Glad That’s Behind Us……..Until Next Year

 

Apache had her Spring Vet Visit and Vaccines last Tuesday. To save the Farm Visit Fee of $35, I decided to just trailer her to the Vet Clinic, which is only about 5 miles from our house. I must admit that I wasn’t looking forward to it at all, mostly because we hadn’t trailered Apache anywhere since last July. We had practiced trailer loading at least once each month since then, but just hadn’t driven anywhere. And I was also a little nervous because I still harbor residual trepidation and yes, even some fear, from my injuries that were caused by Apache’s kicking behavior last year.

But I pulled up my Big Girl Panties and pushed past my fears and did it anyway.

When I went up to Apache’s paddock with the halter and lead, I was surprised that she walked away and then turned her back to me. I wasn’t about to chase her down, what with her history of kicking at me, so I just turned my back to her and ignored her. I wasn’t in a hurry as I made sure to give myself and Apache enough time before her Vet appt.

She didn’t make me wait very long, though, and within about 5 minutes, she turned around to face me, licking and chewing. I was still standing with my back to her, and could just see her out of the corner of my eye. But I slowly turned and casually walked in her general direction, but not directly at her. I stopped just to the right side of her head, rubbed her neck, gave her a cookie and she lowered her head so I could place the halter on her head. And we were ready to take a stroll to the trailer where I left her some bran mash and hay.

She loaded up just fine and was busy munching her snack while we checked to make sure everything was locked up safe and secure.

(All of the photos in this post were taken by Ranchman John with his cell phone)

When we arrived at the Vet Clinic, we unloaded Apache and had to wait about 10 minutes (in the fierce gusting wind) while the Vet laid out all of his supplies on a table. Apache was very high-headed and nervous and kept stepping into me, but thankfully she quickly moved away with just a shake of the lead rope. I felt safer standing on the trailer’s ramp while waiting and the trailer helped provide a bit of a wind break, which both Apache and I appreciated.

I found it funny after we got home, that Ranchman John had taken photos of me and Apache. I had no idea that he was doing that. I did see him with his cell phone, but figured that he was just texting or reading a message. Besides I was too focused on Apache with keeping her calm and me safe.

Last Spring’s Vet Clinic visit, we had him come to our house for the first vaccines and the float, and then we hauled her to the Vet Clinic for her booster shots (we gave booster vaccines because her previous owner had never given Apache any vaccines) At that time the Vet just gave Apache her booster vaccines while she stood outside.

(Check out how tight her lips are, how drawn up her neck is, and how worried her eyes appear)

But last week it was so terribly windy and Apache was very on-edge standing outside, so the Vet suggested getting everything done inside his clinic.

It did seem to calm her down quite a bit once we went inside, although she was very concerned about the chute at first. But we just went slow and closed it on her when she was ready.

Apache was a good girl while he gave Apache the VEWT, 4 in One, Strangles, West Nile and Rabies vaccines. I found that, by gently rubbing her cheek, just above her lips, she seemed markedly calmer. She even stood still and calm while the Vet drew blood for her Coggins test. (Got the results back today and she was negative)

The Vet gave Apache a full body check up and inspected her teeth. I had planned to have her float done, too, but the Vet said that her teeth looked and felt good from last year’s float and were only just beginning to have a few points that he could feel. He recommended having her teeth rechecked later this summer and have her floated then.

When it was time to get her loaded back in the trailer, she balked for a moment at the door, but I focused on walking with purpose and didn’t pause as I led her in. Up she went and Ranchman John dumped the rest of her bran mash into the manger, and she went back to happily munching as we made sure everything was safe and secure before heading back home.

(This is what the land looks like without any rain for 7 months and only two good snowfalls all winter)

She was happy to be back home again and tried to back up a little too fast for my liking (she usually just slowly backs up) when we removed the butt chain, but I was surprised that she didn’t call out to my neighbor Val’s 4 horses or try to gallop down to them once I removed her halter. She did walk away from me and headed in their direction, but then turned around to come back to me. Silly mare.

I gave her a couple cookies, some rubs and a hug, and left her to rest from her Vet Visit.

 

 

Self Loading

 

Just to keep things fresh I like to practice trailer loading every so often, ‘cause you just never know when you’ll have to transport your horse somewhere.

