Exploring

Today we went exploring. What a good time! We drove up Underwood and parked way up the hill. It was steep and rocky and a little narrow, but Lynn just motored us on. Piece of cake (although she worried about it all night!). The elevation where we parked was 4200.

After we parked, we headed up a skid road. There wasn't much brush to stop us, although there were a lot of down trees.We rode on both roads and through the trees. There were some beautiful views overlooking the river gorge (South Fork) and back at Ironside. We had to skirt some down trees, but all the horses just did what was asked of them. They are all such good mountain boys. We hit some deadends, but somehow ended up making a loop back onto our first trail. Ziggy knew where we were, but I think the rest of us were surprised.

We got back to the truck and kind of rode around looking for another avenue to explore, but decided to load up the boys and head downhill to another spot and ride out of there. Although it didn't seem like it, we had put in about 3 hours at that point, but no one was ready to stop. The boys loved eating all that high mountain grass and definitely wanted more, so they were okay with going on another trail.

Once we got out and on another skid road, we found ourselves in some prickly brush. I saw Ziva jump up and over a small bush rather than let it touch her. The trees have grown over the road some, but it was a nice ride. Unfortunately, we came to a log that wasn't high or low enough to navigate and both sides were too steep to go around, so we headed back.

The boys were happy to see new trails and the dogs all stayed close. Ziva really want to chase some quail down a super steep hill, but she listened and stayed with us. Hailey was a on a dead run after something--high above us on the hill--but she came right back when Lynn called her. We heard a big wood pecker or two, but didn't get to see them. I saw some tracks of something else, but I am not sure what it was. I don't get to go tomorrow, but I'll relish this one all week. It was a great day. (as usual!)

Easy rides

Two beautiful mornings dawned and smiled on three happy riders. Saturday we rode up Underwood. It was uneventful (Jupes behaved) and the dogs stayed close by. It was warm and sunny and aside from lots of traffic on the road, we rode all over and enjoyed the day. It has dried out and the slopes weren't too slippery.

Saturday afternoon, Lynn and Lee drove up Underwood. They drove up the road we usually ride to see if we could park the truck and trailer off the main road. They also drove up past where we cross it. Lynn says there are a couple of good trails we can explore on up there. Next weekend we will try it out.

Sunday we planned to go down to the meadow and ride the loop around it. We met a couple of regular walkers who told us that it had been totally torn up by vehicles. Julie said that they had even gotten two or three trucks stuck coming up the hill where the roots are. They fell some trees and had a tow truck come down to pull them out. Both meadows had fallen victim--even down by the barn. We heard enough. We did not ride down there. Not even seeing the new calf was worth seeing the devastation.

We rode up to the top and made a quick loop. We gave the boys a snack and on the way down, fixed one of our trails. The boys are out of shape and Jupiter stopped often to catch his breath. But it was fun. I think I can now handle whatever life throws at me next week!

PS Ziva now weighs 42.6 lbs and is 43 inches tall at her front shoulder. She'll be 8 months old next Sunday. She is becoming a great trail dog. Also important notches on my timeline for this week: I will have had Jupiter for 5 years on Thursday! My how time flies when you're having fun. :)

Sidestepping

We got to ride up the Hennessy on Saturday! It was a glorious morning. The sun broke through the clouds and it was easily in high 50s/low 60s. Lynn rode up front and broke trail which kept Shirley and I drier. However, we have not had the rain the lower part of the state has received, so the branches weren't too full of water. None of us got drenched like we have in the past.

We rode up to the top, turned right and went down along the ridge. Instead of continuing on down to the lower meadow (which would have been slick!) we turned up the rode and came back up to the left-hand road which brought us back to the top. Then we headed back to the trail head. Jupes spent the whole way up and around in the back, but he didn't fight me too much. However, once we got to the top and headed back to the trailer, he'd had enough--it was time to trot out.

