A Clear September's Night

We are finally getting nice weather but we aren't getting to utilize it as much since the sun is going down earlier.  Last night the boys and I headed out to the farm early to check water as my nephew had accidentally left the hydrant on and dried up the well.  My dad had run a hose from the house and filled the tanks for me and then had me help him get some veggies from the garden for his critters.

On my way out of the barn I grabbed the catch rope and turned the electric fence off.  I headed down the pasture to open the gate so all of the horses could get to the big bale.  Cat and Belle immediately ran to the bale while Black and Duke ran to the back pasture.  I guess they thought the grass was greener on the other side.

I walked up to Cat and threw the catch rope around her neck.  As I was leading her to the barn decided it was to nice of a night not to ride.  I walked her over to the mounting block, hopped on and away we went.

It felt good to just "mess around".  It almost reminded me of when I was a fearless child.  She had me laughing hysterical when I stopped her and she automatically started to flex both directions.  I didn't stay on long.  I walked for the most part but did do a little trotting and cantering.

Here is a short video (from my perspective).  If you watch closely you can tell which way I'm asking her to go by her ear(s).

Stephens Forest

Monday I decided to meet up with a friend (Bobbie) and go to Stephens Forest for a ride.  Since it was the holiday weekend and Cat has been on vacation I opted to take Lu.

Bobbie doesn't live far from MIL so she stopped by and picked us up.  It has been a while since Lu was in a two horse but she went in without too much of a fuss.

Can you tell which one is Lu?

Bobbie and I were saddled up and on the trails by around 10:00.  Bobbie took me on some new trails I didn't even know existed.  They had most of my favorite trail features!

For not being out on a trail for over a year I thought Lu did very well.

After a few hours out we returned to the trailer to give the horses a quick rest while we ate our lunch.

Back out on the trail I quickly became very dissapointed in my fellow equestrians.  It was apparent some didn't believe in the "carry out what you carry in" saying as there were quite a few beer cans left on the trail and along the side of the trail.  

Up in the pines Lucy and I stopped for a rest as Bobbie rode through the pines.

Lucy was happy to stay and guard the tree while Bobbie explored.  During her exploration she found a trail I didn't know existed so we headed out to see where it would take us.

I had a nice, enjoyable ride w/Bobbie and Lu.  Lu was a pretty tuckered little pony though.