Oh What a Ride!

Our Route~

I always have to be careful what I say to my friend Joyce!  She never fails to take me "seriously"!  :-)  Today - we finally got out on a ride!  Joyce asked me if I was still planning to go to Renegade & I replied;  "yes".  The very best trail scout I know...  not about to send me off to a ride unprepared... sent us climbing!   

As we begin to climb~

We were about 1/2 way up a tough climb when she said;  "This is the "easy" part, it gets steeper."  It did!  Just magnificent views.  Cloud cover of course & very humid - but beautiful.  So nice to have the horses dig in, use those butts & climb!  They both seemed to really enjoy it.  Once on the logging roads, we hit "trot" with both Jesse & Khari in "cruise control" at 10 mph!  Big Smiles!  

Just over 1,600 ft.

Told Joyce that after all these years, we should just pick our ride & go top-ten for the fun of it!  Did I say that top-ten was fun?  Not really - for me anyway - more stressful.  Completing with a sound horse & going for speed doesn't always work out at the same time.  But on a day like today & from the saddle of a good horse, you can pick your poison :-)

In Praise of the "Sensible" Horse ~

Nice Collection going down the trail~

Today - I took Farah out for her first ride!  I hadn't even been On her!   I didn't take time to adjust a different headstall - Khari's worked with just a little lengthening.  I used a deep seat western saddle & wool pad.  I lounged her both directions without any negative reaction, before mounting up.  She was a bit nervous as we started down the road, neighboring horses running over to the fence, dogs barking etc.  But soon, she was amazing me with her "think about it" attitude!  When she saw something that might be "frightening" - she would stop, look & most times move on without my urging! 

I wanted this ride to be Fun for her, so we took our time & I let her stop to eat at several places where the grass was just too lush to pass by!  Soon, we were trotting & I was amazed at her consistency!   Her ability to collect herself up was wonderful!  We spotted deer at one point & her only reaction was to look~

I know it was the longest trail ride of her life, about six-miles.  I don't think she's been ridden outside of an arena more than a few times.  She was barefoot, so a bit footsore - even though I dismounted to walk the rocky areas.  I should have shod her when Art was out to do Khari - but we'll get it done shortly!  May also try the Renegades, but her feet are a bit narrow in shape for them.

Farah's first look at the view on our way home~

By the time we returned to Pat's yard, I'd just experienced one of the most relaxed rides I've had in years!  On a five-year old!  Butch had just arrived at our gate & when he saw the smile on my face he knew I was hooked!

Riding on a "Typical Spring" Day !

Up to the drainage basin

Foxgloves starting to bloom~

Dark clouds across the sky~

Back to our side!

These have been Dark, dreary & gray days -- but enough of a break from the rain to ride.  Just so strange to think that we're only a week away from SUMMER!  Wetlands are full, creeks still running -- we saw two young deer & a couple hawks.  Otherwise all was quiet.  I am more aware now though - that if Khari feels the need to stop & check things out...  there might be a reason.  Gave her the benefit of the doubt - but no horse eating animals appeared!   :-)

Wrapping up my time on the Farm~

Down the hill~

Twice a year, for the last few - I've had the job of holding down the farm, while Dean & Ann go to visit their second home on the coast of Mexico.   It's a nice gig, close to home & everything made as easy for me as possible. 

Another corner & the old Maple that broke off last fall~

Along the river~

New traffic round-a-bout

Entrance to the Farm

I know, it's hard to call the my drive to the farm a commute, when it's more like a pleasure trip.    But whatever you call it, it's sure a great way to spend time.  Enjoying a huge piece of property, along a beautiful river, with gorgeous horses grazing in large green pastures...

I take phone calls, schedule future appointments, check on the horses, hand out flea medications, etc. :-)  Then - of course, there's admiring the view out the living room windows!  I've been in love with this place from long before we became friends with the owners, it's one of those special places that feel like home - both to the people lucky enough to visit & the horses lucky enough to live here~

Farah Comes Home!

May 16, 2008

This mare was purchased by my niece as a long yearling.  Smooth bodied & personable - when she went up for sale - I talked Butch into taking her on.  I'd been looking for a second horse, not sure how much longer I wanted to do endurance & becoming more interested in branching off to try new things.  

At five, she seems as confident as a much older mare.  I loved her color - having not had that for many years!  Watching her move-out, I have the feeling I'll like her gaits too!  Registered with the  American Warmblood Society - I hope to take her to one of their inspections eventually.

Odysseus ~ A photo recently sent me by Farah's breeder

Odysseus - Sire - National Show Horse, (1/2 Saddlebred / 1/2 Arabian)

Ms. Dignity - Dam - Appaloosa N549571

Described on her registration certificate as a "Chocolate Palomino", a gorgeous dark gold/brown body color that turns a lighter gold in the winter.   Considered a rare color - with dark mane & silvery/ white - thick tail.  Bred in Roy, WA.

Farah's temperament, kind & people friendly suits her outgoing, confident attitude.  Though she likes children well enough - it will be a while before she enjoys giving pony rides :-)  What she does like - treats!  :-)  We're happy to have her with us on the Homestead & she seems to be happy to be here!