Lynn and Alisa met on Saturday to ride at Swasey Creek. According to Lynn, Ziggy about tore apart the trailer before she pulled out of the driveway. He was a nervous wreck. He was dripping sweat by the time she arrived at the trailhead. She said he settled down as soon as he saw Odie and was fine from then on.
The two of them had a good time going around and around the same loop. Three times I think she said. Not on purpose, either! Somehow they missed a turn or trail and ended up passing the same landmark at least three times. Zigs competed with Odie all day and kept him in the back. Alisa said instead watching the trail, he spent a lot of time looking over at them. Zigman might be the bottom at home, but doggone it! Odie was not getting ahead of him out there.
Early spring has sprung and there were flowers and green grass all along the area. Lynn said there were manzanita bushes in bloom everywhere and they smelled wonderful. She said some of the trail was like a manzanita tunnel. There were bicycle riders, joggers, and a small woman on a tiny horse.
When she got Ziggy home, Jupiter ran right up and bit him in the butt. He is so jealous! He wants to go, too. Lynn pulled the halter off and sent Ziggy to safety and he went running and bucking off with Jupiter chasing right behind him. Shirley commented that Ziggy was all legs and no body. I guess he lost a lot of weight that day: no breakfast, nerves, and then exercise, too.
I spent the weekend in Sacramento--I learned some humility (some teachers are beyond awesome) and got pumped about teaching by some real great ideas and inspirational speakers. It's supposed to rain starting tomorrow and I don't think I will get to see the boys until Thursday. I hope all that powerful energy from the conference can sustain me until then.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Unsettled Sunday
Star is not well today. He is coughing and spitting up. Something is partially blocking his airway. We started out and it became very apparent that he was having a problem. Shirley and Lynn took him back and loaded him up. I went on without them. Jupiter was very good. He did everything I asked. He never whinnied or balked. However, I was happy no cows suddenly came out of the brush because he was on high alert.
Lynn caught up to us and we went around through the brush and I tried out the endurance saddle. She and Zigs tried out a crupper. We didn't go very far, but it was a pretty good trial. Zigs wasn't too sure about the crupper when it got tight, but he handled it. The saddle felt good to me--a little weird without a horn, but the seat felt good. Jupes didn't seem to mind it, even though it didn't stay nice in the middle of his back and it turns some. He is such a round boy!
Lynn says all horses have their "things." Ziggy's is stepping down a steep bank into water. He proved it again yesterday. Jupiter's is stepping over a high tree (down fall). He does not like it and we have to find a way around it.
Tomorrow morning, Shirley is taking Star to the vet. He didn't eat and Lynn says it sounds funny when he breathes. He definitely needs to be looked at. I pray that he is all right tonight and the vet can make it better in the morning.
Lynn caught up to us and we went around through the brush and I tried out the endurance saddle. She and Zigs tried out a crupper. We didn't go very far, but it was a pretty good trial. Zigs wasn't too sure about the crupper when it got tight, but he handled it. The saddle felt good to me--a little weird without a horn, but the seat felt good. Jupes didn't seem to mind it, even though it didn't stay nice in the middle of his back and it turns some. He is such a round boy!
Lynn says all horses have their "things." Ziggy's is stepping down a steep bank into water. He proved it again yesterday. Jupiter's is stepping over a high tree (down fall). He does not like it and we have to find a way around it.
Tomorrow morning, Shirley is taking Star to the vet. He didn't eat and Lynn says it sounds funny when he breathes. He definitely needs to be looked at. I pray that he is all right tonight and the vet can make it better in the morning.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
These boots are made for walking. . . again
Once again I am the one with the equipment problems! Jupiter had been acting up the last time we rode and seemed to hump up and put his head down like he would like to buck. We fixed his bit problem the previous Saturday with a hackamore that we both like a lot better. Then Sunday, when everything had been going along so nicely, he started acting like something was wrong. As we neared the old dump site, Lynn suggested my saddle had turned and that was bothering him; so I adjusted the saddle and I rode on in. At the time, it crossed my mind that maybe he liked the idea of me walking in the last part from the day before and was being a pill.
