we've been riding

Happy Holidays to all !! The weather the past couple weeks has been everything to single digit wind chill some nights, to almost 70 the past couple days.I really keep an eye on the horses when we get those fast temperature swings, as I worry about bouts of colic.( Not that I'm paranoid or anything) So far, none of the horses have indicated any upset tummy's. During the warmer days, hubby and I have been able to get the horses out on the trails some. We have done everything from exploring some of the old trails that are part of the original trail system, to moving out along the regular "wide" trails. Played a little bit with some log jumping, or should I say log "hopping", and climbing up and down some of our eroded areas. This has been the busy time of year when hubby worked Monday Night Football, it has been hard to find time for him to go riding with me. But, football season over for the most part, so we are taking advantage of him being home, and the Texas weather being reasonable. Of course, both can change with little notice.

So, now some of the many photos we have been snapping on the trail and otherwise.




Hank shares the trough on the trail with some of the cattle



Stirrups just about drag on each side, with the old trail washed out so deep, it is above our heads



Gee Hank, think you can fit?



Hank and I down the old washed out trail



Gambler will go about anywhere we ask him. Not always graceful looking, but surefooted.



Gambler is not much of a jumper, and is more of a step and hopper.



Hank would be a cute jumper if anyone would be brave enough to do so!



This is what hubby does. Connets the wires, keeps everything working. Pretty simple, huh?

TROT ON !!!

I found I did not have time to post over the weekend like I had thought I might. So, here is the story of Hanks first ride after his surgery.

I had no set time to arrive in my mind, and finally hit the road around 10 AM.


Hank ready to go

On the way, I felt a tiny rush of that feeling you get if you might be getting a cold. So, I made a list of things I needed, and made a stop at a Wal-Mart on the way. Some vitamins, some Airborne (the stuff the teacher created to help keep you healthy when around kids with colds) and some juice. Arrived around 12:30, got parked and set up, and then headed to check in. The vet at this ride is one of my favorites. He not only vets NATRC competitive rides, but also AERC endurance rides. Has a great eye and ear to find things before they become big issues. Part of going to this ride was the fact he was the vet. I knew he’d take that extra care to keep an eye on things that I might miss during the ride. And also willing to look at the horse anytime between his regular checks if I had any concerns or questions. We walked up to him, and I told him Hank had colic surgery about 95 days ago. Poor man, I knew he’d be set back, as most seem to be much more serious than Hanks ended up being. I explained what the surgeon had to do, Hanks recovery, the vets recommendations, and that they said to “Go have fun” when I called them about going to a ride. He was thankful I told him everything. I was thinking “Why wouldn’t I ??” And then felt bad for a horse that a rider would hide all that info. Even if it meant that my horse might be scrutinized more, I wanted to make sure he was aware of what the horse had been through, and to make sure we were good to go all weekend. The first thing he checked was his gums, and asked me if I had been looking at them at home on a regular basis. Oops, I was guilty of not doing so, but will now. They were injected, meaning a little of that red, Toxic line near the teeth, and slightly yellow. Great, first thing to worry and obsess over! The rest of his check in was great. I told him I’d bring him over in the AM, before we timed out, to make sure he was looking better.

It was a chilly night, with the temp. getting down to 26 degrees. Hank had his super warm jimmies, and I had my super warm sleeping bag, and my camper has heat. 6AM came way to early to my mind, but I gave him his morning goodies, and I got ready. It was a beautiful sunrise, and I was excited to see what kind of day it was going to be


Saturday sunrise


I wanted to ride towards the back of the group, so I’d not be pressured to push quicker if someone was on my heels, and there was no place to pass, or I was trying to keep that nice window where we are not in a big group. I rode with Dolly and her horse Sparq. Hank and Sparq adore each other, as they train together some, and often it can cause issues with them at rides, but we got going and it was working out fine. About a mile out of camp, the judges had us pick up the canter, then do a halt. Chilly morning, and fresh horses can, and did, cause some entertainment for them. Thankfully, it was not Hank. Had a little hump in his back, but did not buck, and stopped pretty nice. I was thrilled, as he can, and has bucked some out of joy at a canter when feeling good. Six O ranch is a 1600 acre private cattle ranch. The trails have been created for distance rides. They work their way all over the ranch, up on some “hills” with views, and through the woods, and over prairie like sections.