I use lots of praise and treats to keep it fun and interesting. And Apache does seem to enjoy our trailer practice like it’s a game.

So much, that she will gladly load herself right into the trailer all by herself.

“What’s up, Mom?”

 

“You want to play the trailer loading game?! Ok! Just gotta check it out, all around, first.”

“Yep. This is my trailer. It even has that nice comfy ramp to stomp on.”

 

“Everything looks pretty good to me, Mom. Shall I play the game now?”

“Okie Dokie. Here I go. Are you watching me, Mom?”

 

 

“Oh yay! Mom left me some goodies in here for being such a good horse.”

 

 

“Mmmm! Nom. Nom. Ok Mom, let me know when you want me to come out. This is fun!”

 

“How’d I do, Mom? Are you proud of me?”

“How ‘bout a kiss?”

Step Lightly…..and this is It!

 

One of the ACTHA obstacles involves walking carefully over large logs. This may sound simple and easy to do, but this must be done without the horse touching or clipping the logs.

Apache and I have practiced walking over telephone poles at Cedar Hill Farm and there are between 7-9 of these poles all jumbled together, with not much space in between…..sort of like what you’d have to maneuver over if there had been trees that fell down across the trail. We do really good, until maybe the last two poles and we end up clipping one or both of them. Maybe she just gets tired and a little clumsy?

Sometimes the obstacle involves stepping over a log and then being able to side-pass down the entire length and then back again. That’s something I want to work on with Apache soon, too. But we’ve done a lot of work over the past two weeks in preparation for this weekend’s ACTHA rides and I feel like we’re ready for just about anything they throw at us (they better not throw anything at us. eeek!), and if it’s something we’ve not tried or practiced yet, we’ll at least see what we can do. Who knows. Maybe we’ll even surprise ourselves.

Anyway, I’d love to get a couple telephone poles for my pasture obstacle course, but I think it might start looking a little crowded up there. So, I think I will get some railroad ties soon so we can practice walking over them and side-passing, too.

But for now, this is all we’ve got.

    

I think that Apache has developed some muscling in her booty and has lost the cresty neck she had when I first bought her. What do you think?

Her pasture isn’t huge, but it is rather hilly. To get to the barn for water and food she must push herself up the hill using the power from her back end. I love a big ‘ol horse booty! Now if I could just turn that jiggly stuff on my own big ‘ol booty into muscle. lol!

So, this is it.

I’m all packed to head out tomorrow for this weekend’s rides. Apache was picked up this morning by my wonderful friend, Loeta from the horse rescue, and trailered down to Cedar Hill Farm.

I just have to take a moment to say how proud I am of my girl, Apache. She loaded like a pro. Stepped right up there with just a few clucks from me. And stood quietly while we closed the door. It made me feel so happy when Loeta said she was the easiest horse to load all morning. And Loeta had been loading horses all morning from the horse rescue to trailer down to Cedar Hill Farm. So, what she said meant a lot to me. I’ve been working with Apache on trailer loading at least once a week, every week, since she came to live here. Sometimes she’ll even load for me without a halter or lead. Apache’s such a great horse. I can’t wait to ride her this weekend.

I’ve got all my tack, buckets, hay/grain, apples/carrots and cookies for Apache in my van, along with my tent, sleeping bag, and coolers. I’ve got all my food (and drinks, ahem.) packed for the potluck campfire dinners for both Friday and Saturday nights. I’ve got lots of Gatoraid and those cool Camelbak Better Bottles that Jocelyn recommended over at her blog For the Love of a Horse. (Thanks JP!)

And I’ve got my own clothing packed, too. Including my brand new custom-made tights sewn by The Tights Lady over at Just for Horsin' Round, thanks to Merri over at The Equestrian Vagabond for sending me over there. The Tights Lady made me the cutest pair of fringed ‘Chappies’ tights for the Saturday ride, which is called The New Mexico Caballos y Caballeros Warm Up Ride for the World Record Attempt Ride, so I’m planning on dressing up a little bit Western.

(Sorry for the bad lighting. The tights are dark chocolate color)

Sadly, I’ll have to wear my half-chaps over them because I know all too well the types of trails we’ll be riding on, and the damage they can cause. sigh. But at least my half-chaps have fringe, too!