Coming down the steep stuff, he did really well; he just let his back feet slide down nice and easy. I heard Lynn telling Zigs to "keep his head up and pay attention," but they too just slid down. It was Mr. Boring, Buster, who came down the fastest. I think he is tired of being considered boring and he wants to lead, but if he isn't going to lead, he at least wants to be in front of Jupiter.

As we were headed down the road, I channeled Alisa and Keota. I have been hearing how cool it has been in the arena where they have been working on things. I know Keota is a great side-stepper (among other things) and I remember hearing Alisa talking about how she moves her leg to get him to do it. Well, Jupiter once was trained to do all kinds of good things too, that is, before he came to be with me! He has probably forgotten most of his good training. Anyway--we were too close to the edge of the road for my comfort. I had been trying to lead him with the reins away from it. Then I remembered Alisa & Keota. I used my right leg and pressed into the middle of his belly and wah-la! He stepped away from the edge! Thanks Alisa. :)

Ziva went with us and did fantastic! She stayed right with us and paid attention to the horses. Lynn groomed her yesterday and she looks beautiful as well. So happy Monday and happy birthday to Lynn. I wish we could be ahorseback to celebrate instead of at work!

Junuary

Saturday we enjoyed the "Junuary" weather in Redding. It was 80 degrees for Heaven's sake--it feels like June rather than January. Even the cherry trees are starting to bloom. However, once we got up over Buckhorn, the temp dropped 40 degrees. Well, we can't change the weather and we can't change the threat of drought. But we can go out and enjoy the sun with our "BFFs!"

Alisa, Shirley, and I had our hands full. No "boring" horses for us. Keota was dancing and prancing and acting like he hadn't been ridden in awhile, even though he has been. Buster continues to become more and more of a handful every time he is ridden--twirling and prancing. Thankfully, that is what Shirley likes. Jupiter--well that's another long story; I'll just suffice it to say, "Whoo-hoo! I stayed on!"  Of course the best rider with us, has nicest mannered horse who never gets worked up or misbehaves.

Ziva got to go on her first real ride and she did wonderfully. I told Lynn she stayed on Haley's "4" rather than her "6." (: She slept the whole way home, but then was ready to run with the 4-wheeler and feed the horses when we got there. She's just a few days over six months and weighing in at 32.8 lbs. At one point (which doesn't happen very often), she and Haley stood motionless together and it was the first time I saw how much bigger than Haley she has become. Because she takes up so much room in the backseat, Haley had to stretch across Ziva's hip in order to lay down going home. Sammie and Happy were great on the trail, although Happy had a few times she "upset the apple cart" with her barking.

They say it's healthy to have something to look forward to as it helps smooth out the rough patches of the week. Well, last week it was going riding; this week it is the Bull and Gelding Sale! I can hardly wait.

It Snowed Last Night--this song is exactly how I feel!

I love the snow and I love that I have had an extra three days off! Sorry to those of you who have to work. If it makes you feel any better, I have been sitting here grading papers and reading portfolios! But picture me at my table with Christmas carols playing and lights brightening up the Winter gloom. I love Christmas!

The pictures are mostly of Ziva (go figure!), but some are of Thanksgiving activities, too!

Pitching a fit

It rained Saturday, but Sunday we headed out to Underwood. Thankfully Lynn and Shirley waited for me and about 1pm we headed up the hill. We rode drag and Jupiter was not happy. I saw Ziggy's butt (I can only see when I am on Jupiter since Zigs' behind is too tall for me) and there were bite marks all over it. Lynn tells me that he and Jupiter are fighting. I guess the J-man is either trying to move up or simply mad he had to stay home too many weekends. Anyway, that was my first clue.

I fought Jupes all day. We rode a little sideways unless we got to the front. On the way down toward the truck, we made a wrong turn. Ziggy got ahead of us. I was holding Jupes back and Buster was filling the middle. Jupes humped and bucked and pitched a fit. But I stayed on! Seriously, he needs to be ridden miles and miles!

