Today being Youth Day ~ as in kids hunting deer ~, Alijah and I donned our red and orange (and flannel lined jeans and wool socks!) and headed up the road to Back Street to try out his brand spankin' new Easyboot Gloves. I am in love with these boots, and I'm pretty sure Al is, too.
Back Street is still really beautiful, full of deep yellows, with the strong fall sun casting long shadows. Al kept wondering why we were sticking to the road instead of taking some of the many trails that lead into the woods. He willingly trotted and even cantered up the side of the road. The wind was blowing a gale, but Al never spooked once, which is very typical of him. Steady Eddy.
This maple was spectacular against a clear blue sky.
I think this is my favorite picture of today. You can see what a good attitude Al has now that his front feet are protected. He also had more vroom in his step, even when we first started out and were heading
away from his bossy buddy AhD. He walked at a nice fast "We're headed home!!" pace right up the road, not the pokey, "Oh, jeez, are you REALLY going to make me WORK??!" pace. His trots had more energy, less tripping, and were way more rhythmic, making it
much easier to post. Ian is going to love it!
I meant to stay on the road, but this wide open field beckoned me for a canter. We got in several good ones, and not even a hint of a buck!
Hmm....now I am re-thinking that "favorite picture" statement I made earlier. This shot is pretty nice and reflects the flavor of the ride. We went all the way to where Back Street meets up with Route 119. I toyed with the idea of making a big loop and taking 119 home, but then two trucks went by at about 55 mph, and I very quickly changed my mind. I think we went about six miles today.
Here we have returned home, and Ian took our picture in the yard. I told Ian all about the changes in Al with his new boots, and how he trotted farther and cantered nicely, and then turned Al into the first pasture to actually show Ian the difference. Al picked up the canter after only three strides of trot! TA DA! No hunting on Sundays, so back on the trails we'll be. It will be Ian's turn to experience Al with his new boots while I will be on my sweet but finky AhD.
Today being Youth Day ~ as in kids hunting deer ~, Alijah and I donned our red and orange (and flannel lined jeans and wool socks!) and headed up the road to Back Street to try out his brand spankin' new Easyboot Gloves. I am in love with these boots, and I'm pretty sure Al is, too.
Back Street is still really beautiful, full of deep yellows, with the strong fall sun casting long shadows. Al kept wondering why we were sticking to the road instead of taking some of the many trails that lead into the woods. He willingly trotted and even cantered up the side of the road. The wind was blowing a gale, but Al never spooked once, which is very typical of him. Steady Eddy. 
This maple was spectacular against a clear blue sky. 
I think this is my favorite picture of today. You can see what a good attitude Al has now that his front feet are protected. He also had more vroom in his step, even when we first started out and were heading away from his bossy buddy AhD. He walked at a nice fast "We're headed home!!" pace right up the road, not the pokey, "Oh, jeez, are you REALLY going to make me WORK??!" pace. His trots had more energy, less tripping, and were way more rhythmic, making it much easier to post. Ian is going to love it!
I meant to stay on the road, but this wide open field beckoned me for a canter. We got in several good ones, and not even a hint of a buck!
Hmm....now I am re-thinking that "favorite picture" statement I made earlier. This shot is pretty nice and reflects the flavor of the ride. We went all the way to where Back Street meets up with Route 119. I toyed with the idea of making a big loop and taking 119 home, but then two trucks went by at about 55 mph, and I very quickly changed my mind. I think we went about six miles today.
Here we have returned home, and Ian took our picture in the yard. I told Ian all about the changes in Al with his new boots, and how he trotted farther and cantered nicely, and then turned Al into the first pasture to actually show Ian the difference. Al picked up the canter after only three strides of trot! TA DA! No hunting on Sundays, so back on the trails we'll be. It will be Ian's turn to experience Al with his new boots while I will be on my sweet but finky AhD.