I’ll even get to wear my new felt cowgirl hat this weekend and my new helmet cover that the Tights Lady made for me! I’m so excited! I’ll try to remember to take some pictures of me in my outfits this weekend.

The theme for the Sunday World Record Attempt ride is Chile Peppers and I’ve got some fun plans for Apache and I to be all dressed up for that day, too. I’ve also got a very cool helmet cover to wear. Flames! Hot, hot hot, baby! Whoohoo!

There are already 50 riders signed up for Saturday’s ride and almost 60 riders signed up for Sunday’s ride. It’s going to be a very busy weekend. So, I won’t be around for a few days. I hope everyone has a terrific weekend and are able to find the time (and have some beautiful weather) to get out and ride your ponies! 

I’m so excited! Wish us luck! 

Holiday Weekend Rides ~ Day 1

 

A holiday weekend full of horse back riding…..would could be better than that?

Colleen’s husband and Grandson stopped by on Saturday with their horse trailer to pick up my Apache and haul her down to Cedar Hill Farm for the weekend. Before they arrived I led my daughter, Jen around on Apache for about 15 minutes, so she could have a chance to ride, too. Apache loads pretty good in our 2 horse straight-load horse trailer, but is even easier in their three horse slant-load trailer. I stepped up inside and she followed me right in, easey peasey and I secured the divider, and they were on their way.

It’s funny how I feel a little bit sad each time she leaves here, even though I know I’ll see her in a few hours or the next day.

This afternoon I drove down with all my tack and an apple and carrots for my girl.

She was in her pen when I arrived and I was happy that she looked up and walked my way when I called her.

  

“Oh thanks Mom! You remembered my treats today. I’m so happy to see you, too!”

 

Then it was time to get Apache groomed and tacked up. I did have some struggles mounting from the ground this time as I had to clear my rear saddle bag that I brought along so I could bring more water for the ride,so I wouldn’t get dehydrated like I did last time. I had my foot in the stirrup and Apache just started walking before I could get my leg up and over. Colleen gave me a little help by holding the lead rope and the stirrup on the other side and I was able to get up on my next try.

We mostly followed the previous ACTHA ride’s trail, so Apache and I were able to ride over a few of the obstacles again, like the telephone poles, and Donner’s Pass and the bridge again. Apache was perfect and very willing on all of the obstacles, and only knocked her hoof on one of the telephone poles as we went over. She is such a good girl!

There were only 4 of us riding today, as Colleen had to stay back at the stables for the Horse Rescue Adopt-a-Thon, but we were able to enjoy the trails for over 2 hours on a beautiful sunny day!

 

Christine was leading most of the way on her gaited Tennessee Walker gelding, and he moves very fast, so I wasn’t able to get a photo of her as they were always on the move. Apache and I did get to lead for a little while, and even down a very rocky steep hill, too. Christine wanted to keep her gelding behind Apache and I to slow him down a little and teach him some patience. When I saw the rocky hill, I at first wanted to have someone else go first, but I knew Apache would do well and I just trusted her, and she didn’t disappoint. I love my smart mare.

I did manage to get a photo of Loeta (the part owner of Rosie) on her Paso Fino gelding Profie. She rides on an Abetta saddle like me.

 

And Lynette on her Arabian mare, Tango. She uses a Dr. Cook’s Bitless Bridle on her mare, like I plan to do with Apache soon, too. 

 

And me riding my Apache mare!

The two extra-large water bottles on my rear saddle bag were much appreciated as I drank all the water in my horn bag water bottle in the first 30 minutes. They have tubes inside that you freeze that keep the water nice and cold, too. It was a hot sunny day in the upper 80’s and lots of water was essential.

And I love my my new Western fringe half-chaps, too. They got a full work out and were tough, but also very comfortable, like a second skin. I was worried that they might get too hot being that they’re suede leather and black, but my legs never did feel hot. I wore a pair of thin REI CoolMax socks as a liner with cotton socks over them, and my feet felt cool and comfortable, too. But I sure was grateful for my chaps. They protected my breeches very well. Check out all those scratches and scrapes!

And for safety, as well as fun, I wore my new Patriotic lycra helmet skin made by Sleazy Horse Wear.

Oooh! Sparkly!

 

I also ordered another special helmet skin in the Flames design for my next ACTHA ride as the theme is Chile Peppers. Hot, Hot, Hot! I’ll probably order more of these skins as it’s so fun to be able to switch out different designs and colors and not just wear a boring white helmet all the time. Isn’t it cute?

