December 31, 2012 - Morgan 20 minutes

No notes, no pictures.  All I remember is saying that was the worst ride ever.  Not sure why - shouldn't wait 2 weeks to write it down in my riding journal.

December 30, 2012 - Morgan 30 minutes

Rode Morgan around the house.  Tried to pony Smoke, but Morg was antsy and didn't want to walk so I dropped Smoke off and rode her for about 20 minutes.

December 16, 2012 - Morgan & Majesty: 1 hour

Saddled up Morgan while Bill tried to get Majesty near the tire.  Morg and I rode over to lend support.   Morg circled the tire and then we wandered off.  Bill got Maj to walk up to the tire after that. :)

We wandered out the north gate and headed west.  We went down a road neither horse had been down before.  Morg fast walked so we had to circle back to Maj a few times or I had to put her behind Maj.  She slowed down when asked, but she really wanted to step out.  We turned left and followed the street.  Morg had a hard time with the cars on the road (even if they were 2-3 streets over) and she kept a wary eye on them.  Also the barking dogs made her nervous until she realized they were fenced.

We cruised down the street back to our house (I had to fight her a little more so she wouldn't outpace Majesty), but no bolting so that was good.  When we got to our driveway we turned to the open desert and struck out towards the dunes.  There was a truck shadowing us and Morg would alternately stop to watch it and then trot to catch up to Maj.  Annoying, but not frustrating.

We climbed a steep dune and got ahead of Maje but she dead stopped at the top, which made it hard for Majesty to climb.  After that, she only wanted to walk behind Majesty.  After 2 more we started to head home.  We kept them at a walk since the ground was still mushy, but we let them run down the driveway twice just for fun.  

New saddle pad is working out great!  Morgan is a rockstar! (A "frustrated cause no one lets me run" rockstar)

December 15, 2012 - Morgan, 20 minutes

Rained the night before, so the ground was mushy.  Opened Morg's stall to let her run a bit and Maj chased her back into the stall - shell fell trying to turn.  Checked her hoof; little bleeding, but no heat.  Put iodine on it and let her play in the turn out while I locked up Trav and Maj.  She zoomed around the arena a few times, so I figured she was OK to ride.

Tossed a saddle on and then walked her to the front where the tractor tire had been left.  She snorted, ran circles around me, and kept staring at it.  I let her circle, but each time I got closer to the tire.  I unhooked one rein and sat on the tire while she pranced around snorting.  Eventually she realized it wasn't scary so we moved on to riding.

I was losing the light, so we only ran around the yard a bit.  I love how comfortable I feel with her!  We rode for about 20 minutes before we untacked and I fed everyone, but it was rejuvenating! :)

December 14, 2012

Came home to find our adopted goat Lucy had passed away.  Our little Lucy is now truly in the sky with diamonds :)  Hope you're having fun with all the other pygmy goats Lucy gal.

December 7 - 9, 2012

Worked all weekend at a hotel.  Came home late Sunday night - no riding.

Called vet out for Smoke - abscess in front hoof.  Soak in solution for 2 weeks. No riding.

November 25, 2012 - ACTHA Ride: 2.5 hrs

 Judged an ACTHA ride.

Morg had to inspect each water bottle before I could put them in the "pit"

We rode Morg & Maj to the obstacle, tied them off, and then judged the 2 groups before joining the ride.  We were far enough back to enjoy the ride and do the obstacles when we caught up.

Checking the obstacle ... needs a few more bottles

Morgan walked through the pit with water bottles, down a ravine and back up the other side, through streamers, and then she walked right up to a smoking camp fire, around it, and continued on to the end.  Like a rock star!

Morgan and I deep in conversation ... or, Amber blabbing away and Morgan patiently putting up with it ... again

The only "trouble" we had was standing still at the third obstacle.  She was tired but was in better shape than Majesty.  The two of them stood like champs tied to the trailer before and after the ride.

Being dorks in front of the smoking embers

I couldn't be prouder of Morgan!  She was fun to ride and well behaved!  Rock.Star.

Checking on riders ... making sure no one got left behind

November 24, 2012 - Sundance: 15 minutes

Dance was awfully cuddly so I tossed the bitless on her and took her out of the turn out.  I hopped on and we wandered around a while.  She trotted for a bit, but I slowed her back down after a few paces.  It was dinner time, so we cut the ride short.

November 23, 2012 - Morgan: 30-45 min ride, 30 min trailer

Had an hour to ride so I hopped on Morg.  Was going to pony Smoke, but she layed down in the turn out and didn't show signs of getting up anytime soon.

Rode Morg around the yard before heading out the gate.  She moved at a constant fast walk, but hesitated at the corner so I let her wander.  We went through the ravine that used to be the street.  She stopped and tried turning or crow-hopping quite a few times between Amy's gate and the next property.  I had to work hard to keep her going forward, but we made it to our destination before turning back towards the house.

Wandered in and out of the desert a few times and then in the front driveway.  Untacked her and then decided to work on loading in the new trailer.  I climbed in and asked politely to have her step in.  After 30 minutes I had her front two hooves in three times in a row, so I called it a success and fed her.  

Good work day :)

November 20, 2012 - Breeding

Thinking about breeding Morgan.  Bill liked the black Morgan from the trail ride.  I found two grulla stallions online that are about 14 hh.  I have conformation, height & personality.  I'd like to breed for color.

