Nashville Newzine taped a new TV interview with Kathleen and moi on location at our middle Tennessee place. Kathleen and Skeeter did super but the old guy in the interview needs a haircut in the worst way. And seeing this actually motivated Kathleen to do the job before she headed back to California yesterday. The days and nights when she’s not here seem to drag by at a snail’s pace… and when she’s here they fly by at the speed of light. And now we’re back to the every-once-in-a-while schedule until next summer when the twins graduate. Sad. But I keep telling myself: We can do it. We can do it. The link to the TV interview is: http://www.nashvillenewzine.com/JWplayer/JoeCampInterview.html Several of the herd are featured as well.
Are You Living Your Passion?
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Every time I look at one of these photos of Kathleen’s and think about how much I lusted after the very life we’re living I have no choice but to reflect upon how very blessed we are. Have always been. I’ll never forget asking my dad when I was a junior in high school, “How am I supposed to go about choosing a career? Where do I start?” His response was profound, and not of the times, and for some reason that surprised me. Read More→
Kathleen Talks About Joe’s New Book
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Hi everybody. This is Kathleen. I sent Joe to the barn so I could write this piece of truth. His next book has just come out and no it’s not the follow up to The Soul of a Horse. Joe had this book and two others almost finished when he pushed them aside to write “Soul”. This one’s not even about horses… unless you’ve ever wondered what kind of person could begin writing a book like The Soul of a Horse less than a year-and-a-half after acquiring his very first one. This new book will answer that question (in spades!). So, in truth, it is about horses because this journey is the one Read More→
Only 21 Days Until Tele-Workshop #2
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Just a reminder that there are only 21 days until TW2 on diet and nutrition – or – WHY WOULD YOU EVER LET YOUR HORSE EAT THAT? Diet and lifestyle are the real keys to going barefoot and the natural wild horse model. Learn first hand from Dr Juliette Getty, author of Feed Your Horse Like a Horse… and from natural hoof care specialists Eddie Drabek and Mark Taylor, who both have proven Read More→
Yippee! At Last! No More Excuses!
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Finally. Enough days of dry weather sandwiched together to get the grading done and get the pea gravel delivered and voila! We have a round pen. Kathleen returns for the summer (another yippee) in a couple of weeks – with her cameras – and then work with Noelle will begin in earnest. No more excuses. A Join-Up and a lead rope are in her future :). Meanwhile she will spend time Read More→
This 6-pound stone was taken from the tummy of a horse. It was
given to us by Dr. Matt and we keep it on a prominent
pedestal to remind us how important it is that we get
the diet right for our horses.
By popular demand the next tele-workshop will be on diet and nutrition. A Crazy Little Thing Called Love (TW2) – OR – Why Would You Ever Let Your Horse Eat That? This topic is a slippery slope, like running a military obstacle course, but we have a super group of guests who know the subject inside and out. First Read More→
Cloud (on the right), mustang stallion of the
Pryor Mountains winning a mare
Ginger Kathrens’ motion picture camera has followed the life of Cloud since the day he was born – the day she named him – more than nine years ago. Across those years she has filmed three incredible PBS Specials on Cloud and his wild herd, but the latest one Cloud: Challenge of the Stallions (I call it Cloud 3 :) is truly the best compilation of the the most amazing footage I’ve ever seen that tells a story story so remarkable Read More→
Noelle Has a Sweet Spot
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Unfortunately it was a tick bite, but at least it served a purpose. I could give her something she loved. This became the routine for more than a week, until the bite began to heal and was no longer itchy. I immediately looked around for another tick…nooo, just kidding. Anyway, around here you don’t have to look far to find ‘em.
I love it when Kathleen comes home, camera in hand. I tend to forget about these sweet moments until I start browsing through her weekend of photos. I didn’t even know she was standing behind me when this next batch was taken. Read More→
Other Things That Make My Day
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Kent Maddock was after us for months and months to allow them to acquire Scribbles. If you’ve read the book you cannot help but remember Scribbles. One December Kent called and begged, saying he wanted Scribbles to be a surprise Christmas gift for his wife Laurra.
