My Happy Place

I think it is true for all equestrians that horses make them happy.  And for many of us, being up on their back, feeling the freedom and connection with them, is the best place to be. 

It is difficult to describe the bond, trust, freedom, and surrender that is experienced while riding.

And like last week, now I will inundate you with more Facebook horse posts and reflections. 

As Amiga's lameness issue improved, I was also wanting (and needing) to get back in the saddle on her.  As much as I love being with my horse on the ground, up in the saddle is my favorite place.  And she really needs the exercise.
 

Jean was waiting to ride Robbie more often, after she becomes better settled into her new life on our ranch.  Riding is probably not Jean's main focus.  The bond with and trust of the horse is her biggest desire.  And because Robbie's anxiousness caused her to be a little pushy and come into our space, Jean focused more on ground work.




"When you ride, the outside world slows down and fades away. Riding is the perfect way to step away from the world and to reflect on and improve your peace with yourself." Quote by Paige Cerulli (in this article). 

While riding, as I connect with Amiga, and feel her powerful body beneath me, and enjoy the nature all around me; my spirit is revived and my hope renewed.  I highly recommend it.  Even if you don't have your own horse to bond with, go on a guided trail ride on a livery horse, or come on out to our ranch.  You will surely enjoy the experience.

Saturday 6/4 - Courtney was coming for the weekend, but because the both of us were planning to stay out at the ranch the whole time, I didn't have to worry about cleaning house.  (With Joe out of town and me at the ranch much of the time, the only main messes were from my cats and dog.) 

I had time for a good workout at the gym and then hit Food City on the way home because I was providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the weekend. 

Courtney and I both arrived at the ranch just after noon and we three girls were quick to get going on lunch.  And then we wasted no time in gathering up our horses to go for a ride. 

Courtney and Jean were quicker to tack up than I, so they worked in and around the round pen while I finished getting Amiga ready to go. 

Jean was not planning to go out on the trail with us because Robbie was not ready for this just yet, so first we three rode around the front pasture.  When Maslo saw Robbie, he came cantering to catch up with us.

Robbie handled this added excitement and energy well, since Jean handled Robbie so well. 

We stopped up at the fence between the front pasture and the side pasture since all of the horses were a little revved up.  This gave them a chance to calm down and me a chance to take some photos. 

In the above photo of Jean and Robbie, you can see our shrunken pond and the new modular house added beside Jim's house.  And behind Courtney and Zorro, you can see A&Z's loafing shed, the ranch house and garage. 

We rode in A&Z's paddock and then out the red gate, through the alleyway, and down the drive to the barn.

Jean un-tacked Robbie and Courtney did a quick tack change, switching out the Albeta saddle for her Orthoflex that she prefers.  Because Jean needed the English girth on her English saddle, Courtney had started out in the western saddle. 
We had closed Maggie in the tack room because it was too hot out in the open field and she doesn't yet know to stay a safe distance from Robbie.  She was glad to now be joining the party.
 

Jean showed Courtney how she and Patty had trained Zorro at the mounting block. 

Once Courtney was in the saddle, we headed out on the trail just the two of us, as we had planned for a mother-daughter ride on Mother’s Day, that did not work out because of Covid crap. 





Zorro was really revved up and not calming down for Courtney, but I could not get Amiga to lead out, so Courtney took the lead.  We were off at a very fast pace with Zorro gaiting most of the way.  Stopping to get Zorro to slow down, I took a few selfies.  It is impossible to get both people and their horses in a photo this way, but always fun trying.


Unfortunately, at one spot, a turkey was flushed by Maggie and it flew right up in front of Courtney and Zorro.  When he did a big spook, he ended up dumping Courtney.  She signaled that she was all right, and since Zorro had turned 180° and was cantering towards Amiga and I, I hoped off her and caught him.  Once Courtney was brushed off and Zorro calmed down we got back on the trail, this time with Amiga and I in front, because she was finally willing to take the lead. 

We continued on around as planned going much slower and having a much more relaxed ride.  It ended on a good note but I was still really regretful about Courtney’s spill.  Thank God she was not hurt other than some bruising and feeling sore by the time we got home.

Jean came to the barn, bringing us cold ice tea/lemonade that hit the spot while we un-tacked.  And she gave Courtney a ride in the gator back up to the house.

Ice and Aleve helped Courtney, as did shade and rest revive all of us.  We had to do tick removal on Maggie.  She has flea/tick medicine so they don't latch onto her long and usually die, but we didn't want her bringing ticks into the house. 








After resting, I did horse chores while Courtney and Jean 'played' with the chickens.  Here is Jean holding her favorite one, Babe, who might be a rooster. 


This is Buckbeak, who got her name because of her wonky beak.

Jean and I tried filing her beak some, while Courtney took photos.  I think it helped a little.

