Rhulain Knows When I Need Her

Grabbed a cross-under, ran over to Rhulain's stall, and looked at her pleadingly.  She blew warm air in my hair and dropped her nose.  I slipped it over her ears and headed off to the turn out where I hopped on bareback. We didn't spend much time, or go very far, but it was great fun to move around together.  I love my mares ... They take good care of me when I need it most.

Bareback Quickie

8 minutes - 0.22 miles - Morgan

Completed my chores and rewarded myself with a bareback ride around the yard on Morgan.  She was well behaved and so she got to snack on the budding grass.  Much needed Morgie time which was very appreciated.

My Beloved Rhulain

.40 miles - 26 minutes - Rhulain

The moon was out in force last night ... bright enough I could sneak in a ride.  So I did.

I turned Rhulain out so she could get all her wiggles out.  She bucked, she reared, she rolled, she chased the doberman ... then she came to the gate and watched me intently.

We did ground work in the turn out, then I saddled her up and we rode in the turn out.  It was wonderful.  She was marvelous.  I have missed her SO much. 

She lined up perfectly at the gate to let me open it ... we've gone through gates before, but they were 12 foot in length, while this one is only 4 feet wide and has a bar over our head.  She waited patiently until I ducked and asked for movement before swinging her hips over and walking quietly through the gate.

After untacking her, I hopped on bareback and rode her around the yard then hopped off at her stall.  So happy.  I can't express how much I needed THIS ride with HER. 

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.

Longest Bareback Yet

30 minutes - 0.98 miles - Morgan
0.22 miles bareback

Grabbed Morgan and headed outside for a walk.  We had a nice, mellow time together.  About a quarter of a mile away, I hopped on and rode home. That's the longest bareback ride we've done so far ... it doesn't seem like much, but I appreciate her letting me work on my balance.

I hopped off at the gate because I had to chain it shut, and that would be too difficult without a saddle for balancing.  I turned around to see her standing exactly where I left her. Love this mare!

Rhu and Foster Kid; Rhu and Bill; Rhu and Me

25 minutes - 0.93 miles - Rhulain

Rhulain went for a walk and entertained the whole family.  She encouraged the foster kid, then took Bill for a nice stroll, and then took me for a bareback ride through the yard.

All in all, a good day with a great family and awesome horse.

Mondays With Morgan (again!!)

25 minutes - 1.16 miles - Morgan

Weather was low 90s so it seemed like time for a walk ... I ran outside and Morgan was already at the gate.  That mare can read my mind.  We strolled down the street, stopping to snack here and there.  I was running out of time and my knee still hurts, so I asked Morgan if she would mind carrying me. 

 There's no one I trust more in the deepening shadows to carry me.  

 Bareback. 

 With just a halter and a lead rope.

I love this horse to the moon and back.

Rhu + Bareback + Open Desert = Bliss

53 minutes - 1.7 miles - Rhulain

 I was just going to for a walk.  Rhu was in a great mood.  I was in a great mood and I was filled with confidence from last night's ride on Morgan ... so ...

I asked Rhulain to give me a ride.  Bareback.  In a halter.  A half mile from home.

And she did.  

Twice I asked her to slow down (trotting hurt my knee too much) and she did quickly and quietly.  We approached the gate and she lined up perfectly for me to open it without dismounting.  Normally we speed up once in the gate, but she just kept moving steadily with perfect headset.

I'm not sure how I ended up with the two most perfect horses on the planet, but I did.  I love them so very much!

Morgan takes me home

39 minutes - 1.53 miles - Morgan

 It's been too long since I got snuggle time with my horses.  Both Rhu and Morgan mugged me as soon as I entered the turn out.  Both got scratches and hugs before I headed out for a walk with Morgan.

It was windy and getting dark but Morgie was completely relaxed. She showed some interest in a garbage bag that was in an odd spot, but after a quick sniff, she dismissed it.

I haven't been able to walk with them much because of the pain in my knee. After 1.25 miles, I was in too much pain to continue.  I asked Morgie if she'd carry me home and she stood stock still and carried me home quietly and safely.  

She walked up to the gate and moved sideways so I could reach the latch and open the gate.  Then she stepped inside and turned to allow me to shut the gate.  She carried me to the turn out and waited quietly for me to slide off her back and unhalter her.  I was so happy.

This mare has taken care of me for the past five years and boosted my confidence immensely.  Without her, I am positive I wouldn't be riding anymore.  So very thankful for Morg!

So EXCITED!

19 minutes - 0.68 miles - Morgan
18 minutes - 0.72 miles - Rhulain

Morgan, the foster child, and I took a walk this evening to the end of the street.  On the way back to the house, I thought about riding Morgan for the quarter mile home.  But, I only had a halter and a lead rope, and I'd never ridden bareback off our property ... do I dare?

I did!

I clambered up a dirt embankment and lined her up.  As I started to slide across her back, the dirt caved, and I smacked my lip with my phone (I'll have a fat lip for sure).  She was an absolute dream.  She kept a beautiful, even walk.  It was so dreamy that we extended our walk beyond the gate.  Absolutely magical ... thank you Morgie!

Still glowing, I asked Rhulain if she wanted to go for a walk.  She left her food willingly and joined me for a walk, even though the sun had set and the darkness was deepening.  We crossed the street with no trepidation, faced down oncoming traffic, and sauntered home.

Even though my horses were filthy from rolling in the rain, I couldn't imagine a more perfect experience!

Perfect Way to Start May

11 minutes - 0.30 miles - Rhulain

31 minutes - 1.06 miles - Morgan

 Rhu and I took a quick walk today ... I just wanted to spend some cuddle time.  She was funny today and I was glad I got some Rhu time. Our foster child wanted to go for a walk,, so Rhu and I headed back.  I know she's not a fan of the child, so I let her go eat and grabbed up Morgie.

He rode his bike while Morgan and I chatted and watched him closely.  Morgan is absolutely the best horse, ever.  When we got back to the house, I hopped on bareback and rode around the yard guiding her with just the lead rope and leg aids.  She is love personified.

Seriously, the best horse ever.

Morgan, Sweet Morgan

37 minutes - 1.08 miles - Morgan

Someone got his first bareback solo ride today ... he did well!  He "rode" for 0.25 miles around the property, then I asked Morgan to turn and watched his balance.  When he figured out how to move with Morgan's body he started laughing and clapping.  She was delighted by the sound and reached around to nuzzle his leg.  She's my bestest girl ever!

  He hopped off and went to tell Bill about his adventure. 

 Morgan stood there looking at me ... and I couldn't resist.  

I hopped on her bareback in a halter.

 

Such a feeling of freedom.  No place in the world is better than my Morgie's back ... especially with nothing between us but happiness.

Round and Round the House We Go

31 minutes - 1.07 miles - Rhulain

So, the plan was to go out the gate on a walk for 0.8 miles, then ride back.  Only the horse in my head wasn't the horse I had in front of me.  She was wild-eyed and downright nutters.  Back up plan?  Ride in the yard, work on figure 8s and downward transitions.

Glad I went with the back up plan.  We walked the first circuit around the yard and through the cones. Then I asked her to stand for mounting.  She had difficulty standing still, so we worked through it by flexing her neck to both sides until she calmed.  Once mounted, we walk/trotted the pattern twice with no issues.  

Our next pass by the front gate found the neighbor and two dogs taking the trash out.  The combination of rattling black bags and two barking dogs sent Rhu's head straight up and elevated her breathing.  I ignored the distractions and asked her go around bushes until I felt her breathing return to normal.  We completed the circuit and did four laps around the cones.  By that time she was calm and collected.

I untacked then asked her to load into the trailer, closed the door, and then exit the trailer.  Then I had her stand next to the trailer and I slid onto her back and asked her to walk around the trailer.  Great ending to a lesson!

2 in 1 - First Bareback Ride on Rhulain

24 minutes - 0.92 miles - Morgan

 Morgan was more interested in snacking than how the new bitless fit or looked.  That's my Morgie girl ... never one to miss a meal.  Love her!

 We started out with me walking beside her, but after a half mile she stopped next to a sandy embankment.  I know her well enough to know that means "get in the saddle already."  So I did.  Absolute comfort.  Thank you Morgie!

18 minutes - 0.90 miles - Rhulain

Rhulain and I started out on the same path, but she didn't feel like walking ... she wanted to trot.  So, I obliged by climbing in the saddle and allowing her to set the path and pace.  It was so freeing!  I had to slow her down a few times because of footing changes, but we spent most of the time just trotting along merrily. *sigh* She's dreamy.

After we got home and I untacked her, she stood there with the back leg cocked watching me.  Her bare back looked so inviting.  I didn't think twice ... I hopped up on a tree stump, slid my leg across her back before I could second guess the wisdom of this action.
Yep, she was dreamy.  
I really got a feel for her and realized I need to slide her saddle back a bit farther to accommodate her shoulder action.  She stopped when I asked and allowed me to take a picture with flash before I slid off.  

Have I mentioned she's Amazing yet?

Busy Day - Three horses in 60 minutes

22 minutes with Rhu - 0.75 miles walk; 8 minutes with Rhu under saddle
10 minutes with Morgan - just around the yard

First, Wasabi got a much needed bath.  She was a good sport, but not really loving the attention.  She thought she'd be going for a walk or a ride, not getting wet.  Ah well.

Morgan spent the afternoon "inspecting" the alfalfa cubes as I filled buckets for the other horse's lunch.  While she was standing there looking adorable, I stood on the trailer hitch and slid on her back ... no halter/lead rope ... and she started walking towards the open gate, but I had her turn back.  One day Morgie girl we'll go out that gate bareback.

Then it was Rhulain's turn.  Bill was outside scrubbing graffiti off his monorail, so we talked him into leading Rhu around on a lead rope while I sat in the saddle.  I borrowed Morgie's saddle, but it didn't fit well ... so we kept it to a quick ride down driveway twice and then untacked.  I did get to sit out her trot on the second lap, can't wait to try it out for real!  Oddly, the stirrups felt too short when I was on Rhu ... looks like my knees are bent too much.

Then I took Rhu out for her second walk off the property.  Last time was just about half a mile, so I decided to go a bit farther today.  We walked down the same horse path as last time, came back on the street, and then veered through the open desert as we got close to the house.  

Practiced going up and down small dirt patches, sand "dunes" (really, they're about 6-8" high), and wandered between the desert brush and trees.  Couldn't ask for a better walk with her ... so calm, no trying to get past me, and no rushing home.

Great day, great horses.

Quickie

Thursday, September 11th  5 minute ride  
Solo, bareback


Had no intention of riding ... but, somehow, whenever I get near Morgan I just can't seem to resist.  

I pulled her out of the arena and gave her some feed while I filled water buckets and fed the other horses.  She left her food to see what I was doing, so I climbed up the side of the rails and slid on her back ... no reins, no saddle. 

She walked the length of the turn out, then wandered around in the front yard for a bit before turning back to where her dinner was waiting.  On the way back she started to trot but slowed down after only a few strides. It was a fun diversion to my evening chores :)


Morgan and I setting up a trail challenge for the ACTHA in November 2013. She had to sniff each water bottle before I pulled them out of the basket.  She's a funny girl!

Balance Practice

Thursday, August 28th  15 minute ride  86° 
Solo, bareback

Got home late in the evening, but I wanted to experiment a bit.  I locked all the other horses in their stalls and hopped on Morgan bareback.  I let her travel in any direction she wanted in the turn out while I tried to stay balanced. Very interesting, but she wasn't having as much fun as I was. 

Rather silly to try shadow pictures at night, but that's what I was attempting

Morgan, barrel dead ahead!

Well, this was supposed to be Morgan and I, but you can really only make out the shape of her neck.

Don't Ride Bareback While Wearing Basketball Shorts

Sunday, August 17th  5 minute ride  90°
Solo

So I went out to feed the horses wearing shorts very similar to these ...



But Morgan looked so dang cute, I couldn't stand it. I hopped on bareback and tried to ride around the yard for a few minutes. Yeah, not my brightest idea.  Every time she turned, I slid sideways.  Didn't fall off, but sure felt like I was going to! Thank goodness she's awesome and didn't take off running ... I'm sure I would have slid right off her back!

A New Month Begins

Friday, August 1st  7:30 - 7:45 pm  92°
Solo, Bareback

Hey Morgan, wanna go for a quick ride?

Say no more! Let's go!

Too lazy for a saddle today, hold still

Let's roll Morgie girl!

Um, Elmer, not the smartest spot to be chap

Ok, I'll visit you then!

* Discovered our chickens had laid eggs for the first time today! 

Congratulations Chloe & Zoe!

Two Rides, One Awesome Day

Saturday, July 12th   92°  *Counting this as Sunday's ride too, since it was nearly midnight :)
1) Solo ride - Morgan - 5-10 minutes
2) Bill & Majesty - Left at 11:02 pm, Arrived at 11:43 pm

Ran errands in town all day and arrived home about 6:00 pm.  There was a gymkhana scheduled that evening, but we weren't planning on riding in it, though T & Red had entered.  Went out to feed the horses, and as soon as Morgan saw me she called out and came to the gate of the turn out.  She even shoved a bit to get closer to the exit.  I explained that it was too hot to ride and I had to leave in 10 minutes.  She stood stolidly at the gate, so I let her out then went and grabbed her bitless bridle and hopped on bareback.

We followed the south fence, exiting the property by going down a slight embankment.  Walked a bit, then up a larger embankment as we came in the West driveway of the property.  She started to trot (which is what I normally ask her to do), but I was unsure of myself so I slowed her to a walk.  Came around the tack shed and followed the East fence line to the North driveway, then turned and trotted back to the tack shed. I slid off and hugged her hard.  Fed everyone, then headed to the gymkhana to cheer for T & Red.

Got home from the gymkhana about 10:45 pm.  The moon was fabulously full and the weather had dropped to 92° which is almost bearable.  Bill suggested a midnight ride, so we dashed outside to see if the horses were willing.

Morgan was taking a nap ... there was some commotion at the turn-out gate, but she slept through it

I called her name softly as I approached and she got up to greet me

Simply adore my Morgan!

Full moon over Morgan's saddle

It was so bright outside that we could see well enough to ride in the streets near our house, but being out seemed to get everyone's dogs barking.  Morgan's hooves were still a bit tender, so I kept her in the sand as much as possible ... which meant we startled more than one rabbit.

Took this picture just to track what time we got home, but it made me giggle

She's sticking her nose in the tack shed asking for her treat

We wandered around, just enjoying the moon, our horses, each other, and the quiet of the night.  

I refer to rides like this as "Meditation in Motion"