We went up Underwood today and had just a great time. Jupiter and I went off alone a couple of times and he really listened and did not fuss about anyone else. We had a great day. Then we went down the long, long steep part of the trail. He did fine, but afterward I got off and readjusted the saddle back off his neck more because it seemed too close (even with the cruper). He kept acting funny as we continued down toward the road. I think I got off two more times to try and make adjustments. Finally, I just knew he had had enough. So Lynn got off too and checked the saddle.
It turns out he has outgrown the little blue saddle. The tree was jabbing into his shoulders. Lynn and I switched saddles and it was obvious that my old saddle fit him better. (Remember it was too big and we had to buy a pad?) We went off the road to try it out and it seemed much better. He did not act like it hurt anymore. However, because he was sweaty and the cinch loosened a little, the saddle slipped a little to the side. So when I got back up on the road with Shirley and Lynn, I just got off and walked the rest of the way. Lynn walked too, as Ziggy had the other saddle on.
Jupiter is such a great horse. He did fantastic today--even with the saddle poking him. We cantered quite smoothly and we went a little faster than we normally do. He and Star got along without a lot of pinned ears and dirty looks. Tomorrow I am going to try Lynn's latest idea--the woman is full of them! I am going to try out her endurance saddle without the horn. We'll see how the fat boy (and fat woman) does. (:
When we got home today, the boys immediately rolled. Ziggy is so funny. He just flopped himself and threw his feet over from side to side. What a lot of leg flailing! Jupes went down a second time near the bank that leads up to the water trough. He rolled over and found himself up against the hill. After a lot of leg kicking and scooting--he stood up again and looked around to see who noticed. Silly thing, if he'd flopped back over he would've been on the downhill side. Anyway--all three of them were covered in mud again and eagerly waiting for dinner.
Ziggy is now eating a new thrush product that totally looks like the powdered cheese from Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. It's not his favorite. Lynn mixes it with his grain at night. Tonight, he was eating more hay than orangy-looking grain when Jupes came down to see me and see if Zigs had any grain left. (Star had moved him from his box.) Zigs let him have it. The look on his face was like, "Go ahead, you're welcome to it if you think you'll like it." Jupes wasn't too sure either. Then came Indy. (Star had moved him too.) After a little bickering, Jupiter let Indy have the yucky orange stuff, too. Pretty soon all three orange horses had very orange lips and whiskers. Kind of like what your fingers look like after eating Cheetos.
I know it's only February, but we are planning our Memorial Day weekend. I keep forgetting it's a long time off! We need to meet at Whiskeytown or Redding sometime soon. It's supposed to have been a little over 60 degrees over there today--prime riding weather. (:
We went up Underwood today and had just a great time. Jupiter and I went off alone a couple of times and he really listened and did not fuss about anyone else. We had a great day. Then we went down the long, long steep part of the trail. He did fine, but afterward I got off and readjusted the saddle back off his neck more because it seemed too close (even with the cruper). He kept acting funny as we continued down toward the road. I think I got off two more times to try and make adjustments. Finally, I just knew he had had enough. So Lynn got off too and checked the saddle.
It turns out he has outgrown the little blue saddle. The tree was jabbing into his shoulders. Lynn and I switched saddles and it was obvious that my old saddle fit him better. (Remember it was too big and we had to buy a pad?) We went off the road to try it out and it seemed much better. He did not act like it hurt anymore. However, because he was sweaty and the cinch loosened a little, the saddle slipped a little to the side. So when I got back up on the road with Shirley and Lynn, I just got off and walked the rest of the way. Lynn walked too, as Ziggy had the other saddle on.
