Mare Love

46 minutes - 1.36 miles - Morgan

So, Morgan and I took a leisurely stroll through the desert. She stared daggers at a plasric bag stuck in a bush, so we walked over to face it, but it didn't move so she got bored.  We ambled, she snacked, we stopped and watched the sun set.  The perfect ending to a day.

Rhulain vs Trash Cans

28 minutes - 1.25 miles - Rhulain

The sun was dropping fast, but I figured Rhulain and I could squeeze in a walk.  We hustled for the first half mile, then goofed off and she snacked for a bit before we started home.  The wind bothered her and she was amped, but she never crowded me so I let her be.

When we got home, I had her "help" me bring in the trash can. She hated every second. So, we went out and grabbed the second one as well. She was not entertained by my actions. Ah, well.

I put her in the turn out so she could kick up her heels and race around a bit. She did not disappoint! Always a pleasure to watch her antics 😃

Morgan has Spunk!

24 minutes - 1.26 miles - Morgan

Morgan and I haven't had much time together lately, so I decided to get in some bay love. I walked beside her, snuggling and chatting for the first half of the walk.  I found a ditch, parked her in it, and hopped in the saddle for the ride home.

She is awesome.  Trotted the whole way home, with me giggling in delight.

Once home, we spent some time in the turn out posing for the camera, then racing around wildly.  It was fabulous!  She can move when she wants to ... Which isn't all that often, so I drink it in when she is feeling spunky.

Rhu time = Emotional reset

15 minutes - 0.35 miles - Rhulain

Rhu, oh Rhu, how have I missed you?
Let me count the ways!

There wasn't any daylight left, but that didn't stop me from needing Rhu time.  Spent only a few minutes doing groundwork, then saddled and played in the turn out.

Amazing.

I closed my eyes, dropped the reins, and just breathed in my Rhu.  I have missed her smell, her movement, and the connection.

Walking with Rhu

19 minutes - 1.03 miles - Rhulain

Snuck in a not-so-quick mile with Rhulain tonight. I could have made better time, but I would have had less fun. The trade off was well worth it ... She seemed to think so too!

Thankful for Daylight Savings!

14 minutes - 0.30 miles - Rhulain
11 minutes - 0.30 miles - Morgan

I spent some time doing basic groundwork and checking Rhulain's brain. She was perfect. Hopped in the saddle and rode around the turn out for the purpose of having fun. She was amazing. I felt like I could have ridden her for hours!

I switched horses and rode Morgan in the turn out. She wanted to trot the whole time, so I let her. We bumped up our speed and I found myself laughing out loud. It was glorious! We dropped off her saddle at the tack shed, then rode bareback to her stall. Love love love my horses!

Dorks on a walk

33 minutes - 1.57 miles

Rhu, the kid, and I took a walk today.  They were making silly faces and acting strange, so I decided to document their antics.  Dorks ... I wonder where they learned it? Ahem.

Wasn't our best time, but anytime spent together is valuable!

Rhu Joins In

As predicted, it rained all day.  I needed to do my 2 mile walk/jog, but I didn't want to drag Rhu out in the rain so I headed off alone.  

I smiled as I followed my girl's hoof marks on the path.  After 20 minutes my knee started to ache and I was really wishing I'd brought Rhu so she could carry me home.

I got home with only 1.83 miles logged.  So, I walked over to Rhu's stall and asked her if she wanted to join me as I jogged around the yard.  She stayed right with me until I started to head for her stall ... then she began to drag her feet.  

Guess I should have taken her with me for the whole walk.

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.

Wasabi Needs Work

34 minutes - 0.97 miles - Wasabi

Took Wasabi for a walk this morning. She has started rearing when she doesn't want to do something, so we spend more time circling than walking forward. Little snot.  She was contrite and soft eyed after 20 minutes, but still tried to push past me on the way home. Sigh.

On a good note, Rhu was happy to see me when I got back :)

Got home early today!

