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!

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"