attitude

We started out...hesitant, short-strided, balky. Attitude or something more? Turn for home...forward, reaching, moving. Hmmm...away from home, toward home...repeat for an hour.

Maybe it was not riding from the recent stormy weather (coldest May days in history!), but I think this is what's been going on. He's just too damn clever at it, and I am so cautious (especially about any lameness or NQR feeling) I know I have helped "teach" him this behavior. Major would rather be back in his grassy pasture, or even in his paddock with dinner, than hauling me around the forest.

crazy mane on crabby horse

But this time I figured it out, and Major was not amused, he was downright crabby! A year ago it would have made me nervous, now attitude just makes me more determined. Sit deep, breathe, and get what you ask for. Even if you have to ask A LOT of times. And circle. And retrace your steps. And ask again...

But back home it is all worth it, walking home nicely, working in the arena, stopping on a deep breath.

thwarted!

A quick ride in beautiful weather on Friday was supposed to be the beginning of a nice riding weekend. I'd planned a fun, longer ride up to Auburn where the trailer would be waiting. We were going with Major's buddy Friday, and last night it started to rain. No problem, Doppler radar didn't show any more rain this morning, probably clear with a few isolated thunderstorms...

Until I got to the stable and the rain started. It was cold, the sky got darker, and ominous-looking. I don't mind a little rain...but the thunder and occasional lightning was cause for serious concern. We hand-walked the horses down the road, ever optimists, maybe it would clear up? No, it was looking worse, and as we headed back the sky was beginning to just crackle, both horses a bit on edge. Putting Major away and loading Friday in the trailer just as a hail storm hit, turning the ground white in a matter of seconds.

Good timing, and certainly glad we weren't on trail, as it continued to hail and rain for at least another hour. Major was tucked in his paddock with extra hay, and I went home and had some hot chocolate. There will be plenty of other weekends of better weather, I'd like them soon please!

Happy Birthday!

Major turns 8 years old today and will get lots of carrots! Happy birthday Major D!

good rat bar

It doesn't sound like a nice ride, but Rattlesnake Bar (Rat Bar for short) is perfect this time of year. Quietly shaded, almost completely mud free, Sterling Point to Rattlesnake Bar is a good test to see if Major is listening and is just fun. There is a little bit of every kind of single track adventure you can think of: up and over boulders, bridges, knee-crunches rocks and railings, gradual hills, sharp turns and steep drops, winding through trees and the ever-popular poison-oak dodge.

I had no idea, but the GPS (usually) doesn't lie: there is almost as much elevation change Sterling to Rat Bar as Auburn to No Hands. (right about 1100 feet of ascent and descent). I took this trail awhile ago, and fought Major the entire time, it was awful! This ride was SO much better. Heading out he was forward but not silly, and when we turned left and not right (to the usual now-flooded lake trail) he was a little confused. About 1/2 way to Horseshoe Bar Major figured out where we were: we were heading home! Big extended trot, but listening pretty good, until the turn off. Zoom we veered left, "fine" I thought, and we trotted a few steps that way, did a few circles, and continued on, up the big hill. At the top we continued without incident, he was listening about slowing down the steep drops and near the knee-crunching rocks.

Right before one of the bridges, we passed a few people out for a Mother's Day hike, one woman with two big dogs and a little poodle being carried in a front-facing child carrier. The dog was quite happy, and probably safer, I know a neighbor's dog was bit by a rattlesnake earlier in the week. We crossed the bridge...very slowly.

At Rattlesnake Bar we continued to the staging area at the far end. I thought about continuing, but was happy with the ride. I did some fun cantering on the wide roads around the lake, up to a lookout point, where the gray skies accented the gray water and now-underwater trees. Heading home he was more forward, but so good about slowing and listening, I was really happy. Again he wanted to turn, but when we finally got to Sterling he charged up the hill, snorting and full of himself. There was no one about, we cantered up the hill and around the corner to the staging area. Major seems to have gotten over his fear of that particular water trough, but pretty much just wanted to scratch his sweaty head on it (not allowed). Heading home there was a new scary pallet of bricks and giant tractor (same one we'd passed without incident on the way there). We just sidepassed next to it, then sniffed the tractor (again).

It was a really fun ride, and I was proud of Major for seeming to figure it out...to realize (this time) that fighting gets us nowhere (literally) and if he listens he gets to move. I hope for more rides like this: this type of ride we both come home happy (though only one of us rolls in the arena)!

weekday wandering

Went on a quiet weekday wandering ride with Major's friend Friday (and my friend Christie). It is amazing how much ground you can cover just going up and down and around and about and "let's turn here," "what's over there," where does this trail go again?"

It is nice to have a compatible horse, both horses lead and follow, and we had fun trotting and cantering up some pretty good hills. The water is receding, the mud is getting better, but it is still dictating where we go. We headed up and this one meadow area was just beautiful. A view peaked between the trees, the old oak shaded the trail, and Friday and Christie seemed to be taking in the view.

We headed for another hill I have really been enjoying, you can canter up nicely, and then there are a few options to go down. Since I was with another brave rider, I showed her the steep way down. It is an abandoned trail, which I rode years ago. Now it is overly-rutted and overgrown. If you stay to the side as you walk your way down, it is is no problem. At one point you have to step over the rut, then down some rocks, then you're back on a main trail. Both horses are good with their feet, and it is fun to challenge their minds, as well as ours.

It was a nice Spring night, and I think we both could have stayed out longer, but "real" life was calling us to our chores. We'll ride again soon, days like this seem so fleeting.

auburn to no hands

I finally put Major in the trailer and just went somewhere. Well, not just me, I had lots of help from a very supportive SO. Getting everything ready to go somewhere takes forever! Lugging the tack from the barn to the trailer, getting it all settled, double checking everything: I think it will be better once the trailer is organized.