 






Buckbeak was not happy about it, but actually tolerated it quite well.  We plan to do another session before too long in an effort to get her two beaks to hit together like they should. 




Patty joined us for dinner; lasagna, salad right from the garden, veggies and dip, garlic bread, and some fresh fruit.  

We had some down time at the fire pit, around the fire and then went in for desert, a berry fruit pie Patty had brought.  Sitting around the table enjoying good food with family and friends is another one of my happy places. 

Amiga and Zorro were chill-axing in their paddock ('dry lot') together and seemed very happy grooming/scratching each other.

Patty left about 8:30 and then we three girls watched a show (the first in the series 'Anne of Green Gables').  I really enjoyed it. 

Sunday 6/5 - I was up and outside shortly after sunrise.  I went down to the coral and got Robbie's water bucket and food bin and brought them up to the corner of our front pasture by the drive.  I got her breakfast poured in her bin and went back down to fetch her.  She walked nicely up through the pasture, getting a little excited as we got farther from the barn. 

While Robbie ate, Amiga and Zorro looked on from their paddock.  I gave them a few flakes of hay, deciding to make them wait before going out on grass. 

Jean and I had started a puzzle and made a good dent in it while relaxing and chatting until Courtney got up (actually earlier than usual).  I had baked some sweet rolls and we all enjoyed those.

Courtney ended up taking a nap and Jean and I chatted and watched our horses (I had opened the gate to the front pasture and the Pasos went out there to join Robbie).




This photo was taken later in the day, but when Amiga and Zorro had come back in off the field to rest in their shed, Robbie eventually came into their paddock.  She got a big drink from the stock tank and then peeked in on A&Z.  We enjoyed watching the horses.  Once Courtney was back up, we girls had an early lunch.
 



We then headed for the pool at high noon, leaving with Robbie standing in the shade in front of the opening to the shed where Amiga and Zorro were.  It appeared to be fairly harmonious so we hopped all would be well.

Patty and Shirley joined us at the pool where we spent the next three hours.  We sat in the sun, swam, maybe napped, snacked, and chatted quite a bit.

When we arrived back at the ranch, it didn't appear that the horses had moved, but surely they had because there was very little manure where they were.

Courtney went out to say goodbye to Zorro and we opened the gate to the pond side of the field. 

It was not long, and all three horses were down by the pond.  Zorro enjoyed a good splash and both he and Amiga rolled in the dirt and water.  Robbie just kept on eating.  Meanwhile in the yard, Maggie was catching flies (video).   

After Courtney left for her home in Nashville, I did chores down at the barn and out in our paddock.  I fed all three horses, packed up, and then Maggie and I headed for home too. 





Driving across the dam at Lake Glastowbury, a pair of geese were escorting their goslings across the road.  I stopped and waited as they made it safely across and down into the water.

I had several chores to do, having been gone from home for two days and a night.  I really hadn't done much all day, but think the sun contributed to me being so tired.  That and I had been up a few hours past my bedtime the night before.  It was early to bed tonight though.

Monday 6/6 - Jean had reported that Robbie was quite nervous and/or upset by being separated from our Pasos when being walked down to the barn the night before, but that she was peaceful this morning being led up to the front pasture for her breakfast.  Then she joined up with our two, although on the other side of the fence from them. 







Here they are, a little later in the morning as seen by Jean as she worked at her computer.  They were still in proximity to each other and happily grazing. 

I was feeling lazy and had stuff to catch up on here at my computer, so decided to go to the gym on Tuesday.  I got this blog started among other things. 

Then after lunch I went to the ranch and fetched Amiga to go for a ride.  Polly just happened to be going out also, so we went together.  As usual, a selfie with a friend while on horseback just isn't doable.  

Amiga did not want to go out at first, so Jean helped me by leading her to the gate to the trail.  Amiga must have seen or heard Rio, who was a few minutes ahead of us and then she decided to 'get with the program' and went willingly down the trail. 

Polly and I had a very enjoyable little ride.  Both our horses did well together and for us.  We saw a turkey down the trail from where the one had flown up Saturday, but it held very still so there were no spooks by our horses.

We had picked up a few ticks while in the tall grass, so both our horses got rinsed off once back. 

Here Amiga is, un-tacked and waiting her turn at the wash rack. 

Jean had kept an eye on Zorro and Robbie to see how they would act with Amiga gone.  Zorro was anxious at times and Robbie fed off of that energy (video).  But Jean said they grazed peacefully some of the time also. 

 


I took these two photos from Jean's video.  The horses are so pretty when they are moving fast. 

I stayed at the ranch long enough to help Jean separate Robbie from Amiga and Zorro for feeding time.  It is a two person job right now because Zorro is trying to move Robbie away from Amiga and Robbie is trying to move Amiga away from Zorro.  A pop up shower got us both a little wet. 













