I was born October 1931 loving equine of any kind, and when I learned my dad had a work horse that could be ridden, I was obsessed to ride that horse. It finally happened with my dad walking along side and holding on to me so tightly that I actually rode on the side. I had to wait until I was nine years of age for a pony, and I have been riding ever since.
I remained equine crazy even after marriage and during the raising of four children. I worked some different jobs but mostly in the school system as a secretary to have the same vacation days as the children. Most of my salary, if not all, went to support my equine habit. My husband and family have learned to tolerate my equine addiction!
I tried my hand at raising a few foals and then training. This all was quite a learning experience, but I developed enough skills to work with other peoples’ young horses. Fortunately, all these horses were easy to train, and they were teaching me much more than I was teaching them. I would check out books from the library on training and then apply those ideas. I was actually using a form of imprinting before I even knew there was imprinting.
I used the little knowledge I had for some riding instruction, and then became involved with the 4-H Horse Project. I hoped I would make the members love their horse and take some information home. 4-H projects are a tool to promote self-confidence and leadership, and I hope that was accomplished.
I competed in some North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) rides with some success. I think I want a mule, but I would always find another Arab to buy and compete in the competitive trail competition.
The NATRC competition taught me so much, and I have to thank their judges for sharing their knowledge. I finally became one of their horsemanship judges, and hopefully, sharing what I had learned. I have to tell you that I have so much more to learn! These short stories are recollections of some of my mule learning experiences.
This is an unedited draft copy with the names of individuals being factitious.
LOOKIN’ THROUGH THE EARS OF MY MULE
Foreword
Introduction
Fascination
Rocky.
Another Mule
Jamie Watching the Neighbors
Blue and Gray Park October 8, 2002
Looking Across the Blue and Gray Battlefield
Mark Twain National Forest October 14, 2002
Jamie and Me Enjoying the Ozark Scenery
Our Trails
Starting in the Fall
Different Saddle
Saddle Ridge and More
Back at the Farm
Riding in the Forest
Cave In Mark Twain National Forest 2003
The Park
Jamie and Me at Saddle Ridge Park July 13, 2003
Home Again
Jamie and Me on Our Trails
Rainbow Trails
Equestrian Parks
Berry Bend Park October 15, 2003
Rockhaven Equestrian Park October 19, 2003
Saddle Ridge Equestrian Park October 21, 2003
Short
Back at the Parks
Canceled
The End of Our Trail November 2003
Outside the Round Pen
Riding the Equestrian Park Trails
April 6, 2004
Rockhaven Equestrian Park April 7, 2004
Jamie and Me on Rocky Top
Our Son-in-Law on Patches and Our Daughter on Rascal
Rocky Top April 17, 2004
Meanwhile, Back at the Farm
May 31, 3004
The Visit
June 23, 2004
Our Trip to Rocky Top July 2, 2004
Our Trails July 9, 2004
Melvern State Park
Jamie and Me at Melvern Lake 8-14-04
My Husband, Callie, Jamie and Me 8-14-04
Jamie and Me
August 20, 2004
Randolph State Park September 5, 2004
Jamie and Me at Randolph State Park September 5, 2004
Our Trails September 7, 2004
Mark Twain National Forest September 24, 2004
Jamie and Me with Visitors at Mark Twain Forest September 25, 2004
Fall Trails
Jamie and Me at Rockhaven Equestrian Park October 5, 2004
Rockhaven
Indian Cave Competitive Trail Ride, Nebraska
October 2004
Tall Pine Trail
November 6, 2004
December 2004
Spring 2005
Jamie and Me at Rocky Top
May 28, 2005
Summer 2005
Lower Trail July 16, 2005
July 16, 2005
Mark Twain Forest July 16, 2005
Middle Trail
Ridge Trail July 16, 2005
Movin’ On
Blue Crick Trail July 16, 2005
Blue Crick Trail onto the Lower Trail July 16, 2005
On the Lower Trail July 16, 2005
Jamie and Our Daughter August 6, 2005
Trail Ride on Our Trails August 6, 2005
Fall 2005
Mark Twain National Forest September 16, 2005
September 2005
My Husband and Callie October 8, 2005
October 2005
April 2006
June 2006
National Forest September 1, 2006
Late Winter 2007
Early Spring 2007
Almost There
Summer 2007
Jamie and Me June 25, 2007
Fall 2007
Lunch Break October 31, 2007
November 8, 2007
Our Journey November 8, 2007
Our Ride with Connie November 8, 2007
December 2007
March 2008
My Friend, Sunny on Callie and Me on Jamie Ready to Ride
January 2009
Fall 2009
Winter 2009
February 19, 2010
Back in the Saddle May 27, 2010
Hey, I’m On!
