Last Ride of 2016

35 minutes - 1.37 miles

Christopher left yesterday and I took down the Christmas tree today.  I always feel sad when I pack away his personalized ornaments.  

To combat that sadness, and to keep with tradition, I took Morgie out for the last ride of the year.  I asked Bill to grab a picture of us as we headed out ... she is so tiny, wooly, and adorable.  She was a cranky pants for the first few minutes, but she settled down and we plodded along contentedly.  Such a nice way to wind up the year - just me and my fuzzy girl.

2!

32 minutes - 1.60 miles - Morgan

31 minutes - 1.01 miles - Rhulain

 We were in town all day yesterday, and had plans to be in town all day today. I was afraid I wouldn't get horse time, so I got up early to feed everyone.  Bill watched the kid while I grabbed Morgan and went for a quick ride.  I directed her for the first 10 minutes, then let her pick the path and speed the rest of the trip.  She is so refreshing to be around ... Simply soothes my soul.

We managed to make it home with the sun starting to dip below the mountains.  I grabbed Rhu and took a "quick" walk.  She was very nervous (neighbor's dogs were out and running amok), kept stopping, and couldn't get her brain together.  I gave up after 20 minutes and took a short cut home.  I enjoyed being with her, it was just more work that I had anticipated it would have been. 

The rest of the week is going to be pure chaos, so I'm not sure I'll get any exercise/horse time.  It's Bill's birthday on Monday, the foster kid's birthday on Wednesday, and a birthday party for the kid on Saturday.  I'll grab horsie kisses where I can :)

Evening Ride

27 minutes - 1.52 miles - Morgan

Bill offered to put the kid to bed if I wanted to sneak in a ride.  I was out the door like buckshot.  Once tacked up, Morgan seemed eager to go as well ... she followed me to the gate without a lead.  We selected a trail and off we went into the deepening twilight.  

Had her pick up the pace a few times because we were losing the light, but we knew the path and weren't worried about uneven footing.  Made it home filled with warmth and smiles.

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.

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.  

Bliss.

28 minutes - 0.91 miles - Rhulain

Poor Rhulain, this is what she has to contend with while I saddle her in the mornings.  There is always chaos going on behind her, yet she blithely ignores it in favor of breakfast.

Did a little something different today ... hopped in the saddle as soon as we shut the gate.  I hopped off twice and walked beside her for a few minutes before climbing back in the saddle.  Wanted to see how she would do with mounting in the "wilds" with items found in the area ... might be a large rock, a dirt mound, or a fallen log.  She did rather well!

Having fun Rhu?         Nom, nom, nom, yes!

After drifting through the open desert, we practiced trotting/stopping in the yard.  Needs a bit of work; looks like we need a cue that works for both of us.  Then I introduced her to the feed trailer ... she loved it!

Rhu rides solo

26 minutes - Rhulain - 1.06 miles

We took our normal walk for half a mile, let her snack on the dried grass, and then hopped in the saddle for the ride back.

  She did well, but got nervous when the neighbor's yappy dog came out of the yard.  We faced the dog and stepped forward causing the little dog ran back to it's yard.

Noticed that she responds better to leg cues and gets a bit annoyed if I use the reins first.  We'll work through that.

I asked her to stop near the monorail so I could get proof we rode ... she stood still until asked to move.  That's such a pleasure!

Where's my after ride treat? Don't hold out on me!

I had her open and shut the big metal gate today while I was in the saddle.  She figured out what I was asking rather quickly.  Very excited to see what our future rides will hold!

The Picture I Never Thought I'd Take

18 minutes - Morgan - 1.10 mile

Rhulain and Morgan together?! Wait, what?  

I've never seen them near each other, and here they were sharing a snack.

Morgie dear, it's your turn for a walk/ride

Such a wonderful sight ... sun dipping low and Morgie's funny "fringe"

After unatacking, she usually wanders around the yard for a snack.  Today, she just stood there for 15 minutes just watching Bill and I do chores around the yard.  

