Catching up...again

Wow, what a week! It started out with me washing and waxing the trailer. This only happens once a year and since we don’t have a cover for it, of any kind, I try my best to get it looking real good during that time. Of course, Chai helped for a while…

until she found a better spot to sleep… *sigh*

I am unable to remove the mats at this time (the previous owner glued them down when they replaced the floor right before we bought it) so I crawled under the trailer and checked them that way. It took two days, but I got the trailer washed and waxed. Of course it took another day or two to replace the tack! I didn’t want to use it! Tee Hee!

Mercy, Star, and I went on some pretty nice trail rides this past week too. On our first ride, I rode Star and ponied Mercy. Star was moving right out and Mercy was enjoying the opportunity to eat everything along the trail. We headed over to the lake and once again there was a couple fishing, so we detoured around them. After stopping for a quick snack, we continued on our way. We started home after a while and stopped by the creek. Star reluctantly went in, while Mercy literally dove in! She went right for the deepest part of the creek and I thought she was going to roll, but I think Star’s pawing distracted her…and then she forgot. She splashed around for a while until she put her head into the water too deep.

On one of the freakin’ HOT days we had this past week, my sister, Kimberly, helped me bathe the horses. I had bought Mercy a new Medicated shampoo for her itchies… I still don’t know what’s causing this, neither does the vet. I’m thinking fir tar, bug bites, or sweat. Until I figure it out, I will continue to do my best to help relieve Mercy of her aggravating and destructive itchies.

Star's obligatory "You can't get my mane wet, even from the other side!!!" I won...

Java got a bath too… and then found a nice resting spot…

Then I rode Mercy a ponied Star the next day. Mercy walks so fast that Star basically trots the whole time. It’s good for her. I thought she would try eating like Mercy does when she’s ponied, but she didn’t. What a good girl! Once again, we did a few looper trails, but it was so hot already at 10:30AM, so I pointed them back home. We stopped by the creek for a quick drink, them not me, and this time Star dove in! That’s pretty brave for her. She will never refuse to go into water, but she doesn’t love it. I was quite impressed.

The next evening, I saddled up Mercy and practiced some barrel racing on my front pasture. I didn’t work her hard or fast because 1) she’s not ready 2) the ground is rocky and 3) I needed to work on her impatience issues. The camera wasn’t set on the correct setting so ya... I even crawled on Star bareback for old time’s sake... not a good idea. She is very high withered and I had flashbacks about why I didn't win many bareback classes in 4H!

Mercy and I went to our second gaming show yesterday. We had one big bad moment and a couple of really big good moments. I will update you all on that later! ;)

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday Still: Powerlines and Landscape

Oh, how beautiful *sneeze* the fields of *cough* scotch broom are *hack*!

Ya, can you believe I once say someone trying to sell this stuff for $5 a plant?!
;)

Fun in the sun

Last Sunday was Mercy's big debut in the (local) gaming world. We loaded up at about 7:30 in the morning and headed out to Green River Saddle Club where the first PSHA Cascade Region show of the year was being held. I decided to go Sunday instead of Saturday because the real first day is usually HUGE! We rolled up around 8 and there was plenty of parking still. We unloaded a very 'up' Mercy and I went to the show office to check in.

Once I placed my Cascade Region number (C-188) on my saddle pad, I saddled her up and walked her over to the arena where they were working the ground. Mercy was still not really paying attention to me, so I did a few ground exercises with her before I got on. We headed over to the warm up arena, which is REALLY rocky and us many unidentifiable objects stirred into the dirt, so we took it slow and only walked and worked on rollbacks and stops. Once she softened up and was responsive to my slight cues we left the warm up arena and headed out to the main arena where there were a few other riders warming up. I let Mercy walk and trot around on the super soft dirt and get a feel for the large, open space. After the timers were set up and the start line was marked, the show began.