Jupiter is such a great horse. He did fantastic today--even with the saddle poking him. We cantered quite smoothly and we went a little faster than we normally do. He and Star got along without a lot of pinned ears and dirty looks. Tomorrow I am going to try Lynn's latest idea--the woman is full of them! I am going to try out her endurance saddle without the horn. We'll see how the fat boy (and fat woman) does. (:
When we got home today, the boys immediately rolled. Ziggy is so funny. He just flopped himself and threw his feet over from side to side. What a lot of leg flailing! Jupes went down a second time near the bank that leads up to the water trough. He rolled over and found himself up against the hill. After a lot of leg kicking and scooting--he stood up again and looked around to see who noticed. Silly thing, if he'd flopped back over he would've been on the downhill side. Anyway--all three of them were covered in mud again and eagerly waiting for dinner.
Ziggy is now eating a new thrush product that totally looks like the powdered cheese from Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. It's not his favorite. Lynn mixes it with his grain at night. Tonight, he was eating more hay than orangy-looking grain when Jupes came down to see me and see if Zigs had any grain left. (Star had moved him from his box.) Zigs let him have it. The look on his face was like, "Go ahead, you're welcome to it if you think you'll like it." Jupes wasn't too sure either. Then came Indy. (Star had moved him too.) After a little bickering, Jupiter let Indy have the yucky orange stuff, too. Pretty soon all three orange horses had very orange lips and whiskers. Kind of like what your fingers look like after eating Cheetos.
I know it's only February, but we are planning our Memorial Day weekend. I keep forgetting it's a long time off! We need to meet at Whiskeytown or Redding sometime soon. It's supposed to have been a little over 60 degrees over there today--prime riding weather. (:
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
False Spring
January has been incredibly mild and definitely trail riding weather. We had the horses shod and then went out to the Hennessey to do a little riding. Jupes had a major equipment malfunction--he no longer fits the bit we had been using. It took me a little while to figure out what was wrong with him, but finally Lynn saw it. I knew something wasn't right, but I couldn't figure it out. We weren't looking in the right place! Once Lynn saw it, I replaced the bit with a halter and we walked out a few miles back to the truck. Jupes was much happier with it out of his mouth. Poor thing had been trying to tell me he was being pinched!
The next day (yep, we got to go two days in a row!), I used a hackamore. He really likes it. I am sure he is thinking how full he can get his mouth once we go somewhere where the grass is growing. That bit just got in the way of his eating. Speaking of eating--he is roly-poly. The saddle doesn't sit well anymore either. So he had fits over that, too. Ever notice how it is always me with the equipment problems? What does that say?
Ziggy lost a shoe on Sunday. Poor thing. He is such a sweet, gentle horse. He adores Lynn. He's like a big (make that BIG) puppy. But I worry that all these feet problems will have him ending up like Fritzy. ): Lee gave Lynn the go-ahead to buy a new horse.
Star was full of himself. He looked like a Merry-Go-Round carnival ride horse. He went up and down as much as forward. Good thing he's smooth! Anyway, Shirley said he didn't care if Zigs was in front of him, but he did not want that whippersnapper Jupiter leading the way. The two of them competed all day on Sunday. Jupiter thinks maybe he'll move up a notch and Star is feeling the need to put him in his place. They were giving each other the eye and laying their ears back as we trotted along the road beside each other. Probably they need more grain! Ha!
I am looking forward to the Bull & Gelding Sale in Red Bluff. We are going to have fun. Horses, cowboys, shopping--what's not to like?
The next day (yep, we got to go two days in a row!), I used a hackamore. He really likes it. I am sure he is thinking how full he can get his mouth once we go somewhere where the grass is growing. That bit just got in the way of his eating. Speaking of eating--he is roly-poly. The saddle doesn't sit well anymore either. So he had fits over that, too. Ever notice how it is always me with the equipment problems? What does that say?
Ziggy lost a shoe on Sunday. Poor thing. He is such a sweet, gentle horse. He adores Lynn. He's like a big (make that BIG) puppy. But I worry that all these feet problems will have him ending up like Fritzy. ): Lee gave Lynn the go-ahead to buy a new horse.
