Playing in the Dunes

62 minutes - 2.50 miles - Rhulain & the Kid

The kid and I took a three mile hike in the morning.  We climbed sand dunes and selected paths at whims. We scampered down inclines that were too steep or narrow for me to take a horse safely.  It was fun!

 So much fun, that we decided to go out in the afternoon for another few miles.  Only this time we took Rhulain.  She did well for most of the walk ... only one little spook that was easily managed.  

Had a great time with both of my "kids"! 

Lessons from a "Wild" Mustang

37 minutes - 1.02 miles - Wasabi & Foster Kid

 Wasabi met me at the rail as soon as she saw the halter ... well then, you get to go girl!  On the way to the front gate, we invited the foster child to join us.  He was dubious, but I told him we would climb sand dunes and he jumped in our conga line.

 I explained about Wasabi's itchy spots and showed him how her lips twitch when you hit just the right spot.  He laughed at her expressions.  

Then she stopped to go to the bathroom, and he was fascinated ... he's been with us six months and this is the first time he realized they poop.  This time I laughed out loud.

We climbed a few sand dunes and Wasabi would grab him by the shirt if he got too far away in her opinion.  He would laugh and step towards her which seemed to please her greatly.

Wasabi did stop twice on the way down the sand dune and rolled in the soft, warm sand.  I've never had a horse do that before and we all found it entertaining.  I was glad I had these two on the walk today.  Lots of laughter and joy, which was much needed.

Exploring New Dunes

67 minutes - 2.52 miles - Rhulain

Our foster child joined us for the walk today ... and Rhu didn't seem to care.  She sniffed him a few times then basically ignored him.

 We were way off our normal course, back in the sand dunes where I hadn't been for over a year.  Fortunately, we didn't get lost, didn't see any snakes, and made it home before it was too dark.  I was impressed with our speed and Rhu's calmness in the new area.

Good day all around!

Ambling Along

58 minutes - 1.66 miles - Rhulain

 Rhu and I just ambled today.  We watched the sunrise together.

 We climbed down sand dunes and blazed new trails.

We started the morning at a slow walk and almost an hour later we were just as unhurried.  It's nice to slow down and be in the moment.

Working our cardio in the dunes

72 minutes - 2.27 miles - Rhulain 

 Rhulain and I went out for a walk this morning.  We ambled along content just walking next to each other.  About halfway through the walk I got a text from Bill saying he had called in sick, which meant he would be home in case our foster boy woke up.

So, Rhu and I stayed out a little longer than normal and ventured into new territory.  We did lots of sand dune work, so I'm sure my legs will be feeling it tomorrow ... but that seems so far away.

Sunrise with Rhulain

50 minutes - 1.84 miles - Rhulain

 

Rhulain's muzzle was hanging over the turnout gate waiting for me this morning. So cute!  She and I headed out for dune work.  We needed to work on climbing, cardio, and working out muscles that could be overlooked. 

 

She was wonderful this morning!  Right beside me, climbing behind me unless asked to go in front, and venturing into new territory.  I'm glad we didn't ride today - we needed to have this time together.

Riding Rhu is Fabulous

30 minutes - 1.65 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Luppy always looks so nervous around the horses.  Good trait to have!

Rhu was just standing there looking gorgeous. Love that mare!

 Wait ... a bridle?  

That can only mean one thing ... riding time!

Best view in the whole world ... right between my horse's ears. *sigh* We trotted most of the way back and I never had to lift the reins; Rhulain knew the way and carried me safely down through the dunes.

Thank you for being fabulous Rhu!

Not sure when I'll be able to ride again ... we have a meeting today to find out when our new children will arrive.  So excited to have them join us in our adventures! 

Maybe one (or both) of them will want to ride with me!

*crosses fingers*

Rhulain kicks up her heels

29 minutes - 1.05 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

 Morgan smiled when she figured out she wasn't going on a walk today.  Rhulain yawned at the prospect of hanging out with me.  I explained Luppy would be coming as well so she perked up.

Caught Luppy in a not-so-graceful stride (she seems embarrassed)

 Rhulain is so gorgeous, even her shadow is stunning

 We went up dunes, down dunes, and around dunes 

Then we started heading home ... notice what's missing in the second picture?  A lead rope.  I unhooked her to see what she'd do ... she walked peacefully beside me all the way to the gate. Love you Rhu!

Once she got in the gate, she called out and all the dogs came running.  She led them on a merry chase ... and then ...

she got the other horses involved.  

Can't wait to try that run under saddle!

