Keep Riding

Many things interfere with my ability to ride.  Sometimes when it’s just me to go out alone on Rico, I don’t have the confidence or feel safe (for whatever reason), so skip the ride.  The weather may be too dicey to chance a ride or Rico may be too anxious or unruly.  


Often, I just don’t have time to get to the ranch, get my horse, saddle him up, and take a ride.  There are other times when I’m just not able to ride.  I may be mentally or physically unable to handle the task on a certain day.  Or my safe horse (Amiga) may be unable to go out due to lameness issues.  Thankfully, with Rico, he has just about always been physically capable of going out on a ride.  

AI - Riding horses offers high rewards; deep emotional bonds, therapeutic connection to nature, stress reduction, and cardiovascular fitness—balanced against significant, unpredictable risks like severe falls, concussions, and broken bones.  It is a high-trust activity requiring specialized skill, with rewards often found in navigating challenges and achieving a partnership with a sentient animal.  
 

Saturday 5/9 - We decided to spray the lower paddock because the Buttercup are taking over, so I opened the gate from the lower paddock to the front pasture to move Cash and Cowboy out there, where it is easier to provide water.  By the time I walked to the upper paddock, Cash had entered the front pasture where we wanted them.  Cowboy was a little slower to join Cash, but then took off to catch up (video).

With the two boys out of the lower paddock, gates were shut and Joe started spraying.  I had Cookie tied to the tree while I watered new grass and seed.  Patty had come and was mowing.  

Courtney arrived with food from Subway.  After an early lunch, Courtney and I walked Zorro and Rico through the front field, with Cash and Cowboy following us.  

I was concerned there might be some shenanigans, but the two boys did not interfere with us or the Pasos.

I was glad they had come down to the coral because I wanted to be sure they knew where water was.



Joe had left for the casino in Cherokee and Patty went back to mowing, so we put Cookie in Amiga's stall.  Zorro was getting a good look at her.  







Courtney's selfie with her horse.  





Once we were saddled and ready to go, Patty took a few photos.  Both horses had been a little agitated by tick bites, as you can see with Zorro lifting his back left leg to try and scratch.

Just look at our two handsome boys.




We had a lovely, uneventful ride, taking turns leading and also working at getting the two horses to walk side-by-side.  They each want the other to lead, so try to slow up and get behind each other.  



I really love a quiet, tranquil, peaceful ride through the woods on a calm and trustworthy horse.  But I also ride partly for the thrill and the adventure, the power and strength of the horse beneath me.  I enjoy going alone to be out in nature, bond with my horse, talk with God, and for some exercise.  But I also love going with others.  

AI says: Riding horses with others fosters a deep sense of shared adventure, trust, and community; enhancing both the human and equine experience.  Group riding encourages social interaction, improves safety, and allows for shared learning, while for horses, it satisfies their natural herd instincts, reducing stress and promoting positive behavior.






Once back, un-tacked, and having de-ticked the horses, Courtney 'babysat' them while I did finishing cleaning touches on the port-a-potty.  It had been serviced (pumped out) this morning, but there was still cleaning around the seat and floor that needed attention.  

"Horses change people. These beautiful, magnificent, stubborn, at once childlike and wise, frustrating and freeing animals not only become friends and family, they become part of you... if you'll let them."  Honeycutt Lon.

Dan and Vale's open house was today.  Here is the (listing) and if you click on video you can see all the professional photos.  

Last week I had offered to 'babysit' their two cats because each time they show the house, they have to pack up the two kids and two cats and leave the house for up to two hours.  After doing this for the professional photographer and then a private showing they had this morning, the stress for the cats was too much, so Dan decided to take me up on my offer and bring the kitties over today during the open house.  
I sent Courtney home with Cookie (to meet Dan) while I finished up a few things at the ranch and then went home.  

Dan was already at the house, moving cat supplies in.  











Soon we got the two boys, Kitty (yellow) and Paco (black) moved in upstairs.




Kitty was a lot less stressed than Paco, who hid under the bed much of the time.

Courtney and I didn't have much time to rest and were soon cleaned up and ready for pick-up, by Patty.  







We went to the hollers of Hebbertsburg, for the community center dinner and dance.  





The band was a disappointment, just not what they used to be.  But we enjoyed food and fellowship, and did dance a little.  During intermission the Sweet Teas clogged and there was the cake walk.  

We left early, and Courtney was on the road for home by 8pm and I was in bed after checking on Dan's cats and walking the dogs.

Sunday 5/10 - It was my second good night of uninterrupted sleep with little to no finger/hand/arm pain.  I checked on Dan's cats.  When I refilled the water bowl, Kitty was more interested in drinking out of the sink.  

