Got home early today!

34 minutes - 1.22 miles - Rhulain
30 minutes - 0.93 miles - Wasabi

We were asked to leave work early today because the final presidential debate was being held three miles from our office, and the roads were going to be closed.  Go home?! No problem!  I raced straight home, grabbed Rhu, did a few minutes of ground work, then saddled up and headed out.

We were having a great time and neither one of us wanted to go home. Every time I steered us towards home, Rhu would angle back out to the open area.  I agreed in spirit, but had to pick up the kid, so I couldn't comply.  Rhu had lined up perfectly to allow me to open and latch the gate. A little sad, I closed the front gate behind us, rubbed and hugged her, then put her away. 

LOVE these photos ... gave the kid a granola bar and Wasabi was pleading for a bite.  The kid was completely baffled as to the attention, but sure wasn't giving up his snack.  I gave her some of my granola and headed over to the trailer.

Wasabi wasn't sure, but she was willing to stick her fronts in if asked.  We worked for a few minutes and I was content with the progress.  We headed off for a walk, though there was lots of tail wringing and pushing forward.  She's forgotten her manners and needed a few reminders. All in all, not bad.

Wasabi the Escapee

 5 minutes - ground work - Wasabi

 

 Bill looked out the kitchen window and saw Wasabi wandering around the yard. What?  I went out and she walked right up to me for snuggles.  Checked the gate, still locked. Checked all the panels and it looks as though she might have stepped through one after kicking down a bar. Sigh.

Since she was out, and I hadn't worked with her in a while, I decided to spend a few minutes working on trailer loading.  It took a few tries, but soon she was loading her front half in the trailer willingly.  Bill called from the front porch and told me lunch was ready, so I rubbed her big head and put her in the turn out.

Ground Work Pays Off

30 minutes - 0.86 miles - Rhulain

Rhulain practically loaded herself today.  She stood patiently and waited until she was asked to back out. 

Then we went for a walk, where no matter what was thrown at her, she remained calm and steady.

When we got back, I realized I had left the hose on and flooded the area near the gate.  Rhu initially jumped over the puddle (quite beautifully I might add).  I sent her back through the gate and asked her to walk in calmly, then stop in the puddle.  She did on the first try.

All this ground work is really starting to pay off ... teamwork.

I Love the Smell of Morgans in the Evening

36 minutes - 0.85 miles - Rhulain

Had such a good time last night, I decided to do it again!  First, some grooming, then some groundwork, a bit of trailer loading, then let her snack while I tacked up.

 Three quick laps around the yard and then I was going to call it quits and let her eat dinner. On the last lap, she picked up speed and we loped right past the hitching post.  We zoomed by the turn out, then made a quick turn only to find the ground had been washed out.  She slammed on the brakes and we avoided any catastrophes.  Gotta love self preservation!  We turned back the other direction, hopped over the fallen log, and then untacked.

Five days in a row I've been able to spend with my horses ... I feel like the luckiest woman alive!

Ride Interrupted

33 minutes - 0.65 miles - Rhulain

 I only had a half hour before the kid's bath time, so I decided to do some ground work with Rhulain.  We breezed through the regular warm up, loaded in the trailer three times with no issues, and she was locked on to my every step.  I knew what that meant ...

Time to saddle up!  We did three quick laps around the yard before my timer went off.  Neither of us was done ... every time I guided her to the hitching post, Rhulain would veer off to the side and speed up.  

I know Rhu, me too.

Eye Injury & Night Work

61 minutes - 0.42 miles - Morgie & Rhulain

There's sunshine when I get home now ... only 15-20 minutes left, but just enough time to spend it with Morgan!  I grabbed a halter and ran outside, only to find Morgie had a cut above her left eye.  I removed her from the turn out and cleaned her forehead so I could get a better look.  Looks like a small gash that stops right before her eyelid.  WHEW!  

