Christmas Vacation 2011

15 flannel PJ bottoms

1 man’s dress shirt

2 ruffled knitted scarves

3 audio books

1400 pages (3 novels)

1 trip to Redding

3 trips to town

1.5 inches of rain

4 horse feedings by myself

5 student recommendations (13 hours)

1 unfinished grant

75 ungraded papers

0 rides ahorseback

2 weeks vacation (is it really over already?)

Winter Solstice 2011

Yesterday was the shortest day of the year--it was also touted as the longest night of the year. Hmm. Which one is the most positive outlook? I guess, like everything else, it is in the eye of the beholder. According many "doomsday" people, this is the last year of the world. There will be "a final event that includes a solar shift, a Venus transit and violent earthquakes." It all ends on December 21, 2012. This idea started because of the Mayan prediction (stated above) and the Mayan calendar ends on that day.  According to ABC News website, "In southern Mexico, the heart of Maya territory, a yearlong celebration is planned." I love that idea! Let's celebrate life all year.


They are "selling the date, the Winter Solstice in the coming year, as a time of renewal, [because] many archeologists argue that the 2012 reference on a 1,300-year-old stone tablet only marks the end of a cycle in the Mayan calendar. 'The world will not end. It is an era,' said Yeanet Zaldo, a tourism spokeswoman for the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancun. 'For us, it is a message of hope.'” Even better! Renewal, hope, and celebrating--I think 2012 will be my kind of year.

Here's Your Sign. . .

On my way to town Saturday night (after a fun two days of riding!), I had an epiphany--before I bought Jupiter, Shirley said it was important that I find the horse that fit me. She said I would know him when I saw him. She said no one could pick him for me. Her final words were: "It's like picking a husband--no one can choose for you."

Well, if you scroll back through the blog posts, I am sure there's at least one where I laughed and said I had not done so well in that department since I am so obviously single. I think I thought it was a pretty good joke. Even Susie said she had done better picking horses than husbands since she was on husband #3. It was all cute and I liked it. I thought it was funny. Then I saw him. I fell in love with that horse as soon I as laid eyes on him. There was no getting around it--he was comin home with us--it was love at first sight.

However, as Jupes and I continue to work on becoming partners, it is becoming more and more clear--I picked a horse just I pick guys. Easy on the eyes. Fun to watch from a distance. And ornery. And difficult. If he had a car, he'd drive too fast. If he went to parties, he'd probably drink too much and fight around. If he doesn't have enough to do, he gets himself in trouble. He looks for it--trouble doesn't find him--he finds it all by himself. He's one of those short cowboys who knows he's all that and a bag of chips--just ask him and he'll tell ya. He's a bad boy all the way around. He has a temper. He wants his way.  He's not the top of the pecking order, but he's best friends with who is and that's all that matters.

How many times have I been off him? How many times has he made me scream because he scared me? How many times have I yelled in his ear, "Doggone it! Knock it off!" Yet, what do I say everytime we finish a ride? Yep--I love you.

Good thing he's a horse or I'm sure all my friends would be counseling me to get out of this bad relationship! He's the perfect example of why I am not married. I am attracted to the bad ones. The ones you don't take home for dinner. The ones you definitely don't marry.

The other side is probably the fact that I will win in this battle of the wills--I will get my way. I will make this partnership work. I'll end up a little battered, I know. But it'll be worth it in the long run. Two headstrong, willful, hot-tempered creatures cancel out all those negatives into a postive, right?

So there it is. Of course Jupes is mine. Who else would I have picked? We belong together.

80 is the new 30!

What great weekend! My life has been full to the brim with obligations, responsibilities, and STRESS! Last August before starting school we had a presenter come and talk to us about "emptying the cup" before trying to teach. I read his book and have tried to follow his advice within my own classroom. However, I forgot about my cup! Well, this weekend I emptied my cup. I think I will be able to be sane for the next week and it will probably be safer for everyone who has to work with me.

Friday was not only 11-11-11, but it was Shirley's 80th birthday! At 11:11, we were out on the trail. She said repeatedly it was the best way to spend her birthday. With all those elevens, I think this next year can be nothing but special for Shirley and since we are blessed to be part of her life--it will be special for us, too. I hope Lynn and I will be able to spend our 80th birthdays the same way--out riding the Hennessey--and even more, I hope we can all be horse camping on Alisa's 80th!

Saturday, we met up with Alisa and were introduced to Travlyn Chexs, also known as Keota. We spent a few hours at Swasey Creek riding the Meiner Loop and that starts with an L (?). It was Keota's first trip with us and Alisa's first time riding him away from his home territory and without his family. He saw bicycles and went through manzanita tunnels just fine. We found out he is a snorter when it comes to things he is unsure of! Other than reaching out to the behind of the horse in front of him, he was very good. He got a little nervous leading the string, but he did just fine. He is a beauty for sure. Our time together went by too quickly; but I am excited that we are going to try to ride all winter over in the Redding area where the weather is mild. Jupiter is getting new shoes this week, so we will be ready whenever we get the call.

We were back on the trail again Sunday--this time down and around the Hennessey. I thought maybe Jupes would be a little tired from two days of riding, but he wasn't tired enough to not have a little tantrum. He humped and jumped and kicked his feet out, but although I screamed (I guess like Lynn says, "a little girl") I stayed on and jerked him up and told him to "knock it off" and I got my way. He might be a pistol, but I am used to having my way, doggone it! (:

This ends my weekend--but I will tell the story of Lynn and the frog when I have more time.

The way to Heaven is on horseback

"Get Rusty!" Shirley hollered from her deck. Lynn was out catching Ziggy and, well, Buster, because he is catchable. Lynn just shook her head at her mom. Pretty soon Shirley was back on the deck, screeching to Lynn down in the bottom field, "Get Rusty!" Star was still running around the field, "Ha, ha. Can't catch me." Under her breath, Lynn muttered, "You're getting this one. If you don't like it, catch your own damn horse." I think Shirley yelled three times for her to "Get Rusty!" The third time, she had enough, so she yelled back, "Rusty's DEAD!!"

It became funnier when the two of them finally caught up to each other in the field and they thought about how clear the air is and what the neighbors must be thinking: "Oh, how sad. I wonder which one was Rusty."

Anyway, Jupes and I had a great two days this weekend. Yesterday, we worked on trotting and listening. He did everything I asked him to do and I felt incredibly comfortable in the saddle. It was if everything just gelled. Then, on the way back, he and I rode in circles around the bushes at the trailhead. It was like he kicked into a memory and said, "I know how to do this." In fact, I'll bet he was doing lead (leg?) changes like on TV. (Even without a stinkin' arena!) Of course it had nothing to do with anything I was doing, but he felt smooth and happy. (: Today we also did some bushwacking and he was perfect.

Big Al is turning out to not be a good fit for Alisa and all I can say is that I hope and pray she finds a perfect match for her like Jupiter is for me.

"Nothing is more sacred as the bond between a horse and a rider. No other creature can ever become so emotionally close to a human as a horse. When a horse dies, the memory lives on, because an enormous part of his owner's heart, soul, and the very existence dies also."- Stephanie M Thorn

Big Al comes home

As of Saturday, Big Al has a new home and Odie has someone to ding around with. Alisa drove off the mountain and picked up Al from his one-time owner who had been considering keeping him. Lynn and I have had many conversations about this very topic--I couldn't have done it. The woman who owned Al foaled him. He grew up in her pastures and has been part of her family for six years. I am sure she let him go for purely unselfish reasons: he went to a good home where he will "have a job" as she put it. She did not have the time to put into riding and training him, but it was obvious she loved him. Al is lucky--he will have had two wonderful people who love him and will look out for his best interests.