Tomorrow I head down to Cedar Hill Farm to ride again. We’re also going to have a little BBQ with hamburgers and hot dogs to celebrate the holiday.

I hope everyone is enjoying a Happy Memorial Day…..and not forgetting those who have fought and died for our freedoms, and the many who are still sacrificing their lives for our country.

ACTHA ~ Mild Bunch Meets Hole in the Wall Gang (Part 3)

 

Yes, you read that right. Mild Bunch. That’s the name that my buddy, Renee gave our small group of 4 Buddy Riders (Renee-riding one of Colleen’s horses Sadie, her hubby Greg-riding his horse Jessie, Lynette-riding Colleen’s horse Rosie and myself-riding Apache, of course) for the CTC ride.

Well, mild was the kind of ride we were all wishing for. haha!

In the morning, we woke up to find that the parking areas around the stables were filling up fast. We were expecting about 60 registered ACTHA horse/rider teams to arrive that day and we were not disappointed.

(Apache was somewhere in the middle of all those rigs, in her outside pen, and was thoroughly enjoying all of the activity and new equine neighbors who moved in beside her.)

  

There were trucks and trailers everywhere and Colleen and her husband, John and many other Walkin’ n Circles Horse Ranch Rescue volunteers helping out.

I guess I’m kind of a nerd, but I really enjoyed checking out all the different horse trailers that were there. There were smaller ones, like these 2-3 horse trailers with no living quarters.

And there were big ones, like this one that was hauling a Clydesdale and a Missouri Fox Trotter from the New Mexico Search and Rescue Team.

But the way to go, if you are planning to participate in many adventurous Competitive Trail Rides, is having a trailer with LQ (living quarters).

 

After arriving, all riders had to make a stop into Cattle Kate’s Saloon, where all the registered ACTHA riders paid their fees and received their info packets, all while being greeted by the friendly Cattle Kate herself (Howdy Anna!).

Then it was time for all riders to head over to the indoor arena for some breakfast burritos and coffee and the Riders Briefing, with the ‘Sheriff’.

(Howdy Colleen!) (That dour-faced man behind her was the Firearms Official, there to make sure any 6-shooters were clear of bullets and zip-tied secure before the ride began)

We were also introduced to the 5 Safety Rider Volunteers from the New Mexico Mounted Search and Rescue Team (NMMSAR). I met some of them last summer while attending the Route 66 Mother Road Parade in Edgewood (click link for photos of the NMMSAR from that event)

There’s Matt C. riding his handsome Clydesdale while ponying another NMMSAR rider’s Missouri Fox Trotter (More on that particular Fox Trotter later. hah!)

 

My friend Theresa was there, too, but I was so busy I forgot to get a photo of her and her gorgeous Lipizzaner/Hungarian Warm blood, Zema. But you can see the two of them by clicking on the previous Route 66 parade link (she’s also a member of the NMMSAR) or this link: Lipizzaner.

I was also happily surprised to see another horse-related friend there, too. Kat, an employee from my local feed/tack store was at the ACTHA CTC ride riding her horse, but again I forgot to take a photo.

But I did manage to get someone else to get a photo of Danny and I. We met at the last ACTHA CTC Ghost Riders to the Rescue. Click on that link and you can see some awesome pictures (towards the end of that post) of Danny and his Arabian horse all decked out in full Arabian costume while jumping over tall log challenges!

(By the way, Danny won best male costume from that ride and from this ride, too. He and his horse also won first place in the Open Division. Way to go Danny!!!!)

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After the Rider’s Briefing, it was time to get our horses groomed and saddled. Because we were the last to head out, and 40+ horses had already left the area where Apache was penned, I noticed that she was anxious to get started.

She was impatient and took a couple minutes to stand still for me to mount and then after I mounted, she moved forward without me asking her to, and without both my feet in the stirrups. And then I realized her brakes were broken. gah! Thankfully she was just heading towards the stables and I was able to get her back under control and then made her do a number of tight circles to remind her that I was now the ‘driver-in-command’……thank you very much. She did manage to stand still long enough for a quick photo, though.

