Beautiful Morning March 30, 2013

Penny... My beautiful girl in the morning sun.  I just love her!

Pets

Penny... So fluffy So beautiful in the sunshine.

Lovey.... Curled up on the new sofa. Looking so comfortable.

Winter Hike

Went for a hike in the snow today.  Trudging through the fluffy white stuff for 75 minutes.  It would have been easier with spikes or snowshoes or anything offering more traction.  Even trekking poles would have been a good idea, but I didn't have them in the truck.  It was still a delight to get out.  Janet brought Maizy.  She thoroughly enjoyed it.  Janet fell 4 or 5 times, but not hard.  She cracks me up!  I was spared except for choosing the wrong place to cross the creek.  My foot got wet.  Thankfully I was wearing my new wool hiking socks that wick moister away from skin.  My feet never got cold.  I LOVE these socks! 

Who came to greet us afterwards but my sweet pony Penny...  She's so fluffy right now.  I don't think she minds the snow.  Not on a day like today anyway. 

It was a great day, a great hike.  It just makes me feel good.  :)

Vacation Day #6: I’m a Loner

Keith went back to work today.  Boo hoo! 

 

The fun must not stop here!  Tammi & Caleb & I hit North Park for a fairly quick 2.5 mile hike.  It was mostly uphill on the way out so an easy downhill on the way back.  We saw squirrels, bunnies, chipmunks, and some deer, with a fawn still in spots!  The lake looks so much more inviting now that it’s being re-filled.  It was a good little hike followed by a stop at the ice cream stand. 

 

 

From there I went straight to the farm.  We loaded up our tack and precious equine cargo and went to Moraine State Park for a nice long ride.  I’m so proud of Penny.  She loads and hauls pretty easy, quite the contrast from her first trailer ride about 16 years ago this week.  Some of the trail was familiar and some was new.  I wish I would have taken a camera to snap photos of one particular portion.  There is a land-bridge type area, swampy on either side with heavy Lilli pads.  At the end was a fairly large wooden bridge.  Penny didn’t much care for the strange hollow sound of her hooves crossing the bridge, but she pressed on like the good little trooper she is.  We trotted most of the ride trying to leave the bugs behind.  No amount of fly spray truly repels deer flies.    They were HORRIBLE!!!  She led the way for the last leg of the trip.  Again… I’m so proud of her!!!  I think she moves out very well and is actually better matched with Rambo as a riding buddy this year.  He covers the ground faster and doesn’t try to race like Sir.  It was GRAND!!!

 

What a well rounded day of exercise and fun!  Vacation is SO AWESOME!!!!

2011 Horseback Riding Season

Penny will be SEVENTEEN this year!  WOW!

It’s finally underway… the riding season for 2011.  I have grand plans to put many a mile on my pony this year.  By mid or late May she should be needing some shoes to protect her toes.  I shall not get them unless I’m riding enough to need them.

Thursday, April 14, 2011 was the first ride.  It was like riding a pogo stick for an hour and a half.  She bounced the jig pretty much the entire time.  Well, I guess that is to be expected for my first ride of the year.  She’ll eventually come around.  I was satisfied to just make it out and back safe and sound. 

The second ride was Friday, April 15, 2011 and Keith joined us riding Sir.  It was windy.  What was I thinking?  Actually, we stayed in the woods as much as we could and it wasn’t that bad.  She did have a couple of ‘moments’ but we stuck it out.  She even played in the creek.  Another spin on the books.  Just getting started.  I do think that I’m going to try a different bit for a while and see if that helps any.  We shall see.  Here’s to many fun rides in 2011. 

Frolicking Ponies

I took these couple pictures on a brisk morning last week.

LOOK at my girlie GO!!!! (Click on the photo to make it bigger)

 

I love the sunshine in this one and the fact that Sir is dead last in the race.  (He’s always first when we race on a ride.) 

 

I can’t wait for the green grass and spring flowers!  I saw some crocus poking out last week.  It’s coming… slowly…  Although I do not relish the mud that comes with April showers nor the idea of getting Penny’s Hannibal Lector mask out. 

Wow! How about that look?!

She HATES the mask. She despises the mask. She abhores the mask! It is a necessary evil. One good thing is that she gets a treat in it every time I put it on her. She EXPECTS that treat. It's the only reason she even lets me put it on her. Silly girl. It's better than a girdle. Poor Baby.