Alisa said Al loaded and rode well. He was calm and not a problem unloading. Odie immediately began showing him the ropes and seemed happy for the company. Alisa ran the weedeater, painted, and hung around to make sure they were fine, but it seems like all is well. I think it was meant to be!

Here at home, we went on short ride up the Hennessey. Lynn is pretty sore, and according to the chiropractor, has some torn tendons or ligaments (or both!) in her back. Trotting was a definite no-no. It was beautiful ride and I loved being with Jupiter after a month's layoff. Shirley got to run some cows with Buster and on the way back to meet up with us, got a little speed up and Buster showed off a little sliding stop. She was grinning from ear to ear and said, "That was fun!" I think it all brought Buster up a little more in her esteem.

It's supposed to rain this week, but hopefully next Sunday (after Church) we can do it again. Fall is in the air and we need to get in as much riding as we can before it's winter.

No score

Lynn and Alisa went off horse shopping in Oregon. I guess they met two really nice cowboys (young & working hard) with horses for sale. Green horses. Alisa was looking at nice horse named Tommy and the boys decided to take them for a ride. Either Lynn picked out or one of the boys picked out roan for her to ride. He seemed nice--one of those pocket nuzzlers. Then she got on. Well, then they went a wild ride in the pickup to the trail head and then she got on. Anyway, immediately she knew he wasn't "right." It's my understanding that when everyone else headed out on the trail, this one turned around and headed back, bucking to beat the band. Lynn said she thought she might have stayed on for five seconds, but we all know that's not long enough for a score. Sorry, cowgirl, as the announcers say. (:

Then one of the boys rode him, I guess the roan didn't have as many hops left in him, because the cowboy made his eight seconds when he took off bucking again. (I'm sure that's what it was, Lynn.) I didn't hear much about Tommy--I guess he was sweet and behaved himself, but I did hear then about the paint that was Lynn's substitute. He didn't want to go down an embankment and through a little creek. So Lynn had to walk and coax him through it and get her boots wet (but at least she didn't fall back down the slope into the water, which also became a possibility). So did the cowboy have to make the paint go?

On the phone I heard a lot about "stick-necked" horses and the desire to swear (something Lynn never does). I probably would have said how pretty they were or something equally inane about the horses, which would have given Lynn an opportunity to say, "Pretty is as pretty does." However, she did say she would take any of our horses over any of theirs--even Indy, which is saying a lot!!

Poor Lynn, not a good day ahorseback. But a good day for Ziggy, because in comparision, he looks better and better. (I think his probation is probably over!) Again, I don't know much about Tommy, but I heard Al is hanging in there. (:

Horse Shopping

Three votes for Al and Katie! It was the consensus on the ride home from shopping that Alisa choose Al as her next partner and that she should swing by Sixth Avenue and whistle for Katie to jump in her rig. A good horse and a happy dog to keep her company on the trails all in one trip.

Dances with Bears (Bucks, Turkeys, & Bees)

Camping at Cuneo Creek is always a highlight of the summer. This year was even better than the years before because we were all together: Alisa & Odie, Lynn & Ziggy, Shirley & Star, Toni & Buckwheat, and me & Jupiter. I absolutely loved our new large tent and I think everyone slept in comfort. The wildlife in camp was an adventure as always, but especially so since the apples and berries were all ripe.

It was a real treat to see bears in the tops of trees--even if they tossed apples on our heads. The turkeys were large and had added to their numbers since we saw them last. Lynn and I were almost impaled by two large bucks that we startled in the dark and Shirley saw a cottontail. Waking up to quail and turkeys in the morning is far more relaxing than waking up in the middle of the night to shoo bears out of our camp! I think our camp was on their path to and from the upper orchard and the two lower ones. I'm sure they were irritated that they had to go around us.

Ziggy obviously liked being highlined over being cooped up in a small pen. He seemed very content with his accomodations all weekend. Jupes and Star hung out and Odie and Buckwheat became fast friends. Although the first night was a little worrisome and we didn't get lots of sleep, the next two were pretty calm and both horses and people were able to relax a little more.

The trails at Cuneo Creek are very diverse; all of us love riding in the cool Redwood grove. It's beautiful and majestic and the temperature is pleasant for horse and rider. On Saturday, we finally finished one of the loops we have started and been unable to complete. Unfortunately, it was really long and eventful, which took some of the luster off. We had been warned that bees were prevalent this year and we definitely experienced it. Going up the Johnson Cabin trail, we hit bees four times. Thankfully no one was hurt. I am happy that we met a couple who told us there was a way through to loop back and that the bees were pretty minimal.

It was fun to reach the top and see the old cabins. It was a nice break for all of us--including good water for the boys. Going back down the bees weren't an issue, which is a good thing, but the steepness of the trail and long road down to the trailhead was. Poor Odie and Buckwheat took it the hardest. Trembly legs and sore muscles for them and blisters for their walking partners ended our first day.

The next day was another one with lots of steep terrain. We decided to go on the short, Indian Orchard trail; but I think all of us forgot how far we had to ride up a hard-packed road to get to the nice little trail full of switchbacks. Although it was a beautiful ride, it was hard on the horses' sore legs.

One of the highnotes of the weekend was Toni's awe over "rolling on command." She's so funny. Anyway, we know the boys love to have a good roll after a long day on the trail (or a short day). We walked them over to the sand pit and immediately Jupes was down and rolling. He rolled at least 4 times. Star especially loves a good roll and even Ziggy flopped down to roll (laying on his back, all four legs straight up in the air, head held up high). Odie wanted to, but he knew his sore legs would make it difficult to get up again.

Thus summer ended. Great food, great friends, great equine partners. I am blessed to be part of it!

Probation

Jupiter is "feeling his oats"! We had another rodeo on Saturday. He scared the crap out of me and I screamed bloody murder. Then I yelled at him to "knock it off," "stop it," or just plain "doggone it"! Somehow, "WHOA" never seems to the word that comes out of my mouth. (: Thankfully he recognizes the tone, I guess. Toni said he had all four feet off the ground at one point. I had one foot in a stirrup, because the other one had broken when he scraped us along a fir tree to avoid the deep mud. Oh, and now both my reins are tied in with a shoe string and zip tie respectively. Having no stirrup taught me how to use my thighs like I'm supposed to, versus putting too much weight in the stirrup. Anyway, I don't know if he got stung and that's why he put on a show--Brady and I have had bees there before, but once again we were the entertainment.

Earlier in the day I used my reins to lace his behind when he continued to reach out to eat poison oak, you know like Lynn does to Ziggy every little while, and like how Shirley says to lace him a good one when he starts to buck--uh-huh--guess what happened? He humped up and got ready to give it right back to me. He has authority issues just like me. The only thing is, I AM his authority and we are getting that straight! So how does it happen that we get horses (and dogs and cats) that have similar personalities to ours? (I am sure the women I got him from would say it was my fault--it's true: he was pretty perfect when I bought him!)

Sunday morning I told him nobody would ever love him more than me, but he was on probation and if he didn't behave, he would be headed back to Springfield and dropped off. (Lynn corrected me later and said it was Roseburg.) Nevertheless, he behaved the entire ride. No eating while we were walking, no rodeos. I think maybe he was worried because he didn't know what Springfield meant. Ha!

Do as I say, not as I do

Ziggy's feet are going to be an advertisement for Farrier's Choice (what's its name?). He is faithfully coming down to the back door to get his treat and his medicine. Unfortunately, poor Indy wants to be everyone's favorite and on Sunday, he once again caused (innocently!) an accident. He saw Zigs getting something and down he came. When Ziggy saw him, instead of just snuffling his stuff--he grabbed for it and took Lynn's finger with him. Since she was on one side of the fence and he was on the other, I imagine it sounded something like this:

OW!

(right click and open a new tab for a sound byte )

Of course she has an incredible pain tolerance, so even though she thought her finger was gone completely, when the doctor asked her what level of pain she had, she replied, "Oh I don't know--a two maybe."

Ziggy's teeth scraped the bone, but did not break it. She still has her finger, albeit it's full of stitches. Lee's mad and says the horses are down the road, but we know how much say he has in that realm. Poor guy has been to the emergency room more than his quota with that girl. He said, "When does the 'for better' part start in the 'for better or for worse' section of the marriage vows?"

Moonlight in the Meadow

Saturday was a full moon. Lynn said she always wanted to ride during a full moon. (kinda like she always wanted to ride to the store?) Toni and I met her at 6pm and loaded up the boys. It was a pleasant evening and we rode the hoop-de-do trail. Buckwheat is definitely green and he gave Toni some problems. He made it very clear that he really wanted to be home, eating his dinner. He does not care what Ziggy and Jupiter do! They are not part of his herd and he's not going to follow them.

Toni remembered how to be a cowgirl from her younger days. She stayed on when he bucked; she made him continue up the trail when he balked; she made him behave when Jupiter got spooked and scared him. She did great!

We came out of the woods and into the meadow just as the moon came up over the ridge. It was huge. It had the color that an autumn moon has--kind of an orangey-yellow. It was as if it we could reach out and touch it. We rode back up to the truck, keeping the moon in sight. It really was special. When we were brushing the boys and putting away tack, it was like there was a street light on--it was that bright. I am really glad we fulfilled another one of Lynn's "I always wanted to. . ." things. (This one was much better than let's ride to the store.)

Thanks, Lynn for another fun adventure.

A life of leisure

Since I am on summer vacation, I spend more time on the couch watching things I've recorded. This morning was no exception. As I sat and ate my breakfast burrito, I watched America by Horseback with Tom Seay. It was one I had watched in the past, but I enjoyed it again. I am thinking we need to go and experience it ourselves. It was set in Norco, CA--also known as "HorseTown." Lynn's dream of riding to the store and tying up would be realized here. People ride everywhere; in fact they boast that there are more horses than people in their town. Store owners are required to have a "tie rail" for their customers. The traffic lights have raised buttons on the corners so people ahorseback can reach them easily. Trails run parallel to all the roads in town and there are 180 miles of trails outside of town. I did not see any boots on the horses, but with all the road crossings, I would be more comfortable if my horse wore them. Because Tom Seay was there with hundreds of riders, Troxel came and offered people to trade in their hats for helmets (for free!). I guess a lot did.  Anyway, I enjoyed the show and thought about how much fun we would have there.

http://www.norco.ca.us/
http://www.trailtownusa.com/index.php
http://www.trailblazermagazine.us/

I also watched a Mantracker. It was with Kurtis, the Native American cute guy, and the prey were two young guys who rode the river rapids to win. Kurtis was riding his favorite horse when he slipped on the muddy, steep trail and fell into the creek. Kurtis pulled himself off the horse by hanging on a tree branch and the horse was mired in the mud to his hip! Thankfully the horse was fine--he got out on his own. Kurtis threw a branch down into the mud and hopped over to the dry land without getting any mud on himself. See, you're not supposed to get dirty when you ride. Or maybe it's just the TV factor. Anyway, we probably would have all wallowed in the mud with the horse. I guess that's why no one has called to invite us to be on a TV show.

Take 2: The Whale at Klamath

Here's your sign

Third time's a charm, right? Not if your name is Lynn. Once again she has bought WOMEN'S underwear. The first pair (above) are funny enough. She doesn't want her underwear to touch her. ??? Weird, I know. The second set were even more humongous. All of us could have fit in them and they wouldn't have "touched" us. She didn't let me take a picture of them. I told her--you are not as big as you think you are! For Pete's Sake! She asked Shirley, "Am I 'misses' or 'womens' sized?" We both told her NOT women's. She ordered her last ones from a big lady catalog. I almost bust a gut laughing when she showed them to me.

Nevertheless, she did it again. First Walmart. Second Roman's. Third Target. This time she says she is going to sew them: "Zip, zip, zip" she said. But are they as cute as these?
Good grief.

BBBs: Buckwheat, Bees, & Blood

Although this is not a great picture: this is Buckwheat. It really doesn't do him justice. He has good withers and seems tall next to Jupiter. (: He is 8-years-old and Lynn says he knows nothing. She is a good friend, so she brought him home last weekend and has been riding him all week for Toni. I went with them on Tuesday evening and he learned a lot about water and mud crossings. He spent some time learning about downhill with someone on his back (not his favorite). One night Lynn took him up on the "trailer court" and the two of them sweated off a few pounds. Not only was it hot, he was a nervous wreck and she couldn't stop until they had something positive to stop on!

Today we all went up the Hennessey. It was Toni's second time ever driving the truck and trailer and she did super--even with a flat tire on the way back home. Lynn rode Buckwheat and Toni has been riding Buster. Midway through our ride, the two of them switched and Toni spent some time with Buckwheat. He did really well all day. Buster doesn't really care about him and spent some of his time worrying where Jupes and Star were--he wanted to be with them. He went down the hill backwards because he knew Star and Jupiter were behind him on road and not on the trail (on accident no less--you can't let me and Shirley in the front, we'll miss the turn!). Anyway, Lynn had fun on Buster and got him all wound up on the way down. They jumped over logs and did some cutting and turning. Poor Zigs is feeling jealous and abandoned already, I hope Buster doesn't tell Ziggy how much Lynn said she liked him.

Once again, I was the cheap entertainment. On our way up the trail just past the torn up meadow on the back side, Jupiter began humping, twisting, bucking, and generally having a fit. As I was clamping down and pushing myself off his neck, I was yelling for him to "KNOCK IT OFF!" Finally it sunk in that Shirley and Lynn were yelling at me to "GET OFF!" because there were bees attacking Jupes. You know it's hard to get off when you've been trying so hard to stay on. But I managed to slide down him on the downhill side. I told him, "Come on!" and we took off running down the hill.

He got stung a few times, but I managed to get most of them off him. He has a couple of welts. I got stung on the ear and the belly. I also tore open my thumb on the buckles of the breast collar so I had blood everywhere, too. But we're fine. I think Jupiter was really tired of fighting the horse flies and bees that followed us down the road as we finished our ride--I know I was. He rolled as soon as we got home and then went for water. It was a tough day for the rookies today. (:

Riding at home can't be beat

We had a nice day today--we went up Underwood and tootled around. We rode on dirt roads, made our own trails through the brush and trees, found trails we liked from last time--just generally had a fun day. Shirley rode Buster, who I think does better each time he goes. He likes to trot and be up in the front. He goes everywhere she wants him to and even when he is a little nervous. It is obvious he likes her. He puts his head right next to her and looks at her with love in his eyes! (:

Ziggy really likes to be the lead horse when we are bushwacking. He likes that everyone follows him and I think it has given him a leg up in the ranks. He is confident and capable. Jupiter had a tantrum today and crow-hopped at least twice, maybe three times, and I did not go off. He is going to think his other name is DOG-GONE-IT!! I just wrapped my legs around him and pulled him up, yelling. He doesn't like to be in the back going uphill behind Buster. He likes to be behind Zigs. Well, I'm going to copy Lynn and say, "Get over it!" Do I really have to wait until he's nine years old before he'll behave?

Anyway, it was a cool July morning and we saw a deer and lots of flowers. No bears this weekend, but I kept my eyes peeled. No riding for me tomorrow or next Saturday, but I hope to back in the saddle on Sunday. I hope Jupes does not throw himself down and have a fit when the boys go without him.