Dune Work from Rhu's Point of View

35 minutes - 1.30 miles - Rhulain & Luppy

Rhulain: Going for a walk ... taking my human and my dog

Rhu: Climbing dunes with my dog

Rhu: Human, you ready to fix my breakfast?

Rhu: Heading home ... need some head scritches. Pretty good morning.

Luppy discovered the sand dunes

33 minutes - 1.20 miles - Rhulain and Luppy

Dawn breaking over Rhulain's mane.  *sigh*  So happy.

Look who joined us this morning for our walk ... Luppy!

Rhulain: Where's the little dog?

Me: Look down.

Rhu: Oh.  Okay, we can move on now.

Rhu: Where's the yellow dog?  She's not to the right, not down there, not to the left. Mom, you lost the dog! AGAIN!

Me: Look up ... she's just climbing sand dunes.

Rhu: Oh, ok. We can move on now.

(basically, this scenario repeated for 15 minutes then we headed home)

Rhu: Taking care of you AND your dog is exhausting.  I'm going to take a nap now.

Mondays with Morgan - Wait - Monday with a Mustang!

23 minutes - 0.95 miles - Wasabi

Look who joined me for my Monday morning walk! Wasabi!

She was excited to go, until I explained we would have to leave the feed bucket behind ... note the droopy ears and sulky look.  But, after a few minutes it was ears perked and trotting.

We climbed the highest sand dune near our house and she stopped to admire the view.  It was nice to spend the moment relaxing and taking in the vista with her this morning. 

This is about half way down the embankment.  She kept her nose in the sand on the way down.  I can't remember taking her down anything this steep before, but she did really well.

I'm not used to seeing a grey dappled back or light brown muzzle. It was a nice change of pace.  Both Morgan and Rhulain gave me crap for leaving without either one of them, but I'm pretty sure Wasabi appreciated the change of scenery.

Altered plans aren't always a bad thing

42 minutes - 1.70 miles - Rhulain

I initially haltered Morgan, but Rhu really wanted attention so I haltered her too.  Then I grabbed both lead ropes and headed towards the gate when Morgan stopped walking.  I urged her on and four steps later she stopped again.  I cuddled her for a minute then unhooked her lead rope.  I can take a hint without taking it personal.

Rhulain and I played in sand dunes.  We jogged up every one we came across and found ourselves in some interesting places.  We found a very narrow path down a steep dune with thorny bushes lining both sides. Perfect!  Love that she's always willing to give it a try.

We jogged for a bit and then walked the last quarter mile.  Once inside the gates, I unhooked Rhu so she could wander around.  I felt a bump and turned to see this adorable face ... she wanted her snuggles ... which she got, of course.  I put her and Morgan away then headed off to work in the best mood ever!

I'm Starting To Love Mornings

45 minutes - 2.07 miles - Rhulain
How the morning started out ...

Morgan free range feeding (she insisted she was inspecting the bottom of the buckets and to do so, she needed to dump them, which made a mess, so she had to clean it up by eating all the cubes) and Rhulain breakfasting by the tack shed. I groomed Rhu, put on the saddle pad, and announced that we were almost ready to go.  I went into the tack shed, came out with the saddle and saw Rhu heading towards the gate.  I called her name and she stopped walking and looked at me like "Well, hurry up!"  Apparently she WAS ready to go.  Funny girl!

We followed a wash, she snacked on dried grass, went around a sand dune, and then down into a much larger water run off.  She followed this path for about half a mile.  Then she decided to climb the side of the wash and we had an "iffy" moment.  A rock rolled under her left front hoof as we were climbing and she darted to the right.  On a steep cliff side, that will get your heart pounding. All was well though.

There was lots of rabbit holes once we got to the flat land, so we angled towards home.  We rocked out to music and generally had a good time.  As we crested the last sand dune she realized she could see home and called out ... just as "Rhinestone Cowboy" was blaring.  Her call was perfectly timed to the beat.  Nicely done Rhu.

We got home, untacked, groomed, and I let her wander.  Where did I find her? Right next to Morgan with her head in the feed trailer. Ha!

Rhu = Amazing

42 minutes - 1.75 miles - Rhulain

 When I first saw Rhu's picture on the rescue website, I knew I loved her.  People questioned why I would buy a horse from the other side of the United States unseen. My husband offered to fly me to New York so I could see her in person and ride her to make sure.  But me, I just knew that she would be amazing.  She's proved me right every single day.

Today was no exception. We wandered through new scenery, different footing, the "salt flats," went around sand dunes, climbed small and medium embankments, watched clouds float lazily by, and just were there, in the moment, with each other.  No rush, no schedules, no training, just pure peace.

I must have hugged her neck and told her she's amazing 25 times during the ride. I meant it every time.