Toni and Mitch joined us Saturday for a ride around the top of Hennessey. Mitch warned us that Bristol, his mount that day, was a designated driver horse. Many a drunk or overtired passenger has nodded off, sleeping on the trail all the way back to camp, and been able to maintain his seat. Bristol has his own pace and couldn't care less what anyone thinks about it. He's a cruiser. So Mitch told us go ahead, he'd bring up the rear.
When we reached the road above the new trail section, Mitch called out to us that it was going to be a short ride today. He had broken his breast collar. I guess he doesn't know Lynn that well. She jumped down, assessed the situation, and proceeded to mend his problem. On we went. We got up to the road above the last steep in-between trail, and I decided it was a good time to get off and tighten up my cinch--there's a good get-on rock right there and Jupes knows the drill.
As soon I as was back on, I heard Toni squeal at Mitch. I guess she too had gotten off and somehow Buckwheat had stepped through or on his reins, broke them, and clunked Mitch. I'm not sure exactly; anyway, Lynn jumped off and fixed that situation, too. On we went.
We went all over the back side of Hennessey and had a good time. Zigman was happy when he got to lead as we blazed new trails. Jupes didn't mind having Buckwheat and Bristol along and I think he is getting used to having other horses with us. Mitch rode a lot of the way with his arms crossed over his chest and he seemed totally relaxed and happy to hang out with us. It was fun.
Coming down the cutoff trail above the dump, disaster struck. Buckwheat bucked Toni off. Lynn turned at the sound of Toni's squeal and saw her fly through the air and land in a pile of brush. Possibly the halter and lead rope swung under and spooked him; possibly a stob on the madrone at the top of the steep little hill poked him; no one really knows. All we know is everyone is happy that Toni was wearing the white helmet and saved her noggin. She probably pulled one of the long muscles that connects her pelvis and thigh as it hurt a lot. Her back hurt some, too, but overall, she was fine. Mitch offered Bristol, but she said it was important to get back up on Buckwheat and finish the ride.
I asked Lynn privately if we should go on the road rather than down the new trail, but she not only sits a horse like her mother--she replied, "No. She needs to get her confidence back." Only later on one of the more steep sections she recapitulated and said that she hadn't thought about how steep some of the spots were. However, when I looked back up at them, I saw that Mitch and Bristol were in front and they kept Buckwheat from going too fast. Although I am sorry Toni went off--I was relieved to not be the entertainment part of the ride that day.
So here it is: the last day of July! I have had good rides this month and look forward to many more in August. As I told Lynn, our tour director, I don't mind riding here at home--I don't have to camp or find exotic places to go to have fun. Sitting on my horse and hanging out with my friends is all I need!
Sooooo glad Toni is ok, and all is well. I don't do anymore that anyone else does. I usually just have stuff. AND Kimtu if Full! :)
ReplyDeleteJust talked to Toni, She said Mitch likes going with us. We don't ride stupid, she said you mean drunk, ya that too. I told her we might be going to Orick this weekend. She said sounded fun, but have to be back, they have something they have to be at Saturday evening. Mitch is thinking they should go somewhere in the alps. That sounds good too. She will let us know.
ReplyDelete