A Two Bear Day

Usually I am the last one to arrive--everyone is up and at 'em before I get there. Lynn runs and catches everyone, sometimes has to saddle all of them, and then waits around for me and Shirley to show up and just ride. Not today! Lynn said 5:30, so I got up at 4:00 in an effort to be on time. I kept asking myself, did she mean ride at 5:30 or be there at 5:30? I got up and got everything together so I could get out of the house and hopefully split the difference--

There were no lights on in either house. No one seemed liked they were stirring. I walked up to the trailer and left my gear and grabbed the halters--still no Lynn in sight. I looked all around the barn area and in the pasture. Nope, no Lynn. Finally I walked down to the house and called in the back door window, "Lynn. Are you in there?" She finally answered me, she would be there in a minute. It's a day for the history books--I got up and out before Lynn! (:

Jupiter heard my voice and came to me. So I crawled under the fence and haltered him. I called to Ziggy, but he only looked at me. The only one besides Jupiter who was interested in me and talking back was Buster. (Well, that's not exactly true--Brady came and had a carrot and then of course, Indy did too.) By the time I got to the gate, Lynn was there. I passed off the other two halters and off she went to catch Star and Ziggy. Shirley showed up after everyone was saddled and called herself "the cow's tail." I was happy it wasn't me. As we walked to get into the truck, Lynn said, "I bet we see a bear today."

We had a great ride today--we went up the hill on the road, which took us down and around through the woods. On the other side of the mountain, as we were coming to the road crossing to go on down the trail, Lynn said, "What am I looking at it?" Then she got excited. "Oh! Look to your right, your left, oh over there!" as she pointed to our left."There's two bears--a cinnamon one and a black one!" Then she took off on Zigs to chase them. "They were just little," she said as we stopped on the road and turned back to go on down the trail. As we dropped on down a bit, suddenly they were there again. This time I got to see them, too. Only they weren't little after all. One of them was pretty big. Lynn chased them up the hill a little then she said, "Oh, okay, that's probably far enough," as the big momma gave her the impression maybe she wasn't too scared and was ready to turn back around and defend her baby.

It was fun to see them. We saw evidence of them by the pond as well. Lynn put her two hands together, heel to heel to show the size the bear's back paw. Yeah, she turned out to be bigger than anyone's first impression.

Happy also had an adventure. She didn't tell us about it, but she disappeared for quite awhile. We backtracked, calling her. She showed up, thankfully, and then dragged herself along with us. She was tired. None of us know when exactly she lost us, but I think she made the loop ahead of us and thus did it twice. No matter what, we were all happy to find her--Shirley even said she was about to cry when she spotted Happy on the trail ahead of her. "I just love that dog," she said. Well, she is a "good 'un" as they say.

Wet blankets and happy girls today: no one got thrown off; no one got lost; Zigs did what Lynn wanted him to do (chase a bear) even though the poop just ran out of him; Jupiter stood still and let me get us unstuck from a mess of downfall that ensnared us; Star behaved like the perfect horse. Another day in paradise!

She flies through the air. . .

well, not quite with the greatest of ease--at least if that means gracefully!

We came home from our camping trip (can we even call it camping?) and took a day off to do laundry and rest. On Saturday we went for a ride on our home turf: the Hoop-De-Do trail--everyone's favorite. It was a beautiful summer morning and I was late of course. I arrived at Lynn's to find all the horses saddled and ready to go. I was feeling a little off-kilter already.

We took off and as we started up the other side of the road, Jupes kept stopping and turning around. I thought maybe he had "to go" and was not comfortable. Lynn finally said to get off and we would move the saddle back off his shoulders more--a problem we had solved earlier this year. It seemed to fix it and we moved on to our granola snack place to hang out before turning around.

Coming back we rode at a good pace; there was jumping and trotting and little loping. Shirley was happy with Buster's pace, but "anyone can ride him" thus making him too boring for her. Anyway, coming up the meadow Jupiter was high as a kite. He wanted to move out. I am not sure if he is heading for the trailer as in "Woo hoo, we're done," or "Yay--we're having fun now!" Whatever the reason, Lynn called ahead and said let's go through the woods to our right and then come out on the meadow and off we went. I let Jupiter have his head a little (probably my mistake) and off we went on the trail.

When we came out onto the meadow, Ziggy was ahead of us doing his pretty, stretched-out, long-legged lope or trot. Jupes and I had done some loping/cantering kinds of riding this morning and we were in pretty good sync, so I let him pick up his pace. Ha! The next thing I knew, I was on the ground looking up at him. Shirley said he had bucked for the sheer joy of it. Well, I am happy someone was feeling some joy! Anyway, I guess I landed on my head; I think maybe on the side of it because my helmet came off and I feel a little torqued, but I am fine at any rate. I told Lee I was glad he had made us buy helmets! I am not sure really how it happened or what it all looked like, but Lynn said she saw me fly through the air above Jupiter. He must have stepped on his rein because it was broken. Maybe that is why he was just grazing right near me. Thank goodness he didn't run off.

As I write this, it is the first day of the work week following a holiday and a pleasant 10 day respite from work. I am mentally refreshed and ready for whatever work throws at me! Even from the ground looking up--any day ahorseback is a good day!

New trails, new adventures

Well, it's been a great week of horseback riding and hanging out with friends! First of all we traveled to the Cracker Jack Ranch and met two extremely nice and knowledgeable people, Lew and Jeanee. We hung out with their dogs and saw beautiful scenery. Lynn got to ride to a store and buy ice cream; the only part of her "I always wanted to do this" story that didn't measure up was that there was no hitchin' post. Thankfully, the owner understood her disappointment and said he would try to have one installed.

The OC & E trail is mind boggling; it stretches from beyond Sprague River to the east all the way into Klamath Falls. Unfortunately, riding on gravel roads works better for carriages than for stalwart trail riders like us. We rode all over the northern part of the area on mostly Forest Service land. We came across squatters who were growers (imagine, even in that arid, dusty place!) and we saw a big buck and lots of hawks. There were big and small holes everywhere in the soft dirt and Odie gave us quite a scare when he stepped in one. Both he and Alisa kept their heads and he came up out of it unhurt.

There was a lot of downfall due to beetle damage that killed trees that were then susceptible to lightning fires. It was good training for Jupiter since he does not like stepping over larger trees, but he didn't even hesitate. He and Ziggy did really well sharing a corral; Zigs is asserting his dominance over him, though, and moving up in rank. Star fell in love with CT, a liver-colored, near black mare that Jeanee rode. She defied all the mare stories with her sweet temperament and easy-going ways. When Ziggy came up next to her, Star bared his teeth and sent him right back. Jupes was just concerned that anyone might be prettier than him.

It rained the day that Alisa left so we spend the entire time in Klamath Falls shopping in consignment, thrift, and antique stores. The last store we went to was Shoe World where we innocently caused a rift between the women working there. Oh well, we didn't spend as much money as they had hoped after all!

Alisa had to leave a day early because she was so sick and we left a day early just because, but our vacation included lots of laughter, a new card game, lots of good food (even with very slow bar-b-que-ing), dust, baby birds for an alarm clock, and a dog who made it home amid much worry. Cabin camping makes everything easier--no fighting the bugs, good lighting, easy dishwashing, and generally less putting away and concern for bears getting into our danish! Not to mention the peace of mind knowing the horses were in a good place and safe. A good time was had by all!

Catch up & Countdown

Weather forecast for Sprague River, OR--look out Lew, the girls are ready to roll! (:

Goodness, it's been a month since I sat down here to write our adventures down. It's been so long that I will have forgotten some of the little things. So here are some big ones: Alisa and Odie came over and used the new corral we went over and got from Blue Lake. It worked like a charm. Odie got to eat fresh grass without getting a stomach ache; Indy had something new to ponder, "Do I know you?"; and they were all easy to catch. We rode on the Hennessey and got rained on. We went to Weaverville and had a great time. I love to ride at Weaverville. We have ridden quite a few trails now but still have some left to explore. For example, we have the one trail that all trails seem to lead to--what was it? (I remembered: Howe Ditch) All I remember is it's 1/4 mile from everywhere. Anyway, a good time was had by all!

