Finding the right trick and a secret

This is evidence of a gentle conversation between two sweet dispositions that are in a little conflict. 

After riding Toby/Cobie for the last month, Lynn figured out that if she holds the rein tight over his neck, he will stand still for her to get on. Sometimes it takes a minute for him to realize she wants him to stand next to her, but it is becoming much easier and quicker for her to get on (most times). 

We are still battling smoke, but we have gotten to ride at least once a weekend. Toby/Cobie nuzzles her and really loves on her. He is such a nice boy. She is loving riding him--he walks out and never slows down. Jupes is huffing and puffing to keep up. She says he sees everything and shies a little and really looks at things, but doesn't slow down. She says he is comfortable and smooth. Last weekend there was a small puddle that gave them a little trouble, so Jupes and I stood in it until Toby finally came and put his toe in. 

It is hunting season and we ran into someone we knew who was out setting up a place to target shoot with his son, so he waited for us to get quite a ways away to begin shooting and we headed for home. On the way, Lynn suddenly took a detour. We followed and found the secret pond she has spoken about often. We did some booney crashing and suddenly there it was. It is definitely a watering hole for a lot of wildlife. We need to make very sure that we do not leave tracks or the motorcyclists will tear it up and ruin it for the animals. We also need to protect it from the hunters. It hurts my heart to think of how destructive people are. It is such a special place as well a necessary, life-giving spot for the animals that live on the mountain.

On a funny note, Toby was definitely antsy. He was NOT going to get in it. :) Jupes just sniffed and smelled it everywhere. The roots and logs were worn down and the trails to it were smooth and well used. He was checking out exactly who had been there. Ziva surprised me by getting in it and having a drink. 

We have been blessed to do a little riding each weekend when so much of California and Oregon are on fire. The virus and the smoke from all the fires makes all our lives stressful and getting out to be on horseback, with my favorite boy, with my bestie and my dog and her bestie, makes my life so much more bearable! It reminds me to be thankful for all I have.

Alisa's birthday rides

 

I am so happy we got to spend our Labor Day weekend with Alisa as per usual. I wasn't sure it was going to happen--smoke and fire and heat abound this year. Alisa decided she needed fresh(er) air and came over with Keota. We had waited to go to Blue Lake again until she could join us. What a day it was. 

Lynn took Toby and we knew going in that it would be a learning experience day for him. He is still difficult to mount as he continues to turn away and face Lynn whenever she steps into the stiruup. Someone did a number on him and he thinks he doing what he is supposed to do. I sure hope no one hurt him into thinking this was the only way to keep someone happy. She was able to get on when Alisa distracted him with an apple. 

Poor thing is scared to death of the water, but he followed Jupiter into the river. We crossed the first part and then went into to the actual moving part of the river and it got a little deeper--I actually thought I might get my boots wet, but it wasn't quite that deep. Toby began what felt like possible lunging and leaping to Lynn and she quickly settled him down and he walked to the other side.

It was a day of spooks and jumps. First of all some ducks flew across the river and startled Toby, which freaked Jupes out. We both had quite a bit shy. There were dead cars everywhere and dumped trash; again, very spooky stuff. Lots of gray rocks and gray sticks--you get the picture. Horse eating monsters were everywhere. Lynn rode with her reins crossed over in front of her at the ready. She worked hard with him in and out of the water. He is very stiff-necked and doesn't want to give. She was a little sore the following day.

I ended our ride with a freaked out horse myself. Two guys were jogging on the path toward us. OMG. Like Jupes never saw anyone run before. He was barely controllable. He wanted to bolt back down the path, but the problem was, it was across a paved road. Bolting aside, no way was I going to let either of those things happen. He twisted around and I thought I was going off and there was no way I was doing that either! I got him stopped and got off and walked him back to see the two guys. Alisa had finally gotten to understand they needed to take out their headphones and speak to him like human beings instead of horse eating monsters. Good grief. We arrived back at the trailer safely and ready to ride another day.

Next day: Orick! We were supposed to meet up with a couple of younger women to ride with, but they were very late and we left without them. There was a large string of dude riders going out at 10, so we beat feet to get ahead of them. What a glorious day we had.

Lynn took Ziggy just for safety sake and to be able to just enjoy the ride without working hard. It was sunny and blue skies. We rode the 6-hour ride--backwards. What fun. It all looked different. The horses all did great and powered up the hills and skated down the hairpin turns (although Ziggy saw no reason for them and thought they should just go straight!). We did not see any slugs or bears, but we saw one squirrel and one bird, who flew out of his/her nest to our left. Jupes acted like an idiot again once we on the levee and another string of dude riders were approaching. They are HORSES and PEOPLE, I told him. Sheesh. Other than that, it was a perfect day all around. Karissa and her friend did show up and they rode the 3-hour loop, but we did not see them. Maybe another time.