Hanging with the herd

Grabbed the shedding brushes and got to work removing excess hair. Morgan needed the most work, and she napped through the process.

The kid rode his quad through the herd so I could gage their reactions. Barely an ear flicker. Good horses!

Then I spent some time just sitting with Rhulain in the shade. She nuzzled my face, blew hot air down my neck, and licked my boots. I loved every minute of it. Love my horses!

A Day of Many Faces

2.01 miles - 36 minutes - Rhulain, walk
0.24 miles - 14 minutes - Rhulain, groundwork
15 minutes each: Morgan, Sundance, Majesty, and Wasabi

 It snowed last night in the pass ... not enough to reach the valley floor, but it made for some spectacular views.  It rained yesterday and more rain is expected tomorrow ... so naturally I squeezed in some horse time between the storms.

First came Rhulain ... we did some ground work, then a good grooming and a saddle fitting (she is so patient).  Ryver was chasing a rabbit which darted under Rhu's belly.  The dobie dashed between her front legs and the hitching post in hot pursuit.  Rhu flicked an ear and yawned. Love that mare!

We did a two mile walk and soaked in the sunshine.  Sweet serenity!

Got back and put Rhu in the turn out.  Rhu dropped her muzzle in the sand and then chased me around trying to give me kisses ... she looked like a llama with a mustache. 

 I had the bitless in hand, and Sundance put her nose in it.  Well, ok.  I hopped on bareback and we did a few laps around the turn out.  She seemed to appreciate the time.  I rode Morgan bareback around the turn out as well.  The kid was riding his quad around the yard, but Morgan seemed less worried about it today.  Good job!

Since I was in the mood, I drug Majesty out of his comfy stall and made him carry me around the yard bareback too.  He walks on the buckle and it always surprises me for the first few moments.  He is such a good natured old man.

I thought about trying it with Wasabi, but she gave me such a cranky face I didn't think it would be wise.  Instead, I switched to a halter and we did a few laps around the yard with the kid racing us on his quad.  She wasn't finished yet, but it was time to feed so we called it a day.

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.

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.

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!

Three For Me!

40 minutes - 0.58 miles - Rhulain
16 minutes - 0.63 miles - Majesty
21 minutes - 0.28 miles - Wasabi

 We had all the brush removed and the front yard leveled.  Which means, it's a blank slate just waiting for hoof prints.  Lots of hoof prints.

 I grabbed Rhulain and took a few passes through the yard.  The wind was blowing and since there was no brush, the dirt kept blowing into our eyes.  After I was sure she was comfortable with the new area, I saddled her up and took another pass or two through the new yard.

Rhu was fine, but bored.  I handed the kid my phone and he had a great time taking pictures.  I didn't include the pictures of the horse poop.

I put Sundance and Morgan in the turn out.  Sundance started to roll, but half way through she fell asleep.  Adorable.

 Later in the afternoon, I decided I needed more horse time.  I ran outside and grabbed Majesty.  I let him choose his path and pace and once we left the front gate he ambled around the block.  He fully believes in slow and steady.  I was really glad to spend time with the old guy.  He's pretty spry for 33.

I figured I still had a half hour before I couldn't see anymore, so I grabbed Wasabi.  Gave her a quick refresher on the bitless bridle, saddled her up, and wandered around the front yard for a bit.  She definitely needs more saddle time ... she is rusty, but willing.  She got confused when I asked for turns with leg aids, she kept changing speed. I added rein aids and we were able to communicate and work through it with a little patience.  After I hopped off, she gave me a snuggle.  I like this horse, she's got spunk!

First Ever Family Ride!

17 minutes - 0.54 miles - Morgan, Rhulain, and Majesty

Bill was hard at work cleaning out his shed full of tools.  Kid was busy building ramps for his dump truck to jump over.  And I took the opportunity to saddle up three horses and invite everyone for a ride around the yard.

Bill led the way, and gave the kid instructions on how to use the reins.  Morgan was absolutely amazing and so extremely patient.  Rhulain made it clear she didn't like being in the back.