Speaking of Anniversaries...

As of tomorrow... June 28... my darling Penny will have been home with me for one full year. It's hard to believe. It seemed to go by so fast! I can report that she LOVES being home. She is spoiled so badly! Her sassy attitude is noted by most visitors and her beautiful palomino dapples are so gorgeous this year. I started riding her again late last summer. At first just short trip here and there, but eventually longer more challenging rides. By late fall I was trailering her to beautiful destination rides where the beauty of the season took my breath away. She has become more and more brave all along, and so have I despite the one mishap last fall.

Riding this summer has been a dream. She's way more settled now and seems to enjoy our jaunts. I too am stronger and more confident. Sometimes Keith comes and rides one of the other horses. I'm so grateful to have that resource to share with him. It's been great. We've even gone on a gallop or two... and Keith thinks that is way cool! So riding has been great aside from one more tiny mishap involving a strong trot in a field of high grass where a groundhog caused her to zig when I zagged... oops... I fell down. Thankfully she's not that tall. It buggered up my hand pretty good. The reins literally burned thru my fingers causing a tremendous instant blister. It's all healed now... thankfully. But aside from that I wasn't hurt and neither was she. Imagine that... I've fallen off of her twice... and only twice in her entire life too. Wasn't her fault... stupid groundhog!

So tomorrow is the anniversary of regaining my "Peace of Mind" so to speak. I love her so much and I am very blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to have her again. This was a HUGE answered prayer! Thank the Lord! For he is good!

Mr Yuck... or Miss

Aint she cute!?!?

This Weeks Photo Fave

Her dapples are really coming out right now.
I love the way she arched her neck.
She's probably checking him for treats!
I'm sure of it!

Sneak Peak Sunday... Fall Beauties

We were to attend a memorial service for Great Aunt Mary Jane yesterday, but alas another important duty would arise. My friend was out of town and her horse was sick with a temperature of 104 on Thursday and 103.6 on Friday. WOW! So I needed to tend to her before doing anything yesterday morning. I was in luck. The antibiotics we'd been giving her were starting to kick in and her temp was coming down. It was down to 99.5. Yippie!!! So I fed them and left there pleased that all was finally well.

But while I was out that way I figured it to be a perfect opportunity to wipe out my chores at the farm where Penny lives... and we really enjoyed it. What a perfect specimen of a day! As if the sunshine and breeze were not enough... enjoy the beauty of the season that surrounds us! Keith brushed Penny and we both pitched in to clean the stalls and prepare them for the evening.

Greetings! Did you bring treats?!

A glimpse of the Lord's artistry... I love fall!
Dee does NOT look happy. She is cranky!

The leaning tower of I don't know what!
She's such a love-bug.

Moraine State Park

We went riding at Moraine State Park today! I left work early. We left the farm at 3:20PM. We rode for a couple of hours. Autumn is my absolute FAVORITE time of year. It is SO colorful... it takes your breath away sometimes.

My little pony crossed a wooden bridge twice... pounded up and down hills... she was in the lead and when we came to the end of the trail there was a Stop sign, and that's what she did. HA! Brilliant!

Here She Is

My girl... she's so sweet. We have gone on a few good rides lately, usually a couple hours at a crack. We conquer the hills and endure the aftermath of the recent wind storm. It's fantastic. She's quite the little trooper and so grown up these days. On one of our rides last week we found ourselves in the midst of a LOT of jagger bushes as high as my knees (and I was on her back! Those are HIGH!) Thorn trees greeted us at every turn. Oh the poor thing! We finally found our way around a different way and all was fine and dandy. On another ride we were met by a ferocious dog that actually never barked, but just found that we were intruding upon his territory. The hair stood up along his back as we trodged past him and he reluctantly returned to the heel of his owner upon a stern call. The dog actually caught her by surprise, but once she found that I was not afraid, she put her little head down and continued on as if it had never startled her. We trotted along the edges of fields and on trails that wind through the woods. I'm so delighted with her. I can't wait for our next ride, which reminds me... why am I not on her right now??? Hmmmm... I've gotta go!

