Working our cardio in the dunes

72 minutes - 2.27 miles - Rhulain 

 Rhulain and I went out for a walk this morning.  We ambled along content just walking next to each other.  About halfway through the walk I got a text from Bill saying he had called in sick, which meant he would be home in case our foster boy woke up.

So, Rhu and I stayed out a little longer than normal and ventured into new territory.  We did lots of sand dune work, so I'm sure my legs will be feeling it tomorrow ... but that seems so far away.

Spending time with Morgie

21 minutes - 1.05 miles - Morgan
15 minutes - 0.25 miles - Morgan (lesson)

 *sigh*  Just looking at Morgie makes my heart melt.  Today she gave a 15 minute riding lesson (learning to balance) and received hugs for her efforts ... from rider and owner.

And since she was saddled, I hopped aboard and took a 20 minute spin around the block.  She stopped and snacked and I rubbed her neck and told her how awesome she was ... she turned her ears towards me to make sure she heard all the compliments clearly.  Love you Morgie!

Happy Birthday Morgie!

Happy 18th Birthday Morgan Moonpie!

I handed the camera to our 4 year old and asked him to take pictures of Morgan and I to celebrate her birthday and our fifth year together ... these shots made me smile.

So does Morgan.  Looking forward to many more years with you Morgie girl.

Exploring New Areas

71 minutes - 3.02 miles - Rhulain

Rhulain and I headed out our normal way this morning.  She wasn't quite with me, so I decided to get her attention by making her think.  We stepped over the boards and carpet that was littering an abandoned property.  She trusted me to lead her across.

After that we headed out over territory she had seen before, but ending up in a brand new area.  She was alert, attentive, and well behaved.  When the neighbor's peacocks started their odd sounds, her ears flattened but she stood stock still next to me as requested.  Great job!

Mourning the loss of my lead rope

69 minutes - 2.57 miles - Rhulain

Walked with Rhulain this morning for 2.0 miles, then hopped in the saddle for the last half mile.  She was a little spooky at two spots, but nothing too bad.  A quick reassurance and we were back on track. 

Only downside today - I had looped her lead rope off the hitching post.  When I started to walk off, she tried to follow me and found that she was tied.  She pulled back and before I could get to her, the lead broke. *sigh*  

I grabbed a new lead rope and tied her off again.  This time I walked backwards away from her and since she held still, I came forward and praised her.  Did it two more times just to be sure she got the lesson.

Going to miss that lead rope. It was definitely my favorite.

Shifting Sands

64 minutes - 2.52 miles - Rhulain

Rhu: Where's my dog?  No seriously, where's my dog?!

Me: Look behind you Rhu.

Luppy: Here I am! Sorry to make you worry.

Rhu decided to follow Luppy up an embankment ... then the soft sand collapsed and a black blurr jumped towards me.  She was fine, but hid behind me for the next 20 minutes with her head tucked in my back.  Too cute!

Two for Tuesday

37 minutes - 1.31 miles - Morgan
24 minutes - 0.72 miles - Rhulain

Morgan and I headed out this morning with the full moon still visible.  We headed out nice and slow because my right knee is bothering me (a side effect of getting older).  It started to feel alright just as we were getting near the front gate, so I decided to drop Morgie off and grab Rhulain. 

I fed Morgan right away, so she was amenable to the switch.

Rhu and I walked around the block and she discovered the bamboo.  She was nervous as we approached because the wind was rustling the dead leaves, but once I handed her a leaf to snack on, she stuck her whole head in the bamboo to get a fresh piece.  Funny girl. We didn't walk far, but we walked in contentment, and that was enough for me!

Changes are coming!

25 minutes - 0.45 miles

Fed the horses and was headed to feed the goat when I stopped and just marveled at the herd.  Everyone lined up having breakfast and enjoying the sunshine.

It's moments like this I'm truly grateful for my horses.  They fill me with contentment and peace.

* Purchased a mare motel on Saturday.  Hauled all the parts to the house in two trips on Sunday.  We'll have someone come reassemble it next weekend.

** Also, the new tack shed will arrive this Friday.  My very own tack shed!  I've never had one before and I got to pick the layout, colors, and style!  Really excited about all the changes we're making to the property ... finally starting to feel like it's our home!

Time with the Herd

Walked a mile - alternating horses

Still trying to walk 5 miles each day. Some days it's harder than others.  It always seems easiest when I have good friends along.  

I took Morgan with me for a few laps around the yard, but she didn't appreciate my company as much as I did hers.  

So, I switched her out for Sundance.  She's the most laid back of any of the horses (unless you try putting a bit in her mouth or tie her to anything) and practically fell asleep during the walk. 

Wasabi kept sticking her muzzle over the rails when I walked by, so I dropped off Sundance and haltered Wasabi.  We made a few laps, she ate a few cubes, and then I dropped her off so she could take her afternoon nap.

Majesty was next up for a walk,  He tolerated it, but he's so slow I put him back after just two laps.  

Rhu was not sure why she was last in my pecking order.  I explained it was because we'd be walking the farthest together.  She seemed to forgive me ... after she ate a few treats.

