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. (: