Seattle Knights at Rhodes River!

We've been lucky - getting to see both sets of Grand-kids in these last weeks in WA.  Both weekends we were working at packing of course - but we managed to get in some fun too.

Mason, Grammy, Cassidy & Papa

Months ago we'd made plans to take Scott & Karen to Rhodes River to see the Seattle Knights!  One member of the cast - I felt like I knew personally - since Ann had joined our Distance Derby.  We'd been trying to make plans to see the show since last year.

Great table!

Then, our oldest daughter & her husband were celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary this same weekend - so we included Mason & Cassidy in our dinner plans!  It couldn't have worked out any better!

Mason, Ann & Cassidy

The troupe visited the dinner guests in the restaurant prior to the show.  We were told that it was perfectly alright to yell & shout - & even pound on the table for our favorite players!  Ann & I finally had the opportunity to meet in person!  The entire ensemble graciously took the time to make everyone there - feel like part of the performance!  The place was packed!  Probably the biggest crowd I've ever seen at the RRR!

Mason & Chocolate Cake!

 The dinner buffet was outstanding & the kids topped off their dinner with warm chocolate cake drizzled with chocolate icing & whipped cream!

Incredible!

It was my first introduction to the Warlander breed!  What amazing movers!  A gray stallion was so bold & beautiful that he took your breath away!  They knew their job & gave very nasty looks as they approached each other at a full gallop!  (Much better photos can be found on their website!)

Cassidy & Gina

After the show, the cast came back to visit with the crowd.   Cassidy is a fan of Anime & makes many of her own costumes from Goodwill finds!  She really enjoyed seeing the amazing outfits & armor close up!  Gina's costume & weapon drew Cassidy's attention early on.

There's no way you can't go to this show & not have a Great time!  One little girl approached Ann as she was talking with us, wanting a hug & even getting a kiss on the cheek :-)  As Ann said;  "Now you know why I do this!"  For sure!

Outfitting~

Up front~

Well, it's been HOT!  Just too hot for me to want to ride...   There's Tevis - my favorite horse/rider team were unable to start, but I still have several friends riding to keep an eye on!  One of our WTRDD riders, Lisa Preston is currently at 89th!  Go Lisa!   Bare Bones going on down in the Capitol Forest - the first time since it's inception that I've missed it.  The heat of course is a factor, not having a saddle ready is the other.

Rear of the panel~

Reactor Panel asked Tolklat to make fitted booties/pads for the panels.  Woolback on the bottom, with a Cordura top.  My saddle came with a used set to try & they seem to work great.  The best aspect is that they completely cover & protect the panels.  Once the break-in period is over, I plan to keep them on & start using the Supracore pad under - next to Farah.  Still love the way the Supracore performs.

Front of the Panel~

I couldn't get the Stowaway front pack in black, Riding Warehouse said the manufacturer is unable to get black fabric currently, so had to settle for brown :-(   Could not find it through any other source either...  It's almost more bag than I want - but that's the choice if you want to carry water bottles up front. 

Yes, brown trial fenders don't look good... Will replace with black.

There was more than enough room for the stuff I carry.  May order the streamlined version - if I can get it with a bottle holder on one side.  Bony Pony received my order from Tory yesterday.  Love the grab strap, the headstall crown piece has to be shortened - that will take a full week.  I returned the breast collar - holes were punched unevenly & just didn't like the "English" style. 

Spoke to Gail Hought just before she left for Tevis & if you can believe - she was out of black beta strap!  My reins - are special order, since I like 1".  I added a breast collar & running attachment.  Hope I don't have to wait forever for those.  It's a good thing we had our booth at the tack sale this spring & made enough money to cover all of this!

From the front~

I decided to insure the saddle too...  My insurance agent with State Farm, was able to offer me some comprehensive insurance at a reasonable price.  Call Andy @425-742-9304 - (tell him I sent you) if you would like more information.

Look forward to my next ride to see how all this works on the trail!

Happy New Year!

Farah & Connie

The first day of a Brand New Year!  Yippee!  I'm so excited about our riders in the Derby getting out there & riding today!  Already the first miles have been logged!

Our ground is still frozen solid, but today we warmed to 40!  The warmest it's been in days & days!  Farah didn't lose any weight this year with our second place finish in the DD2014!  I'm pretty sure she will again be the highest mileage horse - & that was our goal :-)  After riding with this group for two-years, I'm sad to see the end of that Derby - but happy that it's morphed into more Virtual races in several different states, including ours!

Sunset - Three Fingers

 Wishing you all a healthy, happy, successful year!  Saddle-up & Ride!

2014 - Year End~

Farah at the beach~

It's been a good year - somewhat lonely for me...  (Two daughters & neither came to visit all year...)  My husband working more hours than ever, with a commute from hell that has only gotten worse each & every year - shortening the time he has to spend doing what HE enjoys...  Let alone the time we enjoy spending together!

Riding - mostly on my own.  A busy year for two of my friends, who didn't get in the saddle time they wanted - which left me wishing they had!  Then - my decision to trailer a little less to ride a bit more, closer to home - where most of the mountain trails I enjoy are.  Since we were only about 20-miles shy of 1,500 last year & are over that for this year - I can't even imagine how many miles Farah has spent in the horse trailer!

I enjoy being the "Equestrian Representative" for the Centennial Trail & by association, the Whitehorse Trail.  News is so positive about getting the Whitehorse open by the end of next year & what a Great trail it will be!  Lots of work to do there... 

Starting the Washington Trail Riders Distance Derby for riders in Washington State - has been fun & will I hope, continue to be both for me & for everyone who's signed up!  I'm thrilled that we not only met, but exceeded our goal of 50-riders!  Not just from the "endurance" community - darn few of those, but from all over our state!  Spokane being heavily represented, Ellensburg, Tri-Cities & lots of riders from down south!  What's impressed me, is the miles these trail riders ride!  I'm looking forward to seeing how our mileage adds up by the end of 2015!

I've been asked what my goals are for the upcoming year & for the first time in a long time, I don't know?  I like making goals & striving to meet them, but the last two-years of chasing miles has me examining where I am & where I want to go...

I'm very much looking forward to a planned trip in March to Joshua Tree National Park with Patty.   It's been years since I've been on a road-trip with my horse & I've never been that far south in CA.  I think I'm going to let this coming year speak for itself - stay flexible & stay in the saddle!