Dedicated to Amy

I took a ride on my devilish Curly AhD yesterday and wrote all about it for the Ride A Curly blog, but I also took a second ride on the gentleman Mister Man that I wanted to share with Amy. When I saddled Mister up, he was quite bent out of shape because he had been crying for AhD the whole time I was out. Originally, he was REALLY hoping that he and AhD were going to go out for a ride at the same time, but since there is only one of me and Ian was involved on the computer, Mister was quite disappointed. As I tacked him up, he was weaving in front of the back barn door, unhappy to be separated from AhD again...but this time the tables were turned, and AhD was the one running around outside whinnying. Nevertheless, he stood like a statue to be mounted and listened to me as we headed up the road to Back Street. Saturday is Dump Day in Hebron, so there is always a steady stream of cars. A quarter of a mile from the house, five cars/trucks in a row passed us, and one of them must have recognized me, because the driver tooted a greeting. Ignorant!! but Mister paid it no mind. We headed up Back Street, but I noticed that the saddle was hitting Misters withers, so I turned him around and headed back to the barn. His adorable ears perked right forward. Mister must have been shocked when I saddled him back up, this time with the addition of the cutaway pad, and headed down the road for the second time out. He is such a good boy on the road. I am very comfortable with him.

We went all the way to my church, and stood for a moment in the parking lot. We had a good view of the beautiful old buildings of Hebron Academy.

The sun was warm and felt wonderful! Halfway back to the house, I pulled him into a field, and we walked around. The footing was excellent, so we took a few turns around, trotting and loping, before heading back to the barn. By the way, I want to mention that I have had no problems whatsoever with Mister being cinchey or taking a bit. Ian and I have been using the hackamore on him, but I have a beautiful silvered western bridle that I tried on Mister and AhD yesterday morning, just to see how it fit. It is too big for both of them, but I plan to try to adjust the size today. When I held it out for Mister, he dropped his head and opened his mouth for the bit and looked quite happy about the whole thing! It sure was great to be spoiled by two horses on the afternoon of my birthday and the anniversary of my Dad's death. Both of these boys offered me comfort and companionship.

A Doggone Good Time!

We went sliding for our 4H meeting today. All the dogs joined us, and we had a blast! Brave Grace likes to slide, and wow, was it ever fun taking trips down the hill with her! I'd call her into the front of the sled, flip her on to her back, and hold her tight. Her little tail was wagging back and forth in joy. What a card! Usually, she wiggled and spilled me before we hit the bottom. If I had her facing me, she'd bite the rabbit fur on my bomber hat.

I have had some spectacular rides this year so far. Last weekend, I rode four times, and usually saucy AhD was just wonderful! Is he finally coming around to settling down? I took him out again today, but didn't ground work him first because I was trying to slip in a ride before dark. He was back to his old ways. He was fine until we turned around to head for home, and when he heard a snap in the woods he used it as an excuse to bolt. I turned him back around, and took him even further down the trail. I could tell he had an attitude, and when we came to this hill

...he took off again, careening down it and even throwing in a buck or two. There is a sharp turn at the bottom, and I was attempting a one-reined stop, but I had to drop the rein because I thought he was going to run right off the trail into trees and perhaps take a tumble. He is very athletic and made the turn, and then I was able to stop him in short order. Gotta love that deep snow! Back we went, up the trail, further than before...and he was done with his antics. So there, you little turd! Tomorrow, you can bet I will be doing a groundwork session before I swing into the saddle.

He looks so innocent! ;)