Wants: Bald face, grulla, buckskin, dun

Would be wonderful if there was such a thing as a medicine hat Morgan

November 18, 2012 - Morgan: 40 minutes

About 4:30 (dusky) I took Ms. Morgan for a ride.  She voluntarily went around the Utah peep's property, then we turned and walked down the north driveway and around the neighbor's house through the washed out street.  Like a rock star!

November 17, 2012 - Mochie, Majesty, & ACTHA ride

Rode Mochie on the trail ride.  Was told I would need to ride 1st because there was a young Morgan stallion who walked fast.  Damn!  Where was my Morgan?!  They left before I could get Mochie out the gate and tried to catch up, but Mochie did her springy walk/trot and bounced my iPod out of my pocket twice cause me to turn back/dismount.  Once I saw the Morgan had made the 1st turn, I headed Mochie back to join the 2nd group and Majesty.  She hustled her butt back, that's for sure!

Mochie & Majesty waiting to head out on the trail

She kept dragging her feet, but she kept with the pack and only occasionally tried to snack on the road.  I can't seem to keep her on the trail ... she wanders off to the left/right, but not straight.

Mochie and I at the top of a sand dune

Majesty climbed the huge hill on his first try, then 
calmly walked back down.  Bill had the camera, so no pics. :(

Mochie and I finding the trail

We let Maj, Mochie, and Gina's horse stretch out and canter at one point.  Great fun!  Still not used to the bumpy ride of a QH :)

Some days, I'm amazed at the scenery we get to see

They finished just fine and loaded right up.  Good day, but I still wish I'd taken Morgan.

November 16, 2012 - New Trailer

Bought a new two horse straight trailer.  Bill spent most of the day cleaning it out.  Got it ready for tomorrow's ACTHA ride.

November 12, 2012 - Morgan - 2 Hours

Ditched work early and ran home to join in another trail ride.  Rode Morgan because she needs experience with others.  Bill borrowed Seven.

This time Morg led the pack with Jackie (on Cash) following.  We had to stop three times to let the others catch up.  Morg does not like to stand still. *sigh* 

 We skipped the backing up obstacle, but did the others.  There was one rather large sand dune that everyone wanted to try, so Morg and I charged the hill.  Made it about 1/4 of the way before we turned back.  Need a breast collar to try something that vertical.  One other horse made it up.  Bill and Seven got 1/2 way up before Seven bogged down.

Morgan and I took off to run while they were playing with the hill.  Came back and this time got in the back of the pack.  Morg spent the rest of the ride basically shoving Seven along, but she walked.  We didn't do well at the "gate" obstacle, but we did better than the time before.  I did manage to get the "gate" closed.

While waiting for the others to go through the gate, I tried to keep Morg standing still.  I noticed her cheek strap was bulging and reached forward to adjust it.  She started spinning in circles as soon as my hand closed on the strap.  Had to let go and sit back in the saddle. 

Then we battled about standing still.  When she finally stood, I hopped off and adjusted the strap.  She really fought me and I am ashamed to say I lost patience and gave her a smack to the cheek to get her attention. 

I got back in the saddle and rode her in last place the rest of the time.  Twice she's acted out in the same spot.  I suppose she's anxious to get home, but really, we need to work on standing still and stopping again.  She doesn't stop like she used to anymore.  She also wouldn't load - even with a flag or the butt rope.  I think she was mad at me.  I was upset with her too.

Guess I'll be riding Mochie in Saturday's trail ride. Dang it.

November 11, 2012 - Smokem Mochem & Majesty

Smoke got a hoof trim.

Took Mochie on the trail ride by Todd's house.  Did fairly well - little push at first, but didn't crowd the horse in front of her at all.  Kept trying to eat, so had to keep after her for the first half hour.  Then she got tired and slowed down, so I moved her to the back with Bill and Majesty.  After an hour and a half she was walking so slowly I had to ask her to trot to catch up.  Poor girl!  I bet she didn't expect to ride 2 hours that day! :)

Only problem was at the "gate" opening obstacle because the string had flags that were attached.  She tried hard though and kept walking to the rope, but when I lifted it and flags fluttered, she backed away.  Ah well.

Gina sent Bill a text later that said I should get rid of Morgan and keep Smokem.  As if. :) 

Majesty was superb, but seemed tired this trip.  He was dragging at the end and we didn't even run any portions of the trail.

Temperatures dropped quickly and we lost the sun while trailer loading.  So cold!  Glad we didn't work them up into a sweat too bad.

Jackie from my work joined us for the ride.  She borrowed Todd's horse Seven.

November 10, 2012 - Wasabi, Sundance & Morgan

Sabi - 30 minutes
Rode Sabi outside the turn out.  She was not so hot to ride as I was.  Did ok the first 10 minutes - even walked down the driveway while Bill was burning weeds in an open stack, but she kept wanting to trot when she wasn't asked to and didn't wan to go the direction asked.  Got into an argument with her when I asked her to stop and she gave a small buck, so I pulled the reins up.  The she reared up once and then twice.  She was headed up a third time when I dismounted, and smacked her hard.  Then stared her down before remounting and then she walked when and where as politely as Mochie. Hmmm.

Sundance - 10 minutes
Saddled Dance and rode around the yard for a bit.  Asked her for a trot, but cut it short due to her limp.

Morgan - 20 minutes
Saddled a miffed Morgan, but she did great!  We rode out the north driveway and around the block, back to the stalls.  We putzed around and then walked around the block in the opposite direction.  This made her a bit nervous, but she handled it like a rock star!

