A Day Filled With Surprises - Or, Rocket Fizz's Wardrobe Malfunctions and Spooktasticness

Sunday, November 30th  70 minute ride 
Rode with Bill and Wasabi

So, Bill woke me up this morning and told me the horses were saddled. Wait, what?  He'd woken up early and fed the horses then went out an hour and a half later to groom and tack the horses ... all without waking me up.  Now that's the kind of husband that deserves a trophy for awesomeness!

Surprise!  Two wonderful horses tacked up and waiting to go!  I've got one incredible husband :)

We came across a spot where Wasabi needed to step up about 8". She hesitated a second, but then thrust herself upwards.  When she launched, she farted. I couldn't help it, I started laughing and told Bill she had to use gas propulsion to get up the "embankment."  I started singing "Rocket Man" and Bill changed the words to rocket fizz.  Sadly for her, I think the nickname may stick because she was certainly gassy.

I think Wasabi was trying to say cheese too!

Shortly after that, Bill noticed his cinch was loose.  Perhaps she'd let out enough gas by then. HA!  Bill hopped off, tightened the cinch, and we were on our way again in no time.

Bill giving Wasabi a congratulatory rub ... she's a sucker for neck rubs

After half an hour later, I noticed Wasabi didn't have a curb strap.  I asked Bill about it, and he swore she had one on when we left.  Somehow she'd managed to get the curb strap in her mouth.  He hopped off for a second time, fixed the issue, and we were off again.

Remounting after wardrobe malfunction # 2

About ten minutes later we stopped to chat with a friend when I noticed Wasabi's headstall was only on over one ear. So, Bill hopped off, took off the headstall and was putting it back on when a loud braying from right behind us spooked both horses.  To Wasabi's credit, she stuck near Bill without her headstall on when it would have been easy for her to take off and leave him standing there.

For my part, I was really surprised Morgan spooked.  I can't ever remember her jumping sideways like that before.  She settled quickly and we were soon on the way home, though she did keep a wary eye on that burro for a while.

Morgan keeping an eye on that "wild" burro

We were meandering along creating our own path, when Morgan tucked her tail and shot forward a few steps. Wait, what?  She's never done that before.  Hmmm. Uncharacteristic behavior usually means one thing ... she's coming in to heat.

Two tired mares resting while they are untacked

A quick roll in the sand and they're ready to go for another ride! 

Maybe next weekend girls ... tomorrow is a work day

It was a fabulous morning ride! Filled with adventure, new nicknames, wardrobe malfunctions, and spooks ... all kinds of fun!

Just Out Having Some Fun

Saturday, November 29th  70 minute ride 
Rode with Bill and Majesty

Guess who decided to join Morgan and I for a ride?

Bill and Majesty!

Wait ... Bill, are you passing us?

Hey!  We're not used to being so far behind! Get back here you two!

Who's out in front again? *Cheese* That's right, Morgie and Me.

This is what happens when I try taking "selfies" with Morgan while in the saddle ... basically, I just get her nose

Morgan's wearing the latest fall fashion ... the dirt saddle.

The Return of The Blue Roan

Friday, November 28th  35 minute ride 
Rode with Bill and Wasabi

Look who joined Morgan and I for a ride ... Bill and Wasabi!  She hadn't been ridden since August and without any prep she tacked up, headed down the road, stepped over fallen trees, and crossed open desert like she'd been doing this for years.  Including this ride, Bill and Wasabi have had a total of 9.5 hours of saddle time together.  So impressed with these two and their bond!

As for Morgan and I, well, this is the view we saw the most ... calm, quiet, and mostly straight. *grins*

Jingling Along, Trotting Out A Merry Song

Wednesday, November 26th  45 minute ride 
Solo

Only had to work a half day.  When I arrived home I found one willing Morgan and sunshine ... which means, we snuck in a ride before Bill got home from work.

Look at those ears!  Pricked forward and ready to go!

Heading out down our familiar path with the sun creating interesting long-legged shadows of my favorite girl and I.

We deviated from our normal route and included an additional mile that we hadn't traversed in a while.  She was wearing her rhythm beads and they made a delightful jingling sound and we trotted along.

Home again and all smiles!  Love spending time with my Morgie!

Sweet Faces

Sunday, November 23rd  40 minute ride 
Rode with Bill and Majesty

Eclipse, our goat friend, didn't want us to leave without her.  Don't be fooled,  she didn't want to go with us, she just wanted to eat the leather straps on Bill's saddle. Again.

This is how most of our ride goes ... Bill and Majesty strolling along at a nice comfortable pace, and Morgan way out in front.

Morgan and Majesty discussing the quickest route home.  Majesty always wants to go for a ride ... right up until the point where you actually leave the property. 

I hopped off to Morgan to close the gate and turned around to see the three most adorable faces staring at me ... and one slightly miffed mustang in the background (1st pic, to the right of Majesty).

Interrupting Morgan's Naptime

Saturday, November 22nd  30 minute ride 
Solo

Me: Hey Morgan! Long time no see!  How about a ride?!

Morgan: How about you let me take a nap in the sunshine?

Me: Morgan, what are you staring at?

Morgan: Goat.

Me: Want me to invite the goat to go with us?

Morgan: ...

Me: Feels great to see the world through your ears again Morg. Missed you.

Morgan: I see home!

Me: That was great Morg ... thank you!

Morgan: Yeah, yeah.

A Day of Silly Faces

Saturday, November 8th  60 minute ride 
Rode with Bill and Majesty

Normally I am in charge of the camera, drinks, snacks, extra batteries, or whatever can be stuffed in to the saddle bags.  This time I handed the saddle bag off to Bill once we left the property, which meant we got some very different pictures :)

Our goat (Eclipse, or "Lips" for short), decided heading out on the trail sounded like fun ...

Hey guys, where ya going, can I come?  Slow down, I have short legs!  

I'm coming!  Wait, that bush looks tasty ... I'll see you later.

Whenever the camera comes out, so do the silly faces ... tongues sticking out, cheesy grins, downright goofy looks, and grinning goats!

We explored an area we hadn't been through before ... what better way to have an adventure than getting off the beaten path with your favorite person and most awesome horses?

Bill took the lead for a while, and was taking pictures over his shoulder ... he makes me laugh ... perhaps he should be in charge of the camera more often!

What's that in the sky?  A bird, a plane, superman?  Nope, just me and Morgan waiting for the boys to catch up.

Just a great day filled with smiles and laughter!

Morgan is grouchy

Sunday, November 2nd  20 minute ride 
Solo

Morgan: You're making me go out that gate, aren't you?

Me: *looks innocent*  Maybe.

Morgan:  Hey, it's dinner time and none of this stuff is edible.

Me: Don't worry ... we'll make this quick.

Morgan: Not a single snackable in sight. You suck.

Me: You've mentioned that before.

Luppy's First Vacation

We decided to take two of the dogs with us for an overnight stay in Death Valley.  

This was Luppy's first "vacation" (as she is not fond of car rides), but Zeus is a seasoned vacationer and seemed to lend the comfort needed to make the trip enjoyable.  

For two dogs who spend very little time on leashes, they did fabulous!

Luppy (picked out of a box labeled "free puppies") and Zeus (our spotted pit bull that was purchased from our local kill shelter)