I don't know what this weekend will bring: maybe a new pickup for Lee (ha! for us to haul the boys with more like!). I get to babysit Haley, so Ziva will be happy. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and hanging out with Alisa and family. Bring the guns! It'll be a redneck good time. We should be on TV. :)

Any day riding is a good day

I missed two weeks of riding because of school stuff. Lynn sent us an email about their ride one weekend. It is too funny not to publish and record on our riding blog! So here it is:

Today started out just a little off.  First when catching the boys, Buster and Ziggy,  and while haltering Buster, he and Brady enjoyed  a granola bar, then I haltered Ziggy.    Ziggy did not get one and he knew it.   While heading to the gate he bit Buster twice!  Ziggy does not do that, that would be Star the old grump, the curmudgeon.   We hooked up, which took about five tries which is also a little off.  Then we saddled up and loaded up.  

 We get to our destination, the cul-de-sac at end the paved part of Hennessey Rd.  All is fine… so I think.    We unload.   I notice Ziggy has his head in the clouds looking up the road.   Then he starts wheeling back and forth and seems very uneasy.  We continue to get ready.  He even got a swift kick in the belly, which he did not even notice.  The thought of getting knocked to the ground while trying to tack up went through my mind.  Sometimes he is just big,  most times he is just normal, well maybe a little taller than everyone else.   I am in the horse trailer's tack room and I hear Mom yell, "Lynn, Lynn! Your horse is leaving with out you!"  Yep, there he goes headed up the road.  Head up, going to go see what the heck.  I run and I am trying to grab the lead rope that he is dragging.  I missed a couple of times.  Finally I get my foot on the rope and get him stopped just up the dirt road.  Ah I see, cows and lots of them, all in the bushes and one was coming right down the road has now stopped dead in her tracks.  It’s a stand off, but not for long.   Back to the trailer you big dummy.  We had quite the discussion with me doing all the talking and you know I was calling him an idiot, it’s just cows, you see them all the time.  

So finally able to mount up.   Then trying to proceed down the road to where our trail takes off up the hill.  And immediately I know I forgot my spurs.  Crap.  Oh well I was not going back.   A slap on the butt a few times seems to be working.  The lead brockle face cow is now off the side of the road  and of course Ziggy and I had to go see it up close and personal.   I really think Ziggy was embarrassed.  We had a great ride to the top.  We turned left up the road.  We hear dogs barking.  Two older men were getting fire wood.  They were quickly getting their three Pomeranians into the cab of the truck, as Happy is running hackles up towards them, but tail wagging like mad.  Haley said  ya, what ever …we’re on a mission to somewhere, and I don’t even care about your dogs or you I have stuff to do.  I hollered at them, saying we will hurry, as they were rolling big rounds 18 inches or so in diameter and about 3-4 feet long, down the hill and onto the road and loading them into a trailer.   I am sure that big flying round things would have but us on edge again.    We trotted on by saying hi.  We went up the road, down past the lake and on to a lower road.  We then turned right on our new trail, and down the hill, it’s a great day. At  the bottom road we took a water and granola bar break.   For some reason I could not quit my coughing fits that had started earlier in the day.  So now my nose is running, no paper towels a.k.a. snot rags new or used in any pockets.  Toilet paper works, just does not last for this type of job. 

The rest of the day was uneventful, until Ziggy tripped, going too fast down hill forgot to pick up his feet, I yelled at him and he turned his head around to me, his lips just a poppin' at me.  I told him that he better not back sass me!   I swear he rolled his eyes like “whatever!”.   We un-tacked , blanketed the horses and loaded up.  With us and  dogs loaded up in the pickup, down the hill we go.  Half way down the hill I look over and Mom still has on her helmet, and of course cocked to one side, it was a hoot.  What a beautiful sunny day.   

Arrive and unload at home.  Jupiter let us know he was not happy being left home and whinnied for the boys when we arrived home.  I chuckled--here's this all machismo horse with a very high pitched whinny…. Too cute.  Next time Jupiter!