Jupes lost a shoe in early May, so he wore a boot for a few rides. It took him a little while to get used to it, but he did. Then he lost two shoes. Because he keeps his shoes on fairly well, and poor Zigs has lots of trouble, and then there was Star with his trouble, and finally then Buster came along and needed shoes--Jupes missed his turn and had not been shod for quite awhile. So two Saturdays ago we took the boys in for their Coggins test and health check so we can go to Oregon. We didn't ride on Sunday and they all got shoes on Monday. Yea!

Deep breath, I am finally caught up to last weekend. What fun! We rode all over Underwood on Saturday. It is unbelieveable that the two sides of the mountain can be so different. We went all over and didn't have to worry about poison oak too much or too much brush. Thankfully no stallion showed up, either. We went up and down and all around--looping here and there. Jupiter got excited once and wanted to buck a little, but he settled right down. I think I have figured it out: he does it when he's happy and running. I have watched him act just like that when they run through the trees on the hill at dinner time.

When we came home, we moved Brady, Indy, and Buster (who is too boring to go to Sprague River) over to the big field in the middle. They were happy as there were lots of grass tops to munch off. They can see Willy, Shadow, Robby, and the white thing across the electric fence, but they don't care, they have lots good, fresh grass all to themselves. Star is having fits at being separated from Brady. He paces and calls. Jupiter is right on his rump--pacing and calling too. Not Ziggy, he could care less. He watches Lynn. Lee said one day, Jupiter had both his feet in the bathtub playing in the water. I wish I could have seen him. They are getting grain with sweetcob and alfalfa mixed in to get them ready to roll. Good thing too, Shirley wants a spunky horse under her!

So, that's it. For now. It's officially summer and I'm ready!

My Separate Peace

After Saturday's ride, we went again on Sunday. It was brewing up a storm, but still pretty sunny and clear. We decided to go down into the meadow. We rode through a bunch of cows--some babies, some big horns. All the horses are fine around cows, although Jupiter gives them the eye and wide berth.

We went into the woods east of the meadow and rode down and around and back into the meadow. It was starting to be pretty breezy and the horses were a little high. We went back across the creek and took a trail that led us up to the high road. It always surprises me how easily we connect back into the main road. Lynn knew where we were, however, and was unsurprised. 

Then we decided to try to trailblaze and make or find a trail that would take us off the road but back down toward the main meadow. Well, we couldn't get through one way, so being in the back when we turned around I was now in front. Lynn said go to your left--so we did. As we were crashing through the brush, Jupes acted like he knew where to go, so I let him. The only thing was, when I looked over to see where Lynn and Shirley were, they were down about a 100 feet below a grouping of steep rocks and brush to my right. From where I was, I couldn't get to them without backtracking down and around the steep stuff.

Both Jupiter and I could see the road above us, so thinking they were just coming up another way, I let Jupiter have his head and up we went. Once we were on the road, I realized they were not coming up--they were going down and away from us. Although I know it was a bad idea to be separated, I figured she saw us on her left, went right anyway, and then could see us on the road above her and not worry that we were in trouble. When Jupiter realized his buddies were not coming up and he hollared for them. Boy is his voice getting deeper and louder! (:

My good friend Sandi told me I should really try and take Jupes out alone in an attempt to keep him from being herd-bound. I told her about the time I rode alone on Lynn's place and how well we had done together. But other than that, one: I don't have a truck and trailer to go off by myself; two: I can't back up a a trailer anyway; three: unless it's an emergency (God forbid), I have no reason to ride by myself when I have my friends to ride with. I suppose if I lived somewhere where I could just go out and grab him and ride off, I would--I get how cool it is to be with your horse all alone. It just doesn't work that way in my current life and that's okay.

So having said all that, in the back of my mind, I heard Sandi's voice and thought, "Okay, so now we are on our own. Let's see how you handle it." Jupes called for his friends and he felt a little nervous under me, but I kept his feet moving and kept talking to him. He settled down and went down the road. Occasionally, I would stop and listen for them crashing through the brush and I would pay attention to his ears to see if he could hear them, but it was quiet all around us. We came to the little grassy area where I expected them to come out. We went up a little ways and listened for their voices. Still nothing. I let Jupiter eat some of the grass and he forgot all about anything else, I am sure.

Now the thing about being separated is this: you never know if you are ahead or behind the ones you are separated from. For me, that is the worst part. I hate that part. For me, the goal is to eventually be together again. Isn't that the idea of being together in the first place? Anyway, to that end, I pulled up Jupiter and started back down the road--unsure now whether they had shaved travel time off by going in a more straight line and were now in front of us and waiting.

We went on around a few more curves in the road. Suddenly, Jupiter stopped and gave out a belly-shaking bellow. He was answered by two more from up above us. We turned around and trotted quickly back up the road to meet up with our friends. Then he set off on quick trot toward the end of the trail. He was full of himself again. Maybe he was proud of his ability to be separated. Maybe he was anxious to get me off of him. Probably he was ready to go home and eat some grass. At any rate, it was another separate, but fun day ahorseback.

Shoeless and Separate on Saturday

Two weeks ago, the clouds parted and there was sun. It was a glorious day! We walked up the hill and the horses seemed eager to go with us. (It was probably the smell of the green grass and the promise of getting to consume some.)

Right above the first woods crossing, we were all trotting on the road when the distinctive sound of a loose shoe pulled us up. Ziggy had lost one shoe. This was Shirley's first outing at home with Buster, so Lynn told us to go on and she'd head back to the trailer and do some ground work with Zigs. We went on up the hill to the top. I thought we would turn back, but Shirley turned left and we headed for the loop. Only she didn't take the trail, she stayed on the road.

We trotted and walked down the road, passing different trails that we often use. I didn't say anything, thinking she had a plan and knew what she wanted to do. We turned left onto a trail down below the big meadow. In my mind I was picturing how the trail turned and the different landmarks. At one point, it began to be extremely overgrown and rutted. I called ahead to Shirley and told her I thought we had missed the trail. We turned back and both of us recognized a tree that we should have turned by.

This is where it becomes obvious that we are too dependent on Lynn. I knew immediately this was the trail that I always have her lead on--back when I rode Brady, he knew where we going, but it's rocky and there's no real trail markers like horse tracks or a path. Plus, it has rained over 100% of normal since we took this particular trail. Jupes probably could have done it if I'd let him, but Buster had no idea. So I called it and we turned around again and doubled back.

We retraced our steps to the meadow. I took the initiative (finally) and we rode the trail from there to the top. Then we headed back. Part way down we heard gun shots. Lots of them. Big cannon-like reverberations of gun shots. Although the riders were nervous, neither horse paid attention. We arrived at the dumping area and there were three men and guns. They called up to us that they were taking a break and would wait until we were five minutes away to begin again.

Once we got to the trailer we saw there was no Lynn. No Ziggy. No sign from them.Tired of fighting the slipping, twisting saddle, I unsaddled Jupes and had him over eating grass. I figured Lynn wasn't far away and would return momentarily. Twenty minutes later, Shirley was getting nervous. She wanted to ride out and find her. She thought Jupiter would have a fit if she left and we stayed. (I think he would've kept eating.) Just as I walked him over to begin tacking up, Lynn walked in.

Her story is she put a boot on him, carried an extra boot, and ran him up the hill to find us (those long legs can cover the ground quickly!). But of course we did not take the trails and behaved somewhat erratically by staying on the road, going down below the main trail she thought we would ride, and then doubling back. In the meantime, she left us markers like her coat (which we didn't see). She lost her hat. She dropped the extra boot. None of which we saw. Again because we did not go where she expected us to go. Then Ziggy lost another shoe. So she lost time walking out. Thankfully she found the boot, her hat, and she picked up her coat.

