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.

Melt With You

43 minutes - 2.11 miles - Rhulain

It rained last night, so it was a beautiful 75 degrees this morning at 5:30 am.  I love being the first one to put prints in the sand ... and even more so when there are hoof prints next to mine.  Perfect time to take Rhu for a walk!  

She was filthy, she was funny, and she was fabulous today.  I had the music player going, and her head bobbed along to "I Melt With You" by Modern English.  So, that officially becomes her song ... good taste.  

I'll stop the world and melt with you

You've seen the difference
And it's getting better all the time
There's nothing you and I won't do
I'll stop the world and melt with you

The future's open wide

Thank you Bill ... Thank you Morgie!

62 minutes - 1.4 miles - Morgan

 Bill called me at work to say he would pick up A from school ... that meant I could try to out run the rain that was headed our way and grab a ride on Morgan.  Windy, drizzly, and dark.  Morgan did well on our walk portion (because she could hide behind me ... ostensibly to let any predators eat me) and most of the ride home.

Then a dreaded flapping bag stuck in a mesquite bush quite unnerved her ... there was copious amounts of snorting, spinning, and shaking.  My poor dear.  I stepped out of the saddle and lead her past the scary stuff before hopping back on.  The storm clouds started to rain in earnest, so I hugged her hard and fed everyone before getting soaked.

First Snake of the Season

46 minutes - 1.73 miles - Rhulain

It rained last night, and I cannot resist putting the "first" footfalls in the open desert.  I invited Luppy along and she never stopped grinning!  We wandered down some paths we hadn't been on for a while and were merrily strolling along until we saw this ...

The snake was coiled but not moving.  Rhu and I stopped in tandem.  While I was pondering if the snake might be dead, it's head turned in our direction.  Rhu and I started backing up while I fished around for my phone to take a picture.  Just then Luppy came trotting down the road towards the snake  ... fortunately she stopped when I gave the command, but she looked hurt.

I took a picture and three of us gave the snake a wide berth as we continued on our walk.  It was nearly 60 degrees, barely drizzling, and we'd only walked half a mile ... I don't think any of us were ready to head home just yet.

We avoided this path on the way home and no one was worse for the snake sighting.

Misty Morning

27 minutes - 1.36 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Overcast, misty, and almost too dark to see without a flashlight.  Sounds like an optimal time to go for a walk, right?

Rhulain grabbed a few snacks, called "her" dog over, and off we went!

We had walked nearly a mile before I realized the side of Rhu's halter was funky. Poor thing, I bet that twist bugged her and she's such a patient mare she didn't let me know.

She let me un-halter and re-halter her while she stood still in the open desert.  I'm fairly certain she didn't even notice what I was doing ... she was looking for Luppy. That's OK, still a win in my book.

Bill Rides Rhu for the First Time

56 minutes - 2.44 miles - Rhulain, Bill and Majesty
20 minutes - ground work - Rhu

Waiting for kisses.  

Rhu was awfully snuggly today ... not in my space, but certainly close enough in case I wanted to kiss her sweet face.  Which I did.  Often.

I introduced her the trailer today.  Opened the back door (and the side door for safety) and let her sniff around, move closer, and eventually she put her two front hooves in with minimal coaxing.  Since it was just an experiment, I left it at that and saddled her up.

 
We headed out directly towards the thunderstorm.  It was miles off, so we knew we'd be safe for at least an hour.  I snapped a picture and turned to see Bill taking a picture of the horizon as well ... bet his didn't capture Rhu's marvelous ears!

 

Rhu lead the way initially, then rode beside Majesty for a while, finally she tucked behind and cruised along.  Bill taught her about ear rubs ... at first she seemed not to care, but after two or three sessions she was leaning in to his hand.  Great, now I'll have two spoiled horses Bill.

Bill said he thought Rhu was taller than Morgie.  I dismissed it with a "Well, she might be 14.1 hh."  When we got alongside Majesty, I realized how much higher my saddle was than his ... dang it, he's right again. Bill's guess is 15.1 hh, I'm sticking with 14.2 hh.  I'll have to drag out the measuring stick to settle this one.

Both of the horses were ready to go home ... Majesty tried opening the gate with his nose, but it was latched.  

