Weekend with Sarah

Sarah and I rode this afternoon. I dropped Zeek off at Greg's work before I headed back home from town, dropped off our shopping finds at home, switched to my riding boots, grabbed my freshly oiled saddle and orange hoodie (it is bow season) and headed over to Gwen's.

It was good to see Sarah. We rode both trails across the street. It was fun. We took it easy (low to medium work out) on the horses, because we plan to ride tomorrow if we have time.

Again, I did very little hand reigning with Gwin. She was wonderful, as usual. It was perfect weather and a great time. :)

flying

When we met she moved me
I knew we belonged together
I tried to move her and she stood firm
We dug our heals deep, each trying to have our language understood

I listened for God and He whispered me to quiet
So I stilled my attempts and started listening
That's when she taught me everything I know
And only then I could move her

Today, we move together
With quiet lips, wild hearts, my calves and her front right shoulder
We speak in secrets that are ours alone, and everything is strong and magic
My most beautiful girl

It's amazing to think where we started
That God knew it all along
And that she could show me what it looks like to surrender
That we could do the impossible... fly

Country Boy

Today, Zeek and I went riding. 

After Zeek's ride, Gwen came home from work. It was gently raining, and so beautiful out. Gwen asked Zeek to help her in the fields.

I worked Gwin over the poles and some small jumps, while Zeek and Gwen pulled and pounded posts.

It was kind of a moment for me. What I've always wanted for him. He's slowly but surely becoming a little country boy.

Saturday with Sarah

Today, Sarah and I met for a ride. It was fantastic. I needed to ride. I was getting unfun to be around.

I changed the girth on her saddle to the new one I bought for Zeek's saddle. It didn't seem to make a difference in cinching. But I felt better about it because it's so much softer and nicer.

I also put replaced the chain chin strap with the new leather one. A much better fit.
Oh, and we used the bit again for the third ride in a row together. She was so awesome that I hardly picked up the reigns at all. Her leg reigning is getting so good! :)

We worked the horses, but not as hard as I would have. Gwin seemed a little different. Not in the mind, but in her trot and canter. I couldn't get her to let go and "get it" as I love to whisper in her ear when I lean in for her wild race horse gallop. I wondered if she was sore after our last serious ride and she learned the hard way in her recovery time. ???
Whatever it was, I didn't want to push it.

It was a beautiful day and a great ride.

Zeek

Today was a date day for Zeek and I. One of his requests was to ride his girl. We went at 6pm for about an hour. He rode for 30 minutes in the pen. It was sweet that he wanted her and had fun on his own without my coaxing or guiding. I know she was happy to have him. :)

Sunday Outing

Rode today. Lots. Good long crazy riding. Used a bit again. Really worked well at keeping her head straight. The cool weather made it so much easier to work. I felt like I couldn't wear her out at all. It was great. She got a WORK OUT.

Sunday Ride with Sarah

This morning Sarah and I met to ride again. The weather was PERFECT. 

We made an agreement not to let our horses make a buffet of our travels. We talked and rode for longer than I've ridden in awhile, maybe ever with Gwinivere. 

We went to the hilly fields, and we rode around them too many times to count. We even did a little racing and loping for fun. It was so good. It's really nice to have her to ride with. As much as I prefer to ride alone, I think I actually enjoyed riding with her even more. And that's saying a lot. 

I hope we ride together again soon. We'll have our girls in shape in no time!

Aladdin

Today, we went to the county fair to meet Gwin's first foal, 15 year old Aladdin.

He is beautiful. I could see the similarities and the differences between them physically. He is very sweet and low key like she is. He also appeared to be very well taken care of. I met and visited with his owner, and I got to see him show. He placed second in showmanship and first in haltering.

It was so nice to meet them all. Humans and horse. :)