Milestone

My beloved Penny has been back with me since June 28th. On August 5th I FINALLY started riding her again. It's been on and off since then. I'm learning the trails and gaining confidence with each new ride. It's funny that when I get on her I'm mentally riding her from years ago... when she was a real pistol. She keeps amazing me. She is so grown-up now. She's such a willing little trooper. I'm delighted to report that tonight we went on our first SOLO ride. I thought I wouldn't make it down the driveway or even around the field without a fight, but with a little pressure and some encouraging words she put one foot infront of the other and off we went.

We did well until we crossed the road and walked up a portion of paved driveway. She REALLY didn't want to go, but again... a little pressure, a few firm words, and a tiny little crack and she reluctantly moved forward. There were some big scarey things on that old road like tarps and wood piles. This was the neighbor that reported seeing a rather large black bear this summer and thus I was not truly very dedicated to following this trail on my own. After we went far enough I turned her around and headed in a different direction. I figured it best to stay close to home just in case a mini disaster might occur... so I might be found and not left lying out in the wilderness with no way to reach anyone. (15 years ago that would not have even crossed my mind)

We went down a little hill into a rather dried up creek-bed. She was not very happy with this scenario. When she started to slide in the mud she got nervous, but a few calm words and encouragement and she stood in the midst of it without any major fuss. Now... if there were only some WATER in that creek we'd be making great strides. (although I suspect that someone spent some time working with her on crossing water in the past couple of years.)

We zig-zagged all over the forrest behind the barn. There are very nice trails that are trimmed and wide enough to ride two-wide. We went up the hill and down and around and over the river and thru the woods... you get the idea. She worked up quite a sweat and we leisurely walked back home. I'm so pleased!!!! This solo ride was a milestone... like I'm chipping away at my goals one ride at a time. It's fantastic!!!

Now if I'd just learn to TAKE the camera with me! I even strapped on the saddle bag that K got me for my birthday, but didn't have anything in it. Ugh.

The barn-time came to a close after giving her a cool sponge bath and spoiling her with a couple of apples. What a way to close out my day!

More Miles

I had another really great ride tonight. Oh I'm so falling in love with her all over again. She is just a gem!!!! I never before enjoyed riding her as much as I have this week! This ride was even better than the last. We went on different trails than before... mountainous hills, beautiful valleys, blazing through overgrown territory in the heart of the forrest, over logs, under branches, across the creek, and out into wide open prairie-like fields where the grass was as tall as my horse. There were some trails on posted property where my friend has permission to ride. They are extremely nice wide groomed trails where all-terrain vehicles are forbidden. This is prime hunting ground in its time. There are tree stands and such and even a few cameras that flash with motion sensors. That was a real treat... she jumped, but didn't miss a step. I think it shocked me more than her. We chuckled wondering what the land owner will say when he sees the look on our faces in those pictures.

Keith has had our camera because he was at the Pocono race last weekend. He's been taking it to work to show off his photos. I'm going to have to steal it back and take some pictures of our rides. I need to get a small saddle bag to take along such things for our rides. The last time out we saw a red-tailed hawk from very close... a few days earlier I spied a bald eagle nearby. The neighbors of the farm say there is a black bear estimated to be about 400 pounds who has frequented their property. I'm not real keen on meeting up with him, but I'm intrigued to know they are nearby.

Back In The Saddle Again

I RODE MY PONY TODAY!!!! SHE WAS A PEACH!!!! I'M ELATED!!!!

You have to understand that SHE hasn't been ridden since springtime and I haven't ridden for what... a YEAR or more!!!!

She kicked and fussed for about the first 5 minutes. I think she really hates having to wear a saddle that is tightened. We went up a really big hill and she forgot whatever it was that was annoying her. We walked the countryside for over an hour, up and down big mountainous hills, and even into the creek. I've never actually ridden her in water before, but she tramped right into it and was rather surprised to find her feet wet. She hadn't been watching where she was going, but too busy putting her nose where it didn't belong... in the butt of Sir, the horse in front of us. None the less, I am quite the proud rider. She did WAY better than I had expected all around.

I can feel tightening in my legs and shoulders already. Oh I am SO going to feel this in the morning. (But it is SO worth it!!!) I already took some precautionary tylenol! I might need a handicap spot to park tomorrow... I may or may not be able to walk... But it feels good to be so active and pursuing what I love... riding my horse.