A beautiful, but maybe a little frustrating, day. The good part? Shirley loves Buster. He's a good boy who is steady and calm. She feels confident on him and safe. For me: it's always good for me to have to rely on myself and not so much on Lynn. Next time I will be more assertive with Shirley and make sure we take trails I know well.

I've said it before, I've said it different ways, but the bottom line is: being "ahorseback" anyday is better than a day not riding at all.

A fresh beginning



Such a handsome boy!



Number one orange horse, Odie, recently had some upsetting events in his life. First, an old stallion, an old mare, and a young filly moved in with him. He might have gotten used to the females since he spent a lot time with his old mare friend before she passed away, but a stallion--no way. Odie is used to being top horse. It was his territory and the stallion was an interloper. Although the others were penned, Odie still didn't like it.

The fools who own the horses didn't understand the situation (or much of anything else). My understanding is when Alisa wasn't home, they penned Odie and let the others free. After a lot of work, and even more stress, Odie now has new digs: an acre near Gordy's job site. The guys who work for Gordy are excited and have begun to save carrots for him. Soon, he will have a new barn as well. Now that he has his own space, Odie will be ready for his friends to come and see him, too.



Gordy's trucks in the background.



Odie is such a good boy, he did not deserve to be treated poorly by those ignorant people. We can all only hope that what goes around, comes around.

Happy 6th Birthday, Ziggy!

Easter Sunday was Big Zig's birthday. For a present, I am sure he would have liked some sun and long ride with his favorite person and maybe even allowed one ornery friend and the new guy to come along. I think all of us would have wished for that too.

So has Splenda Cash, a.k.a. Red, a.k.a Ziggy, lived at Suzy Q for two years now? Was it only two years ago that we rode with BOB! (pronounced: BAAAHB! at the top of your lungs)? Or has it been three? Time flies when you're having fun!

Jail Break!

Star started limping when we came home from the vet a couple of weeks ago. We all thought he stepped out of the trailer wrong. This was the beginning of Shirley's hunt for Buster. She told us she didn't have a lot of years left to ride and she did not want to miss any because of a sick or hurt horse. Of course Lynn told her she could ride Indy. . .

Anyway, she took Buster to the vet for his shots last Saturday and took Star along, too. The vet said he had an infection in his hoof (?) or ankle (?). Wherever it was, he lanced it and drained out the gunk, packed it,  put a boot on it, and told them to keep it dry. Ha. Dry.

To that end, we carried the new fence sections Lynn bought last month up to the covered shelter they won't use. (: We hooked the two fence sections together (so easy!) and then strung baling string across one side door and three big bungees for a gate on the other door. Piece of cake!

Star was put in with some grain, water, and hay. He seemed fine. Of course the rest of the boys circled around the shelter, poked their heads in and looked at him, and dinged around with the strings. Buster tried the hardest to get in with Star. He leaned and pushed against the bungees. He strained around to drink Star's water. He would not leave Star alone.

We finally decided to feed them a little early so they would go down the trailer court a ways and eat--leaving Star and his strings alone. Once their grain bowls were empty, here they came back again. We figured they would stand around and keep him company.

Next morning, surprise! There was Star with the rest of the herd--free. Someone, or several someones, had worked all the strings loose and Star was set free. No one knows if it was Brady who is very smart and knows how to untie most knots; maybe it was Jupiter who loves to ding around with the best of them; it could've been Buster, who likes everyone and wants everyone to like him--maybe he thought it would earn him friendship points. I doubt if was Ziggy who probably liked having mean ol' Star being separated and wouldn't have set him free, and Indy, well Indy is Indy.

So no more jail. Star quietly lets Shirley soak his foot and doctor him. He likes the extra attention and the little bit of grass he gets to eat. He's moving around better, but still limping a little. He doesn't kick as much at having the boot and a plastic bag on his foot. Shirley says, "If it's not one thing, it's another."

Today it's drizzling and a little breezy. Saturday we are loading up three orange horses with stars and snips to go and meet an orange horse with a blaze for ride at Swasey Creek. Keep your fingers crossed for dry weather!

Happy Birthday, Polo Jupiter!

Today is Jupiter's 6th birthday. As of March 20, we have been partners for one year. I look forward to many, many more--thanks, Lynn and Shirley for helping me find him and give him a good home! Thanks to both of you and Alisa, too, for letting me be part of your riding crew. It makes me be a better person!

A New Member of the Family

Saturday we drove to Anderson and met Moxie, who is now known as Buster. Lynn wasn't so sure of him at first, but the more she rode, the more she liked him. We decided to go back on Sunday and go for a ride with him; so we loaded up Zigs and Jupes and away we went.

Buster loaded like a dream. He went right in--well until Ziggy reached over Jupiter's back to smell him. Then he backed out--surprised. But he went right back in. Ziggy leaned across Jupiter and sniffed him some more and Jupes sniffed him from the front; Buster didn't care. He is super easy going around other horses. (So far, anyway.) We rode around Jelly's Ferry for a bit and he went everywhere without any hassles. He did spook by some gray stumps, but we know they are scary sometimes.

Shirley liked him and so he came home with us. Long story short--he's on the hill with the boys. He seemed fine when I left. Star of course ran him around because all the piles of hay are his, but other than those few times, he seemed fine. He and Indy even shared a little grain and when he stepped away from the bowl, he did so calmly.

So now we have a "back-up horse." There's always more to the story--but it has to wait. Click on Buster and His new friends  to see pictures of the new "orange horse with a star and a snip."

Lights, Camera, Action--it's riding on the beach movie style--NOT!

Last Saturday, we took the boys in for their shots. Star was first--he was unhappy that he was tricked into coming. Loading up the two youngsters made him think we were off for a ride, but he was good nevertheless. Ziggy was next; for all his agreeableness, he is somewhat a passive-aggressive kind of personality. He does not want to stand still; he does not want to go into funny smelling concrete areas with a nice man who has needles in his hand. He did fine, but he wasn't really happy. Jupiter was raised by a vet. It was no big deal to him. He snuffled the doctor and said, "Hey, you have treats!" He stood perfectly and after all his shots and his strangles goop, he got his treat. He was happy. When I asked the doc if we could weigh him, he eyeballed Jupe from various angles and said he thought probably 1050 lbs. Jupes has got his big horse body--nice shoulders and chest, but kind of a round and dimpled butt (we need to ride off some of that fat!).

Next we wanted to take them out to for short ride to get their blood moving and work those shots through their system, rather than just stand still on drive home for an hour. Lynn did that once and Brady could barely walk when she got him home. So with some good advice from another rider there at the vet's office, off to the beach we went.

Picture a long beach with wet, hard packed sand next to the water where gentle waves wash up. Envision beautiful horses stretching out their necks and galloping smoothly where the last vestiges of the water curls up, leaving the little foam trails, and then recedes back into the azure ocean. The manes of the horses are blowing up, giving them a wild, free look. Tails are streaming long behind them. The women riding these perfect creatures have smiles that indicate just how wonderful this day is. They too look beautiful--they ride like they are part of the horse. Together, horse and rider make the perfect symmetry as time seems to stand still.