Major took a minute about the trailer, but then got right in. Didn't seem to fuss much, and backed out nicely at the staging area. After a wide-eyed look around, I got him tacked up while the SO packed his backpack. Having a friend along for Major (even though it wasn't a horse) helped us both. Heading out on trail Major was interested in this new place, but not spooky, and we trotted while we could. I was glad the trail was marked from the American River Ride the day before, there are some trail splits that are confusing. There were streams to cross and a waterfall next to the trail, beautiful and no problem.

Major started getting balky about 3 miles down. I still can't decide if he just decided we were done (which he does on forest trails sometimes) or if something was wrong. I got off, walked him some, got back on, and continued to No Hands bridge. I've walked across the bridge countless times, but from horseback you are much higher up! Not scary, just a better slightly disorienting view of the water. Major didn't even bat and eye, good boy!

I didn't feel the need to continue, and poor SO was going to have to hike all the way back up, so we started for home. We were going to take a longer rest break, but something just seemed NQR (not quite right). Even heading back Major was seeming balky, so I hand-walked him for awhile. I was getting back on when another rider passed us. That perked up Major! I used his impulsion and SO said to go...so off we went.

The rest of the ride was better, we trotted quite a bit, even getting into his nice extended trot. He really wanted to catch the other guy, but I held him back. He did catch up with them, fell back again, and passed at one point, and they passed us again too. It was good practice for Major. We were able to canter in one spot, to the top of Robie Point, but it was warm and we walked some of the way back from there. Major is not is as good of shape as he thinks he is, so actually listened when I wanted him to slow it down.

Back at the trailer he got hosed off and managed to find leftover hay from the day before. He seemed fine, drank OK and munched on grass while we waited. SO did the whole trail with a backpack, much more work than I did! I was still worrying about Major, so SO drove the trailer home, we unloaded and Major got a good roll in the arena.

I'd love to keep going and do more of the trail, the trailer to get there is pretty easy. I just need to figure out what is up with my horse! I'm in awe of the riders and horses at Tevis who traverse that section of trail, after already going 96 miles. It is rocky, steep and they're in the dark! Wow...

flower adventure

I know I've been posting lots of photos lately, but it's so gorgeous! The last ride the flowers were magical. Major thought they were magically delicious. It was breezy and cloudy out, but I'd been gone for a week and wanted to ride my horse. He didn't especially like that idea, and grudgingly walked up the road. I also think he's a bit bored of the trails (me too): the same trails to escape the mud, over and over. I wandered out to the lake, found some gorgeous fields of flowers and the trail too underwater to attempt.

log from last ride now floating

So headed home, sometimes it is nice to have no plan or destination, so when the trail is underwater, or muddy, you just go another way. It was a slow ride as we backtracked and stepped though mud. Some mud is just too scary. I did come to the big hill at the bottom of Lookout rock, which is incredibly steep. In the winter it's too wet. In the summer too dusty and slippery. This time it was just right..well, maybe. Up we lurched over the first section, where you can't see what is ahead. Well, ahead is a big rock and gully, so you need to stay to the right. Crossed over, too steep of a gully, up onto the bank and through the branches (getting seriously stabbed in the process). Major is willing to go up anything I point him at...maybe he needs a smarter owner.

easier hill going home!

After that I needed to jump off and assess my scrapes. The horse was fine, me, almost-torn shirt and lovely bruises starting. I walked it off a bit, and then rode home, the hill going home seeming tame in comparison. Just another adventure.

trail in pictures

starting out, nice and sunny, down to the lake

the lake slowly covering the trail

are you sure we have to go there, mom?

underwater trail, but more on the other side

a big log, or Major the unicorn?

too deep and muddy to cross, and the rain begins

pouring rain, heading home, let's take the shortcut!

Shortcut trail is very rocky, but the wildflowers are beautiful

view from above of the gray lake, and wet, crabby horse ears

blocked trail! Swamp to the right, poison oak to the left...through the poison oak...

raincloud passing, but not soon enough

the green trail to home

snacking, steaming horse in the sun

and being tortured after all that ride by the helium balloon! You never know how the day will end up!

miscellaneous photos

The ranch has mostly recovered from the storm damage. A crew came out with an enormous chipper and spent three days making a racket. After a little fuss, it was amazing that all the horses totally got used to the noise. In the photo is the damage to the shelter. Major's shelter is on the far right, the horse who was in the left shelter at the time is very lucky to have survived. He must have just heard the tree falling and ran out just in time.

The horses did enjoy the fallen branches, thinking they were a new delicacy. Right now there a delicious tree in the pasture, but they can barely reach it. Major did his best giraffe impression to try!

hot rod

Major was quite surprised to see an Iron Horse on the road yesterday.


After a look he sniffed "I could beat that on trail anyday!"

one last canal ride

A perfect Spring day. A good riding buddy. And a final ride on the canal trail for the season.

For some stupid reason (to be explained momentarily) we decided to go through the forest down to the canal. Not the trail I did the day before, but just to avoid walking up the road. Muddy but passable, until we got to Barking Dog Hill. The trail didn't look too bad, muddy with a creek running down the middle, so we slogged forward. Major in front..and we just sunk. He started to scramble a bit, but was good and just jumped to the firmer ground (and into the really pokey dead tree branches). I thought a bit but jumped off, thinking that leading was better. The ground ahead looked better. Unfortunately the ground was still really bad, and we had to scrape our way through the tree branches and mud. It was that or go back, and we would have encountered that big pit again. We got through it ok, a few scrapes on the saddle, and completely indebted to our good horses. I promised Major that we wouldn't do anything like that again, and the rest of the ride was much more fun!

