Madame Mare's Special Month...

February is a big month in our lives.

On February 18th of 2008, The Sainted Mare stepped off the trailer and into our lives.  She's brought joy and laughter to us every day since.  We sometimes look at life as BS (Before Sugar) and AS (After Sugar).  The kids and I prefer the AS portion of our lives, while I'm pretty sure my husband longs for the BS days.

Our first photo together, taken the day she arrived.

Additionally, the 26th marked the 18th anniversary of The Sainted Mare's birth, a day which, to my way of thinking, ranks up there with other big days like Christmas, 4th of July, and the first Saturday in May (aka the day on which the Kentucky Derby is run).  Coincidentally, Sug shares her birthday with George Morris, so I think February 26th should be memorialized as an Equestrian High Holiday.  (Who does one talk to about those things?  USEF?  The FEI?)

Sug didn't want us to make a big fuss about her birthday. (To be honest, I think the Big 18 is hitting her a bit like the Big 50 hits some humans).  In other words, she wasn't wanting any of this silliness:

We did, however, celebrate a bit.  She was treated to a chiropractic/ acupuncture treatment.  She's been feted with a boatload of carrots and mints, and a massage from yours truly.  She had easy duty this week, as she was ridden by Sophie (who at 70lbs is a much lighter load than Mom!)  To cap off the week on a good note, we've made her favorite Bailey's Chocolate Chip cookies and will bring them to the barn today.

As I've said before, it's good to be the Queen.  Happy birthday, Sug - here's to spending many more together!