Cowgurl

My 22 yr old Appy mare is fat! Like, she just loves to eat. And I haven't been home the last two years except on and off and throughout the winter [but who really wants to go riding in the cold and snow?] so she hasn't gotten ridden a whole lot.

I don't know how hard to push her when riding, as when she's tired she starts to stumble more. She has a huge belly and she's swayed-back. I don't have any blankets, so I don't want to put her into a sweat. That can wait for spring/summer. I try finding info on Google, but all I keep getting is how to keep weight ON an older horse. I also think that perhaps maybe she has Cushings because of her winter coat and she has such issues shedding in the spring. June, I think is when she loses the last of her long shaggy, but so soft, coat. Should take her into a vet, but can't exactly afford that.

And I can almost make her bow and she'll fold herself in half just for a treat. I mean, she loves food. And she'll keep going, even if she doesn't want to on a trail ride. Like, an hour max at a walk is the rides she goes on. Of course, on the way home she powerwalks [doddles leaving] until she's tired out lol. But that isn't everyday as I don't ride her when the weather is below -10 C. That's for the young gelding lol.

So, any tips on how to work my fat old mare? Thanks in advance!

I have a thing for thieves. They've always been my favourite. People who just 'find' things, heists of sorts or just outright thieves and pickpockets. I adore them! But, fantasy genre is what I mainly read and what I am looking for.

I've read or want to read:

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Starcrossed & Liar's Moon by Elizabeth C. Bunce

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley

Also, I don't really like vampires or werewolves or angels so please, don't suggest a book with those. I however, do adore Robin Hood so any retellings I'll welcome. I'm twenty, so adult books are definitely fine. Thanks!

Writing a novel. Have this neat twist someway through it. Need help on describing three...or four people's reactions. Here is how it is:

Mia: She hasn't seen her mother since she was like eleven. She thought her parents were both dead. Turns out her mother was in prison the whole time and is out. There is more to the story but I don't feel like explaining that. And that she actually has a brother. Her and Delpho are good friends anyways.

Delpho: His mother left him with friends when he was five years old to go sailing with a pirate. He is close...thirty-two I think. Then this woman tells him, his sister and Mia that she is his mother.

Linay: Raised with Delpho since she was born, he is her older brother. She knows they have no blood relation. Is good friends with Mia. But is upset by Alice's revelation.

Alice: Delpho and Linay scorn her and Mia & Delpho don't want her affections.

POV is from Mia's view, but I don't really know how to play this out and show the other three character's reactions to this astonishing revelation. What would your reaction be if you were each person? This is where I need help. I don't know how to play it out so it seems realistic.

I was away all spring/summer/fall and [joy] back at the farm for winter. Winter means -40 C and this many feet of snow. And my horses [and me] don't exactly go out and about in that. -20 maybe.

But at the moment, it's nice out. It's warm out. I want to ride. They don't, but oh well. They'll get used to it. One is a 8 yr AQHA gelding. The other is a 21 yr old Appy mare. I'm not too concerned about her, although I would love to bring her weight level down and put muscle and not fat on her. They've been on good pasture all summer.

And of course, attitude and grumpiness. They had the year off, why should they get ridden now? Least, that's what they're thinking. But I'm not too concerned with that. If Brigan wants to do a few crowhops, he'll learn not to. I wish I had a roundpen. And they're herdbound. Ya me. Have my work cut out.

So, does anyone have any tips? Little exercises [I ride western and bareback] or things I could do that'll work 'em? I don't really want to put them into a sweat because of the cold. I do not need sick horses on my hands. I don't have anywhere indoor to ride. Just corrals, roads, lots of bush and lots of open fields.

Brigan suddenly doesn't want to turn right. He used to and I rode him the other day and he positively refuses without a fight. Something is telling me that there is a good reason for it, I just don't know what. But other than that, and his herdboundness, that's the only bad habit he's formed. And Georgia never turned left when she doesn't want to. And I've owned her for a few years now. If she wants to go home and you want to go down the road, you have to turn her to the right and not the left. Just one of her weird quirks.

They do not lunge! Georgia probably knew how to, but she doesn't like to do it anymore. Brigan, a major no-no. He doesn't understand what I'm asking of him.

So any helpful hints on how to slowly bring them back into shape would be appreciative. Thanks!

As is says, I am looking for books similar to:

The Study & Glass Trilogy's by Maria V. Snyder

Fire & Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Wildwood Dancing & Hearts Blood by Juliet Marillier

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

Aurelia & Exile by Anne Osterlund

Or anything along those lines. I am not really into the more 'popular' books like Twilight or the Hunger Games or Harry Potter. I am looking for something more....original. I guess. Thanks in advance.