Once we got down to the canal it was amazing how close the lake is to the trail. In some spots it was lapping the rocks right next to the trail, and there were islands that were once high points. Major was fine with most of the waves, but the other horse Friday kept giving them the stink eye, and was traveling down the trail slightly crooked: or a nice shoulder-in from a different perspective!

The trail was still so nice though, sand under our feet, beautiful views, and about 2.5 miles of access. Then the trail disappeared below the water. We could see where it went, so we did walk through some water-filled spots, and kept going until it looked like we needed to start swimming. It was really fun to wade in the water, and good practice for the horses. This water is a good challenge, it has lots of floating sticks, and they had to step over a floating log, into the foot-deep water, which gets a bit deeper before we could get out.

Major just loves standing in the water, and pretending he is a puppy and not a pony: picking up sticks from the water, lifting and playing with it, dropping it, submerging his face. The kayaker about 10 feet away was a bit unnerving and totally new to both horses, and there were many fisherman out, casting whizzing flies almost at our feet (which scared Friday, and the rude fisherman saw him reacting and didn't stop casting).

We got some really nice trotting in, and it is nice to put anther horse in front and have Major work in that situation. Major and Friday are good together. We ran into lots of other riders and friends, all enjoying the canal for the last time this season. At the staging area Major even drank from the scary tub (no idea why this particular tub is scary). We came home a much safer route, so I kept my promise.

well deserved tall grass snack

I was very proud of Major for dealing with all the different events of the trail, but still hope for some less eventful rides in the future!

exploring

Went out Saturday for an exploratory ride. I wanted to assess if any trails were easily passable, if we could do any good workouts on the forest trails. Heading out we were just walking, and I asked Major for a trot and he was just so happy to be moving. When I asked for a walk again he nicely dropped down, and then made cute little happy snorts, ears up, waiting for the adventure.

The main Pioneer trail was being used for a 50 mile endurance run, so we stayed clear of that. (The endurance ride is in a few weeks over the same trail.) I decided to head over to one of my favorite spots: the trotting trail. It was a bit of slogging to get to it, but it was holding up pretty good...until I came across the 5 foot barrier that is the giant downed tree. How sad! That trail is so great just to get on and go (hence the name). Couldn't go around at this time (too much mud on the other road access next to it), so had to backtrack. Kept heading for the forest canal access, found a nice higher trail that was mud free and completely dry in most places, so a little trotting. At the end of that trail Major thought we should turn for home, but I found a good dry hill and just let him go. It was a compromise, and we both enjoyed the brief run up the hill.

barely on the right is the trail...if we swam for it!

On to more serious trail work...the trail down to the lake has a downed tree (that you can go around though it's a bit dicey) and then the trail is so eroded you have to walk and balance across a large flat boulder to get down. I was glad Major is barefoot and seemed to have plenty of grip. I let him figure out where to place his feet, and he is careful and smart (in that situation!). Down in the sand looking right: trail gone. To the left...maybe? Went about 100 yards and nope, unless we decided to swim for it. So sad to be losing this great trail for the year...until the fall at least.

Back into the forest we went. I'd wanted to let Major move out, we're both in need of that! So I went back to the same hill and just worked it. We got to have fun as we trotted and cantered portions, but also good work as we used both sides of the trail, halted in different places and changed gaits. About six times of that and Major was sweating, I was grinning at my good pony, and we headed home with a big swinging walk on a loose rein. A good day for exploring, a good day for riding.

Babysitter

The new horse in the barn needed to be shown the trails by a good steady-eddy. Instead it was a steady-Major!

The barn manager has a new 8-year-old Anglo-Arab. He looks a lot like Major, but needs some groceries and some good consistency in his life. And one aspect of that was a good reintroduction to the trails. We don't know the last time he was out, so wanted to take it easy. It is a hard time of year to show a horse the trails (since they're covered in mud) but we headed out bravely. While the new guy lagged a bit, Major showed him the way through mud, puddles, up and down hills and home again without a hitch.

It was a tough workout for an out-of-shape horse, and after 2.5 miles he was sweating. Major was not sweaty at all, and maybe even a a little bored, but was a good role model.

Sometimes I can really see how far we've come. I'm glad we got to show someone else too.

much better...and mud!

Major finally seemed to be feeling like himself on Saturday. I didn't want to over-do it since he was just sick, so on Sunday I decided to take him on a short ride, with my SO hiking along. Major seemed to enjoy his time off a bit too much, and was a bit of a jerk, wanting to just munch on grass (as that had been the last 3 weeks of walks) and trot! He has been on plenty of turnout, with the pasture totally dry and didn't offer up anything silly in the arena, but he loves the trail.

As we jigged through mud, slipping and sliding, I was contemplating all the different kinds of mud there was, a short list:

• deep sucking mud: at least fetlock deep, sometimes with lovely puddles on top
• slick mud: usually found on previously nice slopes and banks, a slick layer on top of firm ground
• slippery mud: an inch or so deep, very very wet, usually on trails that are now small creeks
• disaster mud: completely destroyed trails where off-road trucks have ruined the trail forever
• quicksand: scary looking mud/sand that we don't go anywhere near, as even stepping near it causes all the ground to shake 
• swamp: water and mud that was so nasty I avoided it altogether
• puddles: those are actually kind-of fun. Once it is known what the bottom is, they are fine to go through

We took it very slow, as all the different muds were everywhere. Whenever Major thought we were going home he was a brat, so we did a lot of turning away and working. At one point he was not listening going home, and there was a nice large safe puddle about 4 inches deep. I told him if he thought he could trot through it towards home he could certainly do it the other direction as well. Major didn't especially like that idea, but we trotted back and forth multiple times. My SO thought it was very funny, and got some video, but I was pretty annoyed at the time!