Look, you can see camp

Later after our pulse/respiration stop, the vet checked metabolics. Hank was doing great, but did not want to stand still, and got dinged a point. Bad Hank. Later the horsemanship judge had an obstacle that we were to back up a small hill. Well, Hank, who does this at home perfect, decided that he would nt only say no, but say HECK no. Even reared a little, which is something he has never done. He thinks for himself often, and I could tell those brain cells were in overdrive, and he decided he was just not going to do this. Thankfully I was able to school him, and we got it done, but got a no score. I was glad the vet did not see his naughty behavior. (we did it twice on Sunday on our own when we passed it, just fine)

Now, the part of the story that could have been SO bad, but turned out fine. As we were watering in one of the creek crossings, Dollys horse Sparq, stepped into a small, shallow hole in the rock base of the creek. Imagine a large flat rock, that has dips, divots, and rough spots from the erosion. Now imagine one that is about the size of a horses foot, and 4-5” deep. Dolly felt Sparq start to move, and then stop as his right front foot was stuck. She hopped off, I hopped off and was able to quickly tie Hank to a tree with his halter bridle combo to hold him, and she started to try to un-stick his foot. But because the rock was solid, we could not break away any chunks around it, and we could not push the foot backwards, or forwards, as rock was blocking that action too.


stuck foot



If he really pulled it would not only rip off the shoe, and a bunch of hoof, and if he went sideways, and the foot did not come loose, a broken leg was a huge possibility. But he stood perfect. I mean. PERFECT. Between riders cantering into the P&R for help, and the drag riders calling on the radio, we had some help, and tools arriving. The first, a fence tool/hammer, was not able to do much. Then a car tire iron budged the hoof a little, but finally started to bend! At last, the ranch manager and vet arrived with a crow bar. By working it under the hoof and shoe, they were able to get the foot to shift backwards enough, to finally lift it out of the hole. The shoe pulled loose, and they had to remove it the rest of the way. We rode on into the P&R, where I was able to get an easyboot on the foot and Dolly was able to finish the days ride. Towards the end, Sparq was starting to look a little bit off when he trotted. She got the show replaced, and he vetted out Saturday fine, but Sunday was a tad off on circles, so Dolly decided to pull from the ride. Looks like just a bit of stress to the ankle joint, and she said he was better Monday AM. This was such a freak thing to have happen. And had Sparq been less cooperative, the results could have been devastating. But he never flinched or tried to get out of the situation on his own in a panic. He had two people down in front of him working on the foot, Dolly holding him, and others nearby, ready to help if needed.

At the end of day check out, Hank had perfect scores, with the exception of a point loss for muscle tone. Metabolics were great though, and I was not surprised with a little MT score loss, as it was a long day for Hank. That night it was time for the ride potluck. This region sure can cook, with many yummy dishes to chose from. It was hard to not just eat a whole meal at the desert table, but I resisted, and had just a tiny piece of a couple items. Hank appreciates that I am sure. He has to carry enough of me already!

Sunday AM we headed out a little earlier, and with his trail partner not going out today, we found a pocket, and rode most of the 26 miles alone. It was a lovely day, a bit warmer, and Hank was feeling great. He had his ears up more, and seemed to be enjoying himself more.



My favorite view


We had an obstacle to do that involved crossing a creek, going over to a log and side passing it and stopping at the fence/gate, reaching down and clipping a close pin on it. They judged the horses willingness to cross the muddy creek, the side pass, and willingness to stand still as we clipped the close pin. The horsemanship judge commented that was the best she had seen that morning. Then the horse behind him, a really nice Appaloosa took it a notch higher, and was picture perfect!

The ranch has a lot of wildlife, and I came around a corner, and spooked up a doe. As I looked towards the trees to see if I could see her again, I saw a nice buck watching us trot by. Can you see him? (might have to click and enlarge the photo!)


Would you have passed the buck?