I have a thing for sad songs, yet I hate sad movies and books. I don't understand it, but I enjoy listening to them. Here are some examples of songs that I have:

One Less Tornado ----> Chris LeDoux

The Beaches of Cheyenne ----> Garth Brooks

Scatter the Ashes ----> Chris LeDoux

Remember When ----> Alan Jackson

Riding For a Fall ----> Chris LeDoux

Silence on the Line ----> Chris LeDoux

Ridin' Fences ----> Chris LeDoux

Top of the World ----> Dixie Chicks

My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy ----> Dolly Parton

Amarillo By Morning ----> George Strait

Cowboy Bill ----> Garth Brooks

Utah Carol -----> Marty Robbins

They're Hanging Me Tonight -----> Marty Robbins

Lonesome Dove ----> Garth Brooks

Much Too Young to Feel this Damn Old ---> Garth Brooks

I don't know if you all noticed a little pattern there. Songs where people die [I am NOT depressed, they're just nice sad songs], and cowboys/rodeo. 'Cause only sadness follows the lonesome cowboy around. Thanks a bunch and any stupid comments will be politely ignored.

I don't mean wicked quotes, but nice inspiring quotes. 'Cause honestly, there are some horses that are not that pretty. My 21 yr old swayed back Appy mare is a fine example of that. But she is beautiful in her own way and I want to know if there is a quote to describe the beauty of horses, despite what they appear. Thanks!

Young adult/adult fantasy genre novels over 200 pgs. I love strong female characters [ex. Graceling & Fire]. I love male characters as major characters, just not in the MC role [ex. Poison Study]. I also adore it when the male characters are the "damsel in distress" and the heroine has to "save" him [ex. Magic Under Glass]. Also, enchantments! If someone gets turned into a frog [ex. Wildwood Dancing] it's epic! I love it! I love enchantments as they are fairy-tale-ish and classic! Also, books that are set in their own world and not ours is even better. Unless it's historical fiction with fantasy elements [ex. The Poison Throne]. Filled to the brim with ghosts [ex. Hearts Blood]. Ghosts are as epic as enchantments and frogs. Humour is perfect [ex. Talking to Dragons] but not mandatory. Call me an idiot, but I love romance in fantasy books. Especially when it's only a sub-plot and the characters don't mope. But I'll read those with no romance. I love thieves [ex. Starcrossed]. Fairy-tale retellings are epic [ex. Princess of the Midnight Ball]. Modern day not so much as long as they're fun [Magic Bites or City of Bones]. I love fairies. I hate vampires [which is why I love Magic Bites]. No boring books [ex. Eldest]. Animal oriented is very good [ex. The Princess and the Hound] but I don't want the animals as main characters. If there isn't too much action that's okay.

Picky ain't I? Been an avid reader since being a small child and just know what I like. I have a feeling I won't get too many answers.

I've read Juliet Marilliar who I love and have read some of Robin Mckinley. But I could not get into some of her books. I've read several other stories that were based on fairy tales, but I'm looking for more. And anything over 200 pgs is excellent. Under and I'm done in a matter of two hours with no interruptions. I need something long. Thanks!

I'm a [wannabe] writer and most the stories I write are set in medieval type settings. Therefore, that means swords, axes and bows. So, my one character gets shot in the arm with an arrow [not from a crossbow! But a longbow]. He's out in the forest with a witch. She does NOT have magical powers, but uses nature to heal. Hence, herbs and anything natural. So, how would they go about in treating this wound? From safely extracting the arrow from his arm to her cleaning it and making a poultice. If they would use a poultice.

Would love it. And no Clint Eastwood suggestions. I've thought of it, but it wouldn't work. Thanks!

Please, no stupid answers. They're dreary. The only reason I've resorted to Answers is 'cause Google ain't helping me too much.

I usually just read fantasy but thought I'd try something different. And since I'm so used to fantasy, I'm looking for a plain ole' fiction book that has some action for adventure going on. I read Harlequin novels here and there but I can only take so much of romance.

I've read:

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Boys, Bears, and A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald.

Anything along those lines. Adventure, some action hopefully. Be a bonus if it's set in Europe somewhere. Thanks!

I love to write [mostly short stories] but they're all fantasy. But I also love westerns, so I also have questions that involve that genre too. Sorry if they're a little strange. I can't find the answers on Google. Don't feel to sorry for my characters...They're used to it!

1) If someone was to get hit in the nose with a wooden ax handle, would their nose shatter or just break? And would they be rather dazed or would they go unconscious?

2) How would one become a sheriff in the "Wild West?" Did they have to go through some sort of schooling or could they just be elected?

3) Drunks! How soon would a drunk start getting the shakes if they haven't had anything to drink for a while? Like say they were being forced to sober up?

4) A city made mostly of stone and built on a hill, could their be tunnels/sewers beneath the city still or would that be awkward? And what of yards with lawns and trees throughout the city?

I had more on my mind when I started this, but the rest of my questions have escaped me. But thank-you in advance!

