2 Mornings in a Row!

26 minutes - 1.09 miles - Morgan

The doberman started sulking when I told him he couldn't go for a ride with us today.  So cute!

I was 5 minutes late getting outside this morning and Morgan let me know ... as soon as my boot hit the front porch she started calling out.  I'm coming Morgie!  I think she just likes eating breakfast in peace while I tack up.

Morgan spotted our neighbor walking to his car and decided to strike a pose so he could admire her beauty.  She's very kind and thoughtful like that.

After making sure he got a good eyeful, we proceeded on our way.  She was less bouncy on the way home today but still on alert once she realizes it's just the two of us out there in the "wilds."  If I can keep this pace up, she'll be back to her normal self in another day or two.

Very grateful for the time I get to spend with my girls!

Walking with Rhu

31 minutes - 1.08 miles - Rhulain

As promised, I hurried home and haltered Rhulain for a walk.

She's dreamy on a lead line ... right beside me but never in front of me.

I find it interesting that Morgie likes a routine (same path/same time-frame) while Rhulain likes an adventure, so we rarely go the same way twice.  Today we were walking down the road and she asked to take a left and follow a wash.

I led the way in case there was anything dangerous, and she was content to walk as long as she was touching me.  Generally her muzzle rests on my hand or brushes my back if we have to walk single file.  It's so endearing!

I did get her to separate from me and hold still long enough to grab one good picture and then we were off again.  There was dinner to be had after all!  She's amazing ... not a bit of work for 30 days and she was stellar!

*does the "I got to ride my horse" dance*

26 minutes - 1.10 miles - Morgan

I had started to give up hope that I'd be able to ride before October, but it rained for two days and this morning it was cool enough to go for a walk ... so I ran outside with halter in hand calling Morgan's name excitedly.

She was perfectly willing to go for a walk, talk, and snack ... until I mentioned riding home.  Then her head popped up and she went bug-eyed because she was out here ALL ALONE.  Silly Morgie ... I'm right here with you, always.

She was rather bouncy on the way home so we spent time in the open desert rather than on the road where she could really pick up speed.  We just re-channeled her energy and circled bushes until she settled.  

I fed her breakfast as I untacked, let her wander as I fed everyone else, and gave her praises and big hugs every time I was near her.  It was the perfect way to spend my morning.

Told Rhulain to expect some attention this evening if it stays under 90 degrees ... keeping my fingers crossed!

Finally! Horse Time!

33 minutes - 1.05 miles - Morgan, Bill & Majesty

25 minutes - 1.03 miles - Rhulain, Bill & Wasabi

Morgan and I were in a goofy mood and spent most of our walk time making silly faces, whispering smooshy things in each other's ears, and hugging.  I missed my Morgie girl!

Bill and Majesty were more distinguished, but I think they missed each other too.  Majesty kept slowing down like he wanted to hang out just a little longer.

We got home with enough light left to take Rhu and Wasabi out for a walk

We found some plywood and carpet laying on the ground, which became a learning opportunity.  Wasabi stepped right over it and was bored.  Rhu wasn't sure.  She sniffed it, looked for a way around it, then with some encouragement, stepped on it and hustled to the other side.  

She immediately came over for some comfort, hugs, and praise.  I was quite willing to oblige!

Wasabi and Rhu posed for pictures on the way back from our walk ... that Wasabi is a beauty and she's filled out nicely.  Can't wait to get her into shape and have her ride beside Rhu and I.

For me though, Rhulain is absolutely gorgeous.  I love that when we walk, she always has to be right next to me, almost touching but not quite.  So infatuated with her!

Cooler weather is coming!

Forecast shows high of 94 degrees for this weekend ... 

I promised Rhulain and Morgan we would all take walks this weekend ... 

I've miss my girls terribly ... can't wait!

Ryver has started the transition to become an outside dog.  He's doing rather well, can't complain.  Now if we could just get him to come when he's called, then he might have a chance of accompanying us on horse rides in the future.

Our $4 for the 4th Specials

Our local kill shelter ran a $4 special for any dog that had been at the shelter for longer than 7 days.

Bill and I went to take a look around with the thought of adopting a buddy for our "outside" dog.

This was Bill's pick.  A ferocious 4 pound terrier... ferociously cute.

Yeah, he came home with us. 

 

Meet Einstein.  He's stinking adorable.

 

As for me, well, I picked out a doberman pinscher named Ryver.  He's awesome.

Except he likes to give kisses.  *sigh*  Guess I'll have to get used to dog kisses.

Almost makes up for the fact I haven't ridden a horse in nearly a month.

I miss my mares terribly

I haven't spent time with the horses other than to feed, water, and handle fly masks since June 11th.  That's almost three whole weeks of no horse time.

We've had excessive heat warnings every day since June 18th, and even at midnight it's still 90 degrees.  Which means no riding, no walking, no anything. 

I miss my horses.

So, I hung out with the girls last night.  Fed them watermelons, scratched itchy spots, sat and talked to them while they ate, and generally soaked in their horse-ness.