November 4, 2012 - Morgan and Majesty

Morgan and Majesty - 2 Hours

Loaded both and hauled them to Todd's house.  Had hooves trimmed.  Saddled them up and went on a 2 hour trail ride with Todd, Gina, Wade, Cristian & Carol (paint).  

Morgan peeking through the bushes at Bill

Morg wanted to walk in front and wouldn't hold still when asked (at all), but she climbed sand dunes and went through Mesquite trees like she'd been born to do it.  Couldn't get her to focus on the obstacles if she saw Majesty, and we spent the "rest" time running around bushes and up and down dunes.  Did great on walking trough creepy/close quarter obstacles.  Walked in then backed out of a thicket, and walked down a steep hill.  We need to work on side passing - we could not do the "open and shut" the gate.  But, by then my mild headache had turned into a full blown throbbing ache.  We got ahead of the group and let Majesty and Morgan flat out run for a good stretch, then turned and ran back to the group.  She walked home as quiet as you please, and was covered in sweat, salt, and sand.  Loaded like a champ!

What did I learn?
1) work on side passing
2) she does not like to be in the back
3) she follows too closely
4) she has way more energy than I thought.  Spent most of my time pulling her back/off others. Shoulders ached for 2 days.
5) she does not like to stand still
6) climbs dunes like a rock star!
7) we do better alone than in backs.  Bill says she needs more saddle time.
8) she kept a wary on on the dogs with us. Not sure about that.

We will be leading a group for the ACTHA ride next week.  Ought to be interesting.

Good note: Todd commented that I got after Morgan - he said it like it was a compliment

November 3, 2012 - 45 minutes

Morgan & Mochie
Saddled up Morgan and ponied Mochie for a walk around the "block."  Had a little trouble getting them into position to mount - an extra pair of hands would have been really helpful.  Went down the north driveway and turned west to the corner.  

Morgan made Mochie trot at a few spots, but they easily slowed to a walk when asked.  Tried to trot the last stretch home, but Mochie was too lazy.

Unhooked Mochie and took Morgan out by herself.  We wandered through the open desert and walked calmly home, even when a 4 wheeler passed us on the road.  Took a few pictures and thought again that the best view in world is between Morgan's ears :)

* took pics from saddle

October 28, 2012 - Sabi, Morgan, Majesty

Sabi
Worked Wasabi in the turn out for a few minutes and then saddled her.  Bill decided to ride her, so he put in a bit.  Sabi did a great job standing while he mounted and I walked her around on a lead rope.  Then I removed the lead rope and just walked beside her for a bit.  We walked and trotted, and she came to a stop on the second request.  
Bill had me stand off to the side while he rode her a bit - she did really well!  I opened the gate and we walked to the end of the driveway - she gave a little guff, but was manageable.  Turned and walked her back.  She fought a little when asked to stop, but still ok.  
I hopped on and rode her in the ease area, then asked her to trot back.  Between the 2 trailers was a tarp and she stepped everywhere but on it.  Cute!  Did a little yard work, then hopped off.  
Bill said he was really impressed with the work we'd done in the last few months. :)

Morg/Maj
Saddled up our two and headed down the street, then out into the open desert.  Had them walk in the "craters" left by the rain, through open areas, up sand dunes, and down the utility road for a bit before heading back.  Little kids were playing on the sand dunes and Morg gave a "start" at the sight of them, but collected herself rather quickly.  
Pushed them to a controlled trot in the open areas, let them lope down the utility road, and then let them move out to a run when the road was clear.  Fun!  I think that's the first time Morg dropped her "gait" with me :)
We played dodging and darting through bushes on the way home at various speeds.  Both were sweaty when we untacked, but not breathing hard.  Hosed them off and gave hugs :)

October 24, 2012 - No ride

Wanted to ride, but Bill fed at 6:00 pm and it was dark by 6:15 pm.  Groomed Morgan instead.  Anytime I get to hang out with her makes me happy.

October 21, 2012 - Morgan & Mochie

Took Morgan for a quick 20 minute ride with Mochie in tow.  The change in Morgan was adorable!  She was acting like a "tour guide" and taking Mochie to all her favorite spots - over to the planter where all the "snacks" are (Mochie actually stepped up into the planter trying to get snacks).

Walked around the block using the washed out road.  Morgan decided to take Mochie between the bush and the front porch when we got back to the shous.  Mochie pulled back (yanking my shoulder a bit), but Morg kept going forward, down the driveway and Mochie followed along.  Morgan made Mochie trot at a couple of points, but couldn't get them to a lope.  I left them standing under a tree snacking on grass while I untacked Morgan then led them both to the turn out and fed.  Fun!

October 17, 2012 - Scare

Bill sent me a text saying Morgan was laying down a lot.  Said she would take a bite then go lay down.  She was up when I got home, but fed her some sand clear to be on the safe side.

October 16, 2012

Got home with enough daylight to ride, but had to be in the house within an hour.  Quickly fed and groomed Morgan.  Used the brown bitless, need to buy new reins - too long, though the thickness is nice.

Didn't do too much, just out one driveway, in the other driveway, around the west yard and back to the tack shed.  Left her snacking at the horse trailer while I filled buckets for the morning.  Then fed her an additional 3 pounds before scooting in the house.

