Odds and Ends

This is the last post of my 'catching up' series. I will start working on my Ricky Quinn Clinic posts soon!

I finally broke down and bought a new bit for Mercy. It's the Myler comfort snaffle on a loose ring. It was pricey, very pricey, but I couldn't find a used one (go figure) and it is a bit that I will never let go of either. I bought it for Mercy because I believe she has a low palate. A single jointed bit, whether a loose ring, eggbutt, or D-ring, seemed to cause her a lot of pain in her mouth. I know many trainers and riders would say, "So what? Let them figure it out." Well, now I would talk right back to them and say "I have been using a single jointed bit on her for over 3 years and she isn't getting better. In fact, now I think she is afraid when I pick up on the reins, so no. I will do what I can to make riding enjoyable for her too."

So far she seems to really like it. It took her a few rides to relax with it, but now, even if I need to get serious with her, she accepts the pressure a little easier. She gaps her mouth less and it is much easier for her to give to the bit when I ask for collection.

A few weeks after purchasing the new bit for Mercy, my sister and I headed out to some local trails for a quick ride. It was sunny out, but there was a slight breeze and it wasn't really that warm. We headed up into the hills instead of riding the pipeline this time. We meandered past the Jr. High school and came out on an old logging road that goes up a hill at a pretty good incline. It had been quite a while since we had run the girls, and going uphill made it less likely that we would have any troubles. So away we went!

Neither of us really let the horses gallop, but they were going along at a pretty good clip. At the top we broke back down to a walk and waded our way over a VERY muddy trail and into a deeper forest trail.

Since we didn't have a map, we just took a whole bunch of switchbacks. Some trails we know (from boarding out in that area years ago) but there are many new ones now. We got turned around a few times, but no worries. We had time to kill. When we were making our way back to the trails we know well, Kimberly suggested we go visit the miner's memorial. We hadn't been there for probably well over 8 years, if not more. And wouldn't you know it, we look up ahead and a sign on a tree said it was up ahead.

4 miners lost their lives when the mine collapsed way back in this area's early history. A memorial has been created where once there were only 4 wooden crosses. It's nice to see the dedication other's have for this area and it's history. Next time, when there aren't bugs attacking us and the horses, I will get the date and names of the mine victims.

1000 feet to the north is the caved in mine. There are danger signs all over the place and in order to continue on the trails you actually have to cross the cave-in on a narrow section of earth still holding. Definitely not for the light of heart.

Catching Up (again)...

It's been quite a while since I've updated you all on our riding adventures, so here we go with a quick update:

Star's knees seem to be responding nicely to the injections.

So far so good. She has been staying in the upright position and her knee and shoulder jerks have stopped for the most part. I have not ridden her myself yet, but she appears to have a longer stride and smooth gaits. Being able to reach and drive has really freed up her front end, allowing her much greater mobility. She is a new trail horse, ready to take the lead again.

Last week, my sister and I decided to head over to the creek for some photos. Unfortunately, on our way there we encountered some very rude individuals with their pack of dogs, most off leash. I tried to get them to talk, to acknowledge us, but they walked right on by without a word. Since they were so unfriendly, we didn't want to follow (of course they were going to the creek...) so we headed to the lake. It was a wonderful decision!

When we got there, the horses were very distracted with all of the long green grass. Usually we bring them there to eat, not stand around, so they were very fidgety. We walked around to find the perfect photo spot, when I spotted some geese resting on the grass near the water. Tee hee! *evil smiley* I pointed Mercy toward them and hoped she would take the hint. They all stood up when we got about 20 feet away and waddled toward the water. I asked Mercy to walk faster, to which she happily complied. We tracked them to the lake edge and then they took a short flight into the water. As they splashed down, Mercy got a little nervous. The noise was a lot louder than what I thought a couple dozen geese could make, oops... Now, only if we had some cows... ;)

We got some awesome shots! The lighting was much better for me to take pictures of my sister than for her to take some of myself, but that's fine. I like working on my photo taking skills. It took a while to get Star to stand still and as soon as she did a new group of people and tiny dogs walked by. This was where my better pics developed. Star loves little things, so her ears were forward, her eyes glistened, and she stood very still.

Mercy was not as cooperative, but Kimberly was able to get a couple of really good shots. I like this one the best because the goose in the back is raising it's rear out of the water as if to say "You didn't get me, nah nah nah nah boo boo!" Plus, her ears are forward!

There were a couple of other short rides since then, but this is the one from last night. We did the train track loop and tested out the new flank cinch for Mercy. She could care less, she's had them on before. Star was a little spitfire, so while on the track she took the lead. This gave her the chance to move out comfortably and Kimberly a chance to relax her hands and arms.

I'm really going to try and record EVERY ride from now on, no matter how small or ridiculous. It's been difficult because uploading pics are a pain in the ass, but I created this blog mainly to keep track of everything horse related as a personal history. So, look forward to more updated and more breakthroughs!