 

There were 5 groups of 10-12 riders in each group, set up to head out every 15 minutes, to give each group enough space in between to complete each challenge. Renee decided to get us signed up for the last time slot so that we wouldn’t have riders behind us making us feel rushed. In addition, that choice worked out well for us, because typically Buddy Riders are just along for the ride and don’t usually get the opportunity to try out the obstacles during the CTC (unless there is enough time, or after the CTC has been completed, the riders are sometimes permitted to head back out to try out the obstacles on their own).

(A photo of Lynette, riding in our Buddy Rider group, on sweet Rosie. I owe that mare a lot)

(A photo of headless horses, Jessie and Sadie, with their riders, Renee and her husband Greg)

But since our group was last, the judges offered us the opportunity to try each of the obstacles as we rode the course, which turned out to be a lot of fun!

(Apache carefully observing other horses attempting to complete an obstacle)

To Be Continued………

 

 

 

ACTHA ~ Wild Bunch Meets Hole in the Wall Gang (Part 1)

 

Last week was super-duper busy preparing for my first American Competitive Trail Horse Association CTC.

The theme for the “Wild Bunch Meets Hole in the Wall Gang” ride was 1880’s costumes. I decided to be Dana Crockett, a trapper gal. I cut the tail off of an old coonskin hat and pinned it to my riding helmet. And I bought some fringe and sewed it to a brown jacket that I took from my closet. Then I hot-glued white mohair from my angora goat and wool from my black karakul sheep onto a strip of old white sheet, so it would look like animal fur/skins. I realized I should test it out on Apache before the ride just to be sure she was ok with the white sheet and black and white fur flying all around behind her.

  

I took her for a walk, with the gusts of wind helping me flap the furs up and down and back and forth and she wasn’t concerned in the least. When we were through, she gave me her honest opinion, that my worries over her being spooked by the furs, were just plain silly.

  

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Jenna and I also decided it would be fun to use some of her paint to leave a handprint on Apache’s rump, as if she had been an Indian pony trade for some of “Dana Crockett’s” furs. It also fit in nicely with this week’s Sunday Still’s Challenge of ‘Hands’.

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Something else we were busy working on last week was overcoming Apache’s trailering issues. She and I spent several hours together every day working on getting her to step into the trailer willingly. In the beginning it was very frustrating making the outside of the trailer very uncomfortable for her and the inside of the trailer peaceful and inviting. But she’s a sensible horse and very smart and it didn’t take too long for her to ‘get it’. I am now able to walk her quietly and calmly into the trailer, but my goal is too teach her to self-load, so we still have more work to do.

I was still a little concerned that Apache might not load for me on Friday, when I planned to drive her down to Cedar Hill Farm for the CTC ride on Saturday, so after talking with my friends Colleen and Renee, they offered to help if I needed it. So at least knew I had a safety net. In fact, Renee offered to swing by on Friday afternoon on her way down to Cedar Hill Farm, just in case I did end up needing any help.

And on Friday morning, after getting all of Apache’s tack, hay, feed, buckets, and supplies loaded, I was a little concerned because, on the other side of our paddocks, we are getting new neighbors and they were busy making lots of noise with front end loaders hauling dirt and a semi-truck bringing in their modular home.

(The view from my bedroom balcony)

(The view from our backyard)

But apparently the noise didn’t bother Apache, because we all had a good laugh after I haltered Apache and she and I simply walked right into the trailer quickly and easily. Renee teased me by saying, “And why am I here?” lol!

Apache says, “No problem. I like it in here now. My Mom leaves me carrots, apples and treats for me to eat”

And then we were on our way!

  

To Be Continued…….

Riding and Preparing for ACTHA

 

(Warning: Lengthy post. Grab refreshments. Visit the potty first)

 

Saturday was lots of fun! My friend, Renee and I were invited to ride along and assist Colleen, of Walkin' N Circles Ranch Horse Rescue, and her husband John in setting up the trails for next weekend’s American Competitive Trail Horse (ACTHA) "Wild Bunch Meets Hole in the Wall Gang" Competitive Trail Challenge.

It was really good for me to ride my pretty pinto pony again, too, as it’s been several weeks since the last time, due to the snow, ice, and mud. I almost didn’t go today because the day started off very windy and cold.

