No Horse Weekend

The weather was warm enough to get outdoors and do chores.  The rain and Wasabi have done some serious damage on the stalls.  We dug all the junk out and Bill brought over loads of new sand for me to fix the stalls.  We worked for several hours, and got all five done.

The doberman, Ryver, watched me work and rolled around in the sand.  So not helpful!  The stalls were gorgeous when we were done ... so much so, I didn't want to put the horses back in the stalls.

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.

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.

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.

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!

You know you've lived in the desert too long when it's 72 degrees and you think "Sweatshirt Weather! Woo Hoo!"

0.5 miles - 12 minutes - Morgan

Overcast, damp ground, sun slipping quickly behind the mountain ... perfect time to squeeze in a walk.  Right?!

I told Morgan she looks like a branded mustang with all that dirt on her neck.  She ignored my comments and grooming attempts in favor of snacking, as usual. 

The goat and Ryver were up to their usual chaotic play ... bark, feigned head butt, romping around ... good times.

I always love getting the first hoof print in the sand after a rain.  Feels like we're the first ones to ever traverse that area.  Got my boot print as well ... just Me and Morgie doing me and Morgie things.

Wasabi and Rhulain looked on as we cruised by the turn out.  Neither wanted to walk, they just wanted dinner to be delivered.

Not much to say ... quick half mile walk with my bestie.  As usual, no fuss, lots of checking me for food, and the obligatory cheesy photo that Morgie likes to take.

Rain is Coming

22 minutes - 0.90 miles - Morgan

Saddled Morgan and took her out for a quick ride.  She was so inviting today!  There's just something so comforting about Morgie.

The clouds were dark and we could hear thunder in the distance.  It was far enough off that we didn't need to rush home, but clearly eminent. 

When we ambled home, Luppy and Ryver met us at the gate.  They kept turning around to make sure we were coming, which was adorable!  Such a wonderful morning!

My Crabby Morning.

15 minutes - ground work - Rhulain

The morning started out yucky and got worse. Rhulain and Morgan were not respecting gate rules, each trying to shove each other out of the way. Rhu wouldn't drop her head or hold still for the halter. We had to have a few "discussions" before ever getting out of the turn out.

I had intended to walk Rhu halfway down the street and then ride to her normal snack area.  Grooming = fine.  Hoof pick =  not so fine.  She kept yanking her rear hooves and then tried to walk off.  Since she was a fan of moving, she got to lunge. 

More "discussion" ensued when I asked her to change directions.  She was hard eyed, but she was listening while she worked.  After about 15 minutes we got a nice calm trot in both directions and then we slowed it to a relaxed walk.

So I called for a halt.  Bit of heavy breathing going on (for both of us), but her face was so stinking adorable I melted.  Kissed her soft nose and led her over to finish picking her hooves.  

She very politely gave up her hind hooves and snuggled a little while getting her mane brushed.  

I had yelled at Ryver for chasing the goat, yelled at the chickens for being in areas they shouldn't be, yelled at Morgan for being pushy, and yelled at Rhulain for not holding still for haltering.  

My mother always said, "If it seems everyone else is the problem, chances are, the problem is you."  Dang it.  I apologized to everyone.  Everyone except the chickens. 

Hoof Trim Day

All 5 of the horses got trims this morning.  Bill was kind enough to assist the farrier while I got ready for work.

I did run out to the front porch and snapped a picture of Morgie before hopping in the shower. She looked relaxed.

Rhu seemed to be struggling and snuggled Bill for reassurance.  Bill said she had a hard time with the back hooves. Sigh. Guess we still need to work on that.

Luppy in the way back, Bosco next, Ryver in front of the barrel, Zeus and Einstein front and center

Bill let all the dogs out after the farrier left and introduced Ryver and Einstein to hoof trimmings.  Wish I was there to see the fun!

Einstein selected one larger than himself!

Rhulain Likes Music!

29 minutes - 1.08 miles - Rhulain

Lips (the goat) and Ryver (the dobie) were playing tag and generally being annoying.  They kept bumping into me as I was trying to saddle Rhu.

These two insisted on walking Rhu and I to the gate and I think they would have joined us on the walk if I hadn't chased them away.  Sigh.

