New Headstalls Don't Change Your Horse's Mindset

Sunday, December 14th  35 minute ride 
Solo

Morgan got a new headstall because I didn't like the way the other one-eared headstall fit.  I love the buttery soft leather of the new one! Morgan didn't seem to care one way or the other.  What she did care about was not going out for a ride.

Morgan: Are you sure you want to be out here alone?  Gina said there were mountain lions out here.

Me: Morg, Gina lives 10 miles away on the other side of the valley.  We're safe. I promise.

Morgan: Just in case, let me get a last meal in.

Me: Morg, let's get going. Seriously.

Morgan: But, that looks like prime mountain lion hunting ground ahead.

Me: Um, Morgan ... that's exactly the same path we just rode on ... all we did was reverse directions.

Morgan: Did you hear that?  Maybe the mountain lion followed us home!

Me: Mountain lions are scared of jingle bells, which is why you are wearing them.

Morgan: Really?  Why are you grinning like that then?

Morgan: Hurry up with my treats so I can get back to the safety of the herd!

Me: Morgie, I heard they only eat Paints ... you'll be fine.

30 minutes a day chases the blues away

Wednesday, August 27th  30 minute ride  88° 
Solo

Morgan: "What are you doing down there? Hey guys ... our human pez-dispenser has fallen down, dinner might be late"

Me: "I'm fine Morgan, just getting rocks out of my boot."

Morgan was fabulous about leaving the property today!  We only had one point where she stopped, looked worried.  I counted to five out loud and then asked her to move on. After that, she went everywhere without hesitation. Went a little farther then our normal route and had a great time. 

We headed back home as soon as the light started to fade because we haven't heard that the mountain lion has been caught yet.  Then we did our normal cheesy pictures (after treats were consumed of course).

On a sucktastic note, we came home to find that someone had stolen the windows out of our horse trailer. They left all the tack and spare tire in the trailer, but pried out the windows. *sigh*

Whole lot of nothing

Tuesday, August 12th  30 minute training  75°
Solo

Had flash flood warnings all day ... the rain made for some interesting cloud formations and sunsets ... here's a few of the pics on my way through the valley to the house

Morgan waiting patiently for the tacking process to begin

We saddled up with the intention to play with cones, but as soon as I swung in to the saddle we noticed a horse coming down the driveway. A neighbor stopped by to say hello, so we hung around chatting for a bit.  Gave us an opportunity to work on just standing still, so I count that as training.  

Rode out one driveway and in the other, untacked and called it a night.

Morgan's "I want my snacks now" look

Heard from a neighbor earlier in the day that there is a mountain lion in the dunes we normally ride near the house. Until the lion is caught or removed, I won't be riding alone in the dunes.