I hopped off Rhu to latch the gate and talked Bill in to climbing in the saddle for a quick trip around the yard.  He wasn't fond of her collected lope, said it was too bouncy, but I noticed he was grinning as he rode.  I know the feeling, she has that effect on me as well.

You know you've lived in the desert too long when it's 72 degrees and you think "Sweatshirt Weather! Woo Hoo!"

0.5 miles - 12 minutes - Morgan

Overcast, damp ground, sun slipping quickly behind the mountain ... perfect time to squeeze in a walk.  Right?!

I told Morgan she looks like a branded mustang with all that dirt on her neck.  She ignored my comments and grooming attempts in favor of snacking, as usual. 

The goat and Ryver were up to their usual chaotic play ... bark, feigned head butt, romping around ... good times.

I always love getting the first hoof print in the sand after a rain.  Feels like we're the first ones to ever traverse that area.  Got my boot print as well ... just Me and Morgie doing me and Morgie things.

Wasabi and Rhulain looked on as we cruised by the turn out.  Neither wanted to walk, they just wanted dinner to be delivered.

Not much to say ... quick half mile walk with my bestie.  As usual, no fuss, lots of checking me for food, and the obligatory cheesy photo that Morgie likes to take.

Rhu was so Amazing that I almost called in sick today

45 minutes - 2.02 miles - Rhulain

 

Morgan and Rhulain wandered around the yard this morning while I did chores.  Morgie shared her snack with Rhu with only minor tail swishing, which was very polite.  Love these mares!

         
Then Rhu and I headed out. We wandered through areas I hadn't seen yet, even though I've been riding here for four years.  Rhu was in charge of speed and direction, while I was in charge of watching for rabbit/snake/turtle holes and steering around them.

Occasionally I would call out "Oh look ... food" which was Rhu's cue to stop and snack. Worked out marvelously.  We were a mile away from the house when I asked Rhu to turn back and head home.

She made it clear that she wasn't ready to turn back.  I'd point her towards home and she'd head that way for a few steps, then angle back towards the open desert.  I checked my cell to see if I could call in sick today and let Rhu continue on her merry way, but I couldn't make a call.

Regretfully, we ambled home.  The weather was perfect: 78 degrees with slight sprinkles.  I'll admit it, I shed a few tears of joy today.  She was absolutely amazing.  

Rain is Coming

22 minutes - 0.90 miles - Morgan

Saddled Morgan and took her out for a quick ride.  She was so inviting today!  There's just something so comforting about Morgie.

The clouds were dark and we could hear thunder in the distance.  It was far enough off that we didn't need to rush home, but clearly eminent. 

When we ambled home, Luppy and Ryver met us at the gate.  They kept turning around to make sure we were coming, which was adorable!  Such a wonderful morning!

Getting Ready For The Storm

21 minutes - 0.78 miles - Morgan

The sky last night with Rhu and this morning with Morgie ... rain is definitely coming our way

Morgan was worried around the storm clouds gathering, then she heard thunder rumbling, and decided it was time to hurry home if we were going to avoid getting wet!

Storm Clouds Rolling In

25 minutes - Morgan, Bill and Wasabi - 1.02 miles

Had such a good time yesterday, we decided to repeat it today.

Morgan was very clear in letting me know she wanted to go for a walk today ... first one at the gate and shoving others out of the way.  Really Morgie girl?  Some might say your gate manners need work.

Wasabi and Bill took the lead while Morgan and I chatted and hung back.  The clouds were amazing and we discussed the pending rain and how it might affect her food.

We caught up to Bill and the girls let us take silly pictures for a few seconds before they reminded us that snacks were only .2 miles away.

At the half way point, the kids got to snack for a bit.  Bill watched the clouds while Wasabi watched to make sure we weren't coming any closer to her snacks.  Silly girl, dried grass does not look appealing to me in the slightest.

 On the way back Morg and I got in front and Wasabi got pissy.  

She picked up her pace, passed us, and this is the view I saw for the next half mile ...

 

Swishy tail, ears pinned, and she would move over to block us trying to pass her.  I had to laugh out loud.  She's quite a character.  As we were feeding the herd the sprinkles started to land on our arms ... made it home just in time!