At our on trail vet check, Hank again had great metabolics, with the exception of a little slow Capillary refill. And he stood still this time for the vet. His P&R’s were great, and even had an 8 (32 in a min.) pulse at one. I really enjoyed riding along, listening to my Ipod, and knowing that the possibility of my not ever doing this again with Hank had been strong. The day seemed to go shorter, and before we knew it, we were heading back into camp.



almost done



At the final check out, Hank had perfect scores, with the exception of his mucus membranes, which were down a little, and he had a point loss. He actually got a + on final for having better MAW (movement/.attitude/willingness) than at check in. I was thrilled. That was the best moment of the ride, to know he had not been over stressed, and that we were indeed ready to get back to some rides. I was just floating as we headed back to the rig. I hugged on him and gave him some more carrots.



yummmm, carrots



Then at the awards, out of 9 horses, he placed 2nd. And while that was the icing on the cake, I think that final vet score meant more to me this weekend than anything.

All photos from the ride are
HERE

Heading South

The rig is packed, Hank was locked in the barn area last night with Gambler, so I could catch him this morning, and in a little bit we are heading south 90 miles for the "Christmas at Six'O NATRC ride". It is the first ride of the 2009 season. They have 62 entries! With that, 11 in the ride are junior riders!!! This ride is a favorite in our region, and always has a nice turn out. In our class, we have 9 Open Heavyweights, and the lightweight Open class also has 9 !!

It has been really chilly the past few nights, dipping down into the mid 20's. Daytime we did have some winds, but this weekend looks to be winds uner 10mph, and temps in the 50's to 60's. And at night, Hank has plenty of warm jammies, and I have a super warm sleeping bag. I guess we are ready for what ever the weather might dish out. I'll have my laptop along, and will post about our weekend if I can.

Warm and Fuzzy

I was fussing in the camper again today, and walked in to find I had a helper. Coony (a Maine Coon cross) decided to look in to what I had been doing in there, and was checking things out.

We have always thought it would be fun to have a cat that traveled with us, but not sure he would be as excited about hanging out in the camper if it was traveling down the road. As I was cleaning and fussing around in the camper, I got that wanderlust feeling. I'm ready for a road trip and some camping. The longest I spent on the road in the camper was 10 weeks. We have had some wonderful memories of places visited with it, so it kind of gives me warm fuzzy feelings just sitting in there. Coony is warm and fuzzy too.

I have been trying to make up my mind of Hank was ready to go to the upcoming NATRC competitive ride this coming weekend. It has been 90 days since the surgery. We have been doing more and more miles on the trail, and he has seemed to be conditioning "normal". I think the fact the surgery was done to a horse that was pretty fit, and the fact it was not as serious as some colic surgeries, where horses have infections and internal sutures etc. from parts of the intestines etc. being compromised has helped Hank do as well as he has been doing. But still, I have had doubts as to his readiness for the ride. Nothing to do with how he is doing, just me being a worry wart. I called the vet today, to ask their opinion about taking him to the ride. I'd have taken him down there to be checked out, IF they thought there was anything they could check. I mean, what DO you check? Gut sounds? They sound fine. Maybe a blood work, but was not sure that would tell us anything. So, after talking to the receptionist for a few min., she put me on hold to talk to the vet. She came back on and said "Dr. Williams said have fun". So. I sent my entry in today. The ride is only 90 miles from home, so the trailer ride is not that bad. My feelings are, I will watch him close. and any sign he is not up to the task, we can pull. But my guess is, he is in better shape than I am . He looks so cheerful out in the field. Wonder if he knows what's being planned.

Now to finsh prepping the camper and the trailer for the ride. I bet I have more help from the cat.

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for many things, but one is the fact I have Hank with me today, and was able to take him for a ride.

Met up with some friends who came to our local trails to camp for the weekend. Patti has ridden the trails during NATRC rides, but her hubby had not been here before. We headed out on the while loop, which is about 13 miles. Hank seemed to enjoy having horses along, even if they did not know them. Patti was on a newer horse that she got a couple months ago. Nice Arab / Saddlebred cross. He has not been many places, but was doing very well out on trails he had never seen. One of the pastures near the trail has Llamas, donkeys, and various cattle, including Longhorns, and a big pretty grey Brahma. We stopped to check them out, and some came over to the fence. The horses were very fascinated, and just did not know what to make of the Llama, but all went up to check it out closer, even sniffing noses. Made for some great photos.







The fall colors are still very pretty in some sections of the Grasslands, with the trees still clinging on to those leaves for a tad longer. It won't be much longer, and they will all be on the ground, and the signs of winter will be setting in. But for now, we will enjoy the fall colors a little longer.