The sun is out, the trails have had one more day to dry. Today I'll be tormenting Major again by working on walking nicely. And we are taking out a friend on a new horse, so we best be on our best behavior...fingers crossed!

reaction

Major didn't keep feeling better. On Sunday evening the barn called me, he was laying down and not eating. I went over and he got up when he saw me, and half-heartedly ate his dinner. I walked him out to eat some grass, he was moving OK, and enjoyed his green snack. I made him a mash and put him away. I stayed at the ranch and kept an eye on him, he was quiet, slight fever and did eat all his dinner, seemed to be drinking as well.

But Monday morning he was down again...and I called the vet. Major was laying down when I got to the ranch from work, but laying down eating his breakfast. He got up when he saw me, but was very listless. The vet showed up and was great. She thoroughly looked him over, and thought it was still vaccine reaction, and not another illness coming on. Major was a good boy for IV Benamine and getting his blood drawn (I'm pretty squeamish and tried not to look). Hoof testers were negative and he didn't have a fever. We decided to be careful with colic possibilities and give him some mineral oil, but not to tube him. Major happily eats mineral oil mixed into some stable mix/beet pulp, so it was less invasive to go that direction with his care.

I was really concerned that my walk on Sunday afternoon had caused him some problems, but the vet reassured my that walking and eating grass was just fine. It is hard when a horse like Major is willing to do things for me (walk, get up when laying down, etc.) to know if he is masking his own pain.

I hand-walked him (per the vet) and got some good green grass eaten. Then a mushy soup with mineral oil, which he was eating as I headed back to work. The stable fed him another batch that afternoon, and I gave him a dinner too. Wet his hay (which he was not a fan of) and kept him in his paddock. He was looking a bit better Monday evening. The vet called and said that blood results showed low white-cell count and normal kidney values, meaning he may have been getting a little sick before he got the vaccines, which pushed him over the edge, or that the vaccines just didn't agree with him. Some other blood things she explained but it is hard to remember/understand them all.

Tuesday morning he took his medicine fine, and when I checked him at lunch he was pacing his paddock, wanting out. Hand-walk, more grass, some mush, and back in the paddock. He wasn't laying down, eating everything, much more himself, hopefully on the road to recovery. I'm optimistic but still cautiously worried, they're so damn fragile for being so big!

stormy drama

The rain let up for a few hours, just in time for my scheduled vet appointment. Though the vet couldn't come in our main gate because a big oak has fallen across it! That isn't so scary as the huge branch that crushed the shelter less than 30 feet from Major! Luckily that horse was ok. Another tree fell down earlier in the week, trapping the old pony in it's branches, she is ok too. We're all on pins and needles, it has been raining all day again, but supposedly 72 degrees by Thursday. We're ready for it!

Major had his annual checkup Friday. He is a good boy for the vet, who calls him "cute." Got a couple vaccinations, weight is good, will probably do teeth in the fall. His wound is looking better, even the vet was perplexed to how Major may have accomplished it. After the vet visit Major got to play in the arena a bit, he's been cooped up during the storms. He was happy and I went back to work.

When I checked on him that afternoon it was a different story. He was very stiff and sore, touch him anywhere and he'd just flinch and sink. No fever, but more troubling were muscles tremors/shaking. He was eating grass like a champ when I called the vet. Vet was also concerned about the muscles, so I went and picked up some benamine.

After dosing him I took his temp again...now he had a slight fever. But was eating fine, and I let him rest. A few hours later I drove back to the barn in the rain and the dark, happy to wake Major up and see that his fever was down some.

This morning the barn manager checked on him, fever mostly gone, and when turned out for the few dry hours he played some. I took him for a nice walk, by then in the pouring rain. He certainly doesn't mind when he knows it's really just an eating walk.

I'll have to re-evaluate my vaccination protocol next year, probably just giving one thing at a time. The vet didn't think we overloaded, but Major just has to be the special one. I am interested to see if the slight fever will show up on hoof growth. I never felt any heat, but event lines can be pretty telltale.

I'm ready for any drama to be over with, and to start enjoying the Spring! This delayed hit of winter has been tough, but I know we'll appreciate the extra rain when there is still green grass in July.

headless horse(man)

The rain has just not let up. I was away for a few days of crazy storms, and came back to fallen trees, overflowing streams...and a horse who tried to decapitate himself.

I hate getting that call from the barn manager, who usually calls me and starts with "Don't worry, Major is OK." This conversation didn't start like that, so my heart always leaps into my throat. Major had a big gash, blood flow seemed to be slowing, and he was eating and playing. I'm at work, and ask her to make the judgment call, "Does it need stitches and/or the vet?" She didn't think so. I'd be over there in a couple hours, so I'd evaluate then.

Driving up to the barn I was worrying, and Major was out in the field with everyone. When I caught him he didn't want his throatlatch area touched, and it was hot and swollen. He was also dancing around like an idiot...bad behavior after I'd been gone for four days?

I had just tied him up when it started raining a bit...then the hail started. We don't have a barn, so the wash rack was being pelted. Major was dancing around, the hail was getting worse, and the sky was black. I took him to his shelter where he gratefully calmed down. HE knew the storm was bad! His wound didn't look too serious, so I cleaned it a bit, put some healing lotion and left the racket of the shelter, where the hail was now coming down in 1/4 inch pieces and coating the ground. It wasn't going to let up, and he was now contentedly eating dinner, so I left.

The next day I was able to evaluate a bit better with the swelling gone down. Small tear in the skin seems to be the worst, but the top layer of skin and all the fur is removed for about a 3x8 inch area, like he tried to skin himself. Have no idea where or how he managed it, the barn manager thinks maybe on his gate, and Major does tend to be very curious...and it got him in trouble this time.