Discovered a secret about Rhulain today ... she likes music!  Her attention kept getting drawn away from me towards a neighbors' house where they were playing music.  So, I turned on the music player on my phone, dropped it in the saddle bags and she walked along merrily with the beats.

I rode her home through the open desert because that was the path she chose.  She's such an uncomplicated mare!

Morning Madness

20 minutes - 0.73 miles - Morgan (and Ryver)

This is how the morning started out ... me all smiles and Morgan not really happy about leaving breakfast

 

Ryver led us to the gate with lots of tail wagging.  He was visibly upset when I shut the gate behind Morgan and I on the way out.  About a quarter mile away from the house I saw that Ryver had opened the gate and decided to join us.

He did moderately well at listening off the leash, but I turned around and headed home since the neighbor's dogs were out and I wasn't sure Ryver would listen to the "come" command when he encountered their pack.  We walked him home and secured the gate before continuing on.

Morgan sulked about leaving breakfast.  When I said "We'll get you home quickly so you can finish your breakfast," her head snapped up and her legs locked.  Silly girl, you still have to walk.

She sulked all the way around the block even though she got to snack often enough to make up for the abbreviated session.  As soon as we were inside the gate at home, I undid the lead line, then I turned to lock the gate.  When I turned back to get Morgan, all I saw was her backside well ahead of me heading directly towards breakfast at the quickest pace of the morning.

That mare loves her food ... much more than she loved me today that's for sure.

Rhu, we have a visitor ...

27 minutes - 1.03 miles - Rhulain, Bill and Ryver

Cleaned out Rhu's front hoof, looks much better so I didn't add any more thrush medication. Put a halter on my girl and opened the gate when I heard "Wait for us" behind me ... I turned around and saw Bill and Ryver coming our way.  

Rhu and I closed the gate behind them and headed out for our walk.  Bill was watching a video and Rhu kept trying to get a view of his screen like she was interested also.  She's funny!

We all had a great walk and I was really impressed with how well Ryver did on the leash.  Rhulain seemed interested in following Ryver so he may start joining us on our rides.

Morgie is on a two day work/two day rest schedule since she just needs a minor tune up to keep in shape.  Rhu is on a three day work/one day rest schedule to build her endurance.  If the weather continues to cooperate, we'll start riding again on Sunday.  I'd like to ride her for an hour or at least walk next to her for 20 minutes and ride 30 minutes.

2 Mornings in a Row!

26 minutes - 1.09 miles - Morgan

The doberman started sulking when I told him he couldn't go for a ride with us today.  So cute!

I was 5 minutes late getting outside this morning and Morgan let me know ... as soon as my boot hit the front porch she started calling out.  I'm coming Morgie!  I think she just likes eating breakfast in peace while I tack up.

Morgan spotted our neighbor walking to his car and decided to strike a pose so he could admire her beauty.  She's very kind and thoughtful like that.

After making sure he got a good eyeful, we proceeded on our way.  She was less bouncy on the way home today but still on alert once she realizes it's just the two of us out there in the "wilds."  If I can keep this pace up, she'll be back to her normal self in another day or two.

Very grateful for the time I get to spend with my girls!

Cooler weather is coming!

Forecast shows high of 94 degrees for this weekend ... 

I promised Rhulain and Morgan we would all take walks this weekend ... 

I've miss my girls terribly ... can't wait!

Ryver has started the transition to become an outside dog.  He's doing rather well, can't complain.  Now if we could just get him to come when he's called, then he might have a chance of accompanying us on horse rides in the future.

Our $4 for the 4th Specials

Our local kill shelter ran a $4 special for any dog that had been at the shelter for longer than 7 days.

Bill and I went to take a look around with the thought of adopting a buddy for our "outside" dog.

This was Bill's pick.  A ferocious 4 pound terrier... ferociously cute.

Yeah, he came home with us. 

 

Meet Einstein.  He's stinking adorable.

 

As for me, well, I picked out a doberman pinscher named Ryver.  He's awesome.

Except he likes to give kisses.  *sigh*  Guess I'll have to get used to dog kisses.

Almost makes up for the fact I haven't ridden a horse in nearly a month.