Wandering

1 hr 21 minutes - 3.04 miles - Rhulain

 We wandered today ...

we weren't lost ... 

we were just enjoying each other's company

Sunrise with Rhulain

50 minutes - 1.84 miles - Rhulain

 

Rhulain's muzzle was hanging over the turnout gate waiting for me this morning. So cute!  She and I headed out for dune work.  We needed to work on climbing, cardio, and working out muscles that could be overlooked. 

 

She was wonderful this morning!  Right beside me, climbing behind me unless asked to go in front, and venturing into new territory.  I'm glad we didn't ride today - we needed to have this time together.

Today is NOT yesterday

55 minutes - 2.31 miles - Rhulain

Does this look like the face of a horse that almost dumped me today?  Hmmm.  She's lucky she is so kissable.

We walked for 0.75 miles then I swung into the saddle.  She fell apart ... head high, confidence draining, rushed hooves.  What was this?

I asked for a left turn. I got a clear "No." I "explained" this wasn't an option and we made the left turn.  Barely 2 minutes after our discussion, we were trotting along politely when she swung a hard left and jumped up an embankment.  I hadn't asked for the turn nor the jump and almost fell over her neck. What?

I had her turn around and get back to the path, walk a bit, then dismounted.  I checked the saddle (no slipping or pinching), checked the cinch (no issues there), lifted all four hooves (no rocks or tenderness), and checked the headstall (no twisted or pinchy parts).  Hmmmm.

We walked next to each other for 5 minutes, then I got back into the saddle and turned her towards home.  She was awfully spooky and full of "No" today.  We had to do quite a number of circles near the house and two laps in the yard today.  Tells me I've let her sit too long and she doesn't trust me as much.  Ok, dully noted.  We'll do some more ground work tomorrow before I saddle up ... and then we will ride.

On a good note, I took off her headstall and rubbed all her itchy spots after the ride.  She leaned into me and sighed.  She's a good girl ... an amazing mare ... tomorrow will be a better day.

This is how mornings should start

41 minutes - 2.11 miles - Rhulain

Started out the morning spending some quality time with Rhulain. She was totally with me today ... ears forward, eyes focused, body right where she should be.

First we had to check out what interlopers were using our trail.  Rhu decided they were no threat, so off we went.

   

I hopped in the saddle and let her have her head.  She chose this beautiful trot for the next 0.75 miles. Floaty. Gorgeous. Amazing.  There's a 15 mile introductory ride in the next county on April 2 and 3, 2016.  After today's performance, I'm positive that she will be ready.

I'm in love.

Rhu and I tour the property

45 minutes - 1.66 miles - Rhulain

 Rhulain was up next and waited patiently at the hitching post.  I got her saddle on and heard a little voice behind me asking for a ride.  

On Rhu?  Um, I don't think so.

He was so cute I couldn't resist.  He warmed Rhu up for me and she was a true lady.  Then he hopped off and went to play on his new swing set.  Which meant I got Rhu all to myself for the next mile and a half.

She worked hard, trotted smoothly, listened well, and was absolutely dreamy.  I needed saddle time, and I got a dream come true.  

Best Valentine's Day ever ... I spent time with all my favorites, Bill, a great foster child, Morgan, and Rhulain.  I could cry I'm so happy.

Morgan and I tour the property

31 minutes - 1.5 miles - Morgan

 

Morgan was the first one to get to use the hitching post ... which means she stood there and made funny faces. Love that girl.  Shedding season started for Morgie and there was bay hair everywhere when we were done grooming.

 

   

 As we were wrapping up our ride, Morgan stopped at the monorail checking herself out.  She was like "Mom, do you see how gorgeous I am?"  Yes Morgie, I know how wonderful you are and I love you my furry little mare.

I'm starting to love mornings

49 minutes - 2.08 miles - Rhulain

 

We headed out this morning down our favorite path.  I decided to push it a little further and go for 2.5 miles this morning ... 

Then we found our path was blocked.  Hmmm.

What are we going to do?

Well Rhu, guess we'll have to go a different way. We won't get our 2.5 miles today.

Sigh.

But, I still got to hang out with you and that makes me this an exceptional morning.

Rhulain Steps Out Into The Darkness

47 minutes - 2.15 miles - Rhulain

 

Bill woke me up at 5:20 am.  I wanted to stay in bed where it was cozy and warm.  But then I remembered today was Rhulain's day for a walk!  I have missed my gorgeous girl!   Hustled outside and realized the stars were still clearly visible. What?! 

I had to use the flash just to get a picture of her ... a black mare on a black background doesn't show up well. :)

 

We did an uneventful 2.15 miles. Dreamy. I snapped a picture of her at the halfway point and one more outside our gate.  No matter what the light, she's gorgeous and the time spent with her was well worth crawling out of bed.

Mondays with Morgan Again

41 minutes - 1.55 miles - Morgan

We left the property before the sun was up ... Morgan was nervous and stayed glued to my back.  I don't blame her, as we heard coyote yipping about a half mile from the house.

But, some cubes and peppermints in my pocket did quite a bit to soothe Morgan and by the time we reached the half way point, the sun had started to rise.

If I haven't said it a million times, let me say it once more ... 

I love my Morgie girl.