Since this was Mercy's first show, we entered the D-class, for slow pokes. Fine with me! My goal for the day was to stay on if she tripped, prevent any bucking, and let Mercy get use to the busy environment, not win. I preferred to walk and jog, but if she offered a controlled lope I wasn't going to discourage it. The first event was Cal Stake, and event where a single pole is stood at the end of the arena and you simply run down the arena, around the pole, and back through the timers, pretty simply. When it was our turn, I circled Mercy once, just to get her use to a routine, and asked her to jog. She decided otherwise and tried to lope, unsuccessfully, and started a little crow hopping. *sigh* I asked her to trot, which she took her time to respond to, and rounded the pole. She tried to take off again but I held her back and made her jog. What was I thinking taking her to a gaming show...

We rode back into the middle of the arena, between the two gaming sides where everyone stands waiting for their turn, and found some friends to hang out with. This is the time when Mercy shined! It really didn't matter what was going on around her, she stood still and quiet. Other horses would bump into her and she would just look at them. I love social horses! She never once tried to kick or bite anyone, but she also didn't buddy up with any one horse either. Sweet.

At some point I headed over to the trailer and offered Mercy a drink and some hay. While I was hanging out for the next event, I determined that my barrel saddle did not fit Mercy very well at all. She just doesn't have any withers, and being built downhill, the saddle was not staying in place. I hauled out my old breast collar for her and tightened it on. Until I can find a better solution, the saddle will just need to be held in place. We heard the buckaroos (lead line, basically) riding, so we bridled up and headed back up to the arena.

The next event was keyhole, another down and back event, where there is a "keyhole" shaped chalk outline on the ground. You have to run into it, perform a rollback, and get out without touching the line. This time Mercy was much more behaved. I momentarily thought we would get down to the keyhole and she would stop to inspect the chalk, but I kept my body language forward and she didn't even glance at it. I was quite impressed and almost forgot to roll her back, lmao! After the successful controlled jog down I decided to let her lope back through the timers, which she did beautifully! No silliness what-so-ever! One more down!

After another quick break, in which she stood at the trailer like a pro, we headed back up to the arena. This was going to be my last event for the day because I had to head over to a different show to help with the 4H kids. Figure 8 was another event I had not practiced at home. Really, only barrels is the only one I have set up, but that will change soon as I have finally pulled out my cones and poles! It took so long to do because my motivation to practice on my rocky pasture is less than anything else. Anyway, Mercy really settled in for this event. She was responsive to leg, seat, and reins. We actually got a little lope going again too! We definitely had more trouble turning right around the pole than left (very slight, however).

Once we pulled up to a stop, we were done! I jumped off, loosened all the gear, and walked back to the trailer. The breast collar had helped keep the saddle in place, but I had to keep it tighter than I like to. I have a new saddle pad being shipped to me that I think will help a lot with this (if it ever gets here... it's been two months now...). I took off her tack, brushed her down, and headed to the office to pay up. It was only $13 for the three runs and haul-in fees, nice! I also got our times. Not too shabby for a few problems and our first time out:
Cal Stake- 21.665 sec

Keyhole- 17.431 sec

Figure 8- 21.002 sec

She loaded up like a champ and we headed home. I wish we could have stayed for barrels, pole bending, key race, and flags, but I had prior commitments. I plan on heading over to South Seattle Saddle Club next weekend for another show. We'll see what we can build on from this show!

Obligatory Picture of Mercy being cute while I try the barrel gear on her for the first time a few days before the show:

Catching up

I finally found my photo-uploader-chordy-thing, so I am back on track now! Lots of crazy stuff has happened since I graduated, so here is a quick run through:

Graduation- May 9, 2009:

Trail Ridin with my sister Kimberly:

Kitty Kat Photo shoot (Chai couldn't wait for the hammock to be assembled fully...*sigh*):

Barrel racing around the burn pile:

Lawn Time (they're both almost shed out now- just hairy legs left!):

The Wranglers and Riders 4H show went well, even though we only had about 20 riders show up. We broke even, but had some sponsors come though, so all worked out there. Unfortunately, my pictures did not...