Star was full of himself. He looked like a Merry-Go-Round carnival ride horse. He went up and down as much as forward. Good thing he's smooth! Anyway, Shirley said he didn't care if Zigs was in front of him, but he did not want that whippersnapper Jupiter leading the way. The two of them competed all day on Sunday. Jupiter thinks maybe he'll move up a notch and Star is feeling the need to put him in his place. They were giving each other the eye and laying their ears back as we trotted along the road beside each other. Probably they need more grain! Ha!
I am looking forward to the Bull & Gelding Sale in Red Bluff. We are going to have fun. Horses, cowboys, shopping--what's not to like?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Personality Plus
In this month's TrailRider mag--which I have not received yet!!--there is a website to find out your horse's personality. Go to http://www.mylegendaryhorse.com/ and send me your results and I'll put them here for a good laugh.
Here is Jupiter's (it sounds pretty true):
Jupiter is Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary ruler of France.
Jupiter is proud and daring, just like the Emperor and military legend who set out to conquer Europe. Sometimes, his brashness needs taming, but he’s an impressive steed who covers a lot of ground.
Once Lynn sends me copies of these I'll post them, but in the meantime she said:
Brady is Lord Byron (poet? and lover? all the girls love him--that's true!)
Ziggy is Benjamin Franklin (hmm, I don't know where to go with that one, but it's funny to think about)
Alisa email Odie's and I'll put it here. I think we need to do Star, too. (:
Here they are:
Ziggy is Ben Franklin, the legendary inventor and Founding Father.
Ziggy is well rounded and smart, just like the author, scientist, politician, inventor, and chess champion. Although he may be shy at times, a sense of discovery is crucial for his happiness. Staying active is important, too.
Brady is Lord Byron, the legendary romantic poet.
Brady is a sensory creature, a bundle of emotion, like the curious poet and adventurer. Dramatics may be part of the package, but so are charm, bravery, and wit.
Star is Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary ruler of France.
Uh-oh, it is true: Jupiter is taking on Star's personality. Hmm. You guys know that Shirley and I are both November girls, right?
That was Lynn's first quiz result on Star--then she did another and came up with this one:
Star is George Washington, the legendary general and President.
Star is a quiet and patient leader, like our first Commander-in-Chief. While you may find his aloofness confusing, his attention to detail and sense of purpose are impressive and reliable.
I think Lynn also played around with the quiz for Odie and came up with Wyatt Earp! Hey Lynn, do Indy!
What a cute and fun quiz. Good job Bayer Equine people!
***
Odie is Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman.
Odie is a rebel and sometimes even a troublemaker, like the Wild West marshal and saloon keeper. This guy has his own ideas. Get used to it and you’ll find a loyal companion.
I love it! (: Silly boys that they are--I can't imagine life without them!
Here is Jupiter's (it sounds pretty true):
Jupiter is Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary ruler of France.
Jupiter is proud and daring, just like the Emperor and military legend who set out to conquer Europe. Sometimes, his brashness needs taming, but he’s an impressive steed who covers a lot of ground.
Once Lynn sends me copies of these I'll post them, but in the meantime she said:
Brady is Lord Byron (poet? and lover? all the girls love him--that's true!)
Ziggy is Benjamin Franklin (hmm, I don't know where to go with that one, but it's funny to think about)
Alisa email Odie's and I'll put it here. I think we need to do Star, too. (:
Here they are:
Ziggy is Ben Franklin, the legendary inventor and Founding Father.
Ziggy is well rounded and smart, just like the author, scientist, politician, inventor, and chess champion. Although he may be shy at times, a sense of discovery is crucial for his happiness. Staying active is important, too.
Brady is Lord Byron, the legendary romantic poet.
Brady is a sensory creature, a bundle of emotion, like the curious poet and adventurer. Dramatics may be part of the package, but so are charm, bravery, and wit.