Oh, and I came around a corner at a trot, and about 15 turkeys were in the middle of the trail, and all took flight as they saw us. Missed that photo. Oh well.....

Meet me in a couple hours

Another great day for riding in No. Texas. Hubby and I loaded up Hank, Gambler, and the dog, Thelma, and headed over to the trails. I was meeting Dolly for a quick 2 hour ride. While the hubby likes to trot out some, he has not been able to ride enough between work to get in shape to trot as much as we do when conditioning, so he went one direction, to take an easy 5 or so mile ride with the dog tagging along, while Dolly and I did one of the 10 mile loops. We have an extensive trail system, that has multiple loops, all coming back to the same central camp area. The loops were designed with endurance and CTR rides in mind, with 2 - 15 mile loops, and 2 - 10 mile loops, and one 25 mile loop. Over the years the trails have shifted some, and mileage is not as it used to be, but they are close. Each loop has colored paint markers on trees and posts, along with mileage markers for each loop. Here is a map, just to give you an idea of what the trails look like. And of course, we are often going part of the way on one loop, then changing to another. We also have miles of unmarked trails through out the Grasslands. (click photo for larger version if curious)


So, off we go, with a goal of trying to do about a 5mph pace. The weather was warming up, and both horses worked up a bit of a sweat. Hank was a little doggy in the beginning, but I think he was confused that Gambler came in the trailer with him, then went the other direction. About 1/2 way through the ride, he perked up, as he knew we were now heading back towards the trailer, instead of away from it.

When we got back at camp, I was not surprised that Gambler was tied to the trailer, saddle put away, and the dog was laying down in the shade. But I was surprised to hear that hubby got to the short cut I suggested he take to head in making his smaller loop, and decided they were not done yet, and wanted to ride further, and finished out the loop back to camp. Might get him back in shape after all !

Weather looks not bad the rest of the week. I have been working on a few projects / repairs on my camper. Had some issues with the fridge when on the propane setting, and I got that fixed, and had to replace an outside section of wood and siding under the door. Now to check to see if any of the darn mud dabbers have made any nests over the summer in the water heater area, or if they have stuffed grass in the water fill spigot. Decided to do the projects before the weather turns cold again, in case I want to go some place with the camper. Might just be doing that shortly.... thinking about it. (more to follow) :-)

If you don't like the weather, wait a day

In the past week/ week and a half, Hank and I have hit the trails a few times. Each time we have gone out, I have been asking a little more of him, to see if he seems 100%. What had been the 4-6 mile walks with a little trotting, is now about 10-12 miles, with more trotting. Texas weather is always unpredictable, and one day it can be windy and in the lower 40's, and then the next, a day like today that is in the mid 70's, and darn near perfect for riding. Hubby and I rode last week, and had a lovely ride over some of our more remote "non-official" deer/cattle paths.





It was very peaceful out in the late afternoon with perfect fall weather. Saw a couple Armadillos, but no other wildlife that day. Tried to get a photo, but it saw Hank, did the famous "jump in the air and RUN" maneuver, and we were not able to keep up with it. Well, we did have one other critter, but not wildlife. One of the bulls that is on a grazing lease out there was along one of the trails.



Then, Saturday, Hank and I went out in the cold and wind for a couple hours, and then again Sunday, which was much nicer, warm, no wind for a couple more hours. All seems to be going well. He is perky, ears up, and willing to do what ever I am asking of him. Feeling pretty much like he did before the surgery. So we did about 30-35 miles over 4 days.

I do ride a lot by myself, and wanted to make sure before we started back riding with my friend Dolly, that he was up to the distance we usually would ride together. Today was our first ride with Dolly since before the surgery. I think he was happy to have Sparq along. I bet he was tired of listening to me sing since I play the ipod when I ride alone. Did I mention how nice the weather was today? What a pretty, pretty day. Warm, no wind. Thankfully Hank is not as fuzzy as Gambler is, or he would have been a sweaty mess. Gambler has a coat like a Yak. Maybe hubby can take him out with me later this week, as he has some time off before Thanksgiving. Tomorrow it is to be cold and windy again.

Here is a recent body shot of Hank after he got a bath this week!



Oh, on a non-horse note, our friend called us tonight, to tell us to look up at the sky at a certain time, and we saw the space station and space shuttle zipping across the sky. Well, it just looked like a huge bright star, but it was darn cool!