I won't be able to ride until it is pretty well healed, as it is right where the bridle throatlatch sits. We are still getting pounded by storms, so I expect some good long walks and walking through mud puddles in my future. It is a good time to bond and work on groundwork!

a fight, then peace

The ride started out nicely...five miles to Mormon Ravine. Previously that has been the bridge of death, but Major crossed it with only a little jumpiness, and had to practice crossing again. The whole trail there is very rocky, up-and-down, crossing mud puddles and tiny creeks. Some trotting can be done, but lots of listening is important.

Coming home we just worked on the listening part, which was a a fight. A very frustrating ride home, I added at least an extra mile to work on some kinks. Major was pulling and pulling, so we worked on walking nicely, backing and sidepassing down the trail. He was frustrated because he just wanted to go-go-go! But it is not safe...and that is not what I was asking! I was frustrated because we've worked and worked on this, but I realize it's an ongoing evolving process.

So the next day under gathering storm clouds we took another ride. We stayed in the forest and just walked. And stopped and ate grass. And walked. I stayed on the drier trails, just because I'm tired of slopping through mud. When Major wanted to trot I just asked him to stop, back up, turn around, think about that decision, and kept calmly on. Taking a cue from a friend's latest adventure, I went toward home then away, so he never quite knew where we were going.

It was a nice ride for both of us. Once he figured out that the plan was no plan, and that we'd stop for grass a lot, I think Major thought it was a fun ride too. I had really considered going out, doing another big ride, getting him to listen...but then realized that while those kinds of ride are certainly in my future, I'd rather end the weekend on a good note.

And I'm glad I did. It has now been raining for three days, and probably for the next six more. Two inches of rain yesterday, the trails will be back to a quagmire. Major will get a break, we'll get on the trails again, and like anything, begin the process.

Sham and Grimalkin

To any horse-loving child, those names should bring back memories of Marguerite Henry's "King of the Wind." The desert-bred Sham becomes the Godolphin Arabian (legendary Thoroughbred sire) and Grimalkin is his cat, Agba the boy watches over them both.

Major is my own Sham, a desert-bred bay Arab, and he has his own Grimalkin, who lives in his paddock. She comes to greet us both, and is appropriately orange. Her name is Mandy, but I've called her Grimalkin from the beginning. The other day she was curled up on his dinner, leaping off just as we entered to wind through our legs. Major seems to like and/or ignore her, but never moves his feet while she is underneath.

I never knew the origin of the name Grimalkin, but Wikipedia is a plethora of info (can be sketchy on some subjects, but I think this one is pretty safe). It is interesting to know that the name Grimalkin comes from greymalkin, and is an old or evil-looking female cat, from the Scottish, and is the cat in Macbeth and many other literature references. Our kitty is very sweet, until you stop petting her!

I read "King of the Wind" every year, and every year the closing words bring tears to my eyes.

If you've never read it, or it's been a few years, you owe it to yourself to go find a cheap used copy, or find that box of books in the attic, and sit for a few hours. For me it brings back all the magic and love of horses that started this whole adventure.


p.s. With disclosure I do have to say I love kitties, and the best kitty in the world (Thomas the cat) is right now on the sofa at home, spreading white fluffy fur everywhere, waiting for me to come home and resume my duties as her servant.

trail scouting

With better weather and more trail time approaching, I'm itching to hook up my trailer and try some new locations. This will be my first year with a trailer, and while I still need to get used to it, there are some places pretty close by, easy drives, that I know I can manage.

One is the Auburn staging area. This is where Tevis ends every year, and is access to hundreds of miles of trails. I want to ride south-west from there to Folsom lake, (I have ridden the lower portion, it is just the 7 miles in between I get to try next). I wanted to scout the trails first, as I know some people who've gotten a bit turned around...and you might not want to end up on Cardiac Hill!

I've hiked this area often, but tended to wander onto people-sized trails, take a road here and there, etc. This time I stuck on the horse trail, and while a bit muddy it was all passable. There are a couple quite steep areas, some really rocky parts and and also a couple places where you have to follow the road. Luckily it is just a park road and hardly used (only open on weekends in Spring and Summer).

The river is very full, the canyon is beautiful and the wildflowers are just coming out. I can't wait to ride!

quick adventure

(I got back to the barn after my ride and the manager wondered if Major had been a jerk so I'd come back early? I explained where we'd gone, and that we were just fast today!)

I'm a little tired of the same trails, and the forest is still pretty muddy, so I split the difference! Starting in the forest was mostly walking, what isn't totally a puddle is really slick mud. It took almost a half hour to carefully walk about two miles. The rest of the ride was much faster! We took the lower lake trail, which is the nice sandy trail, and didn't encounter a single other rider. One hiker, some boats on the lake, where was everyone? It was about 60 degrees, blue skies, just lovely.

Major was listening nicely, we just motored along at his medium trot. GPS puts it about 10mph...nicer for me when it is a little slower, but it's a compromise at this point. He was a little looky and it took me some time to figure out why: the lake is different! Even though they hold and release water all winter, I think at this point it is filling faster than they release, so rocks that were completely exposed a couple weeks ago are now just tiny islands out in the water, and the lake is much closer in some places.

We got to the main staging area, where we often cut in. But we kept going and were able to follow the lake trail all the way to the next crossing: only one problem, I didn't see any trail back up! We were about 20 feet lower than the trail, and I was planning on backtracking a bit to find an easy access. Major thought that was a great idea, as that was the way home! But I saw a small trail leading up, and thought that must be it!