Cleaned off the dried blood and debris ... it must have been tender because she kept lifting her head away.  I put her in the large stall and will check it in the morning.  Wish I knew what happened, but I feel absolutely fortunate it didn't need stitches or injure her eye.

The sun had dropped below the mountains while I worked on Morgie's injury, so riding was out of the question.  I haltered Rhu and we did some ground work.  Then we worked on trailer loading for a while.  She wouldn't step in until there was some pressure on her face ... but then, the trailer was very dark.  Once I opened the "escape hatch" she stepped right in and stood still until I asked her to back out.  I was impressed with her effort.

Decided to do some trust building, so I saddled her up next to the trailer.  By now it was fully dark, Ryver kept running around her hind legs, and our foster boy was stomping around the yard in his shoes that light up.  Rhu looked worried.  

I tossed on the treeless and the bitless, while giving her lots of rubs and praise.  Two trips down the driveway, then circles on each side, and back to the step stool.  

I dismounted, rubbed her and stepped back in the saddle, flexed her neck to both sides, sat for a bit, then repeated the process three times.  I just wanted to sit in the saddle and breathe with her, no pressure, no work, nothing but being right there in the moment, together.

Round and Round the House We Go

31 minutes - 1.07 miles - Rhulain

So, the plan was to go out the gate on a walk for 0.8 miles, then ride back.  Only the horse in my head wasn't the horse I had in front of me.  She was wild-eyed and downright nutters.  Back up plan?  Ride in the yard, work on figure 8s and downward transitions.

Glad I went with the back up plan.  We walked the first circuit around the yard and through the cones. Then I asked her to stand for mounting.  She had difficulty standing still, so we worked through it by flexing her neck to both sides until she calmed.  Once mounted, we walk/trotted the pattern twice with no issues.  

Our next pass by the front gate found the neighbor and two dogs taking the trash out.  The combination of rattling black bags and two barking dogs sent Rhu's head straight up and elevated her breathing.  I ignored the distractions and asked her go around bushes until I felt her breathing return to normal.  We completed the circuit and did four laps around the cones.  By that time she was calm and collected.

I untacked then asked her to load into the trailer, closed the door, and then exit the trailer.  Then I had her stand next to the trailer and I slid onto her back and asked her to walk around the trailer.  Great ending to a lesson!

Riding with Bill, Day 2!

44 minutes - 2.22 miles - Rhulain, Bill & Majesty

We had so much fun yesterday, we decided to ride again ... only this time with different horses.  Rhu grabbed a few snacks for the road and we headed off snuggled up to Majesty.

These two are a nice match.  Rhulain was bug-eyed and full of nervous energy for the first 20 minutes; she definitely needs to be worked 3 to 5 times a week to keep her brain steady.  Having Majesty's calm, steadfast demeanor around really helps build her confidence.

It started to get cloudy and dark, so we headed towards home after 2 miles.  Rhulain and I worked on trailer loading again after the ride.  She's really getting the hang of it!  Next step? Trailer load her to an arena or other area of the Valley for a ride.  Woo hoo!

Rhulain's Trailer Loading Session, Day 3

24 minutes - 0.85 miles - Rhulain
10 minutes - Trailer loading

We tried a different trailer loading method today and it worked out well.  I attached a long line to her halter, ran it through the feed bin, then out the emergency door.  That way I could stand next to her and lend encouragement from beside her and give a bit of pressure on her face.  She figured it out in no time at all.  Love.This.Mare.

We headed out the front gate and wandered off for a ride.  Temperatures were falling, so we kept it short and sweet.

Love Wasabi's face ... she looks irritated that she's having to wait for food.  Silly mare.

Ryver (the doberman) has taken to Rhulain in an odd way.  Ryver runs to the gate to meet us upon our return and "guards" Rhu until I put her back in the turn out area.  He takes his job seriously.  I may have to start including him on our rides.  It's an option.

