Happy Friday! Yes, Friday, not Monday. After trying out the new once per week schedule of blogging, I found it lacking. I wanted to give Tweed’s journey time to breathe, but found there wasn’t much to report. He’s doing very well, making great progress, and hasn’t had another tummy ache. Managing his weight on pasture is probably the biggest issue right now, but that is a day-to-day assessment.
I literally hand off the reins once per week to Katie after I ride T for the first hour and she spends her time on him leading Epona through the trails. Epona doesn’t like to lead, she prefers to follow, and she takes her cues from T. If he’s okay, she’s okay. Which leads Katie to think Epona needs some solo time in the future. As it is now, Katie rides Epona for the first 45 minutes, warming up, then grabs T and allows my daughter to take Epona for the trail ride portion.
I was bragging up Epona to a friend yesterday at the park, which I knew was inviting BAD KARMA, and sure enough it did. When I rode Tweed out of her sight she did some crow hopping and Katie had to ride it and then bring her back to work. She had not shown signs of buddy sour before that, but there it was.
I have a ride planned for this afternoon with one of my oldies but goodies. She even accompanied me on a trip to Canada to visit Baby Tumbleweed. Her horse is in his 20’s now, but still able to do light trails. She lost her heart horse last fall to old age issues.
As I reach out to former trail partners, I also hope to find new ones. That is my next “goal.” I see new people all the time at the equestrian area and I try to meet and introduce myself and my horses. So many nice people are in the horse world if you are willing to make those connections. I was hesitant to expand my circle before, but I think Tweed and I are ready now.
The weather has shifted here to summer. There’s nothing but blue skies and sun in our 10 day forecast.
We will be entertaining a very special family member next week who is coming in to celebrate her 90th birthday with us. I take that honor quite seriously and will dedicate every second I can to making her trip extra special.
After that, my riding schedule will open up quite a bit.
I had surprise guests in the pasture this morning. Such a beautiful sight.
Happy Friday trails, everyone!
That photo of Tumbleweed is gorgeous! Such a handsome boy.
ReplyDeleteI think herd bound is the most common problem in horses, its so natural to them to want to be with their herd mates for safety, and its a big step to transfer that trust to their rider.
Happy 90th to your relative!
Thank you. She is a special woman, and an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She is a Dominican Sister, and always brings extra love and wisdom with her. She is a candle in the darkness.
DeleteYes, the instinct to be with their herd is so natural and keeps them alive and thriving in the wild. Tweed and Epona have bonded pretty deeply since her mother died, and they’re also the youngest.
Losing trail riding partners is hard. My mom is in that season of her life. Her best trail riding partner - Bill - is no longer with us. She worked hard to cultivate new riding friends, but they didn't work out. Being an accomplished arena rider does not always translate to being comfortable out on the trails. The couple of ladies she did enjoy riding with have moved away. I'm rarely available to head up the mountain to ride with her, and sending Skeeter up with her isn't plausible if I'm not able to ride at least twice a week up there. It's a painful place to be in, for both of us.
ReplyDeleteI wish you success with cultivating new riding partners.
Thank you. It certainly isn’t easy finding the right ones and building those relationships. It’s also very sad when they move on in life. I’ve had many friends retire or move. The death of your best friend and riding partner is a whole different level. I’m not sure what I’d do in the same situation.
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