Trail Ridin with TrailridinRN (mom!) on the Landsburg trails/pipeline after coming out of the hills. It was quite muddy...palomino isn't good enough for Starlett anymore, lol!:

Mercy and I went to our first REAL gaming show this morning! I don't have any pictures (only video...kinda....) and I am too tired to continue, but I will write something up real soon.
;)

Skywatch Friday No. 45

I just wanted to share the last picture because through that window I have taken all of my best sky shots. I finally moved from Pullman, so we will have to wait and see what Western Washington skies can offer us now!

See more beautiful pictures like these from all across the world at Skywatch Friday!

Wordless Wednesday

Almost ready to blog again...

Well, I've gone n done it! I graduated this past Saturday! My mom and dad came over the mountains with a Uhaul trailer on Friday. They started packing things up in boxes while I went to take my last final. When I finished, we went out to dinner and called it a night. Saturday morning we pack all of the big stuff and headed off to the coliseum for the ceremony.

On Sunday, we finished packing the small stuff, loaded up my 3 goldfish and 1 beta, and headed out before 8AM. I picked up my friend and her puppy on the way out to give them a ride home too.

When we made it home, we quickly unloaded everything and I am now in the process of sorting through everything and getting organized again. I was just feeling 'off' yesterday, so not much happened except for a quick trip out to the feed store to get some supplements for Star, stall pellets, and new barrel reins for Mercy. I plan on getting my act together again soon, so until then enjoy any sun that breaks through the stormy clouds. ;)

Skywatch Friday No. 43

Finally the rain and lightening was letting up....:

.... and maybe ten minutes later a beautiful, rosy sunset:
See more beautiful pictures like these from all across the world at Skywatch Friday!

And yeah, I know it's not really Friday here yet, but I have one more exam to study for, as well as move out this weekend... so being online on-time is not going to be possible! Have a GREAT weekend everyone! ;)

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday Stills: Flowers and Plants

This is my first shot at Sunday Stills. My other computer with all of my great plant pics is currently not in operation (grrr...) so, here is what I have!

Tree leafing out on the Washington State University campus:

At home in Western Washington last weekend-looking at the underside of our Red-bark Japanese Maple up at the cloudy sky:

At my apartment, the only flowers that weren't smothered by the heavy rain and strong winds from this past evening:

That's it for now, I can't wait to get some time to look at all of your beautiful pictures!

To see more pictures, visit Sunday Stills!

Skywatch Friday No. 42

This sunset picture was taken from the inside of my car as I was driving back to school after Spring Break this year. I loved the vibrant sky with the hint of snow still lift on the wheat fields... spring was still so far away!

See more beautiful pictures like this one from all across the world at Skywatch Friday!

Wordless Wednesday

Ya, I know it isn't Wednesday anymore, but I had to study and kick some lab final butt! ;)

Going All Out

Finally! A horse related weekend! I was able to fly home so I didn't have to be stuck moping around Pullman Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, my mom and I drove out to Reber Ranch to pick up some hay. We are finally on the last few bales of our local hay which was bought last summer. We have come across some more but we will run out before we are able to pick it up, so we were 'forced' to buy some from the feed store. I was also looking for some new barrel racing reins, but they didn't have what I was looking for. Bummer.

After we purchased the hay (and fly spray...) we headed over to the arenas where a 4H show was taking place. Most of the members from my 4H club, Wranglers and Riders, were showing, well, waiting to show. The english classes were just finishing up, so we had missed those classes. Next was jumping, which took too long to set up. We had to leave before the western started, but we at least got to hang out with some of the younger members in the warm-up arena. I helped lounge a junior member's mare, who was feeling a little too good in the wet, brisk morning air, and offer them a few encouraging words as they got up and rode around in the intimidating environment (senior 4H members, lol!).