I want to train my QH gelding to obey verbal commands. Only I really don't know how to go about it. I want to get to the stage where I won't need to use a bridle or halter & leadrope when I ride him [saddle or bareback] and he'll listen to verbal commands or me putting pressure on the side of his neck with a hand. He's smart and I trust him enough to ride him backwards, sidesaddle, and lying across his back, so I know there will be no issues.

So, how would I go about it? To train him to whoa with just a command, to turn, back up, etc. I'll have no issues to make him go forwards. We have that down pat :D Just the others I'm curious about.

I don't have a roundpen, but a setup of small corrals for working cattle in [even though they're square]. I don't even know if he lunges...never thought to try it. This training would probably be put on hold till the four feet of snow melts in the spring, but I like to do research way before hand. And there is nothing better to do.

Thanks afore hand!

Like for example:

Red River Valley, Rawhide, Leavin' Cheyenne [or Goodbye Old Paint], My Rifle My Pony and Me, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Strawberry Roan, El Paso, The Strawberry Roan, Utah Carol, Cattle Call, etc, etc.

I have quite a few of them, but I'm yearning for more. Any websites where I could find some songs? I know many artists who sing cowboy songs: Marty Robbins, Ian Tyson, Chris LeDoux, etc. Any songs that you know? Thanks!

Is this a weird question? It probably is. Do I expect a lot of answers? No, not really. But I love knights. Whether they are evil or good. And I love fantasy/historical fiction/romance.

So, can anyone suggest any books that have knights [or at least one main one] or about them? I just finished reading "An Earthly Knight" by Janet McNaughton. It was about Tam Lin and fairies. An old Scottish tale. And it made me wanting more 'knightly stories'.

Young adult or adult, doesn't matter. I read both. I know there probably isn't many out there. I know of "One Good Knight" by Mercedes Lackey....And that is it.

Thanks in advance for anyone who can peek my interest!

Brigan is my purebred QH gelding. His mane is super thick and about average length. His tail is the about the same--exceptionally thick! He would look gorgeous with a long mane and I was wondering, how would I achieve that? How do I go about helping his mane grow to that amazing look that Andalusians, Friesians and Gypsy Vanners have? I know it's natural for them, but I've seen pics of QH's and Paints with long manes.

This would probably have to wait till spring as winter is already here and it gets pretty cold.

I have difficulties creating cool a cool villian in any story that I write. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this?

Cool villians:

Ganondorf

Nazguls

The Witch-King [who is also a Nazgul]

The Headless Horseman

Darth Vader

And bugger I can't remember everyone on my list. But those guys in general but without stealing those ideas. Help please! I write fantasy short stories and novels.

Alright, I'm a major bookworm and a wanna be writer [what that has to do with anything, don't ask me. Just had to throw it out there]. Anyways, I'm always, always looking for new books to read. I mainly enjoy reading books that are set in their own world, apart from ours. Romance is all right, I really love a little romance as a sub-plot. Action, amazing characters, good plot, etc. Not a fan of those set in our world, but I have read my share of those.

Books I've Read & greatly enjoyed [these will give you an idea on what I like]:

Graceling & Fire by Kristin Cashore.

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patrica C. Wrede

Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Inkheart Trilogy by Cornelia Funke

Septimus Heap by Angie Sage

Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

The Study Series by Maria V. Snyder

The Glass Series by Maria V. Snyder

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien

The Children of Hurin by J.R.R Tolkien

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis

The Swan Kingdom by Zoe Marriott

The Goblin Wood by Hilari Bell

The Knight and Rogue Books by Hilari Bell

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Micheal Scott

The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica by James A. Owen

The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

The Dark Queen & The Courtesan by Susan Carroll

The Immortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Kate Daniel Novels by Ilona Andrews

Mercy Thompson Novels by Patricia Briggs

The Forgotten Creatures of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip

The Book of Atrix Wolfe by Patricia A. McKillip

Ombria in Shadow by Patricia A. McKillip

The Dragonkeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul

The Thief Lord & Dragonrider by Cornelia Funke

Dragonlance: The New Adventures

The Spook's [Or Last] Apprentice by Joseph Delaney

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

Street Magic & Demon Bound by Caitlin Kittredge

Riane Bernes Novels by Lisa Shearin

Please, please do not recommend the Twilight Saga to me. Or basically, anything that has to do with vampires, werewolves or fearies in our world. I know some novels I've listed are those things, but they were an exception [Mercy Thompson & Kate Daniels I'm meaning]. However, any more books like Kate Daniels, I'll gladly look 'em up.

Thanks in advance!

I'm writing a fantasy novel. It's about a girl who is sent to this country to save it from an unknown danger. It has ghosts and walking dead (skeletons & zombies) the works. But also, I have this ethnic group (they're like the gypsies) who entertain the townspeople and stuff. It is way too happy and airie for me (you know: la, la, la *skips down road in the bright sun*) and I want to make it darker and more...creepier. Any suggestions on how I can do this? Besides kill people (which I have done lots) and have more encounters with the dead (which I have plenty). Thanks in advance!