Pockets Full~

Rain, quite a bit overnight, some this morning - then sunshine!  OK, everything could really wait & I really wanted to ride before the storms that are predicted for the next couple days.

At the outlet of the Wetland~

Saddling Farah, I used the new Stable Ride saddle pad liner that I'd cut to go under the wool saddle pad I purchased from Stonewall.  I'm still having issues with the pad slipping out from under the saddle & I hate that.  We headed out to the north, so many trees down now in the Development - that there's not much buffer left between the construction & my trail out.

Color along the power lines~

 The clouds were moving back in when we left home, once up on the power lines, the rain started.  I stopped to put my jacket on, no point in riding wet.  The colors were just stunning, both in the woods & along the power lines - even on a gray afternoon.

Into the woods~

 Debating which way to go, I decided to go through the woods on the crest of the hill, following the tracks from the ATV's.  Thinking about mushrooms & knowing that this area is mostly Fir trees, I had hoped to find some.  Since the last time we went through here, the trails were more established & easy to follow, Farah hit her trot & we whizzed around, making something of a circle.

Farah with her new orange rump rug.

 Joyce made us a rump rug out of the orange fabric that is used in hunting vests!  Very bright & hard to miss!  I did hear gunfire more than once, a huge doe crossed the trail in front of us, but she wasn't in any hurry.

The large Wetland~

 The rain just got heavier, but the air smelled so sweet & was so fresh - negative ions abounded!  Again - we did some moving out!  I got a Big walk, a smooth trot, seamless canter -  my girl was enjoying herself :-)

Rain drops on the water~

 We headed back from here, but once we were down on the lower trails, I decided to go check out a couple that have been blocked forever - you never know, something might have changed?

Chanterelles!

 It was getting dark, time to head home - when I spotted my quarry!  They were just off the side of the trail & after spotting the first huge one, I realized that I'd found the mother lode!  Did I have a sack on the saddle?  No!  This after using Linda's on Tue., & telling myself that when I got home - a bag would go in my saddle bag!  I wasn't about to leave them, I have fresh scallops for dinner tomorrow night & they would go perfect with them!

What to do?  I took off my rain jacket & filled the pockets!  Then - since the pockets were so full that I couldn't ride without my elbows hitting them, I just tied it to my waist.

Chantrells - home!

 By now it really was getting dark & we had to hustle to get back.  Butch was home ahead of us & he was wondering why - in the rain - my jacket was tied to my waist?  As I started pulling mushrooms out of my pockets, he just smiled :-)

Aftermath~

Cottonwoods down~

After lunch - since the rain had stopped, I checked the hourly weather report.  It showed a couple hours without rain - enough time for me to get up onto our trails.  I'd been anxious to see how things had fared after Saturday's big wind & rain storm.  Things were soaked & it wasn't long, until I felt water seeping into my boots!  Whoops - forgot to change to my waterproof pair!

One of the biggest Cottonwoods, uprooted~

The area where these Cottonwoods grow is one of my favorite places...  Looming over the trails for the 25+ years I've ridden here, they survived a lot of wind - but this last storm was a doozie.  All the water that usually covers the low spots - has been dried up for over two-months.  Even so - the wind was strong enough that it took the top off one tree & dropped this one to the ground.  They didn't look high - we got over the first with just a hop.  The second though - required moving a lot of large limbs & debris.  Farah attempted a leap, but there was one big dead branch sticking out sideways - just enough that she couldn't clear it & make the jump.  She reared up, cleared her legs & backed away.  This will require a chain saw - that will require about a two-mile hike...  So - we headed the other way...

Development...

We found what I knew we would...  Houses going in like a blight on the land.  The beautiful trails we had here are now paved over...  An ATV had pushed a path through the brush & around the gate.  We took it & cut right - up our old trail to the power lines.  The rain moved back in - within minutes we were soaked.  I put my raincoat on - but my shirt was already wet.

Bottom access to the Power Lines~

With the gate closed & ecology blocks at both ends, there's no way for us to get around.  The old tiny trail that Khari & I had made years ago, was so grown over that I didn't want to try it to get around.

On our way back-

A new sign - that bodes no good news for me...  Their "Future Road Extension" will be what's left of "my" trails...  I was wondering today if the trails would last until we make our retirement move...  Somehow - I doubt it.  That will be so devastating to me - that - our move will be even more welcome.

With our old "Running Hill" totally overgrown & washed out - we still tried to take it & connect with our usual route to the power lines...  About half-way up - it was So bad that my head about got taken off my neck!  Farah instantly stopped even before I could ask her.  Nothing to do but turn back yet again. Once on our road, with no one around - we went up to the top - onto a short trail, just to see if there might be a way through now?  No - blocked by brush.