Star is Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary ruler of France.
Uh-oh, it is true: Jupiter is taking on Star's personality. Hmm. You guys know that Shirley and I are both November girls, right?
That was Lynn's first quiz result on Star--then she did another and came up with this one:
Star is George Washington, the legendary general and President.
Star is a quiet and patient leader, like our first Commander-in-Chief. While you may find his aloofness confusing, his attention to detail and sense of purpose are impressive and reliable.
I think Lynn also played around with the quiz for Odie and came up with Wyatt Earp! Hey Lynn, do Indy!
What a cute and fun quiz. Good job Bayer Equine people!
***
Odie is Wyatt Earp, the legendary lawman.
Odie is a rebel and sometimes even a troublemaker, like the Wild West marshal and saloon keeper. This guy has his own ideas. Get used to it and you’ll find a loyal companion.
I love it! (: Silly boys that they are--I can't imagine life without them!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Passing the time. . .
It's a gorgeous, cold winter's day. As I drove home from church today, all I could think about was riding some sunlit trail. I know in my mind that it's too cold, but in my heart it's all I long to do!
Last weekend, Lynn--the real cowgirl--took off Jupe's and Zig's shoes. I did my usual thing, brushed and loved on the horses, while she worked! I was fortunate during my winter break to feed quite a few days with one or the other, Lynn or Shirley, to give each of them a break whenever I could, since they came down with vicious colds. I even got to feed by myself one day. I am getting better at running the four-wheeler all the time.
The boys are pretty fat and sassy. Lynn thinks Jupiter has grown a couple inches, as well as gotten fat. She said yesterday, "Don't let him buck when we go riding--if one starts they'll all do it." I know she's thinking about Ziggy and how high that boy bucks, but, really--"let him buck"?! Believe me that's the last thing I want to let him do. (:
Last weekend, Lynn--the real cowgirl--took off Jupe's and Zig's shoes. I did my usual thing, brushed and loved on the horses, while she worked! I was fortunate during my winter break to feed quite a few days with one or the other, Lynn or Shirley, to give each of them a break whenever I could, since they came down with vicious colds. I even got to feed by myself one day. I am getting better at running the four-wheeler all the time.
The boys are pretty fat and sassy. Lynn thinks Jupiter has grown a couple inches, as well as gotten fat. She said yesterday, "Don't let him buck when we go riding--if one starts they'll all do it." I know she's thinking about Ziggy and how high that boy bucks, but, really--"let him buck"?! Believe me that's the last thing I want to let him do. (:
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Adventures in Husbandry
Sometimes it's tough to be a "town" girl in a country setting. My whole life I have wanted a horse, but my dad always said I had to wait until we had some property to keep it on. Well, that never happened. As a result, I never learned how to take care of one. Now that I have one, I still don't take care of him; I am very blessed that he lives with Lynn and Shirley's herd and they take excellent care of him. At the least, that means breakfast at 5:30 am and dinner at 4:30 pm.
Since I am married to my work and it is a demanding relationship, I do not get to help feed very often. Maybe Tuesdays and sometimes Thursdays and Fridays during the week and then depending on the weekend schedule--hopefully Saturday and Sunday. Even then, it's only dinner. So I am really enjoying the horse experience from a very easy, nonresponsible perspective. Consequently, whenever the opportunity arises that I can help out my friends by doing the feeding chore and releasing them to do something else--I jump on it.
Yesterday was one of those days. Lynn assured Shirley, "Oh yeah, she can do it." HA! It started out fine, I filled up the hay wagon and got some grain. In my mind I planned out how I would take the grain to the feeders first, then do the hay--knowing the grain would settle them right down. So off I went.