Now change the channel. The wind is howling. Sand is blowing up into everyone's face--horse and rider are squinting against the wind, scrunching into themselves to try to stay warm. One horse paws at the sand dune--positive it there for him to roll on. Up and down the deep dunes the grass lays flat from the harsh wind. Across 10 more dunes the ocean waves are visible. Taking a fork in path and thinking maybe there's a hollow where the wind will be blocked, the riders end up on top of deadend dune. "Turn back!" drifts across the wind. "Jupes, see over there? That's the ocean," one yells, "Okay, we've seen it--I don't care if we get any closer." The three riders turn around and head back, shivering in their windbreakers, but there's no trail. The horse tracks have been obliterated. Giving the horse his head, he knows when enough's enough--the riders make it back to the trailer, spitting salt and sand as they go. "Dang! It took longer to tack up than we spent on the ride!"

Thus ends another failed attempt to ride on the beach! Maybe that's just not our style (although the potential for dirt, grit, and horse slobber is always there).

Shoes: $120 x every six weeks

Additional hay to get us through the rain: $213

Shots: $80
Grain: $14 x too many to count
Gray "worry" hairs: $90 highlights
Riding with friends: crows' feet from all that smiling

A partner who perks up at the sound of your voice, who comes to you--ready for anything, who trusts you to take care of him and who takes care of you on the trail:
PRICELESS!



I'd like a little cheese with my whine--

It's Saturday and here I sit. Lynn has gone to town to buy groceries and I don't know what Shirley is doing. My point is probably obvious. The boys are soaking wet, muddy, and I'm sure "Star is bored." I hate to be like everyone else and complain, BUT ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!

I went to a meeting in Ukiah; I left Thursday late (6pm) because after school I was in high demand. The big boards on the highway all read: "Winter Storm Watch. Carry chains. Reduce speed." They say that all the time. Snow down to 1500 feet means we'll get it in WC at 600. Snow at 2500? Well, we know that means the east side of Berry, with its own microclime will get it, but probably 299 will be fine. Right? I'm only going to Ukiah, there's nothing to worry about--Rattlesnake Mt is only 1700 elevation and everything is unmarked so all the hills along the way must be even lower. All this is true stuff, right? Ha! So much for my total disregard for warnings.

It was a wild and crazy drive to Ukiah. It was four hours of windshield washers on high speed--mostly in the dark. Snow and sleet and rivers dangerously close to the highway. The roads, both 299 and 101, are in horrible shape. Huge drops and rough, teeth rattling pavement. There were large trees, debris, and slip, sliding mountains encroaching the road. I always laugh at myself because I just plow on--I don't have any sense. Gotta get where I'm going. Thankfully I have a good rig with front wheel drive and mud and snows. As always, I 'm a woman on a mission.

I dumped my rain gauge at 5 1/4" inches this morning. I think I last dumped it at 5 1/2" on Monday. According to the WeatherUnderground website(http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/Willow_Creek.html), Underwood Mt received 2/10 of an inch an hour ago and it was 38 degrees. NOAA (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/versprod.php?pil=RR5&sid=RSA) shows that Hoopa accumulated 1.48 inches in 24 hours. Again, that's why I'm sitting here. Next week is the end of March--I hope it goes out like a lamb.

Faith Hill said it best, ".  . .new [and especially old] friends and blue skies that never end/Hey that's the way we like it/Good times, sunshine, and summertime." I'm so ready.

Got Socks?

The funniest thing happened Thursday! I do not know exactly how many inches of rain we have received over the last two weeks, but take my word for it--it's a lot. That's important information when you think about how much mud that is, right? Well, on Thursday I was up feeding the horses with Lynn and the bottom, downhill side of the feed boxes is pretty deep mud. It's the kind of mud that sucks your foot in about five inches up your calf, right? For as long as I have been feeding with Lynn and Shirley they have told tales about falling in the muck, losing a boot, etc. Well, it finally happened.

I had my head down in the feedbox with Brady. I was putting the hay out and Lynn was graining everybody. Over the noise of the four-wheeler, I heard a loud squawk. Lynn was up near Jupiter's box and I figured he had done something to her. But then I realized she seemed to be struggling and moving away from him. As I watched her, she squawked again and went down. "Aaaaaghhhh! Dang it! It's cooooold!" I started laughing--she had stepped out of her boot, lost her sock, and when she went to try to get it, came out of the other one, too!

Brady and I just watched her. She looked like a baby bird learning how to fly. She flopped her big ol' rain slicker around and had socks flying at the end of her waving arms as she tried to get her balance and get her boots back on. He went back to eating and I went to rescue the grain bucket because as she flailed around, the three orange horses saw their opening to eat out of the grain bucket. So not only was she bootless, gushing manure and horse pee mud in between her toes, she had greedy, nosy boys standing all around her.

The whole time she shrieked, "It's cold! Look out! My good socks!" and of course, "Stop laughing!" So I got the grain and convinced Jupes to go back to his box and took Indy to his box, but not Zigs. You know that boy loves his momma. He stood right in front her with his forehead next to hers while she struggled to regain her balance, her boots, and her dignity (?). Ha! I don't know if I've ever heard her hit a high note like that before.

I laughed for an hour. She even had mud on her nose.

I know karma is going to get me--but dang! it was funny!

Lotta loops

Lynn and Alisa met on Saturday to ride at Swasey Creek. According to Lynn, Ziggy about tore apart the trailer before she pulled out of the driveway. He was a nervous wreck. He was dripping sweat by the time she arrived at the trailhead. She said he settled down as soon as he saw Odie and was fine from then on.

The two of them had a good time going around and around the same loop. Three times I think she said. Not on purpose, either! Somehow they missed a turn or trail and ended up passing the same landmark at least three times. Zigs competed with Odie all day and kept him in the back. Alisa said instead watching the trail, he spent a lot of time looking over at them. Zigman might be the bottom at home, but doggone it! Odie was not getting ahead of him out there.

Early spring has sprung and there were flowers and green grass all along the area. Lynn said there were manzanita bushes in bloom everywhere and they smelled wonderful. She said some of the trail was like a manzanita tunnel. There were bicycle riders, joggers, and a small woman on a tiny horse.

When she got Ziggy home, Jupiter ran right up and bit him in the butt. He is so jealous! He wants to go, too. Lynn pulled the halter off and sent Ziggy to safety and he went running and bucking off with Jupiter chasing right behind him. Shirley commented that Ziggy was all legs and no body. I guess he lost a lot of weight that day: no breakfast, nerves, and then exercise, too.

I spent the weekend in Sacramento--I learned some humility (some teachers are beyond awesome) and got pumped about teaching by some real great ideas and inspirational speakers. It's supposed to rain starting tomorrow and I don't think I will get to see the boys until Thursday. I hope all that powerful energy from the conference can sustain me until then.

Unsettled Sunday

Star is not well today. He is coughing and spitting up. Something is partially blocking his airway. We started out and it became very apparent that he was having a problem. Shirley and Lynn took him back and loaded him up. I went on without them. Jupiter was very good. He did everything I asked. He never whinnied or balked. However, I was happy no cows suddenly came out of the brush because he was on high alert.

Lynn caught up to us and we went around through the brush and I tried out the endurance saddle. She and Zigs tried out a crupper. We didn't go very far, but it was a pretty good trial. Zigs wasn't too sure about the crupper when it got tight, but he handled it. The saddle felt good to me--a little weird without a horn, but the seat felt good. Jupes didn't seem to mind it, even though it didn't stay nice in the middle of his back and it turns some. He is such a round boy!

Lynn says all horses have their "things." Ziggy's is stepping down a steep bank into water. He proved it again yesterday. Jupiter's is stepping over a high tree (down fall). He does not like it and we have to find a way around it. 

Tomorrow morning, Shirley is taking Star to the vet. He didn't eat and Lynn says it sounds funny when he breathes. He definitely needs to be looked at. I pray that he is all right tonight and the vet can make it better in the morning.