I tried taking a video with my camera & was actually surprised at how good it came out :-)  We were both soaked to the bone by the time we got home, but boy-oh-boy was it Wonderful to get out!  The air smelled like the Cottonwoods & was just So Fresh & clean!

Flying High - Second ride in the Stonewall~

The way out~

Today, I unexpectedly had the opportunity to ride again.  Short notice - I missed Pat, so out from home.  Jackie called, I'd sent her a few photos & she made suggestions.  No thick pad - just a saddle blanket this time.  I'm so used to using thick pads to mitigate saddle fit that it seemed strange to just have the blanket. 

Fireweed~

It was warm today & pretty humid, bugs weren't too bad - the cooler nights have helped that.  I'm enjoying those cool nights & brisk mornings - harbinger to fall.  Once we were on the trails - Farah just took off!  I couldn't believe it!  On a section where she doesn't usually trot - we not only trotted, we flew!  Even on the overgrown, twisty trail almost 10 mph.  She was the happiest I think I've ever seen her under saddle - the most relaxed I've ridden her - probably ever...  I was just along for the ride.

Breeze on the water~

Once we were on the top of the ridge, we picked up a nice cool breeze.  Enough to put ripples on the wetland - beautiful.  Farah broke into a gallop - then picked up speed & when I asked her to slow down for the rock, she dropped down, in one stride & right into a 5 mph. walk!  She felt loose, I felt loose & we were in sync :-)

The road home~

I called Jackie to tell her how happy we both are.  I'm going ahead & placing my order - sadly the trees for the Sport are on order, so that will slow my order down.  I started Farah out in the Meridian Saddle - then, when it was sent to Everett for a new tree, started using Linda's.  That lasted the year wait for the McClintock.  (I was saddened to hear of Garry's passing...  At the height of his craft, I doubt there were many who made any finer saddles.)

Racy sweat pattern too :-)

 Now, I wish I'd followed that nagging urge to order a Stonewall way back when...  It would have saved me a lot of grief & money too. For the first time in our partnership - four years strong, we're finally Good to Go!  Hallelujah!
P.S.  Jackie said today that when I get my new saddle, this one will be listed on eBay.  If anyone in my area would like to try it - I can lend it out.  It would be perfect for a small person or young rider.  The price is really reasonable too.  Try it - you'd like it!  :-)

First Ride - Stonewall Classic

Farah in the Stonewall~

The Stonewall arrived in Thursdays mail!  Though I didn't have time to ride, I did take the time to put my saddle bags on it - using the stirrup hangers to snug down the side straps - which worked Great.  Plenty of pommel to attach my front little bag too.  Still waiting - over a month now, for my new reins for the black headstall, breast collar & running attachment - from Hought.  The good news, is that they're supposed to go out in tomorrows mail.

At the power lines~

There's now so much smoke rolling in - that you not only see it, but smell it too...  With the high humidity - it's staying low to the ground.  Today - as I went to saddle Farah - she gave me a look - like "Oh... another saddle."  I was hesitant too, it looks so small & light - which it is!  The minute I sat down - I was relieved that it had the feel & seat that I like!  I missed my bucking rolls, but didn't have any 180's to test it on - that's always fine with me :-)

Smoke over the wetland~

The smoke only got thicker the longer we were out.  With my sister & her family visiting - our time was limited, so we did our short loop.  When I'd spoken to Jackie last week, she said;  "I don't even think about my saddle when I'm riding."  That impressed me - since saddles are about All I've thought about for more time than I Want to think about...

Farah is happy :-)

Funny thing was - we were both happy - enjoying the ride.  I was comfortable!  Comfortable!  Worth saying twice at least!  :-)  It obvious that Farah liked it too - the trot was fast, the walk was fast & the gallop had the usual buck - but then smoothed out.  None of the head tossing or shoulder lifts that I had on my last ride - which acted as a refresher reminding me why we're still on this hunt...   The feel of the seat was different, of course, but nice - very nice - nothing that bothered me & I rode with without any seat pad.  My legs were in the right position - & the freedom of movement was just as good as in Linda's, which has the most freedom of any saddle I've ridden to date.

Water in the new Beaver Pond

It was hot, 80+, humid & with the smoke, it's pretty miserable out - on what should be a beautiful sunny Sunday.

Smoke~

When I unsaddled, there was a very nice, even sweat pattern - the saddle had stayed put & I'd had no problem mounting, even using the woolback.  The rigging is lower than what I'm used to, just low enough to sit on the edge of the pad.  I had to find a 26" cinch, my 28" was too long.  I'm going to raise it just a couple notches next ride & try the Supracore under it.  Since this saddle was completely refurbished - all the new sheepskin will settle in a few more rides - right now it's almost bouncy :-)

Mt. Pilchuck - under the smoke~

 On our way back, the smoke was so thick that I could hardly see a block away.  This view is a first for me - the mountain totally obscured by the smoke...  Seeing all this here - I can't help but continue to worry about all the people on the other side of these mountains - with fires burning & their homes at risk...  Then - if we stop to think of the displaced wildlife...  Lucky if only displaced...

