Last Ride of 2016

35 minutes - 1.37 miles

Christopher left yesterday and I took down the Christmas tree today.  I always feel sad when I pack away his personalized ornaments.  

To combat that sadness, and to keep with tradition, I took Morgie out for the last ride of the year.  I asked Bill to grab a picture of us as we headed out ... she is so tiny, wooly, and adorable.  She was a cranky pants for the first few minutes, but she settled down and we plodded along contentedly.  Such a nice way to wind up the year - just me and my fuzzy girl.

Dexter Shooting Location

I've been watching the TV series "Dexter" lately and recognized some of the landmarks in the background.  Turns out it was filmed in my hometown.  So, when Christopher needed to go to the courthouse in Los Angeles, I took the opportunity to visit a few of the shooting locations.  This is where Dexter's boat "A Slice of Life" was docked for the show.  Goofy fun :)

Petal Pattern Power!

52 minutes - 0.53 miles - Rhulain
25 minutes - 0.28 miles - Morgan

Rhulain and I did some ground work before saddling up and working in the yard.  It was a lovely way to spend an hour and I am really starting to like the petal pattern!  It's something she's really good at and helps us to settle.  I think I'll incorporate it into our sessions from now on.

Had just enough daylight left for a quick ride with Morgan.  We hung around the house checking out "scary" objects and then we worked on the petal pattern.  She was not happy about having to do circles; I can tell I've let her sit too long.  We'll have to work more than once a week to get back in the swing of things.  What's wonderful is that even on her worst day, she's still awesome and it's nothing we can't work through together.  She builds my confidence every time we're together.

Christmas morning

The view from my front porch Christmas morning ... perked ears and whinnies ... good morning my beloved horses!  They're the best present life ever gave me.

Run Free!

It was warm and I decided to let everyone out and enjoy the sunshine.  I threw open all their stalls and the mares took off in a burst of speed ... sometimes Morgan led the pack, sometimes Wasabi. By the time Majesty figured out how to get out of his stall, everyone else was settling down.  Rhulain decided to play and got everyone to run down the driveway and back (letting Majesty lead) before they started milling about looking for snacks.  

I love watching them run about, kicking up their heels, and reveling in their pure joy.

This is the Rhu I know and love!

31 minutes - 0.75 miles - Rhulain

I put a water trough in between Rhu and Wasabi ... they immediately set to playing in the water ... spitting water at each other, splashing water, stepping in it ... everything BUT drinking it.

After the chores were done, I decided to saddle up Rhulain.  We did some groundwork, some snuggling, some grooming, and some standing around flexing her neck while standing still.  She was so good, I set off to work the petal pattern again.  We did five nice patterns in both directions and then started wandering the yard.  She was so fabulous I seriously contemplated opening the gate and heading outside.  I think all this ground work and quiet time is really paying off ... a few more sessions and we'll be ready to ride off property again.

Saturdays are busy days

24 minutes - 1.08 miles - Morgan
32 minutes - 0.11 miles - Rhulain

The kid and I went for a two mile walk and hiked around the sand dunes.  I taught him how to slide down the dunes on a piece of cardboard, but the sand was too soft and he got stuck half way down.  We found a dune that had a nice drop and we tried it on our butts ... worked great!

 Morgan and I headed out for a quick mile ride after I finished the hike.  I think she was cranky it was me doing the riding rather than the kid.  Or maybe she doesn't like the Aussie saddle.  Whatever it was, she wasn't happy to go out for a ride.  She was unfocused and coiled the whole time, so we cut it short and went home.

Rhulain and I did some ground work on flexing her neck then I saddled up and practiced standing still for mounting.  Her job was to do nothing, and she did it quite well after a few attempts.  She was nervous, but she sure tried hard, and I love a girl who tries!