Once I moved Rhu up to the front, her head dropped low, she breathed out, and she showed the Kid how to go around bushes and zig-zag through the yard.  I was very impressed with her attitude.  

Since it was over 90 degrees, we only stayed in the saddle for about 20 minutes.  Though I noticed Bill stole Morgie and took her for a lap or two around the yard while I gave the Kid instructions on untacking.  Mmm hmm.  My horse, and I'm the only one who didn't get to ride her.

A few more of these, and we might be able to start riding off property!

Majesty takes me for a whirl

30 minutes - 0.90 miles - Majesty

Got home and asked Majesty if he wanted to go for a ride.  He was slower than slow all the way to the mounting block.  He lowered his head, took a deep breath, and stood so still I thought he'd fallen asleep.  He was absolutely delightful.

We faced down dangerous discarded bumpers, stepped over the fallen log, and then we worked on opening and closing the front gate from the saddle.  Maj has never liked doing that, but with some patience we were able to work through it.  I untacked him and put him in a stall so he could eat dinner in peace and quiet.  I turned around to see Rhulain staring at me.  I gave her some snuggles and headed in feeling fantastic.

Family Affair

31 minutes - 1.06 miles - Morgan, Bill & Majesty, Foster Kid

 Hey Morgie girl ... I miss you ... wanna go for a walk?

Well, hey ... looks like everyone wants to go with us!  

I realized how much I missed being with my husband.  I miss riding with him and our dynamic duo.  Maybe we can squeeze a ride in soon.  In the meantime, I'll enjoy the moments we get together.

Hoof Trim & Horse Time

16 minutes - 0.5 miles - Morgan & A
25 minutes - 1.02 miles - Rhulain

While holding the lead rope waiting for hooves to be trimmed, I have the opportunity for oodles of odd pictures.  Today's random shots are proof that I have entirely too much time on my hands.

Sundance (Red Heads unite!)

Morgan (cuddly and best behaved)

Wasabi (licking the farrier's stand. sigh)

Rhulain (filthy after last night's rain)

Majesty (slept with his head on my shoulder)

After getting a trim and some breakfast, we went for a walk.  It was almost 90 degrees, so we kept it slow and short.

Morgie seemed quite puzzled by the neighbor's stallion taking an interest in her ... in fact, she seemed quite worried about his studdish antics and hid behind me on the way home. 

Dropped off Morgan and the kid and grabbed Rhulain.  We did a mile at what I thought was a mellow pace, but we actually walked at 3.0 mph pace ... which shows me our hard work has paid off.

Fly Mask Season is Officially Here

Bath: Majesty & Rhulain
15 minutes - 0.25 miles - Rhulain
28 minutes - 1.05 miles - Morgan

First up for a bath was Majesty.  He spent the entire grooming and bathing session with his head in the snack bucket.  Sometimes I envy Bill ... Majesty is completely unflappable and sedate.  Bill says he's too old to give a crap about anything anymore.  He did turn 33 this year.

 Next up was Rhulain.  She runs away every time the hose is turned on or moved, so I was curious how she would react.  She wasn't calm ... nostrils flaring the whole time ... but we took it slow and she held still with reassurance.

It's officially fly mask season.  Sigh.  I kissed her pretty face before it disappeared behind the mask where it will hide for the next four months.  Then I took her for a quick walk to make sure she was dry before turning her out.  

There was still some time left before I needed to start dinner, so I grabbed a ride on Morgan.  She snacked, walked, and snacked some more.  Once we turned towards home, she started to trot so I asked for more speed and she obliged.  

I groomed and put fly masks/fly spray on everyone.  Then we moved Majesty and Morgan into the mare motel.  They seemed unimpressed by the new surroundings.  Perhaps they'll appreciate it when the rain starts back up. 

A Family Walk

65 minutes - 2.30 miles - Rhulain
1.0 mile - Wasabi & Bill
1.0 mile - Majesty & Bill

I talked Bill into joining us for our evening walk. He grabbed Wasabi, our foster child, and headed toward the gate.  Rhu was excited to have company ... she even tolerated the child's presence.