It was for about 10 feet: then I saw that I should have payed more attention: it was just a person trail, and the tree branches were encroaching and the "trail" was quite steep. It did look safe though, and it would have been harder to back out, so up we went. Major is such a good sport, and climbed up the slippery hill no problem (except for banging my knee on a tree, there was no room to move him over!) At the top we still had about 4 feet to go, but it leveled off and our main trail was blocked by dead, scratchy branches. I saw another route, pointed Major at it, and we climbed the bank, popping onto the main trail! What a surprise we would have been for someone on that trail (though I listened carefully, didn't want to scare anyone). I knew we were close to where I like to cut for home, and after walking about 50 feet I saw the real place we could have come up from the lower trail...I'll know for next time (sheepishly hanging head).

Coming home is a fun trail, it parallels the road up high, and is pretty smooth and even. Major loves this trail, and I let him do his big trot: it takes my breath away, 14-15 mph and so smooth. It is only about a half mile, but quick!

At home there is lots of delicious grass, and Major got a good snack before rolling in the arena to finish the adventure. Rain was coming again, but I am so glad to fit these rides in between storms. I think Major is too.

two good rides

Saturday was bright and sunny...and cold. At the ranch the puddles were frozen and Major was just finishing his breakfast. And was a bit of a wild-man. The day before it poured rain but we went on a four-mile hand-walk: obviously not enough. I had him let off some steam in the arena. It would be hard to explain to non-horse people the joy of seeing him bounce around the arena, tail flagging, huge extended trot...and then trotting in to me, blowing and snorting and putting his head down to greet me. He only trots around a couple times, doesn't buck or put up much fuss, then is ready for business.

I saddled up and headed for the sunniest trail: the canal. The forest was still slippery from the previous rain, the trails seem to have hit maximum saturation and puddles and streams are everywhere. We traveled through the neighborhood to the staging area, where there was just one lone trailer. I didn't have a plan for time or distance, but wanted to gauge his behavior. We walked a bit then picked up a trot, and were able to keep it at a reasonable pace, so just kept going over rocks and through puddles. One fun puddle is more than knee deep, he just pauses and then powers on through. At one point I did ask him to canter up a small hill, and had to circle him as he got all squirrelly. It took me a second to figure out why: but the low-flying helicopter coming up behind us probably had something to do with it! We turned and looked, then kept going.

don't bother me, can't you see i'm eating!

I rode until I knew I was coming to the muddy part of the trail, where it cuts into the forest. I decided that was enough for that direction and we both took a break and rested on the small hill by the lake. We headed back the same trail, though Major wanted to cut through the forest in our usual spot. Going home he doesn't even pause at the puddles. At one point we were trotting quickly and came to a log that blocks the trail. I usually slow him and ask to step over, but it came up so quickly! I was prepared for him to jump it, when he slowed, stepped over it, and kept power-trotting on. Good boy!

Going home we did take one very yucky trail, that wasn't a trail any more, it was a creek. A good ride of about 10 miles, got home in one muddy piece, and saw exactly one other rider.

On Sunday did much of the same trail with a friend. It is so good for Major to ride with another horse, to deal with different speeds. Major is also convinced that this horse Friday is going to get him. When Friday would be in the lead and back away from something spooky Major would try to get out of his way really quickly. I think he remembers the time Friday was really annoyed at him and kicked out. No indication of that this time, with both horses behaving themselves. It was a nice ride, a few more people out and a bit windy, and an extra day of drying time didn't help the trails much.

And more rain is expected this week. Sorry to the people buried in snow and ice, but I'm ready for spring! There are so many trail options within such a short distance, and I know I'm lucky to live in such an area. I have practiced with my trailer, and hope to get out and explore some new trails!

rain is not great

I take it back. The last ride in the rain was nice. This storm is much colder. I managed to sneak a ride in before this current storm, because right now it is way too cold and wet to even think about the trails.

It is so nice to be able to fit in a ride after work. I would love them to be longer, but I only have about an hour of good light right now. It is also pretty cold and I don't want to get Major all sweaty, so an hour of casual trotting has been fun. It is enough for us both to feel good, and for him to get his kicks out.

I rode out about 5:00pm, the light was just gorgeous. The sun was setting, the lake was glowing, and all the trees were beginning to lose their definition and just be beautiful shapes. We took the most outer trail, which leads to a lookout with great views...and a dead car just a bit further down the trail. Major didn't blink at that or the multitudes of deer we saw. One deer stayed about 25 feet from us, in an open field, keeping a watchful eye but sensing we weren't a danger. I like being quiet and imaging we're part of nature, though I know we disturbed the deer's dinner.

There are lots of giant puddles on the trail, some clear, some really mucky. Major has been pretty interested in snorkeling/drinking from them. Mostly he is just playing, as his muddy face will attest, but sometimes he takes a little drink. This horse truly wants his own pond!

Unfortunately part of the trail has just been destroyed by the four-wheelers. At one point we were heading up a road which is bisected from erosion. I thought to take the right side, but after going up a few feet I could tell that a truck or motorbike had eaten away that side of the trail. I asked Major to back, with dropoffs on either side, and slippery trail, and he stayed in the middle, placing his feet pretty carefully. Taking the left side was much easier, and after that Major was convinced we were heading home, and needing some reminding not to rush.

We walked up the road back to the stable in the gathering dark, the only ones out, except for a few early bats zooming overhead. I even heard an owl...it was such a cliché, but a good ending to a short but sweet ride.

rain is great

It started raining again just as my trimmer showed up. The weather report said scattered showers, I was hoping to fit in a ride...so after making Major's feet pretty, I quickly saddled up. He was feeling good, after being cooped up yesterday in the pouring rain.

Heading out I had a great view through wet perky ears, and a brisk walk. We began by slogging through a giant, deep puddle, but Major was game. We trotted when we could, including a good trot up the wide road and up another hill as well. Major really wanted to move out, but listened quite well to my admonishments to keep is slow and safe. We were quite in sync today, and I was riding with a smile.

