Warm and Wooly

This morning I went out by Gwin for about 1.5 hours.

It was cold, but I was too warm for my layers by the time I got finished cleaning up the paddock. Gwen was inside with the grandkids who had spent the night, and I was glad to get a little bit done for her before she found time for her morning work.

I lightly brushed Gwin and then took her out to the pen in her rope halter and lead. She did some ground work for me beautifully, with nothing between us but my arms, hands and words. As soon as she was all wormed up I climbed up and rode her around bareback. Her wooly winter readiness was so warm and soft.

Gwen came out with the kids. Morgan visited. She is so sweet. Then Gwen and I visited. All while I rode still.

After I left, I came right back with Zeek's old baby monitors so Morgan and Gwen could do some round pen ridding while the baby slept.

I have a feeling I will be doing a lot more warm bareback riding this winter than under saddle.

Wed. Ride

Today, my MIL took my boy for his art lessons and an afternoon with Nanna. I like to use these days, weather permitting, to spend alone with Gwin. We did some round pen work on foot and under saddle. Backing, side passing, collecting, leg reigning... Then we rode out through the trails across the street. It was beautiful outside.

It's fun to watch all the woods, trees, colors, fields, hills and valleys change in appearance over the seasons. It's so peaceful and pretty. It dawned on my during our ride that I have my cellphone clipped to the side of my saddle in back, and we could listen to Pandora. So I pulled up a worship channel and we had a fantastic time with Jesus surrounded by His works. It was awesome.

I'm kind of looking forward to what it will be like to ride in the snow...

Zeek's First Trail Ride

Today, Zeek went riding outside of the round pen for the first time!

Unfortunately, I didn't take a real camera with me. 

But I was grateful to at least have my cell phone to take pictures with.

It was so beautiful out, and I thought it was time for him to test his wings a little.

Of course I couldn't leave him head off into the trails, and woods, and fields alone. 

We saddled her, and wore her rope harness over her bridal and bit.

Zeek had the rope reigns on the bit, and I had a small lead rope under her chin on the rope harness.

He mounted and I walked her across the street and through about half the trails.

Then I let him ride her himself in one of the fields.

He did really well.

And on the return ride I did not lead them. He drove.

It was SO cute seeing him in his little cow boots, jeans, and camo hoodie, 

sitting in his little western saddle, reigning Gwin.

I'm so proud of him for learning and loving to ride.

After the ride we worked together to sweep up the barn and paddock. 

It was an awesome afternoon.

Wednesday Riding

It looks like I'll have to opportunity to ride on Wednesdays during the day for awhile. Zeek is going to his Nanna's for art lessons around noon and spending the rest of the day with her, thereafter.

Today was one of those days. We rode, and it was good. We went across the street, as usual. Gwin was good, as usual. I enjoyed it.