First Snow!

Snow fell in the pass on Christmas eve, but none fell in the Valley.  This morning, I walked out to find ... well ... crunchy, icy, snow-like stuff on the ground.  Luppy had a great time running around and rolling in the "snow."  The goat wasn't impressed by it ... neither was Sundance or Morgan.  

I wasn't all that thrilled as I had to drive in the pass.  I figured the road would be covered in real snow.  Fortunately, the county had pushed dirt on the road so I was able to make it to work only 30 minutes late.

Happy Birthday Luppy!

Luppy turned six today ... she got to celebrate with a doughnut ... and whipped creme.  Because whipped creme is an essential component to ensuring a birthday is very happy!

Luppy Smiles

36 minutes - 1.04 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Luppy and I decided to take Rhulain for a walk.  I took the fly mask off Rhu and found she had a scrape on her forehead. She gets more scrapes and bumps than any of my other horses combined.

 Luppy had a great time.  Rhulain had snacking time.

I had a quiet jaunt.  I'm so glad we went out ... I needed their company.

Birthday Walk

21 minutes - 1.00 miles - Luppy

Luppy wanted to go for a walk this morning.  Sounded like a splendid way to start the morning so I grabbed a leash and off we went.  Saw lots of snake tracks today, even a sidewinder track.  Fortunately, none of the tracks were near the house and we didn't see any live ones. 

Luppy to the rescue

It was dark, windy, and the horses hadn't been fed yet ... none of the horses wanted to go for a walk with me tonight.  When all else fails, call Luppy.  We walked a little over two miles at a steady 4mph, which was a result of Luppy's enthusiasm.  Felt great!

First Snake of the Season

46 minutes - 1.73 miles - Rhulain

It rained last night, and I cannot resist putting the "first" footfalls in the open desert.  I invited Luppy along and she never stopped grinning!  We wandered down some paths we hadn't been on for a while and were merrily strolling along until we saw this ...

The snake was coiled but not moving.  Rhu and I stopped in tandem.  While I was pondering if the snake might be dead, it's head turned in our direction.  Rhu and I started backing up while I fished around for my phone to take a picture.  Just then Luppy came trotting down the road towards the snake  ... fortunately she stopped when I gave the command, but she looked hurt.

I took a picture and three of us gave the snake a wide berth as we continued on our walk.  It was nearly 60 degrees, barely drizzling, and we'd only walked half a mile ... I don't think any of us were ready to head home just yet.

We avoided this path on the way home and no one was worse for the snake sighting.

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!

Morgan Spooked Herself

32 minutes - 1.42 miles - Morgan & Luppy

The sun was just barely peeking over the mountain when I went out this morning ... which meant Morgan stayed as close to me as possible.  She's not a fan of darkness.

The sun continued to rise and she was snuggled right at my shoulder.  She had one giant spook today ... Morgan was so intent on checking my pockets for snacks that she didn't hear Luppy running towards us.  Once she saw a flash of yellow fur crest the ridge, she snorted and did a huge leap sideways.  She nearly pulled the lead rope out of my hand.

Morgan was really embarrassed by the incident, and came over for reassurance.  I probably shouldn't have been giggling while offering comfort, but her face was so adorable.  She did her "marbles in the nostrils" for the whole rest of the walk.  Funny, funny girl.

Happy 6th Birthday Luppy!

She was done eating before we were done singing ... and she didn't share with the other dogs. :)
Love my Luppy-sauce.

Wasabi is NOT a morning person

24 minutes - 1.11 mile (approx) - Wasabi & Luppy

Wasabi was the only one to meet me at the gate this morning.  I assumed she wanted to go on a walk so I took her out of the turn out area.  She was fine until I asked her to leave the snacks and head towards the gate ... then I got the "this is not fun anymore" face.  Ha!

She was generally well behaved.  She got a little worried about Luppy being away from us so long so I stopped her and called Luppy to join us.  I snapped a picture of Wasabi with the sun, then she lifted her nose and blocked the sun so I snapped another picture.  Amazing how different the pictures are for just a fraction of inches.

