Walking in High Cotton

I mentioned earlier that we got to go to Georgia to a clinic. This clinic was by Carolyn Hunt and Jaton Lord. They are 2 of our very good friends, and we were especially lucky to be able to go to Georgia and attend the clinic, and meet so many new friends. We were there almost a week, and could have spent so many more days learning, and seeing new things. Jaton is Carolyn and Ray Hunt's Grandson, and he is an amazing horseman in his own right. He spent many years on the road with Ray and Carolyn learning and being Ray's right hand man, in Ray's clinics. His knowledge of all things horse, way exceeds his years. And he has continued to 'fine tune' his skills while training his own horses, and horses for other people. I could go on and on, listing his achievements, but suffice it to say, it's an impressive list of trophies, etc. He is also a presenter at the Legacy of Legends, and I look forward every year to seeing him work with a horse. His understanding is enlightening to watch.

Our flight got to Atlanta late in the evening, so we didn't go to the a arena til the next morning. I didn't take enough pictures of the surrounding area, but one thing that was immediately apparent, was that the trees are lots and lots and all over, along with the cotton fields. We could tell we were without doubt, in the South! I had been unsure of what to pack, but I did take some cold weather clothes, and I'll say right now, I DID NOT NEED THEM! The humidity was breathtaking, literally. Though the temps never got real high, it was moisture in the air that made it seem hotter than it was. And I have no idea how Southern Women have "big Hair" cause the humidity just makes it go straight. I went to braids the rest of the time, after learning that hair does not handle dripping wet air very well.

The Southern Equestrian Arena in Perry Georgia was so nice, and had plenty of room for whatever we needed. And they definitely represented Southern Hospitality Very Well

Following are some photos of during the clinic

We had some "Fun N Games" and this is a photo of Wayne and an awesome new friend, Jill, and Carolyn. They are being photographed for being the winners of the first run of working cattle. Jill is one of my favorite new friends from Georgia. She is an inspiration to so many. I have heard many people say "I'm too old to ........(insert whatever)" Well, Jill is 71 years old, and had signed up for both morning and afternoon classes. Horsemanship and Cow Work. I had spoken to her before we went there, and she did mention her age, and that she was signed up for both classes. "I hope I can do it, I'm 71 years old!" I was already impressed that she had signed up for either, and that she had hopes of doing both classes. First thing the morning of the first day of the clinic, she yelled out and called me over to meet her. This little lady is about 4'11" inches (maybe) and walks with a walker. I was shocked and wondered how that was gonna go. She told me she had a pulley set up at her barn that raised her saddle up, and her horse would walk under it, and then she lowered the saddle down onto her sweet horse. If the saddle doesn't settle just right "he kind of shuffles it down on himself" and she cinches him up. Already, I can tell there is some great understanding between the two of them, along with some great horsemanship. Horses can easily adjust to fit the situation, but also can be handled in such a way, that they won't have anything to do with something. It's a partnership that can truly be amazing. She had ridden with Ray several times over the years and it shows. Carolyn told her "Ray would be so proud to see you here today" It was one of those moments you never will (or want) to forget. Now Jill is working with Ray's Grandson..... it's perfect.

The horse that she is on, is from Drewsey Oregon. He's a Kiger Mustang. He's 18 years old and will live out the rest of his life with Jill as a great friend. I'm so happy that they both are continuing to learn by some of Ray's Legacies. So, remember this, when you say you're too tired, to old, or too whatever. Just do it anyway, and put a smile on your face like hers! Let her be your Inspiration too.

By the way, yes, she did make it through all the morning and afternoon classes...and her smile NEVER left her face. * She got a little help from us from time to time, saddling and unsaddling, and mounting and dismounting. * There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of for that. * She also went to dinner with a large group of us every evening after the clinics, and was still going strong. There is a lot of "try" in that woman! We could all learn from that!

I'm gonna bet that there will be photos of Jill at our place in Idaho before much time goes by!

Of course Wayne has to tease and give everyone a hard time. He also loved Jill. I'm not sure what was said here, but you can see the expression on Jill's face and Jaton all up in the saddle. Wayne is sitting there just as pleased as punch at whatever he said to get those reactions.

This is part of the afternoon class of cow working students. Unfortunately, we forgot to get a photo before everyone had taken off, but this is one great group of folks.

Wayne is riding a Palomino horse that belongs to our good friend Charlene. Charlene has come to Idaho to ride with us a few times (and will be coming at least yearly) She brought us to Georgia, and was hosting this clinic. What an honor to be her and her husband Keith's guests while we were there. We will be going back when we will be able to spend more time being tourists. That area is so full of history, it's amazing

This is Charlene and Keith. Charlene is the friend I met in Texas about 5 years ago. Out of all the hundreds of people there, we kept being around each other during the event, and had remained in touch since then. I can't tell you how I feel about this woman, but She does mean the world to me. Keith is like a brother now, and together, they couldn't be more perfect. I thank them so much for bringing us to Georgia for such a great experience.

I took this photo last year of Charlene with Marshmallow at a clinic we went to in Buffalo, Wyoming. It was one of those moments, YOU HAVE TO CAPTURE when you see it.

This photo was taken one morning, while we had as many people as we could rustle up for a group photo. * That is a lineup of some pretty nice horses....and even more importantly, some awesome people. * From what we saw, the South is full of very friendly folks

Here is another photo of some winners of another day of Cow Games. Note that Jill is in this photo too. She was one of the happiest people I've met, and shows how life is supposed to be lived.

I can't say How proud I am of Jaton and his skills as a horseman. But I'm even more proud of the way he worked with these people. You can be a great horseman, but if you can't communicate with people who want to learn, then something is lost. There was not a single person who didn't learn some amazing stuff from him, but also, everyone learned to LOVE HIM. He made everyone feel so at home, and relaxed.

I'm pretty proud of my husband too. It's easier for him than many, I suppose, but it's not really easy to go somewhere and ride a horse that you've never seen, and be able to make them look this nice. He continues to amaze me on a daily basis.

This is the start of another game ...and these two women really enjoyed it.

Yep, he makes it look so easy.

I caught this photo of Jaton while he stood in the doorway. * Just the silhouette and I thought it was cool ....*

Yes, this was a trip that I will need to repeat.

Here are a few photos I took with my phone of various things

I document just about everything, so here we are in our car, about to get out of the car to catch our plane

Our first glimpse of the barn

Tree Lined highways

We were lucky enough that the barn had a restaurant attached, so lunch was just easy, and delicious.

We went shopping one day, and saw several interesting bronze sculptures. I liked this one of a boy on stilts. We plan to make some for our Grandchildren

Each night we gathered in our room, for a toast to Ray, and then we'd go to dinner

One night we ate a place called "Yoder's" It was home made GOOD FOOD! If you're ever there, try it, you won't regret it

Another night we ate a Mexican restaurant. Also, delicious! And we liked the decorations

As you can see, it's warm enough there to bathe a horse

Atlanta, Georgia Airport

Sky Light was amazing at the airport

Over Salt Lake City

Over Boise

Home!