You can see how sore Paco made his nose.  It will heal with time, especially since he no longer has to be put back in a crate to rub it raw again.  



Both cats got treats and brushing. 
 



Kitty sitting and listening to the noises of my cats on the balcony, outside the guest quarter's hallway door.  

After Church with Shirley, I changed into 'Cowgirl' clothes, walked the dogs, and watered plants (inside and out) until Shirley picked me up.  

 



We met up with Patty, Karen and Judy and drove up to Countryside Stables for a horse birthday party.  The three horses had actually been born on the same day and the one year old mini had been born in May so was added to the group.  




A good size group of Saddle Sisters were there.  We had tea and pizza, visited with each other and many of the horses, and then got ready for the birthday photo. 

Happy Birthday was sung (video) and cake was eaten.  After a lazy, sunny afternoon of visiting, we headed home.
   
This RTTH quote is so true.  


I am so thankful for Wildwood Stables giving me a place to board Amiga and the opportunity it gave me to meet and enjoy so many wonderful horse people and make life long friends.  




I had to quick walk the dogs before heading to the ranch to ride with Karen.  As is often the case, (video) Cookie was more interested in rough housing than in 'taking care of business.'

Usually I don't have a leash on Maggie, but recently she has been going after chipmunks and not staying with Cookie and I.  

 

Cookie Monster... not always the sweet Cookies and Cream.  I feel bad for Maggie and keep correcting Cookie, and sometimes just walk one dog at a time, if I have time.  

Karen and I had a very nice ride.  The weather was perfect once again.  

 

Mama Styx at bedtime.  

 

I love how she tucks her little paws under her chest to keep them warm.  It has been getting cold at night, down into the 40s, but warming up into the high 60s / low 70s during the day.  

Monday 5/11 - I intentionally had a slow and relaxed morning.  I spent some extra time up with Kitty and Paco.  

I had taken up the cat den/tower for scratching and sitting in or on.  I also added a stool by it, so both could sit and look out the window if desired.



I also put a second stool in the bathroom, for more window viewing opportunities.    




These two 'foster' boys are curious and always check out everything new to their 'world.'  

Their food was checked and water changed.  Again, Kitty preferred the sink for a drink.  He likes running water.  














I was off to the ranch at 10:30, to meet Patty who was going to give each of the horses their Potomac Fever shot.  

This Tomcat at the ranch is just another cat I feed and worry about.  He is still injured, but tried to scurry off when I set a bowl of food by the fence.  Along with Wanda, and Shadow (the feral, beat up, black cat at home), I am now feeding eight feline.  






The inoculations went quick and easy.  Then I took Amiga for a short two mile ride.  She actually pooped five times out on the trail, with the last being very liquid.  I had been cleaning fecal drippings from her back legs the past several days.  I was hoping she would adjust to the rich grass on the front pasture.  Now I'm wondering.
 

With Joe still out of town, Cookie has been crated more than usual, so I took her for a long, four mile hike.  

 






Her sit-stay is not very reliable, but at least she didn't try to run off during some of these photos.
 

I took some before she got up from the 'sit.'

Cookie enjoyed the adventure and soon figured out not to get too far ahead or lag behind too much.

Pretty Mountain Laurel.

When we got to Lake Dartmoor, I encouraged her to get a drink.  

At the dock, we checked out this new kayak launch.  
















After dinner, I went upstairs with the two boxes that had arrived (Dan had sent an order in) and started unpacking stuff for their two cats.  







The two boys were very interested in all that was coming out of the boxes.  This is two beds.  


The two catnip filled banana toys were a hit.  





It took a little time to assemble the cat scratching post.  






Paco then checked it out (video).

  










After the excitement of the new stuff subsided, I went down stairs to call it a day and give my cats some time, once I went to bed.  Joe got home as I was drifting off to sleep.

Tuesday 5/12 - The girls intently watching chipmunks as I blogged nearby.

I put in a decent workout at the gym, had a late lunch, and then rested with our cat-house guests.  

Joe had downloaded a book on tape (almost the last of the James Patterson Alex Cross series) that our library does not have.  So I went up to read and give the boys some lovin'. 

Before long, the three of us were all napping.
I actually felt quite refreshed when I woke an hour later.

Patty had reported that Rico and Zorro were both quite 'gassy' when she did morning chores, so I had decided to decrease their pasture time.  All three Pasos were getting too much grass.  

So I moved the Pasos down to the corral for the night so they could not get as much grass, and I gave them some hay.

They seemed content with this arrangement.  