Rhulain's Trailer Loading Session, Day 2

22 minutes - 1.18 miles - Rhulain
20 minutes - Trailer loading

Bit more trailer loading training before we headed out.  I walked in the back door, then climbed out the "emergency" door and gently tugged on the lead line.  No pull backs, just a bit of nerves about bringing more than her front hooves in.  I got three hooves in and called it a success.  

We saddled up, and headed out for a quick jaunt around the desert.  Plenty of open areas to traverse and no destination in mind.  One quick side step when  a rabbit popped out of the underbrush, but otherwise uneventful.  Just they way I like my rides!

Rhulain's Trailer Loading Session, Day 1

38 minutes - 1.62 miles - Rhulain
15 minutes - Trailer loading

Figured I'd better check to see how Rhulain felt about trailer loading.  As far as I know, she has only been trailer loaded a few times ... once for her trip from San Diego to New York, once to and from the trainer in New York, and once from New York to our house.  

She didn't seem too concerned about the trailer, and with minimal effort she would stick her nose and front hooves in.  After about 12 minutes, she loaded all the way in and stood like a rock until I unloaded her.  This doesn't look like it's going to be a problem, but I'll repeat it for the next few days.

After that, Rhulain and I headed out for a nice, long ride.  I walked next to her for the first half, then hopped in the saddle for the ride back.  Not many pictures as I was more focused on just being with her in that moment.  She ambled along without a care in the world.  So grateful for Rhu!

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.

Mountain Half-Marathon ... where Morgan tried to decapitate me ... several times

Sunday, October 19th  3.5 hour ride - 13.1 miles
Mtn. Springs Ride
Rode with Bill & Majesty, Meggan & Zanadee, Robert & Chevy, Pam & Faith, and R
And five dogs

Meggan invited us to join her and her friends for a ride in the mountains about an hour from the house.  We loaded up our horses and left the house bright and early.  I didn't think about bringing sunblock, because it's mid-October ... it should be chilly!  Needless to say, I got my first major sunburn of the year. In October.  *shakes head in disbelief*

Starting out ... our guide for the day was "R" and his sorrel horse and two golden retrievers.  I think red might be his favorite color. :)  Leaving the property, it felt like we were on top of the mountain.  We traveled down to the "road" and found ourselves on a plateau.  

Morg and I weren't used to all the trees and several times I found myself ducking.  At one point, I was digging around in the saddle bag looking for spare batteries when I looked up to find Morgan and I were basically in a tree ... we were both spitting pine needles for a few seconds before we backed out and went around it.  Lesson learned ... don't fiddle around for the first 20 minutes when you're in a new environment.

We came upon a grassy area, which kept the horses a bit busy ... inspecting the area, not tasting the local grass of course.  Majesty and Morgan had never been in grass that tickled their bellies, but after a few minutes, they walked in it without snorting. Until they discovered the muck.  Once they heard the sucking sound of their hooves freeing from the mud, they both said no thank you and tried to turn around.  It took some work, but they made it through the marshy parts and were rewarded with a snack.

This is the only picture of Morgan and I together from the ride.  Poor Morgan, she has no head.  Poor me, I have no feet.

Lots of "ups" and "downs" along the way ... some of it rocky, some of it smooth.  The horses really had to work those leg muscles.  I was thankful Morg is in shape.   

Majesty was the only gelding, the only light colored horse, and the only Arabian in the group. Way to be different Bill!  

Of course, Morgan was the only Morgan, the only one without a bit and unshod. I was nervous about her being barefoot, but she didn't have a single chip or any signs of tenderness at the end of the ride.  Way to go Morgie!  And way to be different Amber.  *grins*

Break time!  We made a few stops to let the horses catch their breath and to do tack checks.  Every time we stopped, the dogs found watering holes and jumped in to cool down. 

Majesty and Bill at the half way point.  Look at poor Majesty's neck ... coated with sweat and dirt.

One very tired Morgan ... as soon as she was untacked, she started to fall asleep.  