Luppy came running back to join us and we headed home.  Unfortunately, I must have paused the app that records our walk while taking pictures, because it only recorded our walk from the house to the turn around point.  Ah well, I just doubled the time and distance and called it a day.  

Misty Morning

27 minutes - 1.36 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Overcast, misty, and almost too dark to see without a flashlight.  Sounds like an optimal time to go for a walk, right?

Rhulain grabbed a few snacks, called "her" dog over, and off we went!

We had walked nearly a mile before I realized the side of Rhu's halter was funky. Poor thing, I bet that twist bugged her and she's such a patient mare she didn't let me know.

She let me un-halter and re-halter her while she stood still in the open desert.  I'm fairly certain she didn't even notice what I was doing ... she was looking for Luppy. That's OK, still a win in my book.

Mondays with Morgan

25 minutes - 1.18 miles - Morgan & Luppy

 I take it you want to join us for our walk Luppy?

Morgan doesn't look like she cares, so come on ... we'll all go for a walk.

Love the laser eyeballs of Wasabi and Rhulain in the background.

We took a different path today, and Morgan didn't seem to mind as long as the alfalfa cubes kept coming.  Luppy was a bit confused by the change in our route, but stuck close by and didn't get lost.

It was a nice smooth path.  I will use it again because it could easily extend it to 1.25 or even 1.5 miles with minimal effort and offered areas to walk, trot, and canter.

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.

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."

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!

Our First Thanksgiving Without a Ride

29 minutes - 1.0 miles - Em, Zeus, Ryver, and Luppy

We were able to bring our foster daughter home on Sunday so our week has been filled with new adventures.  

I had contemplated sneaking in a ride this morning, but Em wanted to help feed the horses.  So we fed the horses and took the dogs for a walk instead.

Luppy knows the path, so she got to lead.  Em took Ryver and I got to hang out with Zeus.  Everyone did pretty well.  Em climbed sand dunes and trudged along through the sand.

When got back to the house Morgie called out for some extra attention. I taught Em how to hold out a treat for the horses and she was able to give Morgan two cubes before Wasabi realized there were snacks being given out.  Em gave Wasabi one as well.

Great morning ... lots to be thankful for.

** Never did get my horse ride in ... guess the horses are thankful for the time off!

No time for horses, barely time for me

24 minutes - 1.05 miles - Just Luppy and Me

Windy, cold, dark.  I feel the need for a walk.  

Horses are eating so ...

Luppy joined me!  Quick mile but I really, really needed it.

Haven't seen my horses since Friday.  Bill's been doing morning and evening feeds, so I haven't even caught more than a glimpse of them as I pull out of the driveway.  I walked by the turn out this morning and Morgan saw me ... she left her breakfast and her friend to come say hello.

I miss her so much!

Riding Rhu is Fabulous

30 minutes - 1.65 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Luppy always looks so nervous around the horses.  Good trait to have!

Rhu was just standing there looking gorgeous. Love that mare!

 Wait ... a bridle?  

That can only mean one thing ... riding time!

Best view in the whole world ... right between my horse's ears. *sigh* We trotted most of the way back and I never had to lift the reins; Rhulain knew the way and carried me safely down through the dunes.

Thank you for being fabulous Rhu!

Not sure when I'll be able to ride again ... we have a meeting today to find out when our new children will arrive.  So excited to have them join us in our adventures! 

Maybe one (or both) of them will want to ride with me!

*crosses fingers*

Rhulain and Luppy's Desert Adventures

33 minutes - 1.45 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Me: Hate to break up the breakfast club, but anyone want to walk?  Luppy: Right here, ready to go!

Me: Judging by that smile, I'd say Rhulain is ready too!

Where we're going ... and where we've been

Me: Rhu what are you looking for?     Rhu: Little dog.  

Luppy: Found you guys!

Rhu: We can go now. The dog is back.

Luppy: This is how you take a cliff!      Rhu:  Thanks, I got this.  

Yep, that's the way to start my day.