Out from Home~

Water coming off the big wetland~

I hadn't ridden since the 5th & was having withdrawals!  I'd hoped to have a working saddle by now & of course couldn't get up the get-up & Go to ride in the 90 degree heat.  Since today was supposed to be the cooler of the next couple days, we headed out.  I used Linda's saddle, with the new gel seat pad that I'd picked up.  Even though I could still feel the rock hard seat under it, I was amazed at how well it worked!  Just enough cushion to keep my seat bones from hurting!

At Little Pilchuck Creek

Walking up the big hill to the trails, I felt pretty good.  The neighbor who's yard we ride through had cleared all the way to the fence, wiping out our little trail, empty bags, branches, etc. littered our way.  We got through - but now I need to go visit & see if we'll still have our access.  They are such nice people I'm sure we will.  The afternoon just kept getting warmer...  with the humidly climbing as we entered the woods.  It took a LOT of blackberry cutting!  They've loved the heat & rain from last week - growing feet in days!  I didn't plan to make any time & we couldn't.  At one point, Farah stopped, then turned her head to her side.  I looked down & saw where one vine I'd cut was hanging off the back of the saddle & on her side!  Such a good girl :-)

The hill between us & home~

On our way to the far end of our range - we saw just a tiny break in the bushes that looked like a trail?  We dropped down off the road to take it.  It dropped again, but was passable.  Within just a short way - it came to an abrupt end - at a huge dug hole!  Very strange & I decided that I didn't like being there!  We turned back & Farah leaped the short hills to get us up & out!  I started feeling the heat...  feeling sick...  I'd taken an electrolyte, but after I'd started, not before.  I was drinking my water too, but it wasn't helping.

Pilchuck, dry, dry, dry~

For whatever reason, Farah has gotten scared every time we've come out here...  Since she'd been so good the entire way - it surprised me.  From the clear-cut, looking back at our trail I could feel her heart pounding!  Our trail back, in the shade. looked dark & ominous - but I couldn't see a thing moving.

You can just see a tower up Jim Creek~

She'd walk a step or two, stop - look - then walk again.  Once we were back on the trail, she wanted to trot & I was up for that - more wind in my face.  I let her stop for a couple bites & she settled more, finally hitting her we're out of here walk!  By the time we'd reached the new beaver pond, I had to get off & lay flat.  Just slightly recovered, I remounted & didn't get off again until Pat's when I had gates to open.

Our route~

I continued on foot up the hill & home, so very happy that Butch was ahead of me & took Farah.  Shower & collapse for an hour to recover enough to finish up dinner & sit out to enjoy the evening.  Whatever it is that does this to me - it's not gotten any better, even as my fitness has increased...  No Fun...  I did get an email from Jackie, that the re-furbished Stonewall is on it's way!

Saddle Fitting & First Trail Trial~

Checking the tree~

Thursday...  The Reactor Panel Saddle arrived!  First, we were to have a Skype fitting on Fri., my appointment at the Optometrist ran long... & no, the news of another eye surgery didn't excite me.  Next, we scheduled for Sunday - communication was incomplete...

Heraldic - Side view~

 Monday, I had to run Grandson Ben to his drivers training in the morning - by the time we'd finished lunch - I wanted - more than anything - to get the saddle on the mare & Ride!  I tried putting it together on my own & my frustration level went up accordingly...  I called the office & as luck would have it, Carmi was available & kind enough to fit me in to her already full schedule.  I ran down the hill, caught Ben's attention as he was mowing the front yard & he was my horse handler!

Panel's on~

Rather than Skype, which didn't seem to be working for us, we used photos, text & calls... Whatever works - right?  It did - Carmi was precise in her directions, watching all those You Tube Video's really had helped me - we got it done!  Pat came up with a bowl of watermelon just as I was ready to head out from home.

On the trail~

All the photos are with my smartphone, I didn't want to put anything on the saddle, scared to death that something would scratch it etc.  As usual, I walked on foot up the first big hill.  It's a good warm up for us both & gives any saddle time to settle a bit.  Stepping up into it, it didn't roll, no problem with it staying put - good!  The next thing I noticed was that Farah had her head & neck lower than usual, certainly walking in a more collected frame.

New "View"

The View - I admit was a little strange!  The seat though - what a relief to be able to sit straight - without the constant correction that my poor back has had to endure for a long while now.  I felt relaxed - even without the big bucking rolls that have held me in the seat of Linda's saddle for over a year now.

