one of the things on my ‘must do’ list is a road trip through the southern coastal states. I’ve always enjoyed reading stories set in the south. States I’ve visited: California (home state), Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Montana, Texas, Michigan, Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island.
I wouldn’t say I’m a history buff, but love learning in general. Next to art, math was my favorite subject in school. Is history your favorite subject?
Howdy LeadMare: I LOVE history! I especially like to learn and read about the American Civil War! My great-great……….I don’t know how many greats was one of the top Generals during the war. Can you guess who he was? I guarantee you have heard of him. Even if you’re not a history buff!
Oh no after great i forgot to put Grandfather!
So to become a Blogger you have to send in something you’d want to put on a blog and if it is accepted you get your own blog or something?
Hey Leadmare you’ll never guess what? I got one of my entries published! I just realized that my entry ‘What Happens to Childhood Dreams? ‘ is in the new section! I am so excited I can hardly breathe! If you get a chance maybe you could look at it? I’d be grateful!
I LOVE History but I HATE math. And I go to Art Class every week! I just finished a painting of a horse galloping on the beach and it’s my Desk Top for the computer! dad let me have my own user’s account so I could use my painting for the desk top! I LOVE horses and this website is so amazing!
Leadmare, before you become a junior blogger is it likley that all of your blogs will get published?
LeadMare,
What do you like to do on a rainy day? What is your favorite animal besides a horse?
I like reading or drawing on rainy days and my other fave animal is a dog.
Cool, LeadMare!! Flying sounds nice. I think I would choose that too. One more for now:
What was the most worst level in school that you went through? Why?
Thanks!
mustangmane
Narnian Rose, do tell…
Violet InkPen, please breathe — we don’t want anyone passing out around the virtual horses. :) Actually I’m not surprised and I’ve already read your blog — I’m the publisher here at GHC. Thanks for your interest in contributing!
monkey, it’s always possible all your blogs will be published, but not necessarily common. The casting call for bloggers has detailed info for guest and aspiring Junior Bloggers. If you can’t get enough about criteria for publishing, read comment #5 above.
Pony Princess, you and I enjoy similar things on rainy days. There’s nothing like sitting by the fire reading and/or writing. I don’t draw with pencil and paper as much as when I was younger, but do enjoy creating digital art (especially for GHC!) and other design projects. I also like cooking on a rainy day.
Don’t tell BOO, but (like you) dogs are my fave animal other than horses. Other than house pets, I’ve always loved primates. When I was a kid I wanted a pet monkey until I saw one at a local pet store. He was picking bugs off himself and eating them — yuck! At that point I realized my mom would never go for a pet monkey… A dear friend of mine just returned from Africa, where she spent time sitting with gorillas in the jungle. How cool is that?
mustangmane, maybe we’ll whoosh past one another in the sky one day!
Let’s see, worst level in school… I’d say it was middle school. It wasn’t so hard academically, but was a big change in more ways than one. At that age our brains and bodies go through a BIG growth spurt. That can be tough and confusing. Plus you’re surrounded by other kids going through the same thing, all of whom are capable of whacky behavior. Dealing with all of that was overwhelming at times, but I came through it. Looking back I can see that all the angst and challenges where an important part of making me me.
Ha ha! I think if I could have any “super power” it would be to change into an animal of my choice.
Also, is the Submission Form where you send in the stories and poems? I a bit fuzzy on that part…
Leadmare.. Have you ever been to Yellowstone National Park? I might be going there this Summer and I was wondering if they protect wild horses at all on their land? Or if there is any..
Salina, that’s a great super power! Hey, did you know the photo that inspired our new home page was taken in your home state?
Yes, the submission form was recently updated to note that fiction and poetry submissions are accepted along with blogs (non-fiction). I still need to create some editorial guidelines and FAQs for fiction/poetry, but highlights are posted on the More BIG Change update.
HorseFeathers, I have not been to Yellowstone. I bet if you google ‘yellowstone wild horses’ you’ll find info. If you go, I hope you write about the experience (assuming it involves horses).
LOL! Sure Leadmare, I’ll ‘try’ to breathe. Let’s see…how did it go again? Oh yes, IN, OUT, IN OUT, IN OUT, IN OUT.
Okay, I think I am breathing again! Anywho, I was so excited! Perhpas my dream of becomming an author isn’t as impossable as adults think. Why is it adults try to dragg you down? Maybe they just don’t want your hopes to get too high then crushed but they could be somewhat supportive. Well, at least my grandmother is supportive and EVERYONE on this webstie is too! I tell you this place is awsome; I really feel like I have a chance at my dreams when I talk to folks round the barn!
