I went to the Rodeo

You might remember that a couple of months ago I visited the Rodeo in Amish Country, well this time I was back to watch my mom and Boomerang compete in it!

At the Rodeo // Team Penning // Ammo the Dachshund

Boomer was competing in a sport called Team Penning, which basically means that three riders have 90 seconds to round up three cows that are the same number (a number is called out by the announcer at the start) and pen them into a small corral at the other end of the arena.

At the Rodeo // Team Penning // Ammo the Dachshund

My buddy Boomer is pretty new to moving cows around, and this was only the third time he’s tried team penning.

At the Rodeo // Team Penning // Ammo the Dachshund

Luckily he had me in the stands to cheer him on, and I think I was good luck because on his very first time out Boomer’s team penned their cows well under the time limit!

At the Rodeo // Team Penning // Ammo the Dachshund

Not to brag, but I pretty much taught him all he knows!

Find out more about my famous pony friends at PaintingPony.com Ammo the Dachshund

My Memorial Day Weekend

My family and I had quite a whirlwind weekend – with an extra day off for both mom and dad we always find time to fit in even more fun!

Antique Shopping // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

Antique Shopping // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

Baseball // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

Ammo & Shilah // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

Ranch Sorting // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

Ranch Sorting // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

Golf // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

On the Farm // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

On the Farm // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

On the Farm // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

On the Farm // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

On the Farm // Memorial Day Weekend // Ammo the Dachshund

 

So what did you do with your extra day? Ammo the Dachshund

Rodeo in Amish Country

On Monday nights there is a rodeo of sorts held in the heart of Amish Country – practically right outside my backdoor. Of course I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a trip to the Hillbrook Rodeo!

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

Tucked away in farm country this rodeo is open to riders of all ages – boasting barrel racing, pole bending, team penning, and various other speed sports. (For the non-horse enthusiast, it basically had cows and horses that like to run really really fast).

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

The team penning was pretty fun to watch, with the object being that three riders need to pick out three cows (all containing the same number on their sides) and separate them from their herd, putting them into a different pen. The Amish gals made it look easy – even while riding in a dress!

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

One of the little girls I met at the rodeo offered to lend me her pony so I could give team penning a try too.

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

Very tempting, considering that her miniature horse was JUST MY SIZE, but I had to take a pass this time.

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

After all, being a spectator was turning about to be way too much fun anyway.

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

Rodeo in Amish Country // Ammo the Dachshund

The sights, sounds, and smells of the rodeo were grand, and you can bet I’ll be returning again this summer!

Now let’s giddy-up and ride! Ammo the Dachshund

A Dachshund’s Art Gallery

Since I was just a wee pup I was instilled with a love of the arts. Not only do I paint myself, but I live with some super talented Painting Ponies! And while you might think having animal artists in the family is quite a feat, my mom and dad are no stranger to the arts themselves. My dad is a graphic designer (who spends his free time designing posters that you can purchase HERE) and my mom is a picture framer (check out the shop where I work HERE).

With a love of art spreading across my family, it’s no wonder that my home has turned into an art gallery of sorts. I thought it would be fun to take you for a tour around my home and show you some of the latest and greatest artistic treasures that are currently making my home just a bit more cheerful!

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

When I attended the Spring Doxie Fest this year I picked up a happy little Dachshund print from artist, Debbie Sampson. Of course mom framed him up in a happy yellow frame that makes him extra cheerful!

where to purchase: [middle] Dachshund Print – [right] Black and White Photograph of Pony

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

Back in November mom picked up this cute little dachshund print from Kim at Yellow Brick Home. He kind of has an uncanny resemblance to yours truly.

where to purchase:  Dachshund Print

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

This happy horse head was a Christmas gift to my mom and came from White Faux Taxidermy – and not to worry, he’s completely made of resin (no real taxidermy horses here).

where to purchase:  Resin Horse Head

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course the ceramic dachshund my mom found at Home Goods last year keeps Mr. Fake Pony company in my office, because everything is better with the buddy system.

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

These two pieces arrived around Christmas time. One being a rendering of my home by the talented Rebekkah Seale and the other a very special original painting of cows done by the ever amazing Janis Fitch.

where to purchase:  [left] Custom House Watercolor, [right] Cow Painting

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

Those cows just remind me of how lucky I am to have grown up in farm country, where the smell of cattle and horses are just a few steps out my backdoor. Not to mention those yummy cow pies!