October 14, 2012 - Checking out flood damage

Saddled up Morgan because I wanted pics of the flood damage behind the house.  She stepped right out and followed the ruined road with no issues.  Walked her to Amy's gate before tuning back towards the house.  Wandered in and out of the desert and to the corner.  Turned back and picked up speed to the tack shed. She wasn't done, but I had to get inside.

All around rock star!

Note to self: Don't trot with a camera hanging off the horn ... smacks you in the belly

October 11, 2012 - Rain

Major flooding/hail due to storm.  2 feet of water rushing through the yard.  Horses and goats ok, just soaked and muddy. 

October 10, 2012 - Morgan & Lightening

Rode Morgan very briefly. Fed her half of her food so she would eat quickly.  Rode around the yard just past twilight. Hard to see, so I didn't ask for much.  Rode between house and bushes and once around the yard.  Was windy with flashes of lightning, but she was a champ!

October 9, 2012 - Wasabi

Rode Wasabit for a quick 15 minutes or so.  Fed her first and then saddled up and did some exercises in the turn out to get her head in "work" mode.  Rode outside the arena and had no issues going down either driveway.  Let her have her head and she gave me a few crowhops when asked for a lope.  Realized I was sitting forward, which would throw her balance off.  Slight stopping issue (had to ask 3 times), but otherwise uneventful.

October 8, 2012 - Luppy escapes

Wanted to ride Morgan, but Luppy escaped.  *sigh*  Took me so long to find Luppy that the sun was setting.  Most of the horses loving the new hay - but not Majesty.

October 7, 2012 - Barrel Work

* switched to Chaffhaye *

Morgan and Mochie were in the turn out.  I figured I'd squeeze in a quick ride on Morg, so I started grooming her.  Mochie kept shoving Morg away so I groomed her as well.  I saddled Morg and played in the yard, in the street, and went out the driveway, down 2 properties before turning back and walking through the desert. 

Once back at our driveway, I ran her at the barrel and turned round it, then back down the driveway.  We did this three times before she got what I was asking for.  Figured we'd better be ready for a keyhole race if we are going to compete. :)

Had a great time.  She sweated a little bit, so I know she worked!

Untacked her and tacked up Mochie.  She was eager to go around the property and was rather bold stepping down the driveways.  Every time she was asked for a trot, she gave a crowhop before complying.  Dork.  Spent about 15 minutes playing before I untacked her.

September 30, 2012 - Almost went team sorting

We were invited to a team setting session at Kelly's and decided to ride over.  I tacked up with the hornless but it felt like it was pinching her shoulders, so I switched over to the treeless.  Good idea since Morg was in heat, excited, and a little silly.

We had to run around the house a few times to work the sill out.  Hella fun for me, but a lot of work for her ... especially with it pushing 90 degrees.  Then Bill had to run Majesty around to get his silly out as well.  A good 30 minutes after walking out the door, we were able to start heading to Kelly's.

Morg was nervous and difficult to ride, but she stayed with me and tried hard.  I couldn't keep her in a straight line unless she was behind Majesty, but she walks faster than Maj so I kept having to bring her to a slow walk.  Three times we let them trot and/or lope.  I never worried about bringing her back to a walk or that she'd run off with me.  Twice she tried to turn home, but only needed gentle correction to keep going forward.

We made it to a quarter mile from Kelly's but we were all tired so we headed home down a different path.  She did much better heading home than going out, but she was tired.  We let them have their heads one property from the house, but I couldn't coax her into more than a lope.  We hosed them off and let them hang out in the arena for the rest of the day.  

Good day - not a great day - but good!

September 28, 2012 - Trying on the new saddle

If you ever want to know how awesome your horse is, buy a new saddle.

I hauled the saddle out and dropped it on Morgan's back while she was eating.  It looked good, so I decided to sit in it ... brought the step stool in, wrapped the latigo under her belly and tucked it through the cinch strap hole, and climbed on.  Then I realized I had not bridle on.  Hmmm.

Morgan started walking around the stall with just leg pressure, but I couldn't get her to stop because Majesty was trying to bite her over the rails.  Thankfully she did stop at the far end of the stall with a tug on her mane and I hopped off.

Only then did I realize how stupid that idea was.  The saddle wasn't on securely and it could have been bad.  Silly me.  I got a cinch, cinch strap, saddle pad, and the bitless and spent the next 20 minutes adjusting the saddle placement and stirrups.

Once I got it set, I climbed up and had Morg do a quick lap around the turn out.  Took 3 tries to get the saddle set up right.  Bet she was glad to see me go!

September 25, 2012 - New Saddle

Ordered new endurance "hornless" saddle.  Picked it up 9/28/12

Sometime between September 3rd & 24th, 2012

Rode Morgan twice - don't have dates.  Rode around the house, pushed her past her normal path by making her walk in the street rather than stay on driveway.  Also crossed the street north of the driveway and went into open field.  Rode at twilight.

September 2, 2012

We were supposed to ride with Wade yesterday, but we never received a call.

This morning I fed everyone and went out for an hour later for a ride.  I groomed Morg, but Mochie made it clear she wanted a ride so I took her first.  Been a while since I rode her around the property, but she handled it like a champ.  She barely trotted when asked for more speed (more like a fast walk, wait, and then trot if I continued to ask), but her steering was great!

I put her away and saddled Morgan.  Had to ask her to stand twice for mounting (without stool), and she started walking off before I was in the saddle.  Once I sat she began to trot towards the dogs area before I could get my foot in the stirrup. No matter, I found the stirrup once we stopped at the kitty condo for snacks.  She was bold today so we went round the yard to the planter then to the street.  We rode around the front of the property where the "dunes" are by the neighbors.  She flat out hauled ass to the tack shed.  Hella fun!

