Thankful for Daylight Savings!

14 minutes - 0.30 miles - Rhulain
11 minutes - 0.30 miles - Morgan

I spent some time doing basic groundwork and checking Rhulain's brain. She was perfect. Hopped in the saddle and rode around the turn out for the purpose of having fun. She was amazing. I felt like I could have ridden her for hours!

I switched horses and rode Morgan in the turn out. She wanted to trot the whole time, so I let her. We bumped up our speed and I found myself laughing out loud. It was glorious! We dropped off her saddle at the tack shed, then rode bareback to her stall. Love love love my horses!

Hanging with the herd

Grabbed the shedding brushes and got to work removing excess hair. Morgan needed the most work, and she napped through the process.

The kid rode his quad through the herd so I could gage their reactions. Barely an ear flicker. Good horses!

Then I spent some time just sitting with Rhulain in the shade. She nuzzled my face, blew hot air down my neck, and licked my boots. I loved every minute of it. Love my horses!

Bill's First 5K!

3.11 miles - Bill, me, and the kid

Ready, set, run away with the circus! Wearing my lucky Solmate Socks, because life is too short for matching socks

The kid and I spend 3 to 4 days a week jogging so we can compete in the local 5K events.  Bill decided to join in the fun and accompany us for the Cirque du Soliel run.

He did very well and I am proud to say we finished in the top 2/3rds of the pack.

There were over 750 runners for this event, plus there were walkers, all on the same trail. Some of the Cirque performers joined in the run while others rode bikes and offered encouragement as we jogged by.

After the race, there was a trapeze class for all the kids who participated, face painting, and pictures with the performers.  I am pretty proud of my little running troupe.  Can't wait for the 8K event in April!

Rhulain's Cranky Face is Still Kissable

1.26 miles - 21 minutes - Rhulain

Uh oh, someone is not happy about leaving her herd. 

A month between walks is far too long.

 She started to perk up once we got on a familiar path ... The one that leads to the snacking spot.

 Ah yes, Rhulain never misses an opportunity to munch down on fresh grass shoots, dead leaves, and brush. Her motto is ... Try everything once!

 At the halfway point, we got in some good snuggle time. Lots of her snacking and me drinking in her essence. I had forgotten her smell.

She still takes my breath away. So gorgeous! She might have slowed me down on the walk today, but I needed the time with her. The occasional morning snuggles are no substitute for real horse time.

Happy Birthday Morgan!

Morgan turned 19 years old today! She is still my favorite go-to-girl and I am thankful she has put up with me the past 6 years.  Here is to another 6 years (and more) of adventures, silly faces, and pleasurable rides together. Much love to my Morgie Moonpie! 💘

My Beloved Rhulain

.40 miles - 26 minutes - Rhulain

The moon was out in force last night ... bright enough I could sneak in a ride.  So I did.

I turned Rhulain out so she could get all her wiggles out.  She bucked, she reared, she rolled, she chased the doberman ... then she came to the gate and watched me intently.

We did ground work in the turn out, then I saddled her up and we rode in the turn out.  It was wonderful.  She was marvelous.  I have missed her SO much. 

She lined up perfectly at the gate to let me open it ... we've gone through gates before, but they were 12 foot in length, while this one is only 4 feet wide and has a bar over our head.  She waited patiently until I ducked and asked for movement before swinging her hips over and walking quietly through the gate.

After untacking her, I hopped on bareback and rode her around the yard then hopped off at her stall.  So happy.  I can't express how much I needed THIS ride with HER. 

No Horse Weekend

The weather was warm enough to get outdoors and do chores.  The rain and Wasabi have done some serious damage on the stalls.  We dug all the junk out and Bill brought over loads of new sand for me to fix the stalls.  We worked for several hours, and got all five done.

The doberman, Ryver, watched me work and rolled around in the sand.  So not helpful!  The stalls were gorgeous when we were done ... so much so, I didn't want to put the horses back in the stalls.