Forecast: More Wind and Rain

19 Minute Walk
Morgan
0.79 miles

It was chilly this morning, and the horses were all damp and muddy

I did the best I could to groom Morg, but she was still sandy.

I figured she was going to roll in the sand as soon as I turned her out, so I tossed on her wool blanket and headed out for a walk.

We didn't go as far as we normally do, but I had fun walking, chatting, and snuggling my little bay girl.  She seemed far more interested in the grass than my conversation, but I didn't really expect her to be chatty.

Happy Birthday Morgan!

13 Minute Ride
Morgan - Solo
0.71 miles

Starting the new month out right ... full of cuddles and smiles

It was wet, cold, and windy yesterday.  Today it was wet, cold, and windy.  Since it wasn't getting any better, I decided to hang out with Morgan for a while.

 

We celebrated her "birthday" by sweet talking Bill into taking a few pictures of Morgan and I before we went for a ride.  Morgan found a few mints in my pockets and was happy to stand around snacking and posing.

Nothing says Happy Birthday like cheesy photos!

 

We only rode for a few minutes ... the wind picked up and was blowing sand in our eyes.  So, I rode Morgan home, untacked her, and gave her some warmed beet pulp before returning her to the herd.  

I just adore my Morgie girl and look forward to many more years with my bestie.

Snowy Morning

13 Minute Walk
Morgan - Solo
0.54 miles

Walked outside to see this:

And 5 soaked horses since it had rained all night.

My poor soggy girl

Morgan was shivering, so I towel dried her off and tossed on the light wool blanket to help her out.  We took a short walk just to help her warm up a bit.

So adorable ... thank you for being MY Morgan !

Two In One Day ... It's starting to be a habit

35 Minutes (25 min walk, 10 min trot)
Rode Morgan - Solo
Distance: 2.91 miles

I got a new saddle pad which fit Morgan perfectly!  Which means the green one belongs to Reagan. Figured it was going to rain tonight, so I'd better get a ride or two in quickly.

Morgan was reminding me I hadn't brushed her mane yet

We walked our normal path before I swung into the saddle.  She's so much better about holding still now when I go to mount.  She set her own pace today with me just providing guidance on where to go and when to slow down for the footing changes.  

Morgan selfies ... they make me laugh

Morg chose the route back, and we meandered through the streets until we arrived home.  It was a wonderful, but too short, ride in my opinion.

Morgan failed to notice a girl walking a dog ... when she did see them, she made a sharp swerve to the right which had me off kilter for a few seconds.   Never had her do that before, but no harm, no foul. 

35 Minutes (20 min walk, 5 min ride, 10 min mounting groundwork)
Walked/Rode Reagan - Solo
Distance: 1.24 miles

Saddled Reagan up just for the practice and because I wanted to see how the green looked on her ... it's not bad ... wish it was teal or navy blue, but I can get used to it

Reagan selfies are just as funny!

Took Reagan for a walk out the front gate, and the goat tried to follow us.  We had to turn around and chase the goat back onto the property.  *sigh*

Reagan is never too pleased about walking, but the tuft of hair between her ears makes me giggle every time I see it

When we got to the normal turn around spot, I led Reagan over to the area I usually mount Morgan from and tried putting my weight in the stirrup.  Reagan immediately moved forward.  So, we spent a few minutes relaxing and learning to just stand quietly while I got settled in the saddle.

Reagan's wonky ears

I slid into the saddle and let her move forward, but she wouldn't walk calmly and was breathing heavily.  I stopped her, walked beside her for a bit, then tried getting in the saddle again.  We had to have the discussion about standing still while I mounted again, but eventually I sat in the saddle and asked her to walk.

Yep, that's the view between sorrel ears, at a nice, calm pace

We repeated the process three more times over the course of a half mile, but finally she held still the first time I put my foot in the stirrup, relaxed into a walk, and dropped her head.  All the tension left her and I grabbed the camera and took a few pictures from the saddle.

She's going to be just fine, as long as I stay calm and quiet, she will learn what's expected and what is acceptable behavior.  I really like this mare ... she just needs guidance.