About a quarter mile from the house Morgan started breathing hard, so I slowed her pace and let her rest in whatever shade we could find.  While checking her hooves and legs, I noticed she had cactus spikes in her right front leg.  I pulled them out and they immediately started to bleed.  I'm sure she thought I was torturing her when I wiped her leg down with an antiseptic cloth.  I watched her carefully to see if she would need a Benadryl, but she didn't seem to have a reaction to the cacti.

A quick rinse then they loaded into the trailer and we headed home.  13 miles in 3.5 hours ... we might take up endurance riding ... with lots more practice!

Trailer Loading Trials With Wasabi, Part 2

Tuesday, September 16th  30 minute groundwork  92° 
Trailer Loading with Wasabi

Morgan just figured out she got left behind ... Sundance offered comfort

I figured I'd spend a more time with Wasabi on trailer loading.  Morgan had been napping when I went in to collect Wasabi.  When she saw Wasabi and I on the other side of the fence, she started scolding me ... she was whinnying, nickering, and running the fence line for 10 minutes before she settled down.

Wasabi and I went right to the trailer and did basic groundwork for a few minutes before I asked her to load.  She initially refused, so she got to do a few more figure 8s before she got to rest.  She stepped right in the trailer the next time I offered her the chance.  I got most of her body and three hooves in the trailer, but just couldn't figure out how to get that last hoof and rump in consistently.  At least we had no more refusals.  She was standing in the trailer when Bill got home, so I opened the "escape" door and let her get muzzle snuggles from him before putting her away for the evening.

It occurred to me later on that I "send" her horizontally from the trailer door and she does just fine. Perhaps I could try "sending" her vertically and see if that will encourage the forward momentum needed to get her whole body in the trailer.

Great fluffy clouds and beautiful colors tonight

Trailer Loading Trials With Wasabi, Part 1

Monday, September 15th  60 minute groundwork  99° 
Trailer loading with Wasabi

Normally Wasabi is a light grey (like her rump) ... with all the sweat, she's nearly black!

I went to gather Morgan from the turn out pen when Wasabi got in my way.  She was rather insistent, and I figured I could pony her off Morgan, so I haltered her up and took her too.  However, once she got away from the turn out, she turned bratty ... walking in to my space and generally being a nuisance.  So she got to do ground work.  Lots of ground work.

That's one tired mustang ...

After 20 minutes she was listening but still resisting, so I decided to transition our work into a trailer loading session. She loathes trailer loading. 

We worked on circles, figure 8s, sending her back and forth, side to side, anything to get her closer to the open door of the trailer. Then I asked her to stop moving at the trailer door and let her catch her breath a bit.  I asked her to move in to the trailer and she balked, so off she went for another round of circles and such.  When I let her stop the second time, I again asked her to step in to the trailer.  She popped her front hooves in and I let her stand there as long as she wanted.

Morgan was really tired of me paying attention to everyone BUT her ... look at that face!

Another few tries and I'm happy to report that Wasabi will now willingly step up in to the trailer ... with her front hooves only.  We'll work on the back half of her body later.  In the meantime, Morgan wandered around the yard, pretty much ignored.  She was really in need of some cuddling after I put Wasabi away, and I was glad to oblige. 

Snuck in a quick ride

Sunday, September 14th  15 minute ride  90° 
Solo

Morgan did NOT want to ride.  She discovered the "feed" trailer and was just sure we put it there as her personal buffet.  Every time I turned around, she had scooted over to the trailer.

Elmer came over to wish us well on our ride ... Morgan questioned why we needed to ride. CLEARLY there was a feed trailer that needed emptied.

Once we got off the property, Morgan boogied down our regular path ... in fact, she didn't want to stop moving for pictures, or slow down.  The route that usually takes us 20 minutes was completed in 14 minutes flat.

So we went home and I untacked her ... then turned around to give her some carrot chips and she was gone.  Morgan!

Yep, she went over to "help" Bill unload the feed trailer.  Silly Morgan.