Rodeo-ing, helicopters, and rain

3-7-2015
Finally got to ride again--three new pairs of shoes--three rides. Sheesh. That makes them pretty expensive shoes!  As you know, Jupiter needs lots of wet blanket time. We rode up the Hennessey and he was pretty good. He had to stop and huff and puff a little, too, since he's a fatty. We were in back quite a bit and he hates to follow Buster. I have said it before, but I think Buster slows down and walks incredibly slow just to annoy Jupes. Anyway, he started twitching his tail and laying his ears back. I could feel him humping up and getting ready to explode, so I laced his behind with my reins. One it took him by surprise, two it made him madder. I spurred him, too. He behaved a for bit, then started in again. I think he wanted some green grass or something because we were in the front. Anyway, I laid into him again and turned  him in circles both ways. He behaved for the rest of the day. But dang it--I want him to behave and act like that!

I think this is the same day that I was a sissy girl and did not want to get my boots wet. The pond where we go all the time is the fullest I have ever seen it. I had jumped off to do something and Jupiter decided to walk out into the pond. I was pulling on his reins and yelling, "No!" But he kept going. When he got to the end of my reins, I lost him. I was trying to keep from going in and getting my boots wet. Or sinking into the muck! He went out a good ten feet. Lynn had to ride out and get him. She thought he might roll in the water!! Good grief.

3-15-2015
When we got back from riding, we all got shaken to the core when Lee walked up to meet us and said that Gordy called because Alisa fell off Keota and was being airlifted to Reno with a broken back. We knew she had been at a class in the arena that day.

Her story came out later:  Keota was loping along the arena. They had just gotten new sand. The instructor said something to Alisa, so she was turned back looking at her. Keota went into the deep sand and sunk to his knee. He stumbled forward and sort of jumped, trying to free his feet without falling. Somehow Alisa lost her balance and landed on the ground. Keota carefully and determinedly did not step on her; however, when her friends and the instructor ran over to see if she was okay, her legs started shaking. They knew instantly that her back had been injured and sent for the ambulance. The ambulance took her to the hospital where the doctor said he was afraid there was a chip of bone floating around in her spinal area. So off she went to Reno on her first helicopter ride. Unfortunately, strapped to a back board with duct tape, she did not get to enjoy the view.

Thankfully, everything was better than they first thought. She  has a fractured vertebrae, but did not require surgery and she will be able to ride again--although with a support brace to begin with. It was scary nevertheless.

3-26-2015
Last weekend, Lynn and I rode by ourselves up Hennessey. The pharmacist changed Shirley's heart medicine to another generic brand and she was not feeling good. We had an easy ride; however, Jupes has lost a shoe. He wore an EZ Boot with no issues. I guess he remembers it from a long time ago. His hoof is broken and Lynn said he probably won't be able to hold a shoe for a bit. He is definitely a boy who needs wet blankets--he was good and did not act up at all.

The weather today is incredible. It's supposed to almost 80 degrees for Pete's sake! I wish we were riding.