Monthly/Annual Totals

December 2015
Morgan - 134 minutes - 6.42 miles
Rhulain - 297 minutes - 9.0 miles 
Majesty - 133 minutes - 5.9 miles
  

Wasabi Saddle Time:
2014:     12.25 hours

2015:  Jan: 0
           Feb: 0
           Mar: 1.5 hours
           Apr: 0
           May: 40 min/10 min ground
           June: 1.9 hours
           July: 30 minutes (no saddle time)
           August: 0
           September: 31 minutes (no saddle time)
           October: 0
           November: 23 minutes (no saddle time)
           December: 25 minutes, 1.08 miles

2015 totals
Morgan - 2594 minutes (Jan-Dec) - 83.1 miles (Mar-Dec)
Rhulain - 2300 minutes - 81.5 miles (May - Dec)
Wasabi  - 360 minutes - 6 hours
Majesty - 811 minutes (Jan-Dec) - 32.23 miles (Mar-Dec)

Rhulain's Trailer Loading Session, Day 3

24 minutes - 0.85 miles - Rhulain
10 minutes - Trailer loading

We tried a different trailer loading method today and it worked out well.  I attached a long line to her halter, ran it through the feed bin, then out the emergency door.  That way I could stand next to her and lend encouragement from beside her and give a bit of pressure on her face.  She figured it out in no time at all.  Love.This.Mare.

We headed out the front gate and wandered off for a ride.  Temperatures were falling, so we kept it short and sweet.

Love Wasabi's face ... she looks irritated that she's having to wait for food.  Silly mare.

Ryver (the doberman) has taken to Rhulain in an odd way.  Ryver runs to the gate to meet us upon our return and "guards" Rhu until I put her back in the turn out area.  He takes his job seriously.  I may have to start including him on our rides.  It's an option.

Introspective

42 minutes - 2.35 miles - Morgan

I watched a few planes fly overhead today and wondered about the passengers.  What adventures awaited them today?

Were they excitedly chatting about arriving in Las Vegas and what they hoped to see/do?  Were they so attached to their phones they didn't look out the windows?  If they did look down, could they even see me in this mass of open land?

I wouldn't trade where I was right this second for a flight anywhere in the world.  I was busy riding Morgan and having our own wonderful experience.

Nothing but her and I exploring, reminiscing about past excursions, and planning future adventures. 

Together. 

As it should be.  

Love my Morgie so very much.

Rhulain's Trailer Loading Session, Day 2

22 minutes - 1.18 miles - Rhulain
20 minutes - Trailer loading

Bit more trailer loading training before we headed out.  I walked in the back door, then climbed out the "emergency" door and gently tugged on the lead line.  No pull backs, just a bit of nerves about bringing more than her front hooves in.  I got three hooves in and called it a success.  

We saddled up, and headed out for a quick jaunt around the desert.  Plenty of open areas to traverse and no destination in mind.  One quick side step when  a rabbit popped out of the underbrush, but otherwise uneventful.  Just they way I like my rides!

Rhulain's Trailer Loading Session, Day 1

38 minutes - 1.62 miles - Rhulain
15 minutes - Trailer loading

Figured I'd better check to see how Rhulain felt about trailer loading.  As far as I know, she has only been trailer loaded a few times ... once for her trip from San Diego to New York, once to and from the trainer in New York, and once from New York to our house.  

She didn't seem too concerned about the trailer, and with minimal effort she would stick her nose and front hooves in.  After about 12 minutes, she loaded all the way in and stood like a rock until I unloaded her.  This doesn't look like it's going to be a problem, but I'll repeat it for the next few days.

After that, Rhulain and I headed out for a nice, long ride.  I walked next to her for the first half, then hopped in the saddle for the ride back.  Not many pictures as I was more focused on just being with her in that moment.  She ambled along without a care in the world.  So grateful for Rhu!

Our Annual Christmas Ride

27 minutes - 1.23 miles - Morgan, Bill & Majesty

Every year Bill and I take our dynamic duo out for a ride.  There is comfort in our old friends, and in each other.