Or maybe she was blocking the tack shed entrance so I wouldn't grab Rhu's halter.  

No worries there Morgie ... I'm content with our time together!

Oh how I have missed you Morgie girl

27 minutes
Rode Morgan
1.66 miles

Our life has been crazy busy ... classes on Saturday, tickets for baseball games, pie auctions, new tattoos, date nights, running errands, taking friends out to lunch, rearranging horse stalls ... and barely any time to ride.  When there is a moment, it's extremely windy, or wet, or both.  *sigh*

Tonight I was able to spend a few minutes with my Morgie girl.  Even though it had been 10 days since I was able to saddle Morgan, she was just as good as gold.  No high-headed, snorty, in heat attitude, just calm and smooth, even when the rest of the herd was calling out to her from a half mile away.  I'm simply amazed at how incredible she is and feel so very lucky she chose me.

Thank you Morgan ... thank you a million times over

Quick, before the sun goes down ...

30 minutes
Morgan
1.89 miles

Morgan, it looks like we're losing the sun ... you game for a ride?

Are there treats involved?

Of course my love.

Then let's go!

A mere thirty minutes and we were home again.  But it was a great thirty minutes.  I desperately miss our morning walks and these quick rides help take the sting out of only riding once or twice a week.

Love you silly Morgan

An A-Ha! Moment ... Quietude

24 Minute Ride
Reagan - Solo
1.16 miles

Reagan: They're all looking at my butt, aren't they?

Today, Reagan:

• put her muzzle in the bitless bridle without any urging
• didn't look behind her when we left the turn out
• held perfectly still while I mounted

 

Reagan navigating the terrain on the path she chose

Today I:

• realized the sun was in Reagan's eyes and made her uncomfortable, so I
• let Reagan be in charge of where we went as long as we were moving forward
• stayed quiet in hands, mouth, thoughts, and attitude

Reagan: Look, they're right where we left them!

Me: Ayup. Usually happens that way.

Today we:

• took the road less traveled and didn't rush home
• provided comfort to each other and just relaxed
• found the Reagan I remembered and fell in love with five years ago

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.

Double Time!

45 Minutes (20 min walk, 15 min trot, 10 min walk)
Rode Morgan - Solo
Distance: unknown, tracker lost connection

Reagan was completely unfazed by the saddling process

Morgan and I went for a 20 minute walk and then I hopped in the saddle and we played in the dunes.  There wasn't another soul to be found ... not a single jackrabbit, crow, horse rider, or quad was out and about.  It was a glorious bit of wandering with just the right amount of exercise.

Reagan's "Aren't I cute?" look

I have an app on my phone that tracks our ride, provides our average mph, total distance, and shows our path with a red line on the map.  I was so excited when we were done to see how much distance we had covered and what our map would look like.

Reagan just found out that cute doesn't get you treats

Only we must have lost internet connection somewhere in the dunes because it didn't save any of our progress. *sigh*  Oh well, we'll stay away from that set of dunes in the future.

15 Minutes
Rode Reagan - Solo

Her ears just crack me up ... here's her burro imitation

Morgan and I had left late morning, so there was plenty of sunshine left to try Reagan under saddle.  I initially was just going to try on the saddle for fit, make all the necessary adjustments, and then take her for a walk.

Little tufts of funny hair tucked between her funny ears

She was so placid about the whole situation, I decided to get in the saddle and let her walk around the yard for a few minutes.  She was clearly nervous about any pressure on her face (even with the cross under headstall) so I used my legs to cue a turn reinforced by laying the reins across her neck. 

After the first five minutes, she released the tension she was clearly holding and breathed out softly.  To stop, I asked out loud then sat deeper in the saddle.  Worked out great! 

