What happened to the days when I could ride all day long and not feel like I'd been hit by a Mack truck that night?? Am I really that old already?
Our ride today was FANTASTIC!!! And I'd have oodles and oodles of pictures to share if we hadn't ridden off and left the camera in the trailer. I know - it's a well documented fact that I SUCK.
We ended up being gone for five hours. We trotted a couple of times, cantered a couple of times, but most of the ride was spent walking and letting the horses rest every now and then. Neither mare is in the best of shape and it was hot and humid today. The trails we rode were extensive, and we haven't even begun to explore them yet. Most the trails we explored today stayed close to the large creek going through the area and we crossed over it multiple times. And yeah, we got lost. We went past our turn several times and Keisha the Couch kept trying to tell us where to turn, but we ignored her because it just didn't look familiar. Next time, we'll listen to Keisha (and take some pink ribbon to mark the trail)!
One one trail we found an electrified fence surrounding a lush pasture next to the creek. It had a run-in shed and one very sleek and healthy looking mare. What was odd, was that the pasture was in the middle of nowhere with no houses any where to be found. There was a small "shack" next to the pasture, but you could tell it was more of a weekend retreat than a full time abode. The poor mare was very lonely and wanted so badly to get through her fence and make friends with our girls. I only feel sorry for her because horses are herd animals and don't like to be alone. I'm sure the only other critters she sees are deer and possibly bear or mountain lion. At least we know where she is and can keep an eye on her whenever we go out riding.
We found several nice camping spots and now Glenn is determined to take the horses on an overnight camping trip before the weather gets too cold. Maybe I'll remember to bring the camera then? Maybe? If the stars are aligned properly and the moon is full?
We did get some Hunter pictures once we returned to the farm and got the horses hosed off. Anastasia wanted to show me how he's progressed, and man, has he! She was throwing the bareback pad around his head and onto his back, and throwing the come-along over him, around his head, around his legs. I've always known he was laid back, but he barely raised an eye, in fact, he seemed to doze off during the whole process. And check out that butt! It's several inches above his withers, which means he's going through a growth spurt and may not be destined to be a dwarf! There's hope!
Anastasia's husband, Scott, and Hunter having some male bonding time. Note the bright pink halter. Poor pony. I hope Kita doesn't tell the rest of the herd about that halter or Hunter will never be able to live it down when he comes home.
