why?

The trails have some treacherous, muddy places. The wind was bitterly cold. When the sun disappeared behind a cloud, I thought why did I leave my warm jacket behind? The lake is low and now filled with muddy debris from the recent storms. Major tripped, caught himself, then spooked at something in the bushes. I stayed on, barely. 

Why do I ride?

Blue skies. Puffy clouds. A few moments of perfect trotting synchronicity with Major at 12mph. A jackrabbit ahead of us on trail. New shoots of green everywhere. Even a sunset that celebrated a little extra light. 

That's why. 

Solstice dawn

Dawn breaks heavy with gray clouds and rain on the shortest day of the year. It seems interminable, this darkness and damp. But cold and dark will slowly give way to warmth and light. Soon there will be more riding, more time outdoors. For now it is still time to stay by the fire, insulated from the rain and cold. And some extra hay, maybe an alfalfa treat, for muddy beasts. Happy Solstice. Stay warm and enjoy the gathering light my friends.

pony presents

It's the season for giving. I had way too much fun making some hanging decorations/ornaments for barn friends. I don't have a Christmas tree (more like a Festivus pole!), but I made one for myself, it hangs on my bulletin board, with Major's signature orange.

custom with our favorite colors

one for everyone, plus a few generics

I already bought myself Major some holiday gifts (Black Friday sales too good to pass up, nothing for me, all the horse, got to have priorities!)

Another Matrix pad. I really have liked the one I bought used, having a back-up will be great. Plus it is oh so soft and fluffy right now!

so fluffy! And clean! But not for long...

I don't usually fancy Major up much, but the mud is upon us (can't complain about the rain though). I do like to put some conditioner in his mane and tail, keeps them from becoming muddy, clumpy messes. I bought a new bottle of my favorite detangler, eZall Shine and Detangler, which smells so good, and a bottle lasts a few years at my rate of use!

 my new, cute ornament, with hair almost as bad as Major!

Hoping after the holidays to order a new no brow halter-bridle, so Major doesn't have to wear his hand-me-down one any longer.And can accent even more orange!

I did find one cute thing I didn't buy, they almost got it right! As my friend C noted: maybe for a trick rider!

yeah, it's the boots that are wrong...not...

Major is happiest with things like treats, apples, carrots, rice bran. Best is when you mix all those together! It's the simple things for him, which keeps it all in perspective.

yes, he's muddy. The other side was worse!

majorly good treats

please sir, may I have some more?

Do you love your horse? They will tell you if you really love them you need to feed them many treats. Carrots, apples, all acceptable. But for a nice crunchy yummy, don't buy a store something, make this easy, horse-approved treat!

I don't like to cook. Or clean. But baking is fun, and baking horse treats is especially easy. I've concocted a recipe that Major (and everyone else so far) loves. They last a long time (in a sealed container or baggie), and they're pretty healthy, so they can eat quite a few (Major says A LOT is the right amount).

all ingredients needed. Except the dinosaur. He's just cool.

Flax seed horse cookies
I buy everything from the discount grocery (Winco) bulk bins. They have the best deal on spices, scoop as much or as little as you want, if you haven't tried this, check it out! I bought everything, except salt which I already had, for $11, enough to make at least 5 batches.

1.5 cups ground flax (I use a coffee grinder, or buy pre-ground flax)
1 cup whole flax
2 Tablespoons salt
5 Tablespoons cinnamon (more or less)
1 cup applesauce
1/2 cup molasses (optional, can also use brown sugar)
water if needed for consistency

Mix it all together, add water, or more applesauce, if needed till "dough" is pliable (usually I don't need to add any). Using a large cookie scoop or tablespoon, place onto parchment covered sheet (if you don't use parchment, these do tend to stick, so maybe spray instead), flatten with bottom of glass (or other fancy tool).

Put it all in a bowl. Stir it up. That's it.

make spoonfuls then flatten with your sophisticated kitchen tool...

bake them up!

I put on a cookie cooling rack to get extra crunchy.

Bake 325 for 25 minutes, then 300 for 15/20 minutes. Really just until crunchy. Not too high, they'll burn.

Transfer to metal cooling rack and leave in oven while cooling for extra crunch (I just leave them overnight, the house smells delicious). Or take them out and keep them a little chewy (though they are sticky).

Makes approximately 60. Which might not last too long. Major recommends a double batch! You can also make some and give to friends. Major also does not really like this idea. Treat your horse to something yummy and homemade. Plus it saves you from making more cookies that you'll eat yourself…

for friends, Major has to share

I am Major. And I approve this treat.

lost and found

Major and I are rarely lost. I might not know where I am, but I'll figure it out! While wandering we often find other lost stuff or just cool things. Recently it seemed like all sorts of odd things were appearing, so I started to take some photos. From the last month, here is a compilation:

"Frozen" movie snowman balloon

pink glove

secret tree cave #28

deer jaw

Fork in the trail! A manure fork nowhere near a stable

sliced rock

fire extinguisher, helpful next August?

luckily it was 45 degrees, no nudes seen!

ourselves

This could evolve into quite a scavenger hunt. Playing lost and found on trail is fun: keeping an eye out, paying attention, making Major be patient. We also find friends, rediscover lost trails and generally, at some point, lose Major's brain. Trail rides are never boring when there may be something else to discover around the next bend.

Major's favorite find: sprouted bale