My friend took a couple pictures when we got back. She couldn't stop talking about just how CUTE my Penny is. I know... she is... what can I say? Thanks :) I love love love her!!!! But alas I forgot to ask if she would be able to e-mail those to me or if she has to get them developed. So... if they aren't too bad... I will post them when I get them.

Road Trip

Sorry... no pictures. I didn't have batteries on the way down, but then I got some and it rained pretty bad all the way home. I'm looking like a drowned rat at the moment, but I'm soaring with gratitude for the return of my pony after 2 whole years apart. WOW - I can't believe she's home!!!!

We left Friday after work. We drove to Cincy, arrived pretty late, but had a nice warm place to lay our heads at my inlaws. Mom and Jim were glad to have us even if the visit was short. I am grateful for the rest and Mom made a really nice breakfast for us and gave me a go-cup of coffee for the road. She's so thoughtful.

By the way, Mom is doing great! She is actually back to work! She looks great and we are so thankful for her recovery.

This morning we drove from Cincy to Wilmore (near Lexington). We snuck into the IGA in town and picked up a few cans of Skyline Chili and Ale-8 soda (which we cannot buy where we live). Shortly thereafter we arrived at the stable, where the stable-worker handed her over with some necessary paperwork for travel. After filling some containers with water to offer her on the road, she walked right on the trailer without any glitch and off we went! I was beaming!!! (and still am)

The drive home was long. We stopped 3 or 4 times to fuel and offer her some water. Every time I opened the trailer door she would whinny. She was alert, vocal, and begging for attention (and carrots). She was not sweaty or nervous... she rode like a champ! Whatta girl!

So we arrived home 8 hours after picking her up... 11 hours total travel today. We ran into a few patches of nasty rain on the way home, but the rain cooled things off so it was actually not too uncomfortable for her to travel.

We walked her into the barn where she met her three new pals. Two of them were in stalls and the third was loose, kind of having the run of the barn. I slipped her into the stall and she, of course, immediately wanted to greet Rambo, who sauntered over to do the same. She squealed and then she acted like she was in heat. They groomed each other and squealed a little off and on and she even kicked a little too, but overall she is settling in nicely. We put up a new run of fence that separates the two pastures so she can be in one while the other three are in the other.

Tomorrow she will be led around the fence to show her the fence line. There is a lot of green grass there, so I hope she doesn't eat too much of it. I may need to get her a grazing muzzle. I hate to do that because when she wears a halter, it usually rubs. I don't like to leave a halter on her if I don't have to. Anyway... she fits right in at this farm and actually adds a very pretty color to the palate of the little herd.

Can I just say that my friend Rene'e... she rocks!!!! I love her so so much. If it weren't for her, I would not have been able to bring Penny home. If it were not for her, I would not have gotten her back in the first place. Rene'e is entirely gracious. She didn't have the time to spare to do this, but she did it anyway. I'm very humbled, grateful, thankful, and appreciative of her.

As I left the farm and drove towards home, there was a gigantic and boldly colored double rainbow over town. I thought to my self... God is so so good... doubly good. I thanked him many times this evening. His faithfulness has been displayed in my life over and over. The separation over the past couple years was weighing heavy on my heart. God knows... and he faithfully offered me the desires of my heart... to bring her home. He displayed that rainbow so brightly reminding me of his promises. God is SO GOOD!!!

Can I Just Say???

God is SO GOOD!!!!

I'm going to get my Penny on Wednesday. Please pray for safe and speedy travel. It's going to be a L-O-N-G day!!! We are planning to make a round trip which should be about 16 hours without stops.

Praise the Lord for providing for this!!! AWESOME!!! His timing is perfect! No more pining over her absence... My dream of her return is about to come true!

I'm like a child at Christmas!!! I can't wait!!!

Sad Summer Stop

My Penny

I have at least a years worth of tears to shed because I miss her so much. I had the opportunity to visit with her this past weekend and got a good head start on those. She is fine. The farm is beautiful. I'm just enduring a heartache now... and it really stinks. I love her so much.

Full Grown Baby

Fat N' Sassy

The Epitomy of Lazy! Or is it just trust?

The Smell of Spring

Workin' Out

In Kentucky, The Response To My Whistle!