Mirror Lake Blast was cancelled due to rain, so when I got home, I had plenty of time to do (pet, kitchen, and other) chores.  Joe was in route from Germany, due to arrive home about 12:30am if he made his connecting flight in New York.  I was asleep way before he even landed in NY.  

Tuesday 6/7 - Joe made it home at 1am.  I could not get back to sleep when woken by him, so went out to the living room and read for a few hours before going back to bed.  When I got up at 5:45, I figured I had gotten my quota of sleep, but it sure didn't feel like it. 

A selfie of Mama Styx and I while I was at my computer. 

Later, while up on the wall unit, Styx was trying to decide which way to come down. 

 

Babe was on the tire shelf above the long shelf leading to the cat tree on the other side of the doorway.  Did Styx view her as a potential problem that needed by-passing?

Nope, she just ducked under the tire shelf and made an exit down the cat tree.

I have always said my cat shelves are a kind of art work.  And with the cats moving about on them, it is more like a form of Kinetic art. 

It rained much of the night and was a rainy morning.  Jean sent this photo of the tranquility out at the ranch.  I decided to laze around longer than usual before going to the gym.  I wanted to communicate with Joe about a number of things so was waiting for him to get up.

Other than doing two loads of laundry, going to the gym, and fixing dinner, I didn't do anything productive or noteworthy all day. 

I had taken the day off from the ranch, but was again feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of it and for the job of caring for our three horses.  I was also worrying about it becoming too much for Jean, who has taken on the bulk of the horse care.  And I was remembering why we sold the farm in Illinois.  Ugh. 

Jean reported that Robbie has moved up to head position in our little herd of three.  Today she would not let Zorro near his sister, keeping herself between them.  So at feeding time, once Jean and Patty moved Robbie to the front pasture by herself, Amiga and Zorro were re-affirming their connection with each other (video).

As soon as I got the kitchen cleaned after dinner, Joe and I watched the three hour ending of Survivor.  I was sad Jonathan didn't make it to the final three and that Mike didn't win it.  I guess I put more emphasis on their physical ability rather than their social game.

Wednesday 6/8 - It rained most of the night and continued into the morning.  I watched a doe with her fawn down back for quite awhile.  I did not get any good photos because of the rain on the window. 


Joe and I drove separately to the ranch, both getting there about 10:00.  I first had him help me with the automatic fly mister and then putting up some hooks for our helmets down in the tack room. 

 



I was hoping the predicted rain would get me out of going in to work, but it didn't.  Although it was quite cloudy, rain ended up being delayed (moved to later in the forecast).  I had planned to take Amiga on a short ride, but had troubles catching her.  Robbie was keeping Amiga away from Zorro and now from me.  In the lower photo while Robbie was 'running amuck', you can see all six horses and Jean, who came out to help.
 

Once Jean and I had gotten Robbie separated from Amiga (and Zorro), she did ground work with Robbie.  Joe had been mowing, but left for an eye appointment, so I continued mowing where he had left off.

I scrambled off to work while Jean was still down at the barn working with Robbie.  I was running late and forgot to grab my cooler I had left in the shade of the front porch. 

Thankfully, Jean was willing to come to the pool for a dip and bring me my lunch/dinner.  The sun did peak out some of the time, but it was a small crowd at the pool.  I had a group of six resort guests that stayed till the last minute, so I did not get off early, although we skipped putting on the pool cover because of the predicted rain, which hit hard about 7PM.

Valencia sent a video filmed the day before, of Ava's first steps taken without any help.  Here is a photo I got off the video.  What a big girl!  

I continued to worry about herd dynamics and Robbie splitting up Amiga and Zorro, who I know in reality are way too attached to each other.  We had decided to keep Robbie separate because Jean did not have anyone to help her at feeding time.  She sent this photo and reported that all was well with the three.

Poker Joe got home as I was turning out the lights for the night.

Thursday 6/9 - I’ve been so preoccupied with ranch and horse hoopla that on my way to work I drove right past the pool (heading in the direction of the ranch) and didn’t realize I had not turned into the pool until I was a mile down the road.  And then I realized I had forgotten my water mug and was wearing my boots and had no pool shoes.  And when I had my salad for lunch, I discovered that I had forgotten to put salad dressing on it.  My mind has been way too preoccupied with all this horse business and ranch work.

I went straight to the ranch after work, and went on a much needed trail ride, with Jean accompanying me. 





Jean rode Zorro, since Robbie is not yet mentally ready to go out on the trail.  Once again, in one photo Jean looks good, and in the next Zorro does.  Although, we were laughing and having a good time.   

I had hand walked Amiga out to the road to start out with, so she didn't have the chance to refuse to go out the back gate.  She did fairly well today, only wanting to turn back a few times.  She did prefer to tail-gate Zorro when Jean was leading on him (which we worked on), and was mostly forward moving when we were out in front.  She does still rush at the intersections where she wants to turn to go the quickest way back to the barn, but now stops 'dead in her tracks' if I aim her in a different direction.