Ahhh ... Back in the Saddle

34 Minutes Total
Walking for 20 minutes - Trotting for 12 minutes - Lope - for 2 minutes 
Distance: 2.42 miles  Average Speed: 4.23 mph

Three days in a row ... are you ready for this Morgie?

Hmmm.

Walked beside my Morgie girl for the first 15 minutes then we stopped at our normal spot so she could snack.  She took one mouthful and then walked over to the mounting area and stood still.  Ok then!  I hopped in the saddle and we headed down our path.  

We walked, we talked, we trotted, we sang out loud.  What a great way to start my morning!

We saw a neighbor as we were out and she shouted "I love seeing you squeeze in a ride so early!"  I replied "There's no better way to start your day than hanging out with your horse and seeing the world through fuzzy ears."  It's absolutely true.

Today I was in charge of scouting the path for obstacles and she was in charge of pace and direction.  It worked out wonderfully. Thanks Morgan!

Trying Some New Things

80 minutes - 76 degrees!

Solo Ride

1) New rhythm beads

2) New "old" saddle

3) Walked beside her for the first 20 minutes of our ride

4) New commitment to 2 days work, 1 day off

4) Need to work on standing still for mounting

5) New saddle needs more flexibility

I made Morgan a new set of rhythm beads ... they're a bit too long, but that's an easy fix

I pulled out my Bona Allen saddle that I bought last year.  The right fender got a small tear near the stirrup, so I put the saddle away while I decided what to do with it.  I took it to a saddle shop yesterday to see about repairing it, and he said it could be ridden as is. So I did.

I walked beside Morgan for the first 20 minutes for three reasons. 1) I need to get in shape if I really plan to do endurance riding. 2) It seems to help her leave the rest of the herd. 3) I read that she should walk 20 minutes, then trot for 5 minutes, add a 20 minute walk as a cool down to help her get back into shape.

Also, no more riding once a week.  Her topline is losing definition.  Need to work on building that back up. 

I noticed we stopped jingling somewhere in the dunes, so I had to turn Morgan around and try to find them.  Took us 10 minutes, but here there they were.  

So, I dismounted and tied them back on Morgan's neck.  Then I tried to remount and Morgan was moving off before I could get sat down.  Four times.  We need to work on this, badly.  

It's totally my fault.  I need to be more consistent when I mount. Sometimes I let her move off, and sometimes I don't. Sending mixed messages doesn't do either of us favors.

This is Morgan's pissy face after our 15 minute "discussion" about standing still while I tried to mount.  Neither one of us was happy with me at this point.  I'm disappointed in myself more than anything.

I think the new schedule will really help us both. I noticed how much our rides improved in the summer when we had consistency and at least 3 days of saddle time a week.  My fault, but it's something I can remedy.

70 Degrees in January. Really.

60 minutes - 68 degrees!

Solo Ride

Poor Morgan, she has to deal with the oddest things ... today it's a rooster photo-bombing, tomorrow, who knows?!

We saw our friend Red today while we were out ... she moved to a new house and has a new rider.  When Red saw us coming, she ran to the edge of her pen and started calling out.  Morgan called back once she realized it was her old pal.  Can't wait to go on a few trail rides with Red and her new owner!

This reminded me of Shel Silverstein's "Where the sidewalk ends" and I couldn't help but smile.  The pavement may have ended, but our fun was just about to begin.

Sometimes I think Morgan is smarter than I am ... we were  moving along at a nice pace, then I lost the trail.  I thought it was off to the right, but Morgan stayed straight and we came over a little rise to find our hoof prints from last week.  Either way would have taken us home, but her path let us hang out a little longer.

One tired and sweaty Morgan, but no rooster.  I let the other three horses out and let them wander around the yard with Morgan while I did chores.  

The three mares stuck close together, while Majesty dozed in the sun on the opposite side of the yard.  It was fun to sit and watch the herd dynamics for a bit ... also, it was a great  excuse not to scrub water buckets for a few more minutes.