When we got home we saddled up for a ride. We decided to ride the 'big loop' so I headed out towards the lake. We stopped by the creek and Mercy insisted we go in. Of course I had the camera, so no pictures, but it was fun to let her splash around and blow bubbles for a while. Then we headed up the service road which is on the side of a hill. Usually, I just allow Mercy to lope up it, or long trot if I feel she needs the extra work. This day I decided to let her go all out instead. I didn't give her any more cues than I usually do when asking her to move out other than saying 'Let's go' under my breath. I know I think all horses are fast, but OMG! She shot off like Star does when barrel racing. What a thrill to finally let her go and trust her abilities to stay up and ride straight ahead!

Once we slowed down we walked off into the woods to get to the train tracks. When we reached the tracks we had another opportunity to lope. I asked her into a ground covering, but easy lope. She wanted to go fast again, but once I shut her down one time that was it. I was even able to get her to slow down to a very nice slow, but solid lope until we broke to a trot once we saw some kids ahead. They turned around and we continued to follow them until they were out of sight once again.

We worked our way off the tracks, stopped for a bite of juicy, green, spring grass (well, they did, not my mom and I), and continued down the trail. I decided to see if Mercy would go to creek bank where Java, our boxer, usually stops for a drink. Mercy thought that was a good idea too until she saw more shrubbery that needed pruning around the creek shore.

Next time we take this trail I will need to make sure to take a picture of all of the bike 'decorations' strategically placed all about. It is quite amusing! The newest addition is a chandelier made of bike reflector which has been hung from the canopy of Douglas Firs. I'm quite impressed to be honest.

When we got back, we unsaddled the horses and let them clean up what our tractor couldn't reach...
...Or whatever Mercy decided was good....
...And turned them out at the neighbor's to romp around where Mercy quickly claimed Star's rolling place as her own......And showed us that she wasn't done running and goofing off for the day!On Sunday, we didn't ride because I had to leave back to school earlier than normal. My friend was driving back to Pullman that afternoon and offered me a ride, so I had to be ready to leave when ever she decided to call. Heading to the barn to turn the horses out next door for some better grass, their cute whinnies and pitiful stares reminded me of how grateful I am to be able to have horses, but especially these two. How could you resist them!? (btw-I don't know how that cone got there...)

Skywatch Friday No. 41

This photo was taken on my way home from school on the WSU campus. What a great way to finish my last physics lab ever! :)

See more beautiful pictures like this one from all across the world at Skywatch Friday!

Wordless Wednesday

Weekend Pictures

In preparation for participating in some Silent Sundays, Skywatch Fridays, and Wordless Wednesdays, I have been trying to get my camera figured out to maximize it's and my potential. Here is what I have from yesterday and today. I was going to try and get some action shots of my friend Jordan's Dalmatian, Krash. They participated in an AKC dog show this weekend in Lewiston and I headed down there with a friend to cheer them one. We got down there, but things didn't go as planned and Krash's day in the ring was short. This means no pics of him. Bummer.

Merry Christmas!

Before I even went home after seeing Dakota, I stopped by Rite Aid in Covington to drop off my disposable camera to be developed. In one hour, of course. It was imperative that I show my dad the pictures of her that night.

When I got home with the pictures, I threw them at him and started rambling on and on and on about the mare. He listened intently and shuffled through the pictures. Then he asked, "Do you think she's the one?" :) Immediately I said yes. But at that point I still remained reserved about the whole thing. I wanted my parents approval of her too. Even though she would technically be my horse, I wanted a horse that the whole family could enjoy.

After my report was complete, he said, "Can we go out there this weekend to see her?" How these questions even registered in my head is still uncertain. I was in a true life daydream, so I thought. I called up Ann to set up another time to come and see Dakota. Luckily Dakota's owner Gale was going to be out there that day too!