First Trail Riding Lesson for the Kid

60 minutes - Kid's first trail riding lesson
25 minutes - 1.21 miles - Morgan
21 minutes - 0.11 miles - Rhulain - groundwork

The kid has his first trail riding lesson with the trainer today.  They were gone an hour, which is the longest time he's ever spent on horseback.  The trainer she said he did pretty well, but sometimes he daydreamed and forgot to watch where the horse was going. :)

While we were gone, the other side of the mare motel got graded.  Now we can begin working on the turn out and the goat pen.

 The light was fading fast, so Morgan and I only got in a short ride.  She was fine up until we headed towards the gate ... then the neighbor's dogs rushed at us in full force, yapping and running underfoot.  I hopped off and shooed all six of them away while she stood still waiting for me.  

I had a few minutes before it became too dark to see, so I grabbed Rhulain.  She was clingy and seemed really nervous in the dark. So we worked on holding still while I mounted, and then flexing her neck to both sides.  It was a good session. 

Riding Soothes the Soul

32 minutes - 1.72 miles - Morgan

 Got some riding time in with my woolly mammoth of a pony.  I love this mare.  Even though it was cold, the light was draining from the sky, and there were horse-eating tumbleweeds coming right at us (or holding perfectly still), she just kept plodding along at a wonderfully comfortable pace.  I needed this kind of a ride so much.  I love Morgan so very much.

More Ground Work & Lips Runs Free

60 minutes - Ground work - Rhulain

Rhulain and I did more flag work until it didn't seem to bother. Then we worked on lunging and stopping on command. A few more bending and flexing sessions, then back to lunging.  Good session and I like where we are heading.

Bill let Lips out so she could wander the yard while he relocated her pen.  She followed me around, head-butted trees, checked out the tack shed, and generally was an adorable nuisance.  Her new pen is closer to the mare motel so she can have company.  The yard will be leveled and construction on the turn out and the goat pen will start next week.

Playing in the Dunes

62 minutes - 2.50 miles - Rhulain & the Kid

The kid and I took a three mile hike in the morning.  We climbed sand dunes and selected paths at whims. We scampered down inclines that were too steep or narrow for me to take a horse safely.  It was fun!

 So much fun, that we decided to go out in the afternoon for another few miles.  Only this time we took Rhulain.  She did well for most of the walk ... only one little spook that was easily managed.  

Had a great time with both of my "kids"! 

Hoof Trim Day & Maj Misbehaves

43 minutes - 1.38 miles - Majesty

 This morning was hoof trim day. Wasabi spent her time licking the hoof stand, Sundance fell asleep, Morgan worried, Majesty took a kick at the farrier, and Rhulain kept rubbing her nose on my sleeve.  I love getting to spend time with them doing nothing but snuggling ... great way to start the day!

I took Majesty out for a ride since it was windy in the afternoon.  He was a toad.  He threw a kick when I wouldn't let him have his way.  Interesting.  On the way home, he kept rushing so I made him circle until he slowed down.  At one point, he got cranky and threw little crow hops.  I smiled and put him on larger circles.

Ground Work, Petal Pattern

87 minutes - 0.75 miles - Rhulain (40 min ground, 20 min tack/untack, 27 min walk/ride)

 I was thinking about Rhulain's back legs issue and decided to go back to square one.  Started with touching her all over with the lead rope, a riding crop, and finally the flag.  She looked like she was praying the flag would go away, but then resignedly reached out and touched it. We worked all over until she stopped flinching when it touched her legs.

Picture from Jonathan Field Horsemanship
https://jonathanfieldhorsemanship.net/ 

 Then we took a break and spent extra time grooming before saddling.  We worked in the yard doing a "petal" pattern which focused on setting back on her haunches for a nice, tight 360 degree turn before going back out.  She did really well on the right turns, less well on the left turns, but she was balanced throughout.

Then she got to blow off steam by selecting the direction and pace in the far side of the yard.  I was completely passive and curious to see what she chose to do with the freedom.  She stopped and drank out of the dog's water a few times and seemed to have a good time.

We unsaddled and just stood for a few minutes.  When I lead her to the stall, she stopped outside the gate.  She didn't want to go in ... which to me meant she had a good time.  So did I Rhu!

