Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!It is bitterly cold here in Maine, but the horses are outside today because the wind is not blowing like it was yesterday. Mister is all bundled up in his Weathabeetah blanket and is done with his round of antibiotics for his hoof abcess. He is coming along nicely; still favoring that foot a bit but that is because there is still a good sized gash in the back of the frog right up onto the bulb of the hoof (owie). AhD is feeling his oats after being cooped up in the barn and is taking it out on Mister Man,

but that is a horse's life ~ so be it. The Girls are doing fine and don't seem to mind the cold at all. They keep begging me to take them on a walk, and I will oblige this weekend

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.

Rainy Day

Cold, windy rainy. Perfect day to catch up on housework. Still, I introduced the jingle bells to AhD and Mister. There was very little reaction from AhD and virtually none from Mister. Excellent! I will be putting the jingle bells to good use for fall riding during hunting season. I also tried Magic's old winter blanket on Mister. It fit nicely; what a bittersweet moment.Zirado's Magic Star, pictured June 2005 at age 30.

Powerline Ride

Ian and I took Mister and AhD down the powerline yesterday. I just love this photo I took of Ian and Mister; I'm thinking of framing it and sending it to Mister's owner Amy. Ian and Mister just look so relaxed and contented. The streaming late day sun was incredibly beautiful, highlighting the late season reddish-brown grasses and wildflowers.This is what happens when you don't hold on to your tacked horse while you tie your shoes! Mister found the eating to be better on the lawn than in front of the hitching post.

The colors of the leaves lining the pasture pathway are quite lovely, but as I mentioned before, missing the reds of other years. I'm thinking this must be New England wide, because my dear friend Betsy in Vermont has noticed the exact same thing.The weather for our ride was truly wonderful. A little chilly, and I turned around to find Ian riding with his arms tucked inside of his t-shirt. He is so completely unaware of the dangers of doing silly things like that. When I told him to knock it off, he said, "But, Solamy (his pet name for me), why didn't you tell me to wear a sweatshirt?" This is a running joke between us; I DID tell him to put something over that t-shirt...and whenever he realizes that Mom's advice was good, he pretends that I never gave it out. At least he made me laugh after being annoyed. Mister and AhD are quite bonded.Horses attitudes towards each other are so foreign to us humans. AhD bosses Mister around terribly...but separate them, and they are both lost and nervous. After Ian and Mister had had enough of the powerline, we backtracked and cantered back up one of our neighbor's PERFECT trails. Ian was in his glory; he loves to canter. Back out into the sunshine, Ian snapped this photo of me and my handsome steed.

I continued my ride after Ian and Mister had had enough, and I let Grace come with me. Grace was awesome, and she stuck right with us. She was in her glory, as she LOVES to come on trail rides. AhD is doing much better tolerating her, and paid her no mind. Now I will probably have to shut Grace in a crate when AhD and I hit the trails. I had been taking her with us in the winter, but the first time I left her behind, she jumped the fence of the dog pen and hurt herself upon landing. She was lame for two months. It's the only time she has ever jumped the fence, so you can tell how badly she wants to come along.

I am hoping the rain holds off long enough today so that I can have another glorious ride. Not looking too good right now. Time to get ready for church!

In the Beginning

Welcome to my first personal blog.

I have had a ton of fun this year riding my Curly RCR Ah-D-Das in the beautiful state of Maine. A thrilling trip to Old Orchard Beach. An incredibly rejuvinating five day camping trip to Acadia National Park.
Riding with friends, most notably my friend Ulla and her Morgan Dozie.
Even realizing my dream of riding with my son Ian. Our leased QH gelding Mister Man has proven to be a dependable schoolmaster on the trail, a gentleman on the ground, and a tolerant companion to my fresh and spunky Curly. It's been a wonderful year so far, and now the brisk October air and beautiful leaves of fall have come around again. Happy trails! -Susan