We are grateful for the many, many miles these two have carried us over the years.  We are also thankful to have each other.  The four of us are happiest when we're together.

They are the macaroni to my cheese.  

The frosting and sprinkles to my cupcake.

The sidekicks to our superheros. :)

They make me truly happy to be alive.

So, it snowed on Christmas.

47 minutes - 1.81 miles - Rhulain

Walked out the front door to see it had snowed for Christmas morning.

Rhu was worried her breakfast might be late because of the snow.

I assured her it was fine and breakfast was on the way.

Three hours later I took Rhu out for a long walk.  The sun had already melted most of the snow by that time, but we managed to find a few patches to play in.  Coming from New York, she probably didn't even consider it snow ... just white sand.  Ah well.

Strange Weather, Great Dog, Wonderful Horse

35 minutes - 1.55 miles - Rhulain & Luppy

 Sweetest face ever.

It was icy yesterday morning, so I dressed in multiple layers this morning expecting 21 degree weather.

It was 50 degrees outside. In mid-December. I'm so confused.

 Rhulain kept a watchful eye on her little yellow dog.

 And Luppy patrolled the path for errant jack rabbits.  She found a rather large one who lead her on a furious chase.  Luppy comes right back to us after her wanderings, so I let her have her fun.

 We walked for three quarters of a mile, then I hopped in the saddle and let Rhu carry me home.  She was a little forward, but settled into a wonderful pace and we had a nice, calm ride.  Rhu raced the dogs around the yard when we got in the gates ... gotta admire her spunk.  

Couldn't have asked for a better morning.

Beautiful Sunrise, Beautiful Horses

Just look at that sky!  It was marvelous to behold!

 

Add a beautiful horse ...

Plus two more beautiful horses ... 

One bag of carrots (Morgan & Rhu trying to open a carrot bag) ...

And it equals a beautiful way to start the day.

Luppy & Rhu's Relationship

30 minutes - 1.08 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Rhu was a little spicy this morning, so we had to do some lunging in the desert.  She settled down and then mugged me for treats.  All is right in Rhu's world whenever treats are involved.

What'cha got there little dog?

A smell!  Check it out Rhu!

Very nice pup, very nice.

*Grins*

These two crack me up.  Luppy finds stuff and brings it to Rhu for inspection.  Rhu politely leans down and sniffs whatever it is then snorts softly and Luppy starts dancing around.  It's quite entertaining to watch them "converse."

Bosco's First Walk

25 minutes - 0.93 miles - Bosco

Wasn't planning on taking Bosco for a walk this morning, but look at that sweet face!  Couldn't resist.  

He wasn't interested in taking pictures ...

 He much preferred the scenery.  There were so many new smells and bushes to mark!

He was great company and I will definitely take him again

Rhu's new halter; Bill & Wasabi having a bit of fun

25 minutes - 1.08 miles - Rhulain, Bill & Wasabi

Rhulain got a new halter.  I though the olive color would look dashing on her ... of course, she would make any color would look good.  She seemed a bit embarrassed by Wasabi and Bill's snuggle fest.

Cheese!

Bill and Wasabi pretending she's a reindeer.  You two are funny!

Much Needed Saddle Time

65 minutes - 2.84 miles - Rhulain, Bill & Majesty

Morgan: MOM, they're getting away!  Hurry up!

Pssst, Dad, you got any treats in your pockets?

Ahhhh, the comforting view of life between Morgie ears.

Morg and Majesty ... the wonder duo.  They make life wonderful ... full of smiles and calm.  

Exactly what was needed.

Rhu gave up her breakfast to hang out with me!

31 minutes - 1.20 miles - Rhulain

Pssst, Rhu ... wanna go for a walk?  I filled my pockets with cubes!

Let's go!

 

Hey, wait ... where's my little yellow dog?

Here comes Luppy now ...

  Zooming in for hugs as usual!