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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

New Saddle

21 minutes - 0.57 miles - Rhulain

 My long-suffering Rhu being tormented with my efforts to figure out how to use an Australian saddle.  Now comes the task of purchasing an appropriate saddle pad.

 I gave the foster kid my phone and asked him to take a few pictures of me so I could see how the saddle fit Rhu and I.  Not the most flattering pictures, but they made me laugh.

After a walk around the property, I took Rhu over to visit Morgan and Sundance.  Morgan perked up when she smelled the carrots in my pocket.  You're adorable Morgan Moonpie.

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.

Pictures Say It All

26 minutes - 1.05 miles - Rhulain

The pictures pretty much sum up our walk. It was hot, she's in heat, and she'd been neglected for almost a week ... our walk sure didn't start out well.  But after a few minutes, she tuned in and then our walk began in earnest.

I de-wormed all the horses today before I went on our walk.  Best horse: Rhulain.  Worst horse: Sundance.  Took 20 minutes to get my bare finger all over her muzzle and then inserted in her mouth and another 10 minutes to the dewormer in her mouth.  

At least we accomplished the task with no pressure ... Just calm, quiet reassurance, and lots of praise.  Maybe it will make next time easier. 

Busy Saturday

23 minutes - 0.59 miles - Morgan
10 minutes - 0.21 miles - Morgan - lesson with A
10 minutes - 0.04 miles - Sundance
15 minutes - 0.25 miles - Wasabi

The morning started off with A and I painting the gate.  Nothing is more messy than a 4 year old with a paint roller and absolute freedom.  The gate is not pretty, but it looks much cleaner.

Then our new farrier showed up and surprised me by trimming their hooves in the turn out.  Rhu wouldn't hold still, so I had to halter her and keep her in check.  She was fascinated by the farrier and kept her nose pressed to my back or close enough to the farrier for shavings to get in her bangs while everyone else got their trims.  It was kind of adorable.

While I was scrubbing and filling water buckets, A came over to see if he could help.  I said, "Sure, keep Sundance occupied for a few minutes so she'll quit flipping water buckets over" and popped him up on her back.  She was delighted to have her neck and withers scratched and was extra careful about walking anywhere ... one step, check on the boy, another step, check on the boy.

After water buckets, I moved on to staining the front gate.  After all that work, I decided I needed some Morgan time.  We escaped out the freshly painted gate and rode around the block.  Of course, once I returned, a certain little somebody asked why I was riding his horse.  HIS HORSE.  Really?  I popped him in the saddle and walked in front of them from one gate to the next.  I had explained how to "steer" with the reins, and turned around to find he and Morgie wandering off to the other side of the yard ... apparently he decided to turn right and she, being the awesome mare that she is, obeyed the reins.  Hmmm.

For reasons unknown to either of us, I felt the urge to pull Wasabi out and take a short walk around the property.  Then she got a good grooming, a snack, and hugs before I fed dinner.  She seemed to appreciate the attention.

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.

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.

Beautiful Sunrise, Beautiful Horses

Just look at that sky!  It was marvelous to behold!

 

Add a beautiful horse ...

Plus two more beautiful horses ... 

One bag of carrots (Morgan & Rhu trying to open a carrot bag) ...

And it equals a beautiful way to start the day.