“Ohhh that’s so sweet,” Kathleen cooed, and my resistance shield Read More→
Yesterday I spent the entire day uploading 77 photos of Noelle and Malachi to our new Facebook fan page for the The Soul of a Horse. I don’t think I have the patience to do this. And I know I don’t have the emotional stability to do it when it means going back through all the photos of our wonderful boy horse Malachi. But do it I did, buckets of tears and all. The one above struck me hard. It was taken Read More→
It’s been too long. This is where Kathleen and I ate our first several dozen meals after the move last September. Breakfasts. Lunches. Dinners (or as they say here in middle Tennessee: Suppers). We would sit sometimes for an hour without a word. Just watching
the herd. Listening to the symphony of the frogs at night. The birds. The crickets. Smelling the roses. Without alternative. Locked up in the house over a seemingly endless winter, buried in work and warmth, the roses were fewer and further between. And easy to ignore. I often looked at it as a good thing because I was getting so much work done. Not bothered by those smelly old roses. But my spirit suffered. Read More→
A Crazy Little Thing Called Love
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Finally we’ve got the date set for our barefoot TeleWorkshop. Sorry it took so long. It’s called A Crazy Little Thing Called Love – or – Why Would You Ever Let Your Horses Go Barefoot? It’s not a “how-to” but rather a “why-to” workshop designed for people who are not yet convinced barefoot is the right thing to do, the loving thing to do. And for everyone who is already there but needs ammunition to ward off and convince all those friends and “not-so-friends” who think you’re nuts. This is a two-hour workshop with Joe, Kathleen, and Eddie Drabek, one of the foremost natural hoof specialists in the country, jammed full of facts, undeniable truths, and real-life experiences, with lots of Q&A after. Send your farrier! Check it out.
Being called an entertainer had little effect on Benji. She’s been there, done that. Me? I think I’ll have my badge framed as it’s the first (and probably the only) time it’ll ever happen to me. But what a fun, fun weekend it was. Kathleen and I feel very honored to be invited into inner circle with Read More→
Ahhhh…. sunshine at last!
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Four consecutive days of sun! The first time that’s happened since we moved in last September. Kathleen flew in Wednesday night and brought it all with her. There wasn’t Read More→
Joe, Kathleen, and Benji will be at Road to the Horse
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Meet Benji, Kathleen, and moi at Road the the Horse, the World Championship colt starting competition March 5-7 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Benji will make a special appearance at the event; I’ll be signing copies of The Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd; and – by popular demand – Kathleen will be introducing Read More→
This Morning Began…
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…like this. The calm before the storm! Read More→
Learning the Hard Way
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I was so proud of myself. I would go out several times a day and chop the edges of the pond so the horses would have no problem getting water. I would often watch them when they came to the pond and if a thin coating of ice had formed one tap with a hoof would produce water and they would drink. As the number of days below freezing began to build into the double digits Read More→
Day 2 of the New Year: Another Awesome Day!
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This is what we woke up to this morning. How awesome is that? Kathleen has been here since the 24th and she goes back to SoCal tomorrow. I wanted so much for her to experience the joy of waking up and seeing her new home covered with snow. And here it is. God is so good :) Read More→
Happy New Year Y’all! Ours Began Awesomely!
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2009 was a tough year; full of struggles, change, and pain. And much to remember. But 2010 began with an awesome reminder of what our task on this planet is all about. Read More→
Words That Made My Day!
By · CommentsA day doesn’t pass that we don’t receive several beautiful emails from folks who have read the book, the blog, a newsletter, or been on the website and been moved by something we’ve said or done. These words are what make it all worthwhile. The juice that keeps our wheels turning and keeps us fired up about what we do. And keeps us ever Read More→
Cash’s First Ever Snowfall
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Actually it’s the first snowfall for four of our six horses, three of our four dogs, and our kitty. Okay, okay, I know all you guys who live way on up there in the freezer are laughing your heads off at me calling this snow, but Read More→
Hope Yours is a Happy as Ours
By · Comments40 degrees here. Blustery. Family here. Turkey cooking. Happy. Hope yours is as happy! – Joe
Sometimes I have to haul off and slap myself.