After a mile, we returned home and Bill headed inside the gate.  Rhu, the child, and I continued walking for an additional mile.  We did some mild dune work to stretch our legs and to allow the child to run amok.

On our way back home I saw some foot prints that looked like Bill and a horse.  I figured he tried to find us, but as we had gone off the beaten path he went home.  Later we saw Majesty down the road.  Our foster child ran ahead to join Bill while Rhu and I worked a little in the open desert before following them home.  

Much to my surprise, Bill had placed the child on Majesty's back ... wait, what?  No one gets to ride Majesty!!

Easter Sunday Ride

51 minutes - 1.11 miles - Rhulain
8 minutes - 0.13 miles - Majesty

After church services, egg hunting at the house, and the community egg hunt at the park, I was in need of some horse time.  I saddled up Rhulain and we worked on our turns for a while.  Then we took a walk around the property and Rhu discovered the chickens.  You know, those noisy, smelly, flapping things that might eat horses.  They crowded the corner of their pen trying to get a better view and she gave them the stink eye from a safe distance.

Rhu looked longingly off property, but the winds were really picking up and I didn't want to ruin the nice jaunt we'd had by ducking trash being blown around from the neighbor's house.  So, we called it a day.  She looked rather indignant that the reins slid down her neck and landed behind her ears.  I laughed and then gave her a good grooming as a reward for being so patient today.

Majesty was in dire need of a shedding, so I pulled him out to give him some time.  A ran over and asked Bill if he could ride Majesty.  Bill consented, so I tacked him up and walked the two of them around the yard for a few minutes.  Majesty's age is definitely showing ... he is willing, but doesn't want to do more than a shambling walk.

I have to be in Texas for training this week, so it was nice to spend ample amounts of time with each horse.  Every horse got attention, hugs, and grooming, and I got plenty of snuggle time in return.

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.

Amber Encounters a Cactus

34 minutes - 1.42 miles - Rhulain

Majesty looked like he wanted to go for a walk today ... but I took Rhu instead.  No Luppy today.  I wanted some alone time with my girl.

Rhu's eyes were full of expression today ... at least they were when they weren't covered by her long, beautiful bangs!

One little incident ... I brushed my leg against a cactus and had to remove a few spines. Painful.  Just saying.  Wish I'd had a saddle on Rhu, because I would have ridden home. 

Hoof Trim Day!

Lots of horse related activity, yet not one ounce of saddle time!

The fence line had to be fixed because our horses broke through it Thursday night.  We found them in the neighbor's yard patiently waiting for dinner. Sigh.  Bill had to temporarily fix the fence in the rain, in the dark, at 10:00 pm ... not our best evening.  So, we hired two gentlemen to fix the fencing.  On a good note, we redesigned the yard and eliminated the guest driveway which means more yard for us!

While the guys were here, they also installed my hitching post!  Woo hoo!

 Then it was time for hoof trims ... started out the morning with Majesty.  He fell asleep and I watched the clouds move over his head.  Not a bad way to start the morning.

Next came Sundance.  She had her nose on my shoulder most of the time but she was content to let me move as long as I was massaging her neck.  She presented her nose for kissing.

 Next up was Morgan. She was practically in my lap and wouldn't let me move more than an inch from her side.  Her lips were clenched the whole time.  She's a funny mare.

 Next up was Rhulain.  She was fascinated with the farrier and kept craning her neck around to see what he was doing.  Her attention returned to me once I whispered the word treat.  She did much better with her back hooves ... only tried to pull one away then relaxed.

Last but certainly not least was Wasabi.  She was unconcerned about the farrier, but was fixated on where Bill was at all times.  She came in for a quick snuggle and treat when it was all over.

Though the view was incredibly inviting, I dumped and scrubbed all of their water buckets. I find the most interesting things in the buckets ... today was no exception. Found half of a bird skeleton and six rocks in one bucket.  No idea how that stuff gets in there.