Raking Leaves

The Girls ~ Sapphire, Ruby, Grace and Aaralyn ~ "helped" us rake leaves off of the lawn yesterday. They make any chore fun. They love to stand in the path of the rake since that is where you focus your attention. We had beautiful fall weather, unbelievable for mid-November in Maine, and the leaves smelled ooh so wonderful. The Girls also enjoy playing lacrosse during breaks.

Here is The Rubester getting a pat from her boy Zach. Ruby is due to have pups by Can. Ch. Swentina Dress for Success, CGC in a week. I'd say this is going to be a SMALL litter! Instead of yellows and blacks, we are probably going to have a yellow OR a black! It's awfully hard not to get attached to the pups as it is, and when you have a really small litter, it is even harder. The last time we had a litter of one, we couldn't resist. :) Here she is, sweet Aaralyn.

Another Visit to Range Pond State Park

Although I did not get to ride my beloved Curly AhD today, I still had an incredible ride with Ulla and Heidi at Range Pond State Park. The unseasonably warm weather and leaf covered ground made for an earthy smell where ever we rode. The same flock of Canadian Geese were resting on Range Pond, adding beauty to the water. We explored several trails, and even climbed some steps to top a hill near the pond. On the other side was a cute little hidden beach.Gabby truly enjoyed splashing about in the water, and she also thought the sand looked roll-worthy. I truly enjoyed the challenge of riding the fiery Dozer. We all allowed her to be in the lead. The feeling of her power walk is incredible, and I was getting it from her on a loose rein. A couple of times, I did get an easy trot, but generally I was getting an extended trot that required my full concentration. I even dared a canter on the beach.Good weather, good friends, good horses...make for a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Quote of the Day

"Remember, horses are programmed to mirror the emotions of the animals around them." - Julie Goodnight

Ball of Fire

I had a wonderful, refreshing lunchtime ride on the Morgan Ball of Fire Kennebec Dorothy, otherwise known as Dozie. I had my hands full, she is one powerful and energetic mare, but she did listen to me and didn't blow me off. Originally, I was going to be riding Ulla's new Morgan Gabby, with Ulla on Daisy...but Daisy refused to load onto the trailer...so we made lemonade out of lemons and loaded Dozie instead. And, it was delicious lemonade, too. I never would have thought I'd be riding THIS horse last year at this time when I first met Ulla - this is the type of horse that I USED to love to ride. It feels good. In fact, it feels GREAT!

The wind was gusty and brisk, and the landscape was just gorgeous in Range Pond State Park. There was a huge flock of Canadian geese on the bright blue water. Gabby and Dozie enjoyed splashing about. Sue's Saturn and Kid took a nice long drink out of the lake. Leaves blew in swirls around the horses' feet along the wooded paths. Not a hunter in sight, and we didn't hear a single gunshot, but we were prepared in advance with our red and orange.

What a way to spend a weekday lunchtime! I'd take riding with friends over eating, any day of the week.