But after I got all my gear loaded and Apache in the trailer, the day was still windy, but much warmer. All I needed to wear on Saturday was my thin fleece jacket to be comfortable. Yay! Don’t you all get so tired of looking like the Michelin Man all bundled up in several layers of heavy, bulky clothes during the winter? It’s such a relief when it’s finally warm enough to peel most of those layers off.

I was a little bit frazzled when I arrived at Cedar Hill Farm because Colleen, John, Renee, and a friend of John and Colleen, were already saddled up and riding around. I hate to hold anyone up, but they promised to wait for me and I was very grateful. I also was a little nervous because I hadn’t yet sat in my new saddle. My kids have, but not me. I also hadn’t ridden Apache in her new bridle or bit either, and with the wind I wasn’t sure what to expect. (Note: I love my new Abetta Trail Saddle! And so does Apache! I rode for almost 3 hours and we were both very comfy and weren’t sore afterwards. The bridle and bit worked nicely, too. She seemed relaxed and rode softly, except for the couple times she got a little bit stubborn about wanting to go in a different direction)

But she was a good girl and Ranchman John was there to help me get her tacked up and mounted. And then he hopped into the truck and took a nap. He was tired after working a graveyard shift Friday night. Colleen’s husband, John, and their friend had already headed down to the Eventing Field to move some trail ribbons around, so Colleen, Renee and I headed on down the trail to the Eventing Field to find them

Apache did great except for a little stubbornness, but thankfully no temper tantrums. In comparison, when Baby Doll would get stubborn, which was on every single ride we took together, she crow-hopped, bucked and pinned her ears until I set her straight. Thankfully, Apache will just either stand still and have to be encouraged to move or she will lean in the direction she prefers to go. But so far, she doesn’t fight with me about it after I use some leg and ask her again to move where I ask.

Apache was also slightly concerned being in that huge, wide field. And when the other horses started calling out to each other when we saw John and his friend in the distance it was a little bit unnerving. Renee was riding Atta Bay and I know that she can be a little live wire. Renee was worried about Atta Baby trying to bolt in the direction of the other horses, so she could be with her herd mate. And Renee had told me that Atta Bay had been jiggy and done a 360’ spin and jump just before I arrived at Cedar Hill Farm. She managed to stay on, but I’m sure it was a little scary.

I learned from riding Atta Bay that she just needs a firm, confidant rider who won’t put up with her sassiness. (In this photo you can see that Renee can be just that kind of rider, too) 

But out in that vast field, Atta Bay could see one of her herd mates, Jake, ridden by John, in the distance and was getting prancy, jiggy, and snorty, screaming for him. And Renee’s confidence level plummeted, so Colleen jumped down from the horse she was riding, a cute little white gelding from the horse rescue, and led Atta Bay and Renee for a little while, until John, riding Jake could catch up with us again. And then all was well, because Atta Bay had her herd again.

Apache did throw a few longing gazes towards the other two riders in the distance, and she did call out once or twice, but otherwise she was well-behaved. And Colleen kept Apache and I busy, reaching out and pulling ribbons off some of the trees, and placing new ribbons on other trees, in preparation for making the CTC trail a little bit longer and more challenging.

(That big Rottie is Samson. He lives at Cedar Hill Farm and loves to accompany all the horses on the trail. He’s mostly well behaved except for getting in the way sometimes.)

 

After about 2 hours of riding, we had to head back to the stables so that Renee, and Colleen and John’s friend, could head home. While I watered Apache and let her nibble on some grass, Renee and I talked about the ACTHA CTC ride next weekend. We’re both so excited! We’re going down on Friday morning to help set up and assist folks who check in. Then we will probably do a little bit of riding that afternoon around Cedar Hill Farm, followed by a Potluck and then…….we’ll be camping out. Some of us will be camping out in the farm’s guest house, while some will be camping out in tents or in their horse trailers. It should be a lot of fun, just hanging out with fellow horse people.

And on Saturday, Renee’s going to be riding Atta Bay, while Colleen rides Renee’s Missouri FoxTrotter, Kacy, in the CTC. And of course, I’m going to be riding Princess Apache!

Check out this DIRECT LINK to the ACTHA ride and you can see the details, as well as the photos I took from the last ACTHA CTC ride. Rosie is in the top photo(ridden by someone else), and Caesar is in the bottom photo (with his owner, Cheri), which is my favorite photo of all time. I took that inside the indoor arena and the lighting was perfect! They didn’t even know I was photographing them.

