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!

Einstein Walks The Plank

22 minutes - 1.02 miles - Rhulain, Bill with Einstein and Zeus

Bill decided to take Zeus and Einstein for our walk today.  Zeus does well on walks but Einstein has limited leash experience.  After the first couple minutes, Einstein figured out how to stay on his side and to watch Bill's feet for speed and direction.

 

Rhu: What are they doing over there?

Me: It looks like Bill is teaching Einstein how to walk up a plank.

Rhu: Take as long as you need little dog.  I'll be right here eating while you figure it out.

 Me: Well, that didn't take long.  What, two minutes?

Rhu: Dinner's late and snacking time got cut short. Not happy.

Me: Love you Rhu!

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!

Sky Shots

28 minutes - 1.05 miles - Morgan, Bill & Zeus

From last night's walk ...

Bill and Zeus at the beginning and at the half way point

Merely 12 minutes elapsed, but drastic changes in light

A study in ears

Morgan's ears as we left the property, at the half way point, after 0.75 miles, and at the gate after our walk

Morgan walks with her tongue sticking out ... cracks me up.  Whenever I try to take a picture of her like this, she stops walking and lifts her head.  I handed the phone off to Bill and he was able to capture her little bit of tongue.  :)

Stealing Kisses

45 minutes - 1.55 miles - Rhulain, Bill & Zeus

Zeus has been enjoying his walks so much that Bill couldn't resist taking him along for a third trip tonight.  

The first picture looks like Bill and Zeus could just step forward onto the path, but the second picture shows that they were standing on a precipice and the drop off is rather steep. 

 This was our longest walk yet and we climbed the highest sand dunes in our area.  I huffed and puffed my way up this one, but Rhu handled it with her usual carefree grace.  She grabbed snacks on the way up, looked around, and then came in for comfort ... and I snuck in a few kisses on that adorable muzzle.

She gets a rest tomorrow  ... which I know I'll need ... my calves are telling me I wasn't quite ready to climb these dunes yet!

Simple Joys

32 minutes - 1.19 miles - Rhulain, Bill & Zeus

 

Just a man with his dog ...

and a woman with her fantastic, fabulous, too-awesome-to-be-true mare.

Good day. A very good day.

Best way to end a day

31 minutes - 1.17 miles - Rhulain, Bill and Zeus (Spotty Dog)

About 7:30 pm it cooled down enough to talk a walk, so we dashed out the door and headed to the sand dunes.  Worked on climbing hills slight and steep, as well as crossing various footing - from soft sand to hard packed dirt to small rocks to rockier ground.  She got a bit nervous when we got near the ravine, but we kept a steady pace and changed directions often enough to keep her busy.  

I see I've lost some of her trust during the 30+ day break, so perhaps some ground work is in order before our next walk ... nothing major, just a reassurance.  Pleased as punch to be spending time with Rhulain and can't wait to get back to saddle work ... climbing sand dunes on foot reminds me how out of shape I am!

Luppy's First Vacation

We decided to take two of the dogs with us for an overnight stay in Death Valley.  

This was Luppy's first "vacation" (as she is not fond of car rides), but Zeus is a seasoned vacationer and seemed to lend the comfort needed to make the trip enjoyable.  

For two dogs who spend very little time on leashes, they did fabulous!

Luppy (picked out of a box labeled "free puppies") and Zeus (our spotted pit bull that was purchased from our local kill shelter)