Wasabi Needs Work

34 minutes - 0.97 miles - Wasabi

Took Wasabi for a walk this morning. She has started rearing when she doesn't want to do something, so we spend more time circling than walking forward. Little snot.  She was contrite and soft eyed after 20 minutes, but still tried to push past me on the way home. Sigh.

On a good note, Rhu was happy to see me when I got back :)

Rhulain Hates Soccer Balls. Morgan is Serenity.

60 minutes - 0.39 miles - Rhulain (groundwork)
33 minutes - 1.67 miles - Morgan

Worked with Rhulain and the ball.  She's still having trouble with it rolling towards or under her legs.  Tried working for 20 minutes in the stall, but we weren't getting anywhere.

I wish I had a round pen, but we made it work with a lead rope and open desert.  I walked ahead of her kicking the ball. As long as it was stopped or in front of her, she was wary but fine.  We'll need more work for her to be safe riding again.

Still enough light left to catch a ride, so I asked Morgan if she'd like to leave the property for a while.  We ambled about for a half hour just enjoying the solitude.  I'm so, so grateful for Morgie ... this was the ride I desperately needed.

Goatly Kisses

Because what's a morning without kisses from your favorite goat?

Sweat and Tears - All the Joys of Horsemanship

30 minutes ground work
36 minutes - 1.15 miles - Rhulain
15 minutes - 0.41 miles - Morgan

 Since Rhu had an issue with the branch touching her leg last night, I decided to work with her legs today. I rolled a ball in her stall over and over until she seemed to accept that it wasn't going to eat her.  After 30 minutes she let me touch her all over with the ball and kick it right to her while she stood still.  She was drenched in sweat, but finally calm.

I let her rest for a bit before saddling her up. We rode around the yard, then out the gate to step over brush and trash, then back to the yard for a lap ... rinse and repeat the pattern. She got a good grooming since she was still drenched, lots of praise, but no snacks.

About an hour later, I saddled up Morgan for the kid and worked on releasing the "reins" when stopping.  We worked on sitting the trot, and he got a bit ahead of me ... then the doberman got excited and snapped at Morgie's butt ... she took off running.  

I caught up with them a minute later, and found him in the saddle crying.  I asked him why there were tears and he said he was afraid of falling.  I told him tears were allowed only after falling!  Then we talked about why she ran off, how well she took care of him, and praised him for staying in the saddle without grabbing on to the horn.  Not a bad lesson.

Walking In The Dark

21 minutes - 0.63 miles - Rhulain

I miss Rhu.  So much so, that even though it was pitch black, I asked her to go for a walk with me.  I promised to stay in the yard and she seemed amiable.  She scooted ahead of me as we went through some trees. I saw the branch on the ground.  It must have touched her legs and spooked her a bit.  We'll need to work on that!  She stopped and asked Bill for snuggles at the half way point, and he obliged. Funny girl.

Morgie & Sundance Ride Again

19 minutes - 0.50 miles - Morgan & Kid, Sundance

The kid and I did chores all day.  All.Damn.Day. Finally, we able to squeeze in a ride.  I saddled Morgan and left the kid in charge while I put on Sundance's headstall.  They did pretty well together, though he forgets to release when stopping. When reminded, he immediately drops the reins. Fortunately, Morgan's a patient girl.  We both start horse riding lessons in January ... can't wait!

Day Light Savings Time Ride

60 minutes - 2.5 miles - Rhulain

Since we had an extra hour of daylight, I figured the best way to spend it was with Rhulain.  We walked beside each other for the first half mile, and she looked like she was sleepwalking, despite the wind kicking up.

Then I hopped in the saddle and her anxiety kicked in ... head came up, nostril's flaring, and heavy breathing.  So, I asked her to stop and we just stood until her breathing slowed and matched mine.  Then we walked on again.  Every time she started to trot, we either circled around bushes or trotted in the opposite direction until she settled into a walk.  I almost got frustrated and then I realized we needed to have a not so good ride so we can get to the great rides.