I laughed with delight and hopped off to hug her.  Since it was 90 degrees, I called it a day.  As I was leading her back to the turnout, she stopped.  I asked her to follow me, but she planted herself.  She wasn't done :)  I asked again and she walked in to the turnout.

Later I bathed Sundance, Majesty, Traveller, and Wasabi

August 31, 2012 - The 3 "M"s

Rode Majesty, Mustang & Morgan

Intended to start with Sabi, but Maji wanted to go, so I took him out for a quick spin (20 min).  Didn't let him go too far or fast because he is out of shape.  He spooked at the tarp covering the feed and again when he put his nose in the feed trailer.  So cute!

Rode Sabi outside the arena for the first time!  Mounted without the stool (took two tries) and then we wandered around the house and out in the desert behind the stalls.  Had her trot back to our yard, but had trouble stopping her ... had to go round in circles a few times before we stopped.  I got mad and snapped at her.  Made her walk, stop, walk, trot, walk, stop for a while before I felt comfortable letting her an a loose rein.  We need more saddle time together, but she exceeded my expectations.

No running off, no bucking, no real fighting, and no spooking.  Had her go all the way around the house and trotted in the turn out.  She always gives a crow hop when i first ask for a trot, but no adverse behavior when asked for a canter.  It was lovely!  I would describe it as floaty ... her stride is so much longer than Morgan.  All said and done, I think she did rather well. I wouldn't hesitate to ride her again.

Since Morgan was jealous, I took her for a jaunt.  We had to argue about standing still while mounting, but that was our only "issue."  We wandered round the house until she decided to go in to the open area behind the stalls.  She continued on until we hit the "street."  It had been flooded out and washed away in the heavy rains.  The ground was still soft, but she handled herself admirably and continued around the "block."  I let her canter home from the neighbor's driveway and it was joyous!  So in love with her!

August 28, 2012 - Full Moon

Was windy and rainy for 2 weeks.  Washed out driveways and flooded paddocks.  Too yucky to ride.

Saddled Morg as the sun dipped behind the mountain.  Full moon and breezy, but light enough to see.  She was cautious but not not spooky.  Rode around the yard for 20 minutes with no problems at all.  For our first "night" (twilight) ride, I couldn't be happier ... she tried so hard and I appreciated her efforts!

August 6, 2012

** August 4, 2012 - Majesty and Morgan: hooves trimmed **

Planned on taking Sabi out since she was in the turn out, but something made me put her away.  I pulled out the saddle and Morg practically put it on herself she was so ready to go.

* Noticed the left flap on the saddle is separating.  Have to watch it

We walked out in the open area behind their stalls, about 3/4 of the way to the street before I mounted.  She does much better without the stool.  She blasted back the way we came and continued past the shed and down the driveway.  She wanted to go left but I turned her round and we ran back ... she lost footing and then began to walk.  She wasn't pulling , so I let her head round the top of the turn out and along the fence line.  

Sun was in our eyes, so I turned her around again.  This time we went left at the end of the driveway, but the yard art, and over to the planter where we stopped to snack.  I moved her on, making our way through the narrow walkway and two steps on the cement with no hesitation.  She eyed the PT Cruiser as if it would eat her, but ignored the other 3 cars.  Who knows?

Down the driveway, over to the goats, back round the tack shed, big spook (two huge side steps) and then near the propane tank to eat grass by the cat condo. She was responsive, kept a great pace, and (mostly) level-headed. 

She would have headed out to the open desert - heck, she would have gone anywhere I asked - she wanted to get out and have fun.

Love, love, love her!

July 27, 2012

** Christopher left. **

I'm sure I did something with the horses, but I forgot to record it.

July 15, 2012 - Sundance's Pullback Issue

**  July 14, 2012 - Christopher came home **

Morgan, Dance, and Mochie (Smoke) were in the turn out.  I started to groom Morg, but Mochie kept butting in and cuddling.  I groomed her and tossed on the saddle pad, but she walked to the very last stall and put herself away.  sigh.

I saddled up Morgan (which is what I wanted to do initially).  Since Dance was hanging around I figured I could pony her.  I tied her to the saddle horn and started to lead Morg ... Dance pulled back and untied the lead.  I retied a bit better and tried again ... same result.  The third time I tied it better and started to lead Morg, but Sundance pulled back so hard she pulled Morgan back a step or two, and Dance continued to pull back (enough so her front hooves came off the the ground).  Morga held steady and didn't panic.  I got around to the other side and untied Dance once she stopped pulling.  Morgan is amazing.

I put Dance away and rode Morg around.  The weather was 70 degrees, cloudy, slightly windy and the ground was damp from 2 days of rain ... perfect riding weather to go fast!

I walked Morgie to the end of the driveway and tried to mount while having her stand in sand deeper than the packed stuff she was used to; took us 5 tries before she held still.  To her credit, Bill was feeding everyone else while she was having to work.

We blasted down the driveway, to the front of the house, turned and blasted back tot the turn out gate.  We sauntered over to the feed trailer and Bill gave her a cube before we headed to the open desert by their stalls.  She got a bit nervous and I had to ask twice, but we made it to the bush I had selected before we turned and came back to the feed trailer.  Once more up the driveway (that was a bit of a discussion) before we ran back down the driveway, round to the front, and then stopping at the tack shed.  

Morgan is amazing.  Simply amazing ... I couldn't ask for more!

** note to self: don't ride horses in capri pants. Right leg bruised below kneww. Doh! **

July 9, 2012

Took Wasabi for a walk and practiced tying her off for periods of time.  She smelled the propane tank, sniffed the PT Cruiser, put her head over the goat fence, and walked the narrow space between the goat fend and the upside down roof.  She's not afraid of anything - for better or worse. 

Temperatures over 110 degrees all week - so no riding for the horses.

July 8, 2012 - Wasabi's Saddle Training

Saddled up Wasabi and had Bill lead her around with halter/rope combo while I sat in the saddle.  Did pretty well, no spook, but for the first lap around the house, her head was up and she wanted the lead.  Kept trying to get ahead of Bill.  He kept having to circle her to keep her in line, but by the second lap her head came down and she was better.

Never felt nervous; in fact I felt encouraged about riding her.

July 4, 2012 - Not my best idea

Rode Morgan.  Rainy, wet, firecrackers.  Probably not my best idea to ride.

Lots of head shaking - hopped off and she rubbed her head on my torso.  Didn't see anything, but it obviously bothered her. Tried walking down the driveway, but kids lit firecrackers as we got near then end of the driveway.  She did well, but it bothered her.  Took 4 times to mount.

She didn't want to ride, but I pushed the issue because it was 75 degrees.  She tore down the path by the turn out, then turned and full out ran back - tried to go between the trailer and feed bin, but I got her to stop.  It was just no fun.  She didn't want to walk anywhere and her head wasn't with me.  I struggled to get her to the tack shed to untack.  

Walked her to the turn out, tossed down hay and took off bitless.  Before I could shut the gate, she dashed out and ran to Sundance's stall.  Caught her easily, but I was frustrated.

Good horse; bad day.

June 27, 2012

Took Wasabi for a walk.  Tied her off in various locations while I fed.

June 18, 2012 - Fly Mask "Fun"

Tried to put a fly mask on Sabi today ... she turned and ran out of the stall in to the turn out.  I made her run a lap and Luppy came running into the arena to chase her back to her stall.  :)  Sabi stood still but moved her head around while I put on the mask.

June 17, 2012 - Loud celebrations = distractions

Rode Majesty outside the turn out, but he didn't have a good time.  Toes are too long and the neighbors were having a Father's Day celebration complete with yelling children, three wheeler rides down our street, and loud music.  After two trips up the driveway and one by the top of the turn out, and a few scan moments by the back of the stalls we called it a day.

I took Sabi for a walk in the desert farther than before.  Despite the distractions, she did fairly well; only circled around me twice before returning to a walk.  Had there not been a fiesta, I would have tried riding her.  Dang it.  Thought about ponying her off Majesty for Monday.

June 16, 2012

Bill rode Sundance and I rode Morg, but we didn't get out there until 8:00 pm so it was dark.  Dance tried a few laps, but she was pulling her leg.  

I let Morg move out down the back stretch and Dance tried to cut the corner and run, but it looked like it hurt.  So we only rode in the turn out for about 10 minutes.

June 14, 2012 - Short Ride

Windy and warm.  Wasn't sure if I wanted to ride.  Neither was Morgan.  Guess 6 days in a row is too many for both of us.  Wasn't a bad day, but I could tell she didn't want to go.

We made one lap around the house, but she spotted the goat feed on top of the wine casket and we had a "discussion" about moving on.  She was not happy, but she did what I asked.  After a short 10 minutes we called it a night.  

She did way better with mounting, which is good!

Wasabi looks like she'd like to go for a ride.  I might try it Saturday.

June 13, 2012

Rode Morgan - first time ever riding 5 days in a row!
I love that when I am outside, Morgan is watching me.  Anytime I face the stalls or turn out, she's looking right at me

We walked the path from last night and then I mounted.  Still having trouble getting her to hold still on the first few times, but it is dinner time and she wants to go, go, go!  We rode the pattern we just walked.  Had a little hesitation at the corner - she doesn't like the sun directly in her face, but we turned the corner and walked nicely to the side driveway before I let her trot.  

We were going to do the pattern twice, but she seemed interested in exploring the area between the goats and the street so we hung out there for a while.  She stared off towards Amy's house for a while - no idea why.

We left and played in the sandy area by the turn out, down the walkway by the neighbor's house, then turned and walked back to the driveway before I let her run to the tack shed.  We goofed around a bit more until she found the goat's feed in front of the tack shed.  The I had to fight her for a bit to avoid the rebar.  Not too bad, just insistent.

Went down the driveway one more time before calling it a night.  She did trip as she was running back to the tack shed, but pulled out of it ... thought we were going to take a header!

June 12, 2012 - Sundance's Escape

So proud of Morgan! 

We went out at dinner time and took a walk by the goats, around a bush, crossed the driveway, circled and crossed the street, circled bush and came back.  Then I got in the saddle and we rode that same pattern with only minor moving of the reins once!

Then we marched out by the arena and out to the street.  We wandered through the area in front of the yard and were going down the driveway when Morgan spun around ... Sundance was behind us.  I had left her stall and the turn out open.  I hopped off, walked them both back, and put Dance away.

I walked Morgan back down the driveway and down the street to the corner of Cicchi & Emerald, around the yard and back down the driveway.  I re-mounted and rode for a bit more before letting her finish dinner.  

