2 Hundred Belgian Riders Try To Destroy Farmers Field

Some of you may not know but I live half the year in Belgium and split my time between Belgium and Colorado. After living there for 5 years I find this small little country very interesting. They have unusual traditions, politics and economy.  Much different from the USA I have linked a video of just one of those crazy traditions. It is call Paardenprocessie Hakendover

This dates back to mid-evil times as you can see on the video of the first riders. I guess there is a saint that protects the crops in the fields, so to prove that every year after the planting of the field 200 horses stampede across the field to tear it up. But as the tradition goes, the crops are protected and still grow and thrive even after the riders stampede across the field.

Very strange tradition but has been going on for years and years.


Blog Awards

I got an email yesterday I received  a blog award from Montana Ranch Girl. Thank you so much. I discovered her blog by searching Montana, and I knew as soon as I found it she would have great stories. I myself worked on some ranches in Montana and it is not always like they portray in the movies or on TV. Read her blog and you will get a real feel for what this lifestyle is all about. This award does come with a few rules, as follows:

List 11 facts about yourself

Answer the questions given to you

Create new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award

Choose blogger's page and let them know about the award


Facts about myself.

  1. I am an equine and rural life photographer and I have been studying photography intensely for the past 6 years.
  2. I live my winters in Littleton, Colorado, and my summers in Belgium
  3. I am married to a Belgian guy who is not only my best friend but my hero. I could not live this extraordinary life without the support he gives me.
  4. If you were to pop in and visit me my house would be clean and comfortable, but I would probably look a mess.
  5. These are the things I love, snow, country back roads, old men, thunderstorms, mountains, fog, well-mannered dogs, and a good cup of coffee
  6. I have a great bunch of kids and 7.4 grandkids that are each very unique.
  7. I have come close but I still have not found a place to call home. It would be a log cabin in the mountains when I do find it.
  8. I am terrible at learning a second language
  9. My favorite states are Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Wisconsin, and always wanted to discover Oregon and Maine.
  10. I feel alive when I taking a photograph and working alone.
  11. I love Apple and all their products, they make my life easy.

Question from  Montana Ranch Girl

When did you last have a heart-heart talk with yourself? About what?

I just had this talk to myself before the New Year. I wanted to figure out what I was going to do with the knowledge I have learned in the past 6 years studying photography. I had to figure out what kind of photographer I am going to be. I decided to go away from what would bring me quick money. portraits, family, pets, events, weddings, and do what I love which is photograph horses and rural life.

How do you live your values daily?

Wow, tough one!  I first say what I value, my family, my husband, my time alone, my spiritual growth, the natural world, and reading. So I have made great leaps to be more involved in my families lives this past year by splitting my time between Belgium and Colorado, I value my relationship with my husband by excepting who he is and not trying to change him, I spend my mornings in quiet reflection with myself and a cup of coffee and go within for the answers I need. I try to be alone in nature as much as I can and I respect animals for who they are and not try to make them human. I read a lot, in all subjects I want to learn and sometimes just for entertainment.

What reminds you that you are human?

An animal will remind me how human I am and that I do not have their natural abilities to live in the now.

How do you perceive the world differently than others?

I feel most people fight against the world and look at to much of the negative and follow the herd even if it leads them to misery. I look at the world as a great big playground where I get to choose what I want to do. It's struggles are just part of the game but I can always put the toy down and pick up another one. I also do not worry about the world it can take good care of itself despite what we do to it negatively

What is the most valuable life lesson you have learned?

Yikes! I am learning all the time. But I would have to say that if you are not willing to chase your dream and fight your fears you can only blame yourself for where you are in your life. Challenge make you grow, and fear keeps you stuck. You have to live this life you were given and not just be a spectator of the lives of others.

What are you deepest loyalties.

To myself, to my husband, to my family, to my dear friends and mentors, and to all the animals that ever come under my care.

What is the one thing that you couldn't live without?

The love and support my true love gives me.

What makes you truly feel alive?


What is one thing that you have experienced in your life that can be used to help others?

Good question. I have to say that I have experienced the miracle of walking through the fire  of fear to get to your dream. I look it like this. If you do not like where you are you must face the wall of fire (fear) that is blocking you dream life. You will have to walk through that fire wall and it will burn sometimes, but what is on the other side is so amazing it is worth the scare you received. Don't let fear stop your dreams. Dream and if it does not work, dream again.

How would you live you life more fully?

Oh boy, I think I should take more chances and learn more things and love myself more and not give energy to fear. I really like the song by Garth Brooks called the "River" it says it all.

My nominees:

Pam Nicholson Photography Blog

Mud Ranch"s Real Dirt

Common Place Grace

My 11 Questions To You

  1. What have you been learning from writing your blog?
  2. Who is your hero?
  3. When you need inspiration, what do you do?
  4. Can you remember what the happiest day in your life was as a child?
  5. When did you know you wanted to do what you are doing today?
  6. If you could be an animal which one would you be and why?
  7. We all have addictions, what is yours? Why do you love it so much?
  8. If you could visit another country all expenses paid where would you go?
  9. Describe you perfect day
  10. We all value the people in our lives, but what do you value that is not a person?
  11. If you had to spend a month snowed in a mountain cabin all alone, what do you think you would do?

Women have a DNA to love horses.

Women & Horses Have you ever noticed that where ever you find a horse you will usually find many women? The Kentucky derby is a very popular event and the women love to attend it as much as the men but for completely different reasons. They are not interested in the betting and competition, they just love being around the beauty of the horse.

Yes the cowboy was popular in the west, but that is because of the rough and tumble lifestyle that was required back in that time. There is a DNA factor going on here.  The "horse loving" DNA in women is similar to the "sport" DNA in men. Men love to watch, attend, and participate in sports of some kind or another. It brings out the masculine part of them that wants to conquer something. Horses bring out the DNA of gentle beauty to women. The horse is one of the most beautiful animals on this earth because of the elegant way they move and strong muscles that define their bodies. Women are attracted to the gentle masculine part of the horse.

We start out loving them in fairy tales, then when we are old enough want to ride them, and if the gene is really strong we seek to own our own horse. We love caring for them and often time will put them first in our life. It is a similar gene to taking care of children but it goes deeper than that. Women have a special relationship with their horse. We possess a quiet understanding of them and what they need and in return just their presence makes us feel safe.

So if you are wondering why women usually dominate the sport where a horse is involved, it is because our DNA for the horse is stronger than the need to compete which why during competition women are usually thinking of the horse rather than the prize. The horse is not an animal that can handle conflict or force, it is their nature to run from threatening situations. Women understand this and seem to nurture this part of the horse's nature. This is why women can get so much more out of a horse than most men.

I have seen a few men that can really contact to a horse and understand that bold masculine power is not going to get them anywhere. I also happen to be married to one of these such men. He understands horses and knows just how to take the time to get through to them. I am not sure why there are just a handful of men like this, but it is a rare quality.

But generally women and horse have a deep connection that makes them perfect match and it all has to do with the DNA women carry for the of "love of horses"