I was pretty wet, as my jacket was soaked through. But I wore my new Kerrits winter-weight breeches, which are rain resistant and fleece lined. My legs were a little damp but warm. I love the breeches, very comfortable, but they are really unflattering...oh well, Major doesn't care, and we didn't see another soul on the trail.

I did have one of my cheap caribiners break and I lost my folding hoof pick and pocketknife. I loved them, but the chances of retracing all the cross-cross tracks we did today are pretty small.

The rain has still not let up, but I love when Major so obviously wants to be out and we have a good adventure. A day to prove that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man (thanks Winston Churchill for that).

echo of my heart

It is hard to lose a friend, especially one who has taught you so much. This weekend my favorite school horse, Echo, was suffering from colic and had to be let go. There are so many people saddened by his passing, but I really appreciated the call from the stable, where I have not ridden consistently for a few years, but they knew he was my favorite. I chose not to go see him...I am like this with many things, but know (for me) that I am better off with the memories in my mind.

January 2007

Since then all the memories of him have just been popping up unexpectedly. He was a character, liked to chew on and explore everything with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. I won my first ribbon, a second place in the trail class, on Echo. And my second ribbon (in the same class) the next year. He was always my choice at lessons, and I especially enjoyed riding him bareback (though cantering bareback in the arena one time I slid off when my tired legs just couldn't hold on...so he was the first horse I also fell off!)

Echo on the left. Avery Pond, March 2009

I took him on rides with friends between his arena lessons with kids. He was always happy to get out and see the trail. One time I had to dismount and help a friend, so I clipped my reins to his halter (and not the bit). I didn't realize until I got back from the ride that I never reattached the reins to the bit. After that I rode him like that most of the time.

He was also the only one I could consider riding after my first horse died. He had a great trot and could really move out, weaving between trees and over rocks. He carted around scores of beginners, showing little of the fire I knew he had, though the stubbornness showed through as he trotted like a slug unless asked correctly.

Echo Ears, June 2008

The trail I did with Major on Sunday is the same trail I did my first solo ride, on Echo. He spooked at a lizard's shadow that day, and I laughed and we trotted on. I was proud that day to have trotted the whole canal trail, alone, trusting the bond with Echo. I loved the view between his gray ears and wild mane.

You'll be missed Echo.

sunday the 13th

A day of extremes. What came first: counting more than 20 rigs in the staging area, calling the park dispatch on a dirt-bike rider on the horse trail, me falling off my horse, or losing a friend?

First was the staging area. It was packed! Major was curious and antsy about all those trailers but we walked between them, winding our way to the trailhead. Down the hill, and right to the lake. I'd planned on moving out pretty good this day, we'd been building back up with some slower rides, and I knew Major really wanted to move. I hadn't anticipated on moving sideways so quickly...he did a good job of that!

And there I was on the ground. OK, note to self: look where you're going, not anywhere else! Coming at a trot around the first corner I was looking more to the left, Major looked to the right and saw two riders/monsters, did a little jump/spin that wouldn't have meant anything if I'd been paying attention. I wasn't and ended up looking at his front feet nicely stopped in front of me. I was happy not to be stepped on and jumped up. Landing in mostly sand I felt mostly ok, a little twinge in the shoulder I landed on. And who were those two riders...my neighbors! So we talked a bit...and kept going down the trail.

And promptly came across some riders who warned me of the dirt-bike. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the park, and some horses are very nervous. So when I saw the bike on the trail, right on the old rock canal crossing, I got off Major, who did his job of standing quietly, and I called dispatch. The park is understaffed and the area is hard to get to, so I just wanted to let the ranger know, maybe they can do some patrols in the area. As I was calling the bike slowly rode by on the sand below. Major was fine with that, though meeting one at speed around a corner would be another scary situation.

There were lots of people out, so we passed a few groups, though I never let Major trot up on them, we never appeared to be trying to catch them, I didn't need that attitude. My GPS hadn't been working all day, which was annoying, and as we came around the corner I could see ahead of us: a horde of riders! Maybe only 12 riders, but that's a lot in that area! So we took the high road. Literally: I took the cutoff to the Rock trail.

the notorious Rock trail

Officially the Pioneer Express trail, this section is notoriously know as the Rock trail because that is all it is: a couple miles of rocks and more rocks, up and down. Big chunks of slippery granite, steep steps and overhanging branches. A good challenge on a good day. Major does a great job of scrambling up rocks like a goat, sinking into his haunches to go down steep banks. We went along a bit, I decided it wasn't a challenge I was up for today. My shoulder was hurting, It was time to go home. I found the cutoff to the forest, and headed home, having at least 2 more miles to go. Luckily that was uneventful. Major was well behaved, we had a nice trot and fast walk all the way home.

It was warm enough to hose Major down and lead him out to the grass. Enjoying the sun and his snack, my phone rang "Call to Post" so I knew it was a horse friend. Unfortunately they were calling to let me know my favorite school horse, Echo, was colicing and not going to make it. I was only able to speak about two coherent sentences before getting off the phone.

Major's last job of the day was letting me cry in his mane.

high alert

"There is a thing up there! A big thing, on the ground! SNORT! Don't make me walk over there! Oh, we're walking closer, I am big so maybe it will run away. Closer...Scary! It is big, I think it will eat me! Wait...maybe I know this thing? I am going to sniff it...careful... it might still jump up and eat me. SNIFF! Oh, it's the trash can. I like the trash can. It looks different when it is tipped over. I knew that. Where is the grass?"

the saga of the lost boot

A Sunday Tale. Just a short ride to loosen up from yesterday's ride. The weather was (again) spectacular, Major was in a good mood. I tacked and booted. Saturday the boots were perfect, and I think we do get more grip in the muddy sections. Heading out, I planned on a sightseeing trip to one of the lookout points, and headed out. About 1.5 mile out, the clip-clop of hooves became more of a clip-thud. I leaned over and glanced down, no right boot! Damn! I figured we'd lost it recently or I'd have noticed (right?). So we turned to retrace our steps...and Major went "weeee, we're going home!"

