A Horsey Weekend

I went and audited a Ritter clinic yesterday, visited with old friends from our previous barn, and accompanied a friend and neighbor to her first ever horse show. I was the designated show Mom. She did a fabulous job. Came home with 2 ribbons out of 3 classes. She should be proud of herself. I know I was proud of her.

Today I am exhausted. Hubby took off early this morning for the St. Paul trail ride. I was suppose to go with him, but I chickened out. Not quite ready for something quite so large and frought with scary possibilites. All turned out well for him. Bay is such a laid back guy. He was definitely a good ambassador for the breed. Mick said the best thing was that he was interested in all that was going on around him. Looking and taking it all in while being quiet and obedient. That's why we like Arabians. They are intelligent. They like their people. They are beautiful. I know a lot of people feel that way about their horses, and I am not dissing any other breed. I am just declaring my love for mine.

Tonight we are going to the Rose Garden to watch the Lippizzaner Stallions. I've been once before and loved it. Hope this time is as good. We are meeting up with friends. So it should be fun. I am pretty tired though, so it may be a struggle to stay awak. This weather makes me want to curl into a ball and eat comfort food. Ugh!

Trail Ride at Willamette Mission Park

I am so tired tonight, but I just couldn't go to bed without telling all of you how wonderful Boo was on today's ride. We went to Willamette Mission Park down by Salem. I was somewhat reluctant this morning as I had heard the weatherman say they expected thunderstorms in the Salem area today. The last place I want to be in a thunderstorm is on the back of a horse wearing metal shoes. Still, I figured if I got there and it looked bad everyone would bag it and if they didn't and I was still uncomfortable they could go for their ride and Boo and I would nap in the trailer and truck respectively.

Napping turned out to be unecessary. The weather was gorgeous and I didn't hear a single clap of thunder. There were 4 of us and all of the horses did very well. Boo did me proud. He went first, second, and third in line without complaining. I didn't try bringing up the rear although I will in the future. He didn't have any major spooks and didn't do any jigging either. It was a wonderful day, and I am looking forward to riding much more this summer than last. Maybe hanging out in the pasture all winter long did help!

Keeping Busy

What a busy time! Finally feeling top notch again. Boo and I hit the arena yesterday and let me tell you...I lose muscle and stamina quickly. Sometimes it seems like I am in this never ending cycle of getting back into shape. Does age do that to you? Still I persist.

Today I am headed out for a trail ride. Looking forward to it and somewhat nervous. Guess that's normal. I think it will be alright. I've been to this place before and it isn't a difficult place to ride. It will only be Boo's 2nd time out on the trail this year. He barely went at all last year. I am hoping that the year in the pasture with other horses, strange sights, sounds, and smells, will have made him a little less spooky. Guess we'll see.

New puppy has been keeping me quite busy. Now that she's settling in, she is into everything! You need to watch her 24/7. She sure has a lot of energy as old dog is finding out. I have to be aware of that and make sure Poko gets some time to herself. She's not use to this constant canine companionship. They do enjoy one another though and they tire one another out too which is helpful.