That Saturday, we all loaded up into our truck and headed out to Enumclaw. I felt extremely nauseous. I was hoping with everything I had that my last trip here hadn't been an illusion. I do tend to not see things as they really are sometimes. I was hoping this wasn't one of those times. We pulled up at met Gale in the barn. Dakota was in her stall munching on her hay, so we haltered her up and brought her out. I looked over her again while Gale told us more about her. Then she asked me what I else we would like to see. I told Gale I would like to show my mom how she moves so we took her out to the outdoor arena and let her go.

Just like the first time I saw her, she was lazy, lazy, lazy. I actually had to run after her myself flinging a lead rope around to get her to trot. Ughh... At least my mom was able to see her move a little. After I caught her up again it was time for decisions to be made. My dad asked me once again, "Is she the one?" I nodded my head. She was mine. :P

A price was discussed, basically enough to cover the next month's board since the barn owner would have an immediate vacancy without much notice. Then a date was set up to bring her home. She had an appointment to get her feet trimmed, so we wanted to wait for that to take place. And, being so close to Christmas, we decided to wait until the 27th, my mom's birthday coincidentally.

On the way home from Enumclaw, I couldn't help but think about all of the things we had to do to prepare for Dakota: move stuff out of the second stall, hang up a new hay feeder, bucket, salt lick, and grain holder, divide the paddocks in half (sorry Starlett), and think of a new name. I personally know at least three 'Dakotas,' so that wasn't going to do. So the name game began.

Sigh... Best. Christmas. Present. EVER!

A Single Blue Ribbon

I had butterflies in my stomach the moment I said yes to a friends invitation to a playday being put on by the Tahoma Chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen. Not only was it going to be Mercy and my first time doing any kind of competing that wasn't performance, I was also going to pick up my friend, Chrissy's horse, Luna. I have never loaded Mercy and then picked up a strange horse too. My Saturday morning my nerves were about all I could handle.

It was trying to drizzle, but for the most part it was just cloudy. We were going to be late because I had a hair appointment, oh well. My parents helped me out by hooking up the truck and trailer while I was gone. When I was out of the salon, I called up Chrissy so she could get her horse ready and ride down to the road I was going to pick her and Luna up from. Then I went to grab Mercy.

Oh boy... we had 'appy-tude' from the get go. She didn't want to stand still for grooming, didn't want to leave the front pasture, and walking up to the trailer she had that mischievous twinkle in her eyes. Well, sure enough she didn't want to load. It has been about a year since I have trailered her out alone, but really? I didn't expect that at all. I had my mom stop watching so Mercy didn't feel so pressured or threatened by a bystander. Sigh...

After a few 'kinda' tries I demanded she get in. She did, but didn't stay. After a few circles and half-hearted rears and freak outs, I got her in again. This time she moved all the way to the front like she usually does and I started to close the divider. She hit it, but moved forward off of the pressure. I probably should have lead her out and in a few times more, but we were really running late at that point and it's not like she hasn't done this before. Get over it! :)

Star was exercising herself in her paddock and screaming up a storm as we drove away. We finally reached Landsburg and I pulled over on the large gravel shoulder to load up Luna. More fun... she didn't want to load either. Mercy got a little nervous while Chrissy and her mom worked on getting Luna in, but once she was, both horses acted like they knew each other forever. Not a peep or kick the whole way out to the Double B. Nice.

We quickly unloaded the horses, saddled up, registered, and entered the arena where maybe another 20 horses (and a mule) were halfway through one of the events, keyhole. We made our way to the end of the arena where we got up and were promptly moved to the actual end of the line. I really wasn't to sure about doing this event since I had not warmed up myself or Mercy, and it had been a challenging morning already. I wasn't sure what to think until it was too late and my name was called. Mercy was feeling good, a little too good, and was dancing around a bit, but we just walked circles until I got a nice walk, then we headed down the run. I asked her for a trot before she headed into it herself. We went through the four upright poles with no hesitation, performed a kinda good spin to the left, and headed back down the arena toward the finish line. Took another circle or two to get her to a walk once we finished, but man! What a great first run!