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Anyway, I digress. Renee had to go home, but Colleen and John were interested in heading back out again to prepare some more trails and check out some of the Challenge locations, so they invited me to come along. Yay! We rode into the rugged hills for another 45 minutes, up and down some steep, rocky, narrow trails.

And then we came to ‘The Slide’, or at least that’s what it reminds me of, although no one has slid down it, as far as I know. I looked down ‘The Slide’ back in February when it was covered in snow, and thought, “No way am I ever going down there!”

But there I was in April facing that same hill, and Colleen and John were asking, “Want to try it?”

(With this view you can almost see all the way to Texas!)

I must admit that I did hesitate. I even asked Apache, “What do you think? Think you can handle it?” ‘The Slide’ is easily misleading and under-estimated. When you stand 6 feet back from the edge, it doesn’t look so steep, because you can’t see all of The Slide.

But just like those wild luge water slides, you don’t realize how steep they are until you are standing right on the edge.

But we were ready to try it.

The cute little rescue gelding looked back at us and encouraged us. He even went first.

Then after John and his horse Jake worked their way down ‘The Slide’, Apache and I made our way slowly and carefully down. I just gave her loose reins and trusted her to find her way down. I was very proud of Apache and how careful she was.

I do love challenges, and I must admit that was a fun one. John told me to turn around and take a photo of The Slide from the bottom of the hill. Keep in mind that if there had been another horse and rider at the top, we wouldn’t be able to see them from this vantage point……..unless they were standing on the edge.

Not quite “Man from Snowy River”, but still an adventure!

After we finished our ride I did have some different kind of challenges with getting Apache back into the trailer. I don’t know what was up with her because she was easy to load at my house. Maybe she wanted to go back to the stables and stay there for the night? She’s been there before and she does seem to like all the comforts. But we wanted to get back home, so after a long exhausting ordeal of making the wrong thing difficult and the right thing easy, and with help from Colleen and John, we finally got her loaded. Ugh. Trailering issues. Looks like we’ve got some things to work on this week.

Ranchman John said to me, “No horse is perfect and they all have some kind of issue or quirk” And I know he’s right. And most kinds of issues can be worked on and fixed. So, I’m not going to stress about it too much, but still it’s disappointing.

But then I am reminded of several situations that happened on the trail during Saturday’s ride, like the time that one of the horses spooked and rushed up behind us. Apache didn’t bat an eyelash and only leaned slightly sideways to see what the commotion was. I immediately thought of how, if that had been Baby Doll, she would have bolted for Mexico.

And at one point in the ride, 3 of us were encircled by a thick stand of trees and John, on Jake, happened to be on the other side of the trees. We could hear them, but we couldn’t see them. The other two horses got wide eyed and a little jiggy, but Apache just calmly stood there and eyed the wall of trees.

And finally at the end of our ride, John was shutting a large metal gate and Jake freaked out about something and jumped backed fast and hard and ran into the little gelding that Colleen was riding, who happened to be standing right beside us. The little gelding bumped into us, but Apache just calmly backed up and moved us out of the way. I remarked to Colleen and John that if that had been Baby Doll, she would have blown up and teleported sideways 10 feet.

Everyone comments on how calm and laid back Apache is, and that is true. She has a quiet confidence when she is being ridden. It’s as if she knows she has a job to do and is focused on doing it well.

(Here’s a video I took of our ride. It’s pretty funny when Renee makes comments on me taking photos and videos for my blog)

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Something interesting I discovered about myself on Saturday is that if it weren’t for what I went through with Baby Doll and dealing with her antics, I wouldn’t be so fearful when I get on a horse’s back now. Maybe in some ways that is a good thing because it’s wise to remember that horses can hurt you, even when they’re not purposefully trying to.

But I also realize that because of what happened with Baby Doll, the fear is always just below the surface, and I tend to constantly be aware of situations around me while riding or handling horses, that could end in a bad way.

Except I also understand that some of the horses I’ve ridden, like Rosie, Nadia, Atta Bay and my sweet Apache, can help rebuild confidence and trust. Riding a kind, calm, willing, trustworthy, honest horse is a blessing and a joy…and one I will never take for granted. 

             

(I don’t think Apache looked too impressed with my goofiness, do you?)