The girl was ready to go down the driveway and out into the open desert - darn me for leaving Sundance's gate open.

June 11, 2012 - Finding Contentment

For adults, hours in the saddle are stolen pleasures.

Rode Traveller in the turn out.  He wasn't happy as dinner had just been served.  Had to figure a way to climb on him bareback - decided to let him eat in his stall while I climbed up.  Rode around the turn out for a few minutes, but it was clear he didn't want to be disturbed.  I forget that sitting on him puts me five feet in the air.  Everything looks so different from that perspective ... I can't see over his head like Morg or Sabi and the ground seems so very far down.

He's bony and high-withered and it's uncomfortable to ride him bareback.  He's slimmer than Morg and not nearly as smooth, but he's oh so patient and slow. :)

Morgan was clearly upset that I rode Traveller.  She had called out to me when I approached the turn out with the bitless, and huffed when I put it on T.  I hopped on her, but she didn't want to ride in the arena and kept going to the gate.  If I had a saddle I would have opened it and gone out, but she was fired up and I didn't want to run with no saddle.

We sat at the gate and looked out at the sand dunes, and watched the sun set.  I realized how comfortable I was on her ... she's wide enough to make me feel secure but not stretched; her head is always straight up but I can see between her ears easily; she chuffs and huffs but it's not scary.  On her back I am at ease.  

With Majesty I get the feeling he'll take care of me.  On Smoke (Lil'Red) I get the feeling I'm the support base and I have to be alert at all times.  On Sabi it's a battle of wills for control.  On Sundance I am comfortable, relaxed, but I feel her limping so I worry about her too much to enjoy more than a few minutes.

With Morgan, I find peace and exhilaration, contentment and thrill.  I, too, want to ride out to the sand dunes with Morg!

June 10, 2012

90 plus degrees.  Took Morgan for a 20 minute ride around the yard.

Blasted through her favorite spot (top of turn out) and played in the brush between driveway and street.  Went around the house at a walk; went out by the back of the stalls; over to the goats by the feed bin.  Walked from carport to tack shed by the house.  Alternated between trotting, walking, and faster.  Great ride with no balking and only slight hesitancy when asked to go by goats.

Took Wasabi for a walk by the top of the turn out, down the dunes, and around the neighbor's house.  She did pretty well - only a little speedy coming back to the house.  She gets a little pushy but no bucking or rearing.  Would have felt comfortable riding her around the house.

Morg did NOT like that I took Sabi out.  She ran up and down the turn out snorting.  When we got back, Morg had to give me the all-over sniff to make sure I was OK.  Had treats in my shirt pocket ... not a good idea for the future.  Boob bites may occur.

June 5, 2012 - Morgan likes strawberries

Discovered Morgan likes strawberries.
78 degrees, slightly windy, 7:30 pm.  PERFECT!

Saddled Morgan and mounted outside the turn out.  Told Morgan we were riding solely for the fun of it ... go anywhere at any speed she wanted; I would only pick up the reins if I had to.

We flew to the top of the turn out, turned and sped back to the trailer area, turned and cantered back to the turn out area.  She headed to the front of the yard, headed out to the street and paused.  I let her think about it and then we headed back towards the house (people were walking in our direction).  We climbed the "sand dunes" in front of the house, tore down the driveway, zoomed by the goats, back to the turn out, down that driveway, turned and out the back by the trailers.  We hung out in that open field for a while and then trotted back to the tack shed.

I found that if I didn't think about my legs/seat/positioning I was able to sit comfortably at all speeds with a loose cinch.  Great fun!

May 29, 2012 - Wasabi Rears

Took Wasabi for a walk around the yard.  Walked down the front driveway, by the cars, and by the dog run.  Two times she decided to go past me and then did circles around me with little "hops" (small kicks).  Walked over to the neighbor's fence (by goats), in and out of the bushes there.  

She reared up once, but didn't strike out or try to pull the lead.  We walked back through the bushes again and then by the propane tank, by the porch and then we "hopped" over the logs in the yard before going back to the turn out.

May 28, 2012 - First Jump!

Over 90 degrees, so I kept the ride short.  Took Morgan out at dusk for 20 minutes.

Let her have her head and we cantered down the driveway & into the yard in front of the turn out.  Had her walk to carport & then cantered back to tack shed.

Morgan jumped the logs in the yard at a trot.  1st jump ever for me!

Walked to the end of driveway and a little way into the desert before heading home.  I've discovered that I love when she runs!

May 27, 2012

Rode Morgan with Bill and Majesty.

Went out the back of the stables and around the block (by Utah peeps).  Had a little trouble - she wanted to turn back towards the house.  I turned her and had her walk behind Majesty.  Rode at canter from carport around the house, tack shed, & back to top of turn out.  Went down the street towards Bill & Kathy's, but only made it to the end of the neighbor's house.  We turned back and then wandered through the desert for a while.  She was nervous but OK.  Ran them around the yard again - full out run.  Exhilarating!

May 23, 2012 - Majesty Escapes

Rode Morgan in turn out for a quick lap and then went out the gate.  She was hesitant about going down the driveway, but was willing to blast down the arena and towards the street.  We rode in the open acres behind their stalls, but I had to let her stop and think a few times.  I let her run back, but made her go between the feed and trailer.

She wanted to look at the goats, so we spent time over there.  She kept trying turn around when I asked to go down the driveway.  Finally I looked behind us to see what had her attention - Majesty was wandering around the yard. Sigh.