Seriously.
Something to force the brain to stop racing around like a crazed maniac and take a deep breath. To pause and smell the roses. Or at least look at them. How many times in my life have I closed my eyes and dreamed of the above picture? And here it is. Part of our life. And I’m fretting about how far behind I am and how much I have to do. Read More→
Benji leads Magic into the Ocala Mayor’s office to receive a special
presentation for making a difference in the Ocala community
What a spectacular weekend this was in Ocala, Florida. Wall-to-wall events and media interviews all focused on fund-raising for the Gentle Carousel Therapy Miniature Horses and bringing a bit of happiness into the lives of hospitalized children and senior citizens. Gentle Carousel is a non-profit organization lead by Debbie and Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, two of the most caring, selfless individuals I’ve ever met. Their miniature horses visit kids in children’s hospitals and Read More→
How can Sailing and and Horses be Similar?
By · CommentsThis whole move thing to TN has been a bit overwhelming. I told Kathleen tonight that this experience in moving to Tennessee was like my former sailing days. When it was bad it was usually really bad, but when it was good it was glorious. Highs and lows. That’s what life is made of :). I guess that’s why I never cared for California. It’s pretty much always the same. Today in middle Tennessee it was (finally) sunny and incredible. The dogs and the horses and I all loved it. Together.
Joe
Could Be a Book Cover!
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Sorry to digress but Kathleen just uncovered this photo in her archives, which I had never seen, and sent it to me in Tennessee under the subject line: Missing the boy. God knows I do everyday, and I try to stay focused, but really wanted y’all to see this one. It’s what I loved about him and still love about her. Thank you Sweetie for shooting it vertically :)
Joe
Last night I finally bit the bullet and began reading the huge stack of cards and letters that you sent to Kathleen and me after Malachi’s death. I had put it off time and time again. I considered not packing them when we approached the move to Tennessee. I knew they were all Read More→
It was the best of times… It was the worst of times
By · CommentsI sat on the front porch tonight and ate broiled salmon and spinach sautéed in olive oil and garlic while listening to the rain. What Kathleen and I call an Asheville rain, in honor of what was perhaps her first understanding (for a California girl) of how nice a rain can be. We were attending a Celtic music festival in Asheville. It was a Sunday morning Read More→
The First Day of Sunshine Since We Arrived
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Yesterday. Photo from high up the hill. Everybody is present except Mariah. Even Noelle can barely be seen behind the tree by the barn. Sort of makes it all worthwhile. – Joe
The Horses Have Landed
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Pocket, Mouse and Skeeter enjoy their new home.
Shot from our new front porch while eating breakfast this morning.
Once again our timing was perfect. The move from southern California landed us right in the middle of a “most unusual” weather pattern that has set records for rainfall. It’s been raining for days and days. Seven inches the day the horses came in. The weather slowed the progress Read More→
Love Happens Premiere Photos
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The Westwood Village Theater has been hosting world premieres forever. There’s a photo in the men’s room of the 1948 premiere of Casanova. This was a spectacular night for a very proud papa celebrating son Brandon’s first film as writer/director. Read More→
LOVE HAPPENS This Friday!
By · CommentsGoing to Brandon’s premiere of LOVE HAPPENS tonight. The twins are beyond excited. It opens everywhere on Friday. You are going to love this film. I promise. Please go the first day. Kathleen and I are on a plane tomorrow morning to Bell Buckle. We’ll have to buy our movie tickets in Nashville or Franklin. BTW, just got a call from Gail and Max who are transporting the herd. All are traveling nicely and Noelle ate from a bucket in hand this morning. Not without a shiver or two, but she did it. Tres cool.