We went 3½ miles in a little over an hour.  Shortly before getting back, Amiga started favoring her front right leg again.  Shoot.  How do I increase her riding time to muscle her up and improve her endurance and fitness, when just an extra ½ mile makes her sore? 

Amiga grabbed a bite to eat but I did not let her graze long when we got back to the barn.  I spent a fair amount of time brushing and de-ticking her.  Her new spot where I found two ticks, is right behind her front legs where her skin folds on itself and is a tight area where they seem to like to go to latch on. 

Joe had been doing more mowing and other chores and was just fixing to leave when we got back.  Jean had him take photos of her (in her new visor he gave her from Switzerland) with Zorro, because his red fly mask 'hat' matched with her red hat. 

Jean went up to move Robbie, who Joe reported had been a bit frantic (or pacing) much of the time we were gone.  Once she was out of Amiga and Zorro's 'dry lot', we led our two Pasos up the drive and put them there.  
 

It was almost 5:00, so I didn't hang around long, heading home for dinner and to do my evening chores.

Later Jean sent this photo of Amiga who was trying to itch her tick bite spots behind her front legs and she reported that Amiga was sore on her front right leg.  My poor girl.

I went to bed early, having been up from 1-3:30am the night before, unable to get horse problems out of my mind.  Reading a mystery novel always helps.
 

Friday 6/10 - Again I was up for a few hours in the middle of the night, reading to get my mind off of horses and ranch issues so I could get back to sleep. 

One of my happy places was Wildwood Stables.  Words cannot express how much I miss having my horse there.  The camaraderie among my saddle sisters and their free yet priceless advice on what to do with my horse at different times when she was sick, injured, or lame; is so dearly missed, as is not being tied to the commitment of twice a day care a horse requires.

I stopped into the library to exchange a jigsaw puzzle while on my way home from the gym.  Then I hustled to get out to the ranch.  A big, black rat snake across the door step was my first encounter.  

 

It quickly moved to the side and then coiled to defend itself as I had frightened it, trying to get it off the steps, and Maggie was trying to sniff it. 

Jean helped me move Robbie in with Amiga and Zorro and I opened the electrobraid gate to the pond side of their pasture.  It wasn't long, and Robbie moved in-between Amiga and Zorro, as if to separate them and claim Amiga as 'hers' once again. 







I kept an eye on them to observe the herd dynamics.  There was never any fighting, kicking, biting, or other aggressive behavior.  It was so subtle, I didn't even see the probable pinned ears or head toss that they used to communicate and change positions in the group.
 

It was interesting that they were in different 'positions' several times as I occasionally glanced at them while mucking the 'dry-lot.'  1st photo - Robbie in the middle, 2nd photo - Amiga in the middle, 3rd photo - Zorro in the middle.  Probably they didn't care who was where, they just wanted to eat grass.






Once Jean was back from shopping, she took Robbie down to the round pen and I did a few little yard chores.  When putting tools back in the chicken coop/garden shed, I noticed this bird's nest built on the shelves. 

 






And the nest actually had three eggs in it.  Ughh, how is mama bird going to care for these overnight when the coop is closed and she can't get in?  If she were closed inside it would be okay because there is food and water available.

Once Jean finished with Robbie and was leading her up the driveway, I took Amiga down to the barn.  The two Pasos had not missed Robbie, but Jean reported that Robbie and Zorro were both looking for and calling out to Amiga after I left with her.  They did settle down though.  They need to learn to cope without their 'bestie' and to calm themselves down.

Polly had arrived just before I went down so we headed out on the trail together.  Amiga did better in terms of leaving the barnyard, and didn't seem too sore.  When the footing is flat and good, I did not notice any favoring of her front right foot.  I only went out for 20 minutes, and just walked, and it seemed Amiga was actually less sore by the time we got back. 



Few pleasures in life can equal time spent in the saddle.

Horse selfies are difficult, especially because Amiga knows when I have my phone out and tries to get away with 'murder,' eating or walking off with me. 






I had planned to give her another good bath with the medicated horse shampoo.  This time I hit all of her itchy spots really well. 

By the time I was walking Amiga back up to her field, Jean had helped me by separating  Zorro and Robbie in preparation for feeding time, so both were very verbal. 

This is where and how we have been feeding Amiga and Zorro for months, while now Robbie is being fed near by, closed into the adjoining pasture. 

I joined Jean for libations after the horses were fed and then we each fixed our own dinners. 






Jean had harvested a bunch of greens from the garden and was offering some to the chickens.  

It was 7pm by the time Maggie and I headed home.  

Poker Joe was gone and I went to bed early at 8:30.