So dealing with the idiot-acting horse (none the worse for wear from the 10 miles the day before) we went back over the stones, through the mud, me watching the trail for the orange boot, Major just pulling for home. Almost back to the staging area, we followed two horses that we know, and then let them leave. I still hadn't seen a boot, but was dealing with Major who was convinced that if we didn't follow those horses home RIGHT NOW that something terrible would occur. So we turned back on the trail, to remind Major that we hadn't even done our ride yet!

At this point I was composing the "reward" poster for my boot. "LOST: one orange renegade boot. Owner is despondent over the disappearance. If you see or hear anything, please call."

Back down the same trail, we turned a corner and the trumpets heralded! There was the boot! It had been flung into a ditch on the side, completely intact. I have no idea how that happens, but I guess I need to tighten everything a bit more. I jumped off and just attached the boot to the saddle (reminder, bring more carabiners, they are so handy!)

crappy camera+glorious sun=Major's aura

Now to deal with the horse. We did not manage a nice ride to a beautiful lookout point. Instead we did close to five miles...of back and forth the same 1/2 mile section of trail. There was head-tossing and general crabbiness, there was jigging and circling and snatching the reins. On about the eighth time of working the same trail I finally got the walk I was asking for. It was not pretty, and not as quiet as I'd hoped for, but it was a walk. So we kept walking towards home, and he maintained the walk.

Can you see the dirt aura now?!

Back home the torture for Major continued. He was so sweaty, and it was so warm, he got a mini-bath, including tail wash and face scrub. He looks like a drowned rat when wet, his scraggly tail looks even worse, his wimpy forelock hangs limply, so I took pity and I took him to have a grass snack. It also helped him dry out a bit. Then I did it...it was hard, but I let him...roll! In the sandy arena he coated both side quite well, came to say hi to me, quite pleased with himself. I guess we both won some battles today.

an outing

Major and I joined two friends for a picnic outing. And so did every horse owner in our area!

I apologize to people stuck in the snow and ice, don't read on if you can't handle the good weather...but Saturday it was 74 degrees and gloriously sunny, with a warm breeze. This is California, but Northern California, and usually we don't have it this good. It broke a record...while the rest of the country breaks records for cold. Sorry! If you need a break, come visit!

The three of us headed for the lake. All of the horse get along fine, but each has their issues. We work on that throughout the ride, helping (harassing) each other, pushing our boundaries. At one point on the lake Major was a snot, it was windy, and here came a very low helicopter. He's usually fine with them, but was getting silly, so my friends suggested I burn off a little energy...so Major and I trotted off ahead of them, went a bit, then headed back to meet them. That helped.

We ended up at the packed staging area. There were probably 20 trailers. There are nice benches and lots of grass, so we all ate our snack. Major really wanted my sandwich, and probably would eat everyone else's food too. He got a piece of crust at the end (very delicious with peanut butter he thought). It was nice to just sit and relax, and none of us had a plan except to enjoy the day.

Heading home we took the upper trail. It has tough footing and not many places to trot, so that is good for horses anxious to get home. We all took turns leading and following. While Major prefers to lead, he is fine anywhere. Since he is quite fast, he usually has to stay behind so the other horses don't work too hard to keep up. Even with Major's slow trot one horse (Dune) kept cantering, but it was more that Dune was being naughty. We had to work on that coming home, but it's all a process. I know Major in groups is a whole different horse (not in a good way!). It is hard when friends are frustrated, but luckily we can all help, because we've all been there (and will be there again).

I did split from my friends to work beginner's hill, and let Major burn off more steam. It is good and steep, a good canter up. At the top Major was ready to run more! But I was done for the day, so we walked back down the other side and back home. It was longer of a ride than I'd planned to do for our first big ride back. I had been being pretty cautious with him, but he was sound and happy the whole trip. I know we'll get more rain before the winter is over, but with days like this I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and plan for summer adventures.

balance

Life has conspired in the last few weeks toward too much work and not enough horse time. That was semi-ok was Major was hurt, but now the sun has been shining gloriously, the trails are dry, Major is better, and I'm trapped in my office until late in the day.

I'd been planning to ride yesterday, To saddle up, slip on the bridle, and go. Then I got to the ranch and was just too tired. I know that if I did the work I'd feel better after (like exercise!) but with horses that negative feeling/tiredness always transmits. I haltered Major and took him down to the arena. I was just going to see if he wanted to run around, but off the lead he just stood with me. So I put on a helmet, attached some reins to the halter and climbed on none-too-gracefully (he's too tall to get on bareback even from the mounting block. I should just swallow my pride and mount from the coop jump).

I mostly let him just wander around, just using my legs and seat to make sure we didn't just stand by the outside gate or eat the grass along the edges. When I asked for a trot he was hesitant, but went into his lazy/slow jog. I'm certainly out of practice bareback riding, and when my balance would wobble Major would slow questioningly. I grabbed mane and told him it was ok, so we trotted some more, stepped over some tiny jumps, and just were. He is not the most comfy bareback horse, with tallish withers and not much padding, so next time I'll throw on the bareback pad. But this was a non-planned adventure. I am still amazed that this silly speedy trail machine will quietly walk after almost a week off (I know the trail would be a different story!).

I hopped off and we went outside the arena to eat some grass. I did make Major stand by the scary cow, and only got one jump back with a big snort when the cow ran over. It was a quiet night, beautiful sunset, the horses were fed and contently eating. A good lesson in reestablishing some balance.