Didn't win in that event, but that's OK. Most of the other BCH members were going all out, or were letting their finished gaming horses go all out! The next event was barrels. While they were setting up the course a baby pigeon fell from the rafters. He was moved out of the way into the corner behind where Chrissy and I were waiting our turn. After half of the riders had gone, the bird waddled (hmm, do pigeons waddle?) out into the arena. Not wanting it or any horses who spook to get hurt, Mercy and I attempted to herd the pigeon back to its corner. Unfortunately, I think Mercy would have just stepped on it, or bit it, so I got off and herded it myself. Too bad, pigeon herding could have been the next great equine event! NOT!

When it was our turn at barrels we got right to it. I have practiced barrels at my friend's place whenever I trailer out to ride, but I don't 'let her go.' We work at the walk and trot until she gets the point of rating and pockets, then if she's lucky, I let her lope a go. I started out here at the trot by she was responding so well I let her move into the lope. Coming out of the third barrel she stumbled a little, but still got around and did a great job listening and feeling for me to stop her. Sorry the pics are so blurry. It's not operator error, I had it on the wrong setting. Sorry mom! :)The next event was 'Simon Says,' but Mercy thought it was 'Mercy Says.' We were walking along great, then we were trotting. First ones out too, sigh. It actually worked out fine because that meant I had the whole end of the arena to practice standing still and pivots.

The walk-trot relay was where Chrissy and I shined this day. There was a barrel at the end of the arena and the first horse had to walk over to it and around it without breaking gait. After crossing the finish line the second rider leaves at a trot, goes around the barrel, and trots home. Fastest time wins. Chrissy was my race buddy and volunteered to go first. Luna and Chrissy were off and (kinda) soon made it back to the finish line. I had Mercy in a trot long before she got back and crossed the line as soon as Luna's tail was past. She tried breaking into a lope a few times, popping up, but never completed the lope stride. I can get her moving pretty well and going home I past the horse in the other lane. We waited for the awards. I thought maybe 3rd or 2nd cause we did complete a clean run at a decent pace. When they said Chrissy and my name, we both must have looked almost horrified! There was no way we won! Really!?! Naw.... but here they came with the ribbons. Wow. A blue ribbon. A silly blue ribbon. I was ready for more!

TP race was next, another partner race. Unfortunately, Chrissy and I were already in trouble cause both of us were riding green horses and only mine *kinda* knew how to neck rein. We didn't run into trouble until they asked us to turn left. I told Chrissy to let me push her horse around cause I knew Mercy would turn for me. Well, we made it around and Chrissy decided to keep Luna turning. In order for me to catch up I had to trot, so we were out. Never broke the TP though!!!!

We participated in the baton race, but Luna had a little melt down so that was that. I think Chrissy did a great job handling her little mare and all ended well. The last event was team flags. So many teams had DQed, so all we had to do was complete the course. Luna went first and it took some time getting her positioned correctly to pick up the flags cause she just wanted to eat them, but after that was worked out Mercy and I were off. Now, I have never practiced flags with her, but I do use a flag around her in training, so I wasn't expecting a big deal. She just went past it like she didn't even know it was there. I reached over and picked it up, carrying it to the neck barrel. After dropping that one and grabbing the next flag we headed for home. I let her lope and she travel straight and true, so I got it in the barrel and flew across the finish line. At thins point most people had left the arena and were packing up. Before we left, we were informed that we had been awarded 3rd place, a white ribbon! Yup, that's right! Persistence and green horses do, in fact, mix!

We decided not to hang around and ride in the free arena just in case they wouldn't load. We loaded Luna up first since, supposedly, she has really only been trailered up front. Of course, it didn't take long and I loaded Mercy up like we had for the past year: point and load. Automatic. Since Mercy was in last, we dropped her off at my place first before heading to Landsburg to drop off Luna and Chrissy for their ride home.

All I have left to say (er, write...) is driving an empty trailer is a real treat! ;)