Thanks EVERYONE for making me feel….making me feel like nothing is unreachable!
It’s very fun hanging around your barn, Lead Mare and I’m totally flattered by you & Cowgirl & some of the others that enjoy my books (GALLOPING GOLD comes out today btw). I love the screen names you all have chosen. I’m going to have to think of something more colorful!
Really? That’s sooo cool!
Hey everyone!
LeadMare: I have decided to keep you in suspense. It will give you some time to do some research on the American Civil War! I will give you a hint: the General rode a horse who he first saw at a fair.
I also had an idea. Why don’t we have a GHC online mystery? I don’t know how we would set it up, but it would be tons of fun!!!
Thanks,
Narnian Rose
Hi again! I had some more ideas about the “GHC mystery” if you want to do it, that is. I was also thinking that it would be more “mysterious” than the mystery we had a while back. For instance: a horse gets stolen and the clues are all over the site. And you and me, we could “be” imaginary people. Like you could be the horse’s owner and I could be the stablehand that knows more about the theft than she lets on! And what would be cooler, is that the GHC’ers could “interview” us for clues. And it would be really awesome if one of the JBs was the thief ( and the girls have to find out wich JB it is)! And if you have any WAY COOLER IDEAS, LeadMare, that would be great.
Just let me know if you want to do it!
Thanks again,
Narnian Rose
Ha ha! Good one!
WHOOSH! Nice view up here!
Write more later,
mustangmane
Hay Terri! Congrats on the release of Galloping Gold. The cover is beee-you-teee-fulll!
Violet Inkpen, I don’t think adults intentionally try to bring you down, especially not the adults who love you. I bet they’re trying to prepare you for tough realities so you don’t get hurt. Always keep in mind that everyone comes from a different perspective based on their life experience. Listen to what they say, take it away, and sift through for the kernels of truth/wisdom that feel right to you.
When I was a kid I believed anything was possible if you set you mind to it, and also realized (thanks in part to the adults in my life) that you have to work hard and make sacrifices along the way. I’m an adult now (still a kid at heart) but that belief has never changed, and you see it reflected in the structure of GHC.
Narnian Rose, the mystery sounds like a fun idea. Maybe even a history mystery, since you love history. Continue to give it some thought, write up your ideas, maybe run it by your friends or parents for feedback. But don’t give away too much here (suspense is an important element of mystery). When you have something polished, submit it. It would have to require minimal effort from me other than editing/posting your ‘how to play’ rules and moderating participation, and you’ll have to be patient. The submission queue is looooooong and everyone in the herd gets equal attention. In the meantime, here are some game-like activities done in the past:
Calling All Code Detectives
Calling All Detectives: Scavenger Hunt
mustangmane, here’s to flight without wings!
That’s wonderful news about Galloping Gold! I only had the chance to read Wild Honey so far, and I just have to say I absolutely adore it and I am very eager to read more. Congratulations Terri!
LeadMare: Thanks for answering. I’ve heard pilates are helpful, maybe I should start having a look at the exercises and find something useful to do with my time :). I have another question to ask because I’m just so annoyingly curious- when do you think you will get a horse, or start leasing one again?
Hi Madelaina. Curiosity is a good thing, especially for writers.
Leasing or having a horse of my own will require synchronicity of money, time and priorities. I could (maybe) afford leasing right now — definitely not owning, especially where we currently live. I also need enough time to care for and build a relationship with the horse. Currently my life is very full so I would need to make horse time a priority over something else. The only option right now would be to give up the time I spend in our virtual barn…
Having horses is definitely a goal for the future. Meanwhile I’m happy to spend time with friend’s horses, take lessons, go for trail rides, dream and begin to lay out a plan.
Do you think about leasing or buying a horse Madelaina?
Pssst. For those of you actually reading through all this, here’s an insider secret: I’ll be proposing a HUGE change this weekend. It will require your help deciding if we should move forward with this change, and your commitment to assuring it’s successful once the change is in place. That’s all I’m sayin’ for now…
I sent in a blog called “The Thoroughbred” a week or so ago. When will I know if it will be published?
Thanks Lead Mare. Don’t worry I know I have to work hard. I was looking at different expenses for horses and I sent in a sumbission about the different costs! I plan on going to collage and when I am done with that I’m going to start small untill I save enough then I am going to look at getting a horse.
I was wondering, the people who wrote the Int*l horse stories—were they girls from this site? If so, how did they get the pictures and horse background info on there?