These boots are made for walking. . . again

Once again I am the one with the equipment problems! Jupiter had been acting up the last time we rode and seemed to hump up and put his head down like he would like to buck. We fixed his bit problem the previous Saturday with a hackamore that we both like a lot better. Then Sunday, when everything had been going along so nicely, he started acting like something was wrong. As we neared the old dump site, Lynn suggested my saddle had turned and that was bothering him; so I adjusted the saddle and I rode on in. At the time, it crossed my mind that maybe he liked the idea of me walking in the last part from the day before and was being a pill.

We went up Underwood today and had just a great time. Jupiter and I went off alone a couple of times and he really listened and did not fuss about anyone else. We had a great day. Then we went down the long, long steep part of the trail. He did fine, but afterward I got off and readjusted the saddle back off his neck more because it seemed too close (even with the cruper). He kept acting funny as we continued down toward the road. I think I got off two more times to try and make adjustments. Finally, I just knew he had had enough. So Lynn got off too and checked the saddle.

It turns out he has outgrown the little blue saddle. The tree was jabbing into his shoulders. Lynn and I switched saddles and it was obvious that my old saddle fit him better. (Remember it was too big and we had to buy a pad?) We went off the road to try it out and it seemed much better. He did not act like it hurt anymore. However, because he was sweaty and the cinch loosened a little, the saddle slipped a little to the side. So when I got back up on the road with Shirley and Lynn, I just got off and walked the rest of the way. Lynn walked too, as Ziggy had the other saddle on.

Jupiter is such a great horse. He did fantastic today--even with the saddle poking him. We cantered quite smoothly and we went a little faster than we normally do. He and Star got along without a lot of pinned ears and dirty looks. Tomorrow I am going to try Lynn's latest idea--the woman is full of them! I am going to try out her endurance saddle without the horn. We'll see how the fat boy (and fat woman) does. (:

When we got home today, the boys immediately rolled. Ziggy is so funny. He just flopped himself and threw his feet over from side to side. What a lot of leg flailing! Jupes went down a second time near the bank that leads up to the water trough. He rolled over and found himself up against the hill. After a lot of leg kicking and scooting--he stood up again and looked around to see who noticed. Silly thing, if he'd flopped back over he would've been on the downhill side. Anyway--all three of them were covered in mud again and eagerly waiting for dinner.

Ziggy is now eating a new thrush product that totally looks like the powdered cheese from Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. It's not his favorite. Lynn mixes it with his grain at night. Tonight, he was eating more hay than orangy-looking grain when Jupes came down to see me and see if Zigs had any grain left. (Star had moved him from his box.) Zigs let him have it. The look on his face was like, "Go ahead, you're welcome to it if you think you'll like it." Jupes wasn't too sure either. Then came Indy. (Star had moved him too.) After a little bickering, Jupiter let Indy have the yucky orange stuff, too. Pretty soon all three orange horses had very orange lips and whiskers. Kind of like what your fingers look like after eating Cheetos.

I know it's only February, but we are planning our Memorial Day weekend. I keep forgetting it's a long time off! We need to meet at Whiskeytown or Redding sometime soon. It's supposed to have been a little over 60 degrees over there today--prime riding weather. (:

False Spring

January has been incredibly mild and definitely trail riding weather. We had the horses shod and then went out to the Hennessey to do a little riding. Jupes had a major equipment malfunction--he no longer fits the bit we had been using. It took me a little while to figure out what was wrong with him, but finally Lynn saw it. I knew something wasn't right, but I couldn't figure it out. We weren't looking in the right place! Once Lynn saw it, I replaced the bit with a halter and we walked out a few miles back to the truck. Jupes was much happier with it out of his mouth. Poor thing had been trying to tell me he was being pinched!

The next day (yep, we got to go two days in a row!), I used a hackamore. He really likes it. I am sure he is thinking how full he can get his mouth once we go somewhere where the grass is growing. That bit just got in the way of his eating. Speaking of eating--he is roly-poly. The saddle doesn't sit well anymore either. So he had fits over that, too. Ever notice how it is always me with the equipment problems? What does that say?

Ziggy lost a shoe on Sunday. Poor thing. He is such a sweet, gentle horse. He adores Lynn. He's like a big (make that BIG) puppy. But I worry that all these feet problems will have him ending up like Fritzy. ):  Lee gave Lynn the go-ahead to buy a new horse.

Star was full of himself. He looked like a Merry-Go-Round carnival ride horse. He went up and down as much as forward. Good thing he's smooth! Anyway, Shirley said he didn't care if Zigs was in front of him, but he did not want that whippersnapper Jupiter leading the way. The two of them competed all day on Sunday. Jupiter thinks maybe he'll move up a notch and Star is feeling the need to put him in his place. They were giving each other the eye and laying their ears back as we trotted along the road beside each other. Probably they need more grain! Ha!

I am looking forward to the Bull & Gelding Sale in Red Bluff. We are going to have fun. Horses, cowboys, shopping--what's not to like?

Personality Plus

In this month's TrailRider mag--which I have not received yet!!--there is a website to find out your horse's personality.  Go to http://www.mylegendaryhorse.com/ and send me your results and I'll put them here for a good laugh.

Here is Jupiter's (it sounds pretty true):

Jupiter is Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary ruler of France.
Jupiter is proud and daring, just like the Emperor and military legend who set out to conquer Europe. Sometimes, his brashness needs taming, but he’s an impressive steed who covers a lot of ground.

Once Lynn sends me copies of these I'll post them, but in the meantime she said:
Brady is Lord Byron (poet? and lover? all the girls love him--that's true!)
Ziggy is Benjamin Franklin (hmm, I don't know where to go with that one, but it's funny to think about)

Alisa email Odie's and I'll put it here.  I think we need to do Star, too. (:

Here they are:

Ziggy is Ben Franklin, the legendary inventor and Founding Father.
Ziggy is well rounded and smart, just like the author, scientist, politician, inventor, and chess champion. Although he may be shy at times, a sense of discovery is crucial for his happiness. Staying active is important, too.

Brady is Lord Byron, the legendary romantic poet.
Brady is a sensory creature, a bundle of emotion, like the curious poet and adventurer. Dramatics may be part of the package, but so are charm, bravery, and wit.

Star is Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary ruler of France.
Uh-oh, it is true: Jupiter is taking on Star's personality. Hmm. You guys know that Shirley and I are both November girls, right?

That was Lynn's first quiz result on Star--then she did another and came up with this one:
Star is George Washington, the legendary general and President.
Star is a quiet and patient leader, like our first Commander-in-Chief. While you may find his aloofness confusing, his attention to detail and sense of purpose are impressive and reliable.

I think Lynn also played around with the quiz for Odie and came up with Wyatt Earp! Hey Lynn, do Indy!

What a cute and fun quiz. Good job Bayer Equine people!

***

Odie is Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman.
Odie is a rebel and sometimes even a troublemaker, like the Wild West marshal and saloon keeper. This guy has his own ideas. Get used to it and you’ll find a loyal companion.

I love it! (:  Silly boys that they are--I can't imagine life without them!

Passing the time. . .

It's a gorgeous, cold winter's day. As I drove home from church today, all I could think about was riding some sunlit trail. I know in my mind that it's too cold, but in my heart it's all I long to do!

Last weekend, Lynn--the real cowgirl--took off Jupe's and Zig's shoes. I did my usual thing, brushed and loved on the horses, while she worked! I was fortunate during my winter break to feed quite a few days with one or the other, Lynn or Shirley, to give each of them a break whenever I could, since they came down with  vicious colds. I even got to feed by myself one day. I am getting better at running the four-wheeler all the time.

The boys are pretty fat and sassy. Lynn thinks Jupiter has grown a couple inches, as well as gotten fat. She said yesterday, "Don't let him buck when we go riding--if one starts they'll all do it." I know she's thinking about Ziggy and how high that boy bucks, but, really--"let him buck"?! Believe me that's the last thing I want to let him do. (: