Yea! Fourth of July became a midweek holiday and we were off to ride! It was a glorious morning: blue skies and sunshine--just like the song says. The boys were a bit off their routine, though, and Jupes tripped /stumbled into the trailer, Star tripped/stumbled out, and Ziggy--well, how can you tell? I guess they thought it was a holiday for them too and they had had to work hard on the weekend and deserved some more time off.
We started off on our newest leg of the trail and it is becoming easier and easier to manuever and find. I really enjoy that section. We are going uphill through more trails and less road all the time. Today, we rode all the backside trails backwards--the opposite way. It was fun. You know a trail looks different from the opposite direction. Jupes was sure he had never seen that gray rock, gray stump, gray monster before.
One scary thing happened: Star slipped and went down on his side. From where I was sitting, I think it looked like he stepped on a slick root with his front foot and then onto another one with his back foot and they slid out from under him. He went down slowly and gracefully without seeming to try to catch his balance or footing. Maybe he knew it would be better to go with it. Anyway, Shirley kicked her foot free from the top (right) stirrup and then as he went to get up, kicked free from the left one.
The dirt and compost nature of the spot was churned up and pretty soft, but there were roots and decaying branches under her. She sat for a minute and took inventory and decided she was fine. We walked the rest of the distance to the pond because it was pretty level and easy from there. (Alisa, picture going up the trail from the pond where we usually give the horses the granola bars. We were just up from the big log. We were coming down the hill there instead going up.)
I haven't called to check on her, yet, but I'll bet she's black and blue. Hopefully she's not too stiff or hurt in anyway.
On the lighter side, I was discussing that my friend Sandi thinks I should take Jupiter out on my own so he will not be herd bound. She also thinks it will help me to be a better and more confident rider. We ran into an old high school friend who has a new horse and said to me she would like to go riding with me. She's an experienced rider and just needs someone to ride with.
Here's the deal: I don't think Jupiter is herd bound. He has gotten nervous when we have been alone (once on the hill) or separated (once on the ride down Hennessey), but he did what I asked and he only bellowed a couple of times for his friends. I think he likes to go and couldn't really care less about having company--he likes to be in the front and would walk off/trot off and leave everyone if I let him.
No, it's me. I am comfortable with Lynn and Shirley. Shirley has forgotten more about riding and horses than I'll ever know. Lynn is calm and capable and can handle anything. I don't really want to ride with other people and their horses without my partners. I know what they ride like and what to expect from both them and their horses. I think I would be more comfortable alone with Jupiter, the just two of us off riding anywhere, than with someone I am not used to being with.
Shirley said, "Jupiter's not herd bound--YOU are!" Now that's the truth. (:
Hope Mom is ok, I have not talked to her. She's tough and I don't think it will slow her down. Well hopefully not.
ReplyDeleteYa, you are herd bound not Jupe. Jupiter could care less.
I called and asked Shirley how she was doing today; "Fine," she said, questioningly and tentatively. "Are you black and blue? Are you sore?" I asked her. "Oohh, you mean from falling yesterday! I must be fine since I forgot all about it!" Ha!
ReplyDeleteShe said she had a couple bruises, but nothing bad. As I said before, I hope I am doing as well when I'm 80.
It is ok Vickie I am herd bound also, I have ridden with a few other people and that was fun also, but I like our rides together and do not want to miss the special moments and fun that we have.
ReplyDelete