Hi everyone! It is so nice to be able to comment! (Our keyboard broke so we have had to use an on screen keyboard and it is so hard to write even a word let alone a few sentences!) I am at the library so I thought “Oh hey I should go and do what I wanted on GHC!” =)
Anyway… Leadmare did you have to take computer courses or something to be able to set up GHC and do everything you do here?
What was your fav and least favorite subject in school? I love English and Social Studies but Math and Science not so much. =)
That would be so cool to go to Ireland. I would like to visit there someday…
I have never ridden bareback but I really want to. I also ride western. I would like to try English once though. =)
Ohh what is it? Sorry i’m really hyper.
Hey, y’all! What’s happenin’? (Sorry. My best friend is from da hood. LOL!) Violet Inkpen, could I be the JB who stole the horse? What do you think, LeadMare? Mrs. Farley, I have been getting all your books and I have all the ones that my library has ever got. I am a mustang freak! As you could probably tell by my name. OMG, LeadMare I just looked up, and saw what you posted. I am practically dying over here n Ohio! I have been reading down the list, and it took me like ten minutes just to get about a quarter down the page. BTW, LeadMare, I just had a birthday in January, so I’m 13. Just wanted to let you know. How’s Hooteeny doing? When and how did you meet your husband? I’m waiting for mine. God is preparing him. ;) What’s your fave color? Mine are sea foam green with a little blue, and purple. Oh, and orange. Such a happy color! OK, gtg, my dad is calling me to dinner. I don’t wanna leave. (sigh!) See y’all later. LYLAS, horse girls!
Oooohhhh changes…I luv me some changes…can’t wait to see what exciting things you have up your blog sleeve!
freeasthewind, thanks for your interest in contributing. That’s a common question covered in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Casting Call for Bloggers. The FAQ also covers how long it can take if a blog is published, and top reasons why something may not be published.
Salina, two of the Stable stories were written as part of an Int*l Horse competition we hosted a while back. The stories of Destiny and Sun Dancer were written by my friend Amanda (an adult horse girl) back before GHC had a Loft Book Club and blog. The most recent addition was written by our very own JB Pony Princess! Here are some blogs with more info about the process of creating Int*l Horses:
Making of Moonlight Mirage Part 1: The Story
Making of Moonlight Mirage Part 2: The Photo Illustrations
Blaze’ncowgirl, glad you were able to stop by! I took some computer courses in college looooooong ago, but everything I know about website development is self-taught. I learned a lot creating GHC and continue to learn everyday!
My fave subjects in school were art and math. Weird combination, huh? I’m part artist, part geek. ;) Do you ever think about a career related to what you like in school?
OK, I’m starving — time for dinner! More answers tomorrow…
Well, it’ll still be a VERY long way away for me before I feel I’m ready for leasing and buying a horse. I’m constantly trying to correct and improve my riding, and there is still so much more to learn about groundwork and horse care. I would never forgive myself if a horse got injured because of something I did wrong and I didn’t know how to help it. So no horse for me yet. Meanwhile I am already eternally grateful that I still have my precious riding lessons and the lesson horses.
Isn’t that a coincidence? Art and Maths are my favourite subjects as well! I don’t suppose the new change would be something to do with Maths, since GHC has recently opened an art gallery? Haha, there goes me with my wild predictions.
Hey Leadmare.. do you know anything about foaling? I am just getting job at a quarter horse breeding stable in my county. What do you do about a mare that has mood swings from gentle to testy during pregnancy?
mustang23 — happy (belated) birthday! Your age has been updated on the Meet the Bloggers page.
Hooteeny is doing very well. We’re so happy his surgery was successful and that he’s able to do most of what he did before the injury.
I met my husband right around my 25th birthday through a high school friend. He passed the scrutiny of my brothers and we got married 4 years later. He’s my best friend and I’m so grateful to have him as my partner in life.
Hmmm, favorite color… that’s a tough one. I love color (sounds like you do too!) and my preferences tend to change. Right now I love the light limey-green that’s on my family room walls, but also reds, purples and rich chocolatey browns. And blue. I guess colors are like horses — it’s impossible to pick a favorite!
Hi Kathleen — thanks for visiting! I look forward to seeing you this week. (GHCers, Kathleen is one of my not-so-young horse girl friends. She has a BEAUTIFUL and oh-so-sweet Thoroughbred she’s training for dressage.)
Madelaina, you’re very smart to take things one step at a time when it comes to horse ownership. Learning with horses is a never-ending thing. I was going to say the soon-to-be-proposed change has nothing to do with maths (it’s so much more elegant to say ‘maths’ as opposed to ‘math’) but I suppose that’s not true. When you break it down, there’s a math component to just about everything.
HorseFeathers, I’m definitely far from an expert on foaling other than a tiny bit of book knowledge. I know some GHCers live on a horse farm so think about submitting your question(s) to ‘Ask Girls Horse Club’.
Hi everyone! gtg do school! I’m homeshcooled. LeadMare: Ohhhhhhhhhh…..not even gonna ask about the weekend change. But what’s your fave food and TV cooking show. I like to watch Paula Deen on the Food Network.
HorseFeathers: My neighbors are breeders so I could ask them some questions for you if you submit an ‘Ask GHC’ blog. I’d be happy to help! :)
After your a JB do all of your blogs get published? just wondering, did you take riding lessons when you were little?
Hi Leadmare!!! I was wonder how many open spots are on the roster for juunior bloggers now?
YAHOO! *cheering so hard I fall of my hay bale* I just found out the very first thing I EVER sumbitted to this site is being published next month! I hope you all read it and let me know! It’s called ‘Through The Eyes Of A Horse’! I am just so happy! *crawls back onto hay and smiled*
Narnian Rose, chocolate is definitely up there as a favorite food. I also LOVE macaroni and cheese, or just about anything with cheese. Fortunately I eat a lot of healthy food to balance out the chocolate and cheese… I don’t watch much TV so don’t have a favorite cooking show, but do read some cooking blogs.
Peanut, in general all JB submissions get published as long as they’re consistent with the GHC quality and content expectations that got you a spot on the roster to begin with. The submission queue is *really* backed up right now so don’t fret if you’ve submitted something but don’t see it on the calendar. This applies to everyone who wrote one of the 50+ submissions received this past week… I’ll catch up after Sunday when submissions close. Thanks for your patience!
I didn’t take riding lessons until I was an adult. I grew up in a large family with a hard-working dad and an equally hard working stay-at-home mom. We didn’t have a lot of extras and I didn’t live in an area filled with horse farms, so I lived out my love for horses through books, movies, and art.
Cowgirl, there are 15 slots on the roster, minus the 13 that a filled. One guest blogger is eligible to join, but I haven’t heard from her so for now there are… well, you don’t need me to do the math. :)
Violet Inkpen: Congratulations! “Through the Eyes of a Horse” sounds very interesting, I’ll be sure to read it. Well done on getting it published :)
Happy Saturday horse girls. I hope you have a fun day ahead.
Ask LeadMare will close shortly so if you have anymore burning questions, ask away. Then look for some GHC news after comments close…
LeadMare: Are you the only one who works behind the GHC scenes or do you have staff?
Thanks fo doing this for us,
Narnian Rose
Thanks Leadmare!!! This will probably be my last comment on this blog. I just wanted to wish you luck with devoloping your website! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!
LeadMare,
Why are you teasing us about the HUGE change you said you were going to post? I’m waiting still… ;)
Hey Leadmare just wanted to say that I am soo glad that Hooteeny is okay. I also can’t wait to see what you have in store for us!!!
How old were you when you first rode a horse? Do you have a favorite setting where you like to ride? Like.. in the woods in an arena or by the beach… Have you ever ridden sidesaddle? Sorry about all the questions!! =)
Well back to my writing (I am working on a blog…..)
Narnian Rose, I do most of the behind-the-scenes work, but also work with an awesome ‘geek’ who keeps the site running on our server and helps with technical development. Now and then I also have college students who help with editing and other tasks around the barn.
Cowgirl, thanks for the kind words!
Pony Princess, what? You don’t like suspense? Hmmm, maybe I’ll wait until tomorrow to post the latest GHC news. (kidding) Hope I haven’t built it up too much…
Blaze’ncowgirl, thanks! I’m SO glad hootee is OK. Also glad to hear you’re still interested in being a JB.
My grandmother once told me that when you turn a certain age you should start lying about your age. :) I don’t like to lie, so let’s just say I was certainly old enough to be your mom when I took my first riding lesson.
I definitely prefer riding in the open, and love exploring the trails in my area. I’m lucky to live close to redwood groves, mountains and the ocean. I’ve never ridden on the beach but hope to do that one day soon. Haven’t ridden side saddle either — seems like it would be tough to keep your balance that way!
OK, I’m going to sign off now and get back to work behind-the-scenes. Thanks for all the thoughtful questions — I had a fun time!