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

And the last little art trinket is one that just makes me giggle – this sweet little screen printed squirrel from the Land of Nod (meant to be an ornament) is happily hanging on my cork board in the living room. He may not nibble on acorns in real life, but he reminds me that there are plenty of critters just out my back door begging to be chased. Happy Hunting!

where to purchase:  Squirrel Ornament

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

With all these artists and artistic pieces in my home it’s no wonder that I spend most of my life with a camera in my face. Of course I like to think that I’ll always be mom and dad’s number one muse!

I’m always on the lookout for new artists and art to add to my “gallery”, so I’d love to hear which ones you are admiring currently! Post your links in the comments so we can all check out some amazing art together! Yay for artists!

*all artwork has been custom framed by my mom at Studio 3.Ammo the Dachshund

October Instagram Weekend

My Birthday weekend was a whirlwind of opening presents, hanging out at the shop, running on the farm, and curling up at home.

I’m still recovering from all the fun, but I thought I’d give you a little taste of what I’ve been up to via my Instagram photos….

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Mom had her own busy weekend filled with weddings and ranch sorting with the ponies, but she still had time to give me the best Birthday ever! Thanks mom!

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund // Instagram Weekend

Ammo the Dachshund

Trip to Wyebrook Farm

Yesterday I took a trip to Wyebrook Farm in Honeybrook, PA.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

I’ve been to many farms before – but mom told me this one was a little bit different.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

From their website:

At Wyebrook Farm, we provide an alternative to the industrial food supply. By creating a diverse polyculture on our farm, we produce the healthiest animals and best food without the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, hormones or antibiotics.

We believe that the only way to guarantee that the food you eat is healthy, safe and nutritious is to know the farmer who produced it. We sell the products of the farm from a historic barn on the farm so that our customers can see our animals and our farming practices. We encourage you to tour the farm and ask us questions. By purchasing food from Wyebrook Farm, you support the local community and ensure that this part of Chester County retains the agricultural character that has made it one of the most productive and beautiful places in America.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

At Wyebrook Farm they have a cafe that is open on the weekends as well as a market that sells their farm raised meats and veggies.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

The food was delicious, but I was really excited to take a tour of the farm.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

I met some really cute chicks along the way.

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

I even got to meet this portly fellow – who despite looking somewhat friendly, scared the bejeezes out of me!

Ammo the Dachshund visits Wyebrook Farm

It ended up being a really fun day – and we even stopped for ice cream on the way home! I have no doubt I’ll be back again, and next time I’ll work up the courage to tell that pig who’s boss. Ammo the Dachshund

Agility with Cows

Ok, so maybe I didn’t EXACTLY do agility with the cows, but they certainly did interrupt my first attempt at a dog agility course. Over the weekend while I was hanging out at the Chadds Ford Days event, me and my pal Trooper got to test out a dog agility course. Neither of us have done a course before, although I had had a basic intro to agility class last winter. But, this was the first time I got to do the tunnel, or any of the jumps, and I had never been on a balance board before. I actually really enjoyed it!

Doesn’t it look like fun! Mom says maybe this winter I can take some more agility classes, and I can’t wait! Trooper even got a chance to try it himself.

Go Trooper! Although he probably would have done even better had he been wearing his Super Cape like I was! Doesn’t he know it’s all in the wardrobe?

Corn Navigation

This fall I got to try something I’ve never done before! Visit a Corn Maze!

I will get to the maze part in a second, but first let me tell you about all the new friends I made!

Mom and Dad said these were goats. I don’t really care what they are, but the fact that they can climb something like this…..

..”The Goat Walk”…..makes them pretty awesome in my book!

This one gave me the stink eye….I’m not gonna lie…..I thought I might die.

Three against one….I wasn’t about to fight those odds.

After getting another death stare from this guy, I decided maybe it was time to head into the maze!

The corn maze looked challenging, but I was up for the task! Mom and Dad said that I could navigate the entire thing myself….and that they would follow ME!

There were a few momments that I had to ponder which route to take.

And honestly, I did have to check the map once or twice.

And for a second there I thought about maybe taking a short cut.

But in the end I made it over the foot bridge…..

…and I could see the end in sight!

I made it to the exit just as it was getting dark! And would you believe…..I only made ONE wrong turn, and navigated the maze in half the normal time!

I can’t wait to conquer next year’s corn maze!!

Happy Fall from me to you!

Corn image from here.