On the way home, she was absolutely wonderful.  Trotted when asked, opened and shut the gate like a pro, and stood perfectly still while I untacked and groomed.  Love this horse.

Only issue ... couldn't get the dang saddle straight.  It slid to the left; I got off and adjusted. It slid to the right and I tried to adjust from her back, but couldn't get it straight.  I gave up and rode with it shifted the whole time. Grrrr.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

It was our kid's first experience with pumpkin carving ... he LOVED the "guts."  We fed pumpkin chunks to Rhulain (she loved them) and to the goat (she warmed up to them).  

All in all, a great day!

Rhu Teaches Me Another Lesson

29 minutes - 1.15 miles - Rhulain

Rhulain and I walked about half a mile before I hopped in the saddle and asked her take me home.  

Had an issue with her racing towards home.  Anytime she went faster than asked, I had her do circles until we were at a pace I liked. Then we moved forward.  Took three or four circles, but we settled on a pace that we both liked. 

I fed her as soon as she was untacked. It dawned on me that the hustle home issue was me, not Rhu.  If I feed immediately upon returning home, of course she's going to hurry.  Sigh.

Thanks for the lesson Rhu.  I appreciate her willingness to be patient with my stupidity.

Got home early today!

34 minutes - 1.22 miles - Rhulain
30 minutes - 0.93 miles - Wasabi

We were asked to leave work early today because the final presidential debate was being held three miles from our office, and the roads were going to be closed.  Go home?! No problem!  I raced straight home, grabbed Rhu, did a few minutes of ground work, then saddled up and headed out.

We were having a great time and neither one of us wanted to go home. Every time I steered us towards home, Rhu would angle back out to the open area.  I agreed in spirit, but had to pick up the kid, so I couldn't comply.  Rhu had lined up perfectly to allow me to open and latch the gate. A little sad, I closed the front gate behind us, rubbed and hugged her, then put her away. 

LOVE these photos ... gave the kid a granola bar and Wasabi was pleading for a bite.  The kid was completely baffled as to the attention, but sure wasn't giving up his snack.  I gave her some of my granola and headed over to the trailer.

Wasabi wasn't sure, but she was willing to stick her fronts in if asked.  We worked for a few minutes and I was content with the progress.  We headed off for a walk, though there was lots of tail wringing and pushing forward.  She's forgotten her manners and needed a few reminders. All in all, not bad.

Happy to Oblige

26 minutes - 1.11 miles - Rhulain

Rhu called out to me as my car pulled in the front gate.  She fixed me with an intent gaze and late me know she was ready for a walk.  So, I changed clothes and went out to oblige.  She hung her head over her rails and waited for me to affix the halter and head out for fun.

We trucked out to the sand dunes and stood for a while watching the world go by and the sun slink behind the mountains. I'm glad she asked to go out, I really enjoyed doing absolutely nothing with Rhu.

Mondays with Morgan ... and Sundance

23 minutes - 0.53 miles - Morgan & Kid, Sundance

 Bill asked me to pick the kid up today because he needed to purchase a new water heater.  No worries.  I picked him up and he asked if he could go for a horse ride.  Wait, what?! Of course we can go for a ride!  I decided to take Sundance since we wouldn't be going off property and she needed to stretch her legs a bit.

Morgan has the patience of a saint, I swear.  Look at him brings those reins all the way to his chin although she had already stopped.  I will give him credit, he dropped those reins like they were on fire when I asked him to put them down.  We worked on turning right and left with rein aids and he was able to keep Morgan from dropping her muzzle in the feed bins as we passed by.  Not bad!

After untacking everyone, I hopped on Morgan and had her walk me to the mare motel because, yes, I am that lazy.  Plus it's nice to see where her brain is after he rides.  She's in heat and partially grouchy, but quick to listen to leg aids.  Good girl Morgie.