Don’t forget: LOVE HAPPENS on Friday. Let it happen to you :)
Joe
Spent!
By · CommentsIt took 4 hours to load Noelle into the shuttle trailer! About a minute and a half from the shuttle into the big transport. Kathleen filmed it all. A mini-series! And several very tired folks. One very close call. Thanks so much Dani, Gail, Dar, Mary Ann, and Julio… and, of course my sweetie. Now the herd is headed for Tennessee. Noelle and Cash will sleep well tonight. As will we.
Joe
Reflections
By · CommentsOur herd had it’s last feed on their dusty rocky hillside this morning. We’ve had a bit of a time holding ourselves together. Kathleen filmed the entire round and we realized that we had never recorded the whole procedure before. The gang seemed to know something was afoot, especially when I walked out after with all five of their tubs. Noelle is the big question mark and moving her into the shuttle trailer that will take her down the hill to the big travel trailer (which cannot get up the hill) is our primary concern at the moment. It will be an interesting test of keeping our adrenaline down at rock bottom, and taking the time that it takes. Please say a prayer.
Joe
Moving Week is Here!
By · CommentsSuddenly scary. We’re actually going to do this. Movers come Friday. Horses leave Sunday. Love Happens premiere on Tuesday. Kathleen, Benji and I leave Wed for Bell Buckle TN. Horses arrive the 17th. Movers the 18th. Kathleen will be at both ends filming the horses and maybe a photo or two which we can pass along. So much going on my fret level (always way above normal) is up around the moon. Driving Kathleen crazy. Will report on the other side. Please don’t forget to tell everyone to go see Love Happens on the first day, Friday September 18th. Thanks much.
Joe
Mouse Returns Home… sort of. Gets Standing Ovation!
By · CommentsLast night was an emotional ride. Benji and I were invited to speak at The Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s annual fund raiser: The Mane Event. At the end of the presentation I attempted to demonstrate to the supporters of the ARL how important they are to the League’s work of saving animals; how their support is actually making a difference. Not only saving but changing lives… of people (mine and Kathleen’s) as well as animals. Our Mouse was the subject.
Mouse on the far outside
Two years ago, nine-month-old Mouse was among 14 horses rescued by the ARL from just horrendous, Read More→
Escaping Taxafornia
By · CommentsThis was no easy decision. It was overflowing with complexities and angst. Kathleen had lived her entire life in southern California. All of her immediate family is here. And half of mine, the other half in Montana. So the notion of moving to middle Tennessee left a few chords unstruck. Read More→
Watch for Love Happens!
By · CommentsMy youngest son Brandon’s new movie with Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart opens September 18th. It’s fantastic! A real movie! And yes, I’m prejudiced :) but I promise you’re gonna love it!
See the trailer: http://www.lovehappensmovie.com … or on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYvFA0MFd-Y
Sometimes when you least expect it… LOVE HAPPENS. Please spread the word!
Joe
A federal district court in Washington DC has granted a Summary Judgment Motion Against Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar et al forbidding removal of the West Douglas Herd of Wild Mustangs from their range in Colorado. This could be huge for all mustangs.
In the case of Colorado Wild Horse and Burro Coalition vs Ken Salazar, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior, Read More→
Never Pray for Patience. God will Give you a Horse.
By · CommentsPatience is not a concept I’ve had much contact with in the past. Like so many homo sapiens, I’ve always wanted everything to happen right now. I think it’s genetic. The shortest distance has always been a straight line. We humans tend to be that way. Especially in this millennium of instant gratification. But since my introduction to horses, I’ve come to learn Read More→
No More Salt Blocks
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I have never been licked by a horse before. Lots of sniffing, nudging, lip nibbling, and just hanging out close by. But never a full-blown, full-tongue lick on the arm. Especially by a mustang who’s never even had a lead rope on. Until yesterday. Kathleen and I (and ALL of the dogs) were sitting in the play pen Read More→
Keeping Your Head
By · CommentsPatience has never been my long suit. And the ability to panic at the least little thing seems to be embedded in my genetics. So maybe you can imagine what was going on in my tummy the morning that Noelle, our unhandled wild mustang, decided she would take a walkabout out in the free world. Read More→
Noelle Helps Us Rise from the Ashes
By · CommentsFor those who wonder whether horses grieve let me assure you that they do. Noelle’s demeanor has changed completely since the loss of Malachi. She wanted – needed – companionship and I was the only one around. We helped each other. Consoled each other. Reassured each other. And the net result for both of us has been Read More→
Thank You so Much!