I put her back in her stall, then collected Maj and locked him in his stall.  Then Morgan and I went back out the gate.  She blasted around the front yard, back acres, and down 1/2 of the driveway.

I loved it and laughed out loud and hugged her.  I am constantly thankful for my  Morgan!

May 22, 2012

Rode Wasabi in turn out for 10 minutes.  Really fighting to turn right or left.  Traveller was in the turn out eating, so that may be part of the issue.  Try blunt spurs.

Rode Morgan around the turn out for a bit.  I opened the gate and took her for a walk in the open acres behind their stalls.  Then I mounted and we rode back to the goats, down the driveway, and to the tack shed.  Untacked in front of the shed and walked her back to her stall.

Majesty looked like he wanted a ride, since I had the bitless I put it on him.  Seemed disappointed we didn't have a saddle, so he just walked to the open stall and started eating.  Guess he wanted to run.

May 15, 2012

Saddled Sundance and ponied Morgan around the turn out for a bit to make sure they were ok with the situation.  Opened the gate and both were excited to go out.  Walked to the end of the goat pen and back.  Dance was stumbling so I untacked her in the turn out and let her eat.

Saddled Morgan and took her for a walk between the trailer and stalls, out in the open acre behind their stalls, turned left at the road and then back to the house.  She checked me twice for treats, but no issues otherwise.  Want to take her and Luppy on the same route before trying to ride it.

May 13, 2012

Took Morgan for a walk near dogs, past the goats, and out into open desert farther than before.  Came back on one of the trails in front of neighbor's house.  Used 3 treats to get out; none to come back. 

Then saddled up (4 times at mounting block) and headed down the driveway.

1. 3/4 way through goat pen & turn
2. End of goat pen & turn
3. To the edge of driveway and two steps in to street then turn.  Kept trying to walk to the right on the way back, and would stop a few times when headed to driveway.

Rode Sundance bareback around yard.  Leter her have her head and we wandered to the goats, end of driveway, visited the feed holder, in the neighbor's yard behind their stalls.  She wanted to trot, but she was tripping & pulling on her bad leg so I kept her at a walk.  Great ride on Dance!

May 9, 2012

Benny died.

My boss said "You can't have a Benny without a Joon, so he joined her."  Probably a lot of truth in that statement.  Miss you Ben Ben.

May 6, 2012

Rode Morgan twice around the turn out.  She kept going to the gate, so we rode outside.  She kept a nice pace as we went up and down the driveway twice.  She held still in front of the tack shed as I unsaddled her.  

Spider crawled up the pad to the saddle. Ew!  She followed me back to her stall without the reins.

April 27, 2012

Joon died.
Heartbroken.  Cried all the way to work.  Cried at work.  Can't stop crying.  I miss my goat.

Hooves trimmed: Majesty, Morgan & Smokem

April 24, 2012

Took Morgan for a walk at 8:00 pm - still 80+ degrees!  Fed at 5:30 pm.

Followed the turn out fencing, walked to the sand due at west end of property.  Went by cars and dogs with no issues - probably because of the treats in my pocket.  4-wheeler drove by, so I had her stop and face it.  No issue.

Walked into the open desert by the side driveway - toward desert & back to house three times; each time a little farther.  Last time jogged to the tack shed (for another treat).

I started to put her back in the turn out, but she wasn't done, so we walked over the railroad ties by the tack shed.  Didn't take much coaxing.  Walked by food with wind blowing tarp - all good.

Love this horse!

April 21, 2012

Took Morgan for a walk.  Went around the house starting near car port.  She had a little anxiety when not in view of other horses; one little spook, but she calmed down quickly.

Little high strung near the dogs, but much better once we passed the car.  She didn't try to lead or push me, which was good.  Walked passed the food trailer, behind the stalls, and back to the arena.  

Need to do this everyday for a week to get her used to leaving.

April 22, 2012
Went to Arabian show, wouldn't trade Morg for all of them!

April 18, 2012

Hopped on Wasabi bareback for a quick ride in turn out.  Fought me less for her head, but won't walk to the end or all the way around arena.  In her defense, it was an hour past dinner.  Initially, I had to make her run a lap and a half to halter her, but when I released her she came right to me.

April 9, 2012

Rode Sundance, Smoke & Wasabi around the turnout; bareback with bitless.

• Sundance was limping at a walk, so kept it to one lap and then to her stall.
• Smoke took a few tries to get her to hold still, but allowed me to hop on.  Rode basically to her stall.
• Wasabi wouldn't line up at stall.  Tried a few times then tied up the reins and sent her on a few laps.  Stood still.  As soon as I got on, the wind picked up, so I asked her to hold still.  Never moved!  Didn't fight me so much for her head, and walked to her stall when asked (verbal).  Stall was closed, so she tried nosing it open.  I reached forward and opened it - no spooking.  She's pushy about food.

April 8, 2012

45 minutes

Rode Majesty, Morgan & Wasabi around the turnout, bareback with bitless.

• Majesty was a gem
• Morgan does not like to stand next to mounting stool.  Took 4 tires before I could mount.  Have to be very careful with cues because she is so sensitive.
• Mustang stood like a rock for mounting.  She does not walk off until the command is given.  Gives a little crowhop before moving out into a trot.  Fights for her head.  Wanted to go out the gate and fought me for a few minutes before I could get her off the gate.