Life's a Beach

Saturday was Jupiter and Ziggy's vet appointment. We drove out to get their flu shots and worming medicine. Both boys were on high alert because there were transients and their dogs laying under the trees in the field next to the vet's office. Nevertheless, they were both very good for Dr. Branch and licked up that apple-flavored medicine. Then we were off to the beach!

Lynn asked the vet if we could ride at Mad River's beach and we were told no, she didn't think so--being who we both are--we went anyway. It was no problem; we parked and could easily see how to get to the ocean from the parking lot. Remember: this is our third attempt of getting over the dunes and actually being on the beach and near the water's edge!

The wind was howling (of course!), but we saddled up and headed out. It was another day of firsts for the boys. Jupes did not like that water creeping up behind his feet. We never did get into the ocean. Zigs did and both he and Lynn felt a little dizzy by the movement. There were lots of horse-eating driftwood stumps and one very scary pink monster. She was dressed from head to toe in pink sweats--hood up and drawstrings pulled tight around her face. Jupes was like a coiled spring and when she suddenly grabbed her companion and pulled her out of the (scary) water--he was positive she was one of the most dangerous things he had ever seen in his life!

We trotted a ways and turned around and headed back--into the wind. Neither the horses nor the riders liked that ride back, which seemed like it took forever. However, I have to say my boy was looking pretty awesome: wind blowing that wild mane straight up, head high and ears forward, tail blowing back in the wind--you know he's beauty! (and I'm not prejudiced one bit!)

Haylee had the best time of all! She loved the sand, the birds, the water--all of it. She was happy and madly running every-which-way. The birds were playing in the wind currents and just hung over the top of her (and not very high) to tease her. She loved it anyway. Nevertheless, I think all of us were glad to be back at the trailer. So there you have it; we finally made it to the beach.

Sunday, we did a short ride on the Hennessey. Shirley said she thought Star, who had his shots on Thursday, was having a reaction and not feeling well. Personally, I am worrying about both of them. Neither seem like they are in good spirits or good health. Star seems to slip a lot more than I ever noticed before and is more cranky too (like he doesn't feel good). Shirley worries me too. But I am looking forward to celebrating her birthday on horseback on top of a mountain with beautiful view of the world!