34 minutes - 1.22 miles - Rhulain
30 minutes - 0.93 miles - Wasabi

We were asked to leave work early today because the final presidential debate was being held three miles from our office, and the roads were going to be closed.  Go home?! No problem!  I raced straight home, grabbed Rhu, did a few minutes of ground work, then saddled up and headed out.

We were having a great time and neither one of us wanted to go home. Every time I steered us towards home, Rhu would angle back out to the open area.  I agreed in spirit, but had to pick up the kid, so I couldn't comply.  Rhu had lined up perfectly to allow me to open and latch the gate. A little sad, I closed the front gate behind us, rubbed and hugged her, then put her away. 

LOVE these photos ... gave the kid a granola bar and Wasabi was pleading for a bite.  The kid was completely baffled as to the attention, but sure wasn't giving up his snack.  I gave her some of my granola and headed over to the trailer.

Wasabi wasn't sure, but she was willing to stick her fronts in if asked.  We worked for a few minutes and I was content with the progress.  We headed off for a walk, though there was lots of tail wringing and pushing forward.  She's forgotten her manners and needed a few reminders. All in all, not bad.

Happy to Oblige

26 minutes - 1.11 miles - Rhulain

Rhu called out to me as my car pulled in the front gate.  She fixed me with an intent gaze and late me know she was ready for a walk.  So, I changed clothes and went out to oblige.  She hung her head over her rails and waited for me to affix the halter and head out for fun.

We trucked out to the sand dunes and stood for a while watching the world go by and the sun slink behind the mountains. I'm glad she asked to go out, I really enjoyed doing absolutely nothing with Rhu.

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!

Quick one Rhu

17 minutes - 0.63 miles - Rhulain

 I didn't ask her, I just grabbed Rhulain and saddled up.  Rhu didn't seem very pleased with my idea.  We walked a quarter of a mile, but the light was fading too fast for much else.  

I had to ask her to hold still three times so I could mount.  She was clearly anxious to get going.  I hopped in the saddle and we boogied home ... where we heard Bill dropping food in everyone's bins.  No wonder she was in such a hurry!

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!

Saddle Time

20 minutes - 0.60 miles - Rhulain

 Since we now have the Australian saddle, I decided it was time to sell one of the "extra" saddles.  I pulled out the vintage Billy Cook and asked Bill to saddle Rhu.  She panicked when he was tacking her up, and he had to go slowly and ask her to smell everything before setting it on her back. Then he hopped in the saddle for a few minutes.

 Bill decided the seat was too small for his liking.  So, we'll be putting it up for sale.  She was already saddled, so I hopped up for a quick walk up and down the driveway ... sort of a farewell to the saddle.

After untacking, the kid and I took her for a quick half mile walk.  She was perfect.  Absolutely perfect.

Family Walk

32 minutes - 1.25 miles - Rhulain, Morgan, Bill & Kid

I decided to go for a walk.  I haltered Morgan and headed towards the gate when I saw the Kid and invited him to go along.  Bill was on the front porch, so I asked if he wanted to join us.  He said yes, and asked me to halter Rhu for him.  Wait, what? Why? 

He said he didn't want to drag Majesty or have his arm yanked by Wasabi, and Rhu was a pleasure to walk.  I gave Morgan's lead rope to the Kid while I got Rhu and the 4 of them headed off to the open desert.  

I realized both my horses were on a walk, and I wasn't in charge of either one.  It was ok.  Rhu snuggled Bill, but kept an eye on me.  Morgie kept her head low and took good care of the Kid.  I was proud of my two girls.

Confidence and Teamwork Building

22 minutes - 1.11 miles - Rhulain

Rhu was not sure about leaving the food this early, but she went ahead and padded along beside me for about a half mile.  Then she saw headlights, and she got really nervous.  I sent her off in a circle around me, and she shot off like a rocket for about a minute.  I was so proud of her for staying out of my space and keeping focused on me, even though she was clearly nervous.  We walked home in synch and she nuzzled me at the gate.  Good girl Rhu.

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!

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.