First I had to yell at Jupes to move: he ran up and stood in the path looking at me, with a "Hi! What cha got for me?" look on his face. (He likes his chow, that boy!) He finally moved and I pulled up to Brady's feeder and turned off the four-wheeler. I gave them all some grain and then started putting hay out, stopping to pet and talk to each of them in turn. I started the four-wheeler and drove it down to the bottom feeder where Zigs was eating and unloaded his hay. There was some hay left in the trailer, so I left the motor running and carried it up to where Jupes was eating with Brady. In the meantime, the engine died.
No worries, right? Well, I couldn't get it started. So I trudged down to the house and told Lee. He walked up and got a gas can for me (while I listened to a lecture on checking the gas and oil) and I trudged back. Still wouldn't start.
Now he's clean and waiting for Lynn to come home so they can go to her brother's for a family dinner. We've had lots of rain and the ground is not only wet, but chewed up by horse hooves. Although the machine is stuck at the bottom of the feeding area and a little less mucky than up the hill near Star's box (where I almost stepped out of my rubber boot that got sucked into the mess!) it is still too muddy for someone who is about to go to dinner. Nevertheless, I walked back to the house--head hanging a little, sheesh, I can't even do this right!--to admit I couldn't do it and ask him for more help. I hate that!
This time Lynn is coming toward me through the field--good clothes on, but with her rubber boots. Thankfully it was not raining at the time. We walked back and she pulled out one knob and it started. (Don't you hate that!?) We drove back to the barn and she left me to fill it up again for morning. Okay--so I saved her from messing with the hay, but good grief! I am definitely a novice when it comes to being a farm girl.
Shirley once said I was a "girly girl." Dang it--I guess I am!
Since I am married to my work and it is a demanding relationship, I do not get to help feed very often. Maybe Tuesdays and sometimes Thursdays and Fridays during the week and then depending on the weekend schedule--hopefully Saturday and Sunday. Even then, it's only dinner. So I am really enjoying the horse experience from a very easy, nonresponsible perspective. Consequently, whenever the opportunity arises that I can help out my friends by doing the feeding chore and releasing them to do something else--I jump on it.
Yesterday was one of those days. Lynn assured Shirley, "Oh yeah, she can do it." HA! It started out fine, I filled up the hay wagon and got some grain. In my mind I planned out how I would take the grain to the feeders first, then do the hay--knowing the grain would settle them right down. So off I went.
First I had to yell at Jupes to move: he ran up and stood in the path looking at me, with a "Hi! What cha got for me?" look on his face. (He likes his chow, that boy!) He finally moved and I pulled up to Brady's feeder and turned off the four-wheeler. I gave them all some grain and then started putting hay out, stopping to pet and talk to each of them in turn. I started the four-wheeler and drove it down to the bottom feeder where Zigs was eating and unloaded his hay. There was some hay left in the trailer, so I left the motor running and carried it up to where Jupes was eating with Brady. In the meantime, the engine died.
No worries, right? Well, I couldn't get it started. So I trudged down to the house and told Lee. He walked up and got a gas can for me (while I listened to a lecture on checking the gas and oil) and I trudged back. Still wouldn't start.
Now he's clean and waiting for Lynn to come home so they can go to her brother's for a family dinner. We've had lots of rain and the ground is not only wet, but chewed up by horse hooves. Although the machine is stuck at the bottom of the feeding area and a little less mucky than up the hill near Star's box (where I almost stepped out of my rubber boot that got sucked into the mess!) it is still too muddy for someone who is about to go to dinner. Nevertheless, I walked back to the house--head hanging a little, sheesh, I can't even do this right!--to admit I couldn't do it and ask him for more help. I hate that!
This time Lynn is coming toward me through the field--good clothes on, but with her rubber boots. Thankfully it was not raining at the time. We walked back and she pulled out one knob and it started. (Don't you hate that!?) We drove back to the barn and she left me to fill it up again for morning. Okay--so I saved her from messing with the hay, but good grief! I am definitely a novice when it comes to being a farm girl.
Shirley once said I was a "girly girl." Dang it--I guess I am!
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