While replacing the bag of chicken feed, I discovered that something had gotten into the new bag.  




I wasn't out in the sun much today, but my face reacted (got real red), I think because I am on an antibiotic still.

Wednesday 5/13 - I took my last steroid and was back out at the ranch for morning chores.  I gave the Pasos more hay and cleaned a lot of manure from the corral.  

I had a few minutes to 'kill' so sat with Wanda and gave her some lovin'.  

Of course treats were given with lots of petting and chin scratches.  










By 8:35 I was headed to Dorchester pool to help with getting it ready to open.  Primarily I power washed and moved lots of chairs & lounges and set up umbrellas.  

I took time for a late lunch and short nap, and then went back out to the ranch.  Joe had been there and let the Pasos out into the front pasture at 2pm (as I had requested).  All three horses had their heads down in the grass (eating) when I arrived at 2:30.  

Karen, Jan and I went for a ride, although Jan rode our usual route in the opposite direction and then met up with us and joined us back around on the 'green mile.'  

Wanda loves people and the activity we bring when down at the barn.  









Jan had chores tonight but I wanted to feed the Pasos to get them used to the switch in time (late afternoon instead of morning).  





To give Rico and Zorro more grass time, we left them on the pasture.  But because Amiga had been eating the whole time we were out with the boys, I took her for a ride.  I rode her in our barnyard area, went up the drive, and then back behind Jem's.  

Rico went nuts, wanting to get to Amiga.  Zorro got a little wound up, but I think it was more from Rico's behavior, than from Amiga being gone.  I guess it might be better not to ride Amiga where Rico can see us.    

I didn't get home until 6:15.  I hit my home chores (now including Dan's cats' care), ate, showered, and was watching Survivor with Joe by 7:30.
 

Thursday 5/14 - Dan had taken these photos of their new house progress last night, which I didn't see until I sat down here at my computer at 3am.  

I can't believe how quickly this house is going up.  In the first photo you can see the corner that it sits on.  All their yard will be along this side with the windows and in back of the house.   

The other side of the house (without windows) is very close to their neighbors as you can see by the foundation/slab that is the start of that house.

I took a short, pre-dawn nap.  By mid morning Joe and Patty had both left for Iowa, driving separately because Joe was going to hit some casinos in route and not be gone as long as Patty.  

I struggled at the gym, just doing legs and abs.  I got a call from the Dr. office, all blood tests for four tick diseases were negative.  So that was good to know, but I couldn't understand why my recent problem... burning skin on both my hands, when in heat or cold, was occurring.  Maybe I'd gotten them sun-burnt.  I ate a late lunch and read more e-book with the boys upstairs before napping with them.  I hate the draggy feeling when I haven't had enough sleep.  

I had evening chores so fed the Pasos first, to get them off the grass.  Then I took Rico for a ride.  He was very forward moving, but not overly reeved up or anxious (video).  Notice our 16 minute pace, even when stopping to smell the mountain laurel.    

  

I was pleased with how well he did, so quite surprised when he came 'unhinged' back at the barn.  He was agitated by a tick or two on his legs but after I got them off, he proceeded to get more fretful.  I put him in the round pen while I fed Cash and Cowboy and he was yelling and racing around.  It didn't help that Zorro was yelling back.  When I went to him and talked quietly, he calmed down, but when I left to finish in the lower shed, he got all upset again.  Thankfully, he was calm when I took him out of the round pen and led him all the way up to the upper paddock.  I am glad he quiets down in my presence but wish he wouldn't get so anxious when alone.

Friday 5/15 - I didn't wake up until 6am.  Wow, I guess I needed to catch up on sleep.  After morning chores at the ranch I proceeded to pull out the long hose and fill the Paso's water tank.  We need rain so badly.  Then I watered all the fruit trees, bushes, flowers, and vegetable garden.  I had Cookie tied in the yard.

Karen and I rode today, leaving Cookie in Amiga's stall.  She does well in there.  
Rico moved out better than normal when with another horse, but we didn't push the pace, going at a 19 minute mile average.  That was a little faster and we did go a little farther than usual.  

I got home from the ranch a little after 3:00.  I'd been gone over six hours so Maggie was in need of a walk and Cookie came along for the fun of it.

Rest, reading and a nap occuerred up stairs with the guest house cats.  The I-pad I have the e-book on has been persnickety, which has been testing my nerves.    

I rode six out of seven days this week totaling 20 miles.  That's not bad, but I wish I had time to go farther and the guts to trailer Rico.  Now that work at the pool is starting, it is going to be more difficult to get in the rides.  I'll just do what I can.