I fed everyone and then headed to the goat pen to check on Lips' wound.  She came right over for snuggles.  She's funny ... I held the camera and said "who's a pretty goat?" ... she promptly mugged for a picture.  Cleaned out her wound and gave her some raspberries with her dinner.  She's going to be ok, but she's certainly nervous about the dogs now, which is sad.

Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad, No Good Day

Today was de-worming day for the horses.  Four of the five were no problem. But Sundance made up for the ease of the other four.  Sigh.  She kept burying her muzzle into my arms and looked so sad.  After 20 minutes of patient touch, retreat, pet/rest, repeat we were able to get her to take the medicine.  I exited her stall and she shoved her big ol noggin up next to my face and proceeded to lick my ear.  Apparently, she was thanking me for the extra effort.  

The goat was playing tag with the doberman.  For some obscure reason our other dog Bosco decided to join in the game and bit the goat on the tail.  I had to smack him on the head with a shovel to get him to release.  Lips took off running, and Bosco chased clamping down on her butt cheek.  I ran after them and smacked Bosco again to get him to release, then had to get between the two of them so she could make it back to her stall.  I locked her in and went to get the first aid kit.  When I returned I saw the blood trails on her cover, and about started crying.  I love that girl and was upset she got hurt on my watch.  I cleaned her wounds as best as I could, then snuggled her and apologized before dog-proofing the goat pen.

I got Rhu a new saddle pad and had her try it on for me.  When I went in the tack shed to grab her headstall, the doberman spooked her and she took off running around the yard with him hot on her heels. She jumped the panels that had just been taken down and cleared them quite beautifully before running back to the safety of the mare motel.  I did some ground work to settle her, trailer loaded her, and then put on her headstall and took her for a quick lap just to test the saddle pad fit.

All in all, not a spectacular day.  The wind made it impossible to ride, the dogs were flat out stupid, goat got injured, neighbor's dog got in our yard (again), and if that weren't enough ... the water heater went out so I couldn't take a shower to get the day's sand out of my ears.  Sigh.

Moving Day

This is now the view from my front porch ... Sundance, Rhulain, and Wasabi on this side, Morgan and Majesty on the other.  I love that they come to greet me as soon as they hear the front door open!

Bill finished the mare motel and moved the last two horses over.  Everyone's settled in well and has plenty of room to move about.  Now, on to building the new turn out, round pen, and new living quarters for the goat!

Mondays with Morgan, Majesty, AND Rhulain

1.80 miles - 40 minutes - Majesty
1.59 miles - 30 minutes - Morgan
0.75 miles - 26 minutes - Rhulain

 I went outside with the intention of taking a nice, long ride.  With the wind kicking up, there were only two horses I trusted ... Majesty and Morgan.  Majesty pushed the stall door so I knew he wanted to go.  He was patient while I adjusted the fit and stirrups of the Aussie saddle.

 It was a nice, uncomplicated ride.  He wasn't sure about the path I chose (too rocky for him), so we opted to follow washes.  He was good as gold until I turned him towards home ... then he wanted to trot.  Turns out, I have no idea how to sit a trot in this saddle. Ha!

 I exchanged Majesty for Morgan and headed back out starting down the same path.  However, she didn't like the path either and veered west.  Well, ok.  We wandered through the sand dunes (which surprised me as she usually hates them) and ended up in the area I call the salt flats before heading home.  She, too, wanted to trot home.  Had only marginally better luck sitting the trot ... I'm leaning way too far forward and reaching for a horn that isn't there. 

After lunch and a nap, I figured I had enough energy for one more horse.  Rhulain met me at the gate and was anxious to get out.  We did ground work, trailer loading practice, and then saddled up.  I had to retrieve the neighbor's dog out of our yard and return it while Rhu stood patiently waiting for me at the front gate.  We did a short half mile since the neighbor's dogs kept getting out and chasing us around.  So, we went home and did a few figure 8s in the front yard while I worked on trotting in this saddle. 

So glad I have patient horses.  Love them all!