November 25, 2012 - ACTHA Ride: 2.5 hrs

 Judged an ACTHA ride.

Morg had to inspect each water bottle before I could put them in the "pit"

We rode Morg & Maj to the obstacle, tied them off, and then judged the 2 groups before joining the ride.  We were far enough back to enjoy the ride and do the obstacles when we caught up.

Checking the obstacle ... needs a few more bottles

Morgan walked through the pit with water bottles, down a ravine and back up the other side, through streamers, and then she walked right up to a smoking camp fire, around it, and continued on to the end.  Like a rock star!

Morgan and I deep in conversation ... or, Amber blabbing away and Morgan patiently putting up with it ... again

The only "trouble" we had was standing still at the third obstacle.  She was tired but was in better shape than Majesty.  The two of them stood like champs tied to the trailer before and after the ride.

Being dorks in front of the smoking embers

I couldn't be prouder of Morgan!  She was fun to ride and well behaved!  Rock.Star.

Checking on riders ... making sure no one got left behind

November 24, 2012 - Sundance: 15 minutes

Dance was awfully cuddly so I tossed the bitless on her and took her out of the turn out.  I hopped on and we wandered around a while.  She trotted for a bit, but I slowed her back down after a few paces.  It was dinner time, so we cut the ride short.

November 23, 2012 - Morgan: 30-45 min ride, 30 min trailer

Had an hour to ride so I hopped on Morg.  Was going to pony Smoke, but she layed down in the turn out and didn't show signs of getting up anytime soon.

Rode Morg around the yard before heading out the gate.  She moved at a constant fast walk, but hesitated at the corner so I let her wander.  We went through the ravine that used to be the street.  She stopped and tried turning or crow-hopping quite a few times between Amy's gate and the next property.  I had to work hard to keep her going forward, but we made it to our destination before turning back towards the house.

Wandered in and out of the desert a few times and then in the front driveway.  Untacked her and then decided to work on loading in the new trailer.  I climbed in and asked politely to have her step in.  After 30 minutes I had her front two hooves in three times in a row, so I called it a success and fed her.  

Good work day :)

November 20, 2012 - Breeding

Thinking about breeding Morgan.  Bill liked the black Morgan from the trail ride.  I found two grulla stallions online that are about 14 hh.  I have conformation, height & personality.  I'd like to breed for color.

Wants: Bald face, grulla, buckskin, dun

Would be wonderful if there was such a thing as a medicine hat Morgan

November 18, 2012 - Morgan: 40 minutes

About 4:30 (dusky) I took Ms. Morgan for a ride.  She voluntarily went around the Utah peep's property, then we turned and walked down the north driveway and around the neighbor's house through the washed out street.  Like a rock star!

November 17, 2012 - Mochie, Majesty, & ACTHA ride

Rode Mochie on the trail ride.  Was told I would need to ride 1st because there was a young Morgan stallion who walked fast.  Damn!  Where was my Morgan?!  They left before I could get Mochie out the gate and tried to catch up, but Mochie did her springy walk/trot and bounced my iPod out of my pocket twice cause me to turn back/dismount.  Once I saw the Morgan had made the 1st turn, I headed Mochie back to join the 2nd group and Majesty.  She hustled her butt back, that's for sure!

Mochie & Majesty waiting to head out on the trail

She kept dragging her feet, but she kept with the pack and only occasionally tried to snack on the road.  I can't seem to keep her on the trail ... she wanders off to the left/right, but not straight.

Mochie and I at the top of a sand dune

Majesty climbed the huge hill on his first try, then 
calmly walked back down.  Bill had the camera, so no pics. :(

Mochie and I finding the trail

We let Maj, Mochie, and Gina's horse stretch out and canter at one point.  Great fun!  Still not used to the bumpy ride of a QH :)

Some days, I'm amazed at the scenery we get to see

They finished just fine and loaded right up.  Good day, but I still wish I'd taken Morgan.

November 16, 2012 - New Trailer

Bought a new two horse straight trailer.  Bill spent most of the day cleaning it out.  Got it ready for tomorrow's ACTHA ride.