Under Saddle

The good thing about having a well-conditioned horse is she is ready for about anything. If I wanted to enter a CTR on the spur of the moment, I know I would have enough horse under me. First the hot weather and then the swollen knee, Windy's rides have been limited this last month. But at Camp Moses this past weekend and then again on last night's Platte River Ride, she was 110%. It was hard not opening her up on the loping trails. She felt so good!

The trails at Camp Moses were as overgrown as I have ever seen them. Too wet this spring and then too hot this summer; I'm sure they haven't had as much horse activity as they usually do. Butter hasn't been ridden since we were in Wyoming and (and not a heck of a lot before then) and it showed. She was huffing and puffing on the hills. Case invited a friend to ride with us on Monday. It was his first time on a horse and Blue took good care of him and seemed in better shape than Butter. I think Windy could have sprinted around all those trails and still had energy to burn.

There were close to thirty riders at the last regular season Platte River Ride last night. We couldn't have asked for a nicer evening, although it is always sad to see the season end, especially knowing winter is right around the corner. But let's not think about that right now.

Ready or not, this weekend is our Trail Challenge and Scavenger Hunt. We filled all 50 rider spots a few weeks ago; now to make it happen.

I love this time of year.

Paybacks!

According to the weather log, we had rain seventeen out of 31 days in October! As a result, I rode about 20 hours less than I did last October. I am pretty much a fair weather rider and it was just a nasty, nasty month. But there is good news! I think November is paying us back for such a crappy October. We have had some gorgeous days – in the low 70’s this last week. I’ve been lucky to spend some time on the trail with my horse, a few good friends and even my son, Case, and his friend joined us!

Seth & Case

Now Case joining us was quite by accident. Seemed the Junior High was out of school on Friday. A little tidbit on the school calendar that I didn’t make note of until about Wednesday. And Case had invited a friend over to spend the day. Well, his friend caught wind that I was going riding Friday afternoon and told Case that he would like to ride a horse, too. Case was thrilled – NOT, but in an effort to please his friend, took one for the team. I always enjoy watching my boys ride whether they want to or not. Having been on a horse since he was three, Case looks like a natural and has much better balance than I will ever have. I no longer have my heart in my throat when he rides, but watch now with pride, as both my boys have become good hands. Case's friend, Seth, had fun and was quite curious about where I planned to ride the following day. I think I could have had a date, if I asked.

Sheila & Deb

Sheila and Deb met us at Branched Oak Lake on their good horses, Jake & Jim. The sky stayed overcast most of the day, but the temperature was pleasant. Sweatshirt weather at its finest! We rode just under 7 miles, unsaddled and let the horses graze as we enjoyed some fattening snacks.

Windy & I watching the turkeys

The following day, I met my Shari at Camp Moses. While we usually enjoy the foliage change at Camp Moses, due to wet weather and trails, we haven’t been there since September. The leaves have long since dropped, making a crispy covering over the trails. But the landscape was still beautiful in its own way. We saw a lot of deer and the biggest flock of wild turkeys I have ever seen.

Temps are expected to drop about 10 to 15 degrees next week. Still doable, but with the end of daylight saving time, it’s now dusk when I get home. Hoping November gives us another few weekends like the one we just had. Perfect restitution for October.

Catching Up Again

My blogging has been neglected!  Lot's going on, but nothing too notable.  We took the horses to Camp Moses over the long weekend.  Only have a couple pictures as my little saddle bag camera broke.  I was able to fix it after we got home, too little, too late. 

• We rode 10 hours and around 25 miles.
• We cleared about 1/2 mile of trail -- which seemed like 4 miles when you are on foot.
• We ate way too much!
• McCain camped with us AND rode!
• Case caught a hoof to his right leg but made a quick recovery.

I just found some shots of the boys in camp on my other camera. You can see how both the boys kept themselves entertained!

By the time we got home, the trailer smelled of stinky boys (mini-men?)  Gave it a good scrubbing on Tuesday and loaded Windy back up on Wednesday for a friend's last ride (with our group, that is).  

Vic & Corie

My friend, Vic, and her family are moving to Texas early next month.  We became friends a few years ago when she leased my gelding, Jo.  We've both since moved on with other horses.  Our paths still cross occasionally and now that she is leaving, I have to say that I wish we made an effort to ride together more often.  Another example of  "I could have been a better friend if I hadn't trusted time."  I"ll miss you, Vic! 

One week until the Competitive Trail Ride at Stephen's Forest.  I don't feel I am as prepared as I was for the ride this spring, but I'm cool with that.  I'm not going to stress about the competition.  This one will be a scenic ride.

Miscellaneous Musings

If today is a glimpse of what winter holds, I want to turn back time. Albeit the ice on the tree branches and along the fence is somewhat beautiful, the cold dampness that accompanies such a picturesque setting does nothing to appeal one bit to me this early in the season. Hopes for an Indian summer are all but gone.

We finished the Platte River Riders season with a family ride at Camp Moses on Sunday. The sun was warm as we unloaded the herd from the trailer, but once we rode into the trees along the trail, the big chill set in. Many of the fifteen riders concluded the ride with cold toes and fingers and a red nose. Steam rose from the horse’s back as they were unsaddled. And we huddled around the fire, sharing soup and other goodies before saying good-bye until next season. Always the optimist, I scan the long-term forecast, desperate for the occasional 50 or 60-degree day with plenty of sunshine and no wind. Perfection in November is hard to find!

I’ve had a couple people mildly interested in the The Black. I’ve also had people I respect encourage me to send him back for “professional help” and work with a trainer on making him the horse I want. If someone gives me a check for him tomorrow, he’s gone. If he is still here come spring, I may opt for the training route. I have months (cold, long months!) to think about it.

I’ve been tempted to board Windy this winter so I would have an indoor arena for riding. But the stable that would be the most convenient has no outdoor runs. Stalling seems to be a wonderful convenience for the owner – I’m experiencing that right now as Windy recovers (although she has a run with the stall). But I’m not convinced I have a happier horse. On Horsetales yesterday, we discussed the pros and cons of stalling 24/7. And I have to ask myself if I would be dedicated enough to ride most nights so that she would get the exercise I feel she needs to keep her happy and I could justify the expense? I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark. I wonder how soon Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) will start to set in and I’ll say to heck with my mare’s mental health – and worry about my own and the need to ride!

I know this picture of Windy & me resembles a headless horse & horseperson. It was taken last year by a friend and I kind of liked the shot. So I saved it.

So what is your winter plans? Do you just curl up in the fetal position and wait until the first tulip blooms to even think about riding or do you steal rides whenever there is a break in the weather. How cold is too cold to ride? I’m also curious if you board your horse and if it has access to a run or not. And what are your thoughts about 24/7 board with occasional arena turnout? As always, your comments can be posted anonymously.