Heading back

Carmi advised me to keep the first few rides short - short?  :-)  Our short is six-miles - so that's what we did.  Farah offered to trot!  Offered!  She loves to trot - I know that well, she loves to Go - but over the past months, I'd had to ask.  She gave every time, even if it was with a buck, or lowered neck, then tossing her shoulders up as she went into the gait.  Now, I had several smooth transitions.  When I asked for a short gallop, she tossed in a buck - almost as though she was checking out how the saddle felt.  :-)

Once back home, I stepped off & have to say that not feeling the pain that I always do through my pelvis was just Grand!  Butch & Ben were both waiting when we returned & I think we were both smiling.    It was short, but it was positive...

What's Old - Again New~

New Mylar Combination Bit

First, there's the new bit to adjust!  There are a couple nice improvements in this one - I'd had the other since we started Khari.  The side pieces now swivel - giving a nice soft cue for bending & softening to the side.  Another - the small hook- that you can see in the photo on the chin strap.  Now, the cable that runs through the nose band & to the chin strap is much shorter than they used to be.  Butch always had to cut mine to shorten it enough to fit properly.  No longer!  Since it now fits snug, I'm sure that if a rider doesn't loosen the headstall a couple notches (as Dean taught me) before moving it off the ears - it would be easy to have that chin strap hang up on the chin & the bit hang-up in the mouth of a horse ready to be rid of it after a ride.  These bits are wonderful for riding hot horses, but you need soft hands.

Our trails~

We were both ready to get out on our Own!  Our old trails looked fresh & new to both of us after our time away.  As much as I enjoy having company on rides, every now & then it's a refresher to us both to just go~  We had planned to ride with Linda & Count, but the Bronco decided to wait till I got home to need another repair & is in the shop for a new steering gear box!  It was just too nice not to salvage the day...

Gorgeous Day

It was immediately apparent to me that I had more control!  Wonderful!  I love control!  :-) Farah instantly felt the difference too & softened!  Yes!  Softness is so nice!  I could tell that she was much more comfortable with the new bit - so in retrospect - I should have realized long ago that the bit was wearing & needed replacement.  But - in my defense, as the ladies at Bony Pony said;  when you pay over $150. for a bit - you expect them to Last!

Far end -

We went out to about the farthest reaches of our trails - then turned back.  Our hawk spooked up out of the salmonberries when we went by at a fast trot!  I don't know who was scared more, him or us!  We also found sign of other horses & thanks to Facebook, even knew who it was :-)  Samantha L!  :-)

Beaver pond

The beavers have been working overtime on their newest pond!  It has grown & getting close to flooding over our trail!  Busy as a Beaver is a truism!

Pilchuck with No snow~

  It feels so good to be home~  It always is so exciting to get away & see new places, but in doing that - when you return, you know - in your heart - that there's - No Place Like Home! 

1,500 miles - One Horse, One Rider, One Year~

Sunshine & Shadow~

Today - we reached our goal!  1,500-miles since the first of this year.  Farah did it All!  We did a lot of it on our own...  Including this ride - that I knew would take us over the top.  In a way, it was fitting that these last miles were riding out from home, on our trails - after all, they're the trails where we first starting riding horses!

On our way~

It was somewhat bittersweet...  We didn't win the Derby, we managed to stay in second place all year long - knowing full well that there was no way we were going to win.  The motivation came from knowing that if we continued on - Farah would be the highest mileage horse in the Derby for the second year in a row.  That was the number of miles we needed to surpass the distance we traveled last season.

Wetland

Heading north, we visited the big wetland, then crossed through the water flowing over the road & headed on to the point farthest north on these lines, where it's blocked by a gate.

It actually got pretty deep at the far end!

From here, we passed the bottom of another wetland, now partially choked with reed canary grass...

Here is what a Wetland looks like when an invasive plant takes over...

Taking a closer look - we did see our Hawk friend!

Do you see him?

The last trail heading west, goes just a short way - then dead-ends at the last wetland of this string.

Another quiet beauty~

It had been a long time since we'd been this way & I wish there was a way to continue on.  Instead, we turned back.  The day was a quiet one, the birds weren't out - or if they were - we didn't see them.  No deer, no people - just a light haze of smoke in the air.

The Homestead - Between Farah's ears~

Some may not believe, but I really think I could tell the difference in the quality of the daylight on this first week of Winter!   It was thin, the golden glow of Fall has been replaced with the shades of blue/gray of the winter months.  Subdued colors - but lots of those.

With horse people - bragging up one's mount is a recurring theme that I try to avoid - but there are those days, those times, when Farah deserves her due.  She's proven herself to me & cemented her place in my heart...

I'm done counting miles...  Now - tack is getting washed, Linda's saddle is getting cleaned & conditioned, my new one may arrive one of these days...  All will be ready for the new year & what it brings.  Finally - we rest & kick-back to enjoy the holidays!