By · CommentsKathleen and I want to thank all of you who sent emails and cards of condolence, prayers, and warm thoughts after the tragic death of our beloved Malachi. I must admit to you that I have so far only read the barest few of the hundreds that came in. But we intend to read Read More→
Our Hearts Are Breaking
June 3, 2009 – On the evening of June 3rd, exactly three months from the day of his birth, we lost Malachi in the aftermath of a violent thunder and lightning storm that knocked out a power pole on our property. As we piece together what happened, a fleet of huge power company trucks climbed our driveway that night which passes right by Noelle and Malachi’s paddocks and stalls. These gigantic loud monsters Read More→
The Buckskin Emerges
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Journal entry of May 25, 2009 – Not only does Malachi continue to grow (I had to raise the plank that keeps Noelle out of his playpen this week) his whiteness is now giving way to the buckskin underneath. Especially on his neck. See the photos above and below. Kathleen doesn’t usually get to show up in these posts because Read More→
Quite a Morning Adventure for Malachi!
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What a spectacular morning! Malachi really stretched his boundaries on his at-liberty walkabout. Although today it was a race-about. He had never ventured farther than Read More→
Below is a portion of a chapter from my next book, which might give you a hint as to why we adopted Miss Noelle, who was pregnant with Malachi when we brought her home.
I was astonished when I learned that we were at risk of losing America’s wild horses. How could that be? These horses are not only a living laboratory, as a group they are a legendary icon of Read More→
This photo was taken at 3 weeks old, but our boy horse is almost two months now (see below) and is definitely proving every day that deep down every horse on the planet would prefer to be in relationship than not. Born of two wild unhandled parents he is completely unafraid of people or other horses. Perhaps too much so. I’ve brought everyone from the herd Read More→
Spending Quality Time with Malachi
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I’m writing this on Saturday, March 21st, Malachi’s 17th day on the planet, but this photo and all the ones below were actually taken on his 12th day. I’m spending so much time with him and Noelle that I’m sorry to say I’m having trouble keeping up with everything else, like photos, newsletters, even email. By the way, all the fantastic photos you’ll see in this journal entry Read More→
Malachi – The Soul of a Horse Continues
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March 11, 2009, Malachi’s 8th Day
Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament of the Bible. In Hebrew the word means messenger, and in the Book of Malachi the message is that change is coming.
Malachi intended to write a book about change.
I didn’t.
In fact I didn’t set out to write a book at all. Kathleen and I were just trying to figure out how to keep and care for a small group of horses that had somehow landed quite unexpectedly in our front yard. We were asking Read More→
Morning Surprise – It’s a Boy!
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March 3, 2009 – We’re giddy. Last night everything was normal. No liquids anywhere. And this morning there he was. And mommy is very much a mommy. And very protective. This morning I couldn’t touch Read More→
In the Beginning… A Pregnant Mustang for Christmas
By · CommentsFrom the journal January 3, 2009 – On the evening of December 20th, 2008, we arrived home with my Christmas gift from Kathleen, an untouched pregnant Mustang adopted from the BLM in Reno, a six-year-old buckskin lady who chose us – well, chose Kathleen. I had missed her completely in our survey of the 150 or so mares in the five-and-over pasture at the BLM facility the week before.
Just imagine being the very first person ever to be touched by a wild Mustang, and being the first person to touch her foal. Shivers skitter up my spine every time I think about it. Two horses Read More→