Summer 2010
Crick on Lower Trail
Old Rock Foundation
Log Crossing on Crick Trail 8/19/10
Close Up of Buzzard
Bar K Ranch September 4 – 6 2010
Ears Make Such A Pretty Frame 9/6/10
Fall 2010
Our daughter on Callie and Me on Jamie 10/15/10
The Fort 11-7-10
Fall 2010
Weird Tree on Crick Trail
January 2011
Old Trailer View 1-29-11
Icy Falls
Crick on Lower Trail 2/18/11
Jamie and Me Reaching Our Thousand Hour Goal
On the Blue Motor Trail
March 20, 2011
Our Son-in-Law and Easter on the Lower Trail March 20, 2011
Three Crick Crossings
Summer 2011
My Daughter on Callie
Jamie and Me on Lower Trail
Falling Waters September 29, 30, October 1, 2011
Bonnie and Gator on the Lone Pine Trail
Jamie and Me on the Lone Pine Trail
The Four of Us at the Trail Head
Our Daughter and Easter Leading the Way
Jamie and Me Taken by Our Niece
November 2011
January 2012
January 2012 Trail Scenes
February 2012 Trail Scenes
1250 Hours Completion February 16, 2012
I was fascinated with the mules my dad worked in the fields, but it would be a long time before I would have one to ride. I became more interested as I watch a little molly compete on the trail in North America Trail Ride Conference. She was a classy little personality and took her rider to receive many awards.
I think I want a mule, but I would always find another Arab to buy and compete in the competitive trail competition. My choice of a fine bone animal kept leading to unsoundness for the rigors of competition.
I had heard many tales of mules being more hardy and sensible and they would not over eat as horses do. Our neighbor lady, Bonnie, rides mules and let me ride one of hers, and offered lots of insight into having a mule. I remember as I was putting the bridle on that mule and asking, “How do I get these ears into the bridle“? She answered, “Just like you do with horses”. During the ride I was amazed at how easily the mule negotiated the trail, and with so much power.
I seriously started shopping for a mule and it might as well be gaited. I found a green broke two year old mule and he was beautiful and gaited. I had worked with a lot of green horses but never a mule.
I started with Rocky, a fox trotter and Col. Ben cross, and kept a journal on each ride, this lets me relive each ride with fond and sometimes exciting memories.
One memorable ride on Rocky and with a friend on my Arab mare getting herself caught in wire. The mare had both hind feet caught in the wire underneath the shoes. I always carry wire cutters and was able to cut the wire away while the mare stood quietly waiting to be released. I don’t believe I really want to know how Rocky would have reacted under the same situation. The next obstacle was a “stare down” with a deer. Rocky stomped his foot to tell a reluctant deer to move on.
Now that should have been enough for one day, but as I start the truck to leave the Rock Haven Park, I realize there is very little gas left, maybe enough to get to the nearest gas station. I have to pass the first gas station, because I cannot see a way into the station. I thought I could feel the truck sputtered a couple of times before reaching the next station. It had to be running on the fumes.
Rocky and I have had some exciting times together. One particular ride in an open field; we came upon a badger’s den, which had some fresh dirt piled higher than usual. Rocky stopped, stared, and then decided he could sneak by that dirt monster. He makes it by without mishap, but then notices the hole, and very quickly decides to check on this. According to my husband, Rocky stuck his head into that hole up to his eyebrows, and Rocky, being a very determined mule, is not about to leave until he is ready. I’m praying, “Please, do not let anything come out of that hole, or I’m a goner!” Fortunately, we make it through that episode in one piece.
Another eventful ride happened in the nearby woods as Rocky and I are traveling along when I get a glimpse of what looks like a good size piece of bark falling from a tree. This falls on my head, surprising me with its weight, knocking my hat to the side, sliding down Rocky’s side, hits the ground, then runs into the brush. Rocky stands dead still for all this, thank heavens! I ask my husband, who is riding behind, “What was that?” He replies, “It’s a groundhog.” In disbelief I exclaimed, “I didn’t know groundhogs climb trees“! My husband replies, “They can’t climb very well, that’s why it fell.” Well, I guess that makes sense.
I did make quite a bit of progress with Rocky, but decided he was just too much mule for me and had to sell him. Although he was gelded, he was quite interested in any mare making it difficult to ride with others. I was never confident enough to ride him alone. I just could never get comfortable with his unpredictable personality.
I still want to try another mule and called so many ads with no answer until one returned my call. I was at a loss for words since I couldn’t figure out which one returned my call. I knew I hadn’t called Nashville, but here is an entertainer on the other end of the line. He has a three and a half year old molly at the trainer’s, and then asks, “How good a rider are you?” I wasn’t sure how I should answer such a question, but I know I am not a rodeo bronc buster! Well, they gave me the trainer’s name and number, but I already know this is not a mule for me.
Well, I find that I actually know this trainer and I would like to visit with him again even though I know I will not be buying this mule. He and his wife show me the cute little molly barely 14 hands and maybe 800 pounds. She shows her Arab characteristics with a nice head and a refined neck. She is a dark rose gray and will probably eventually be white.
She is very calm during saddling and the noise from other mules. “Come on, we can go for a ride in the pasture”. I am a little nervous with this since I had some risky adventures with the previous mule, but she takes me through some ditches and near the cows without a bobble! I ride in their arena for awhile and the wife rides the little mule away from the barn by herself. I’m becoming more impressed since she is behaving so well. Remember, I’m not going to buy this mule! Well, maybe, if I can talk them down little on the price!
Will they haul the mule to our place and when? Sure, and we can ride, and then I will fix a chili dinner. They bring her on October 2nd 2002 and this is the beginning of Jamie’s and my bonding. Remember she is half Arab and it seems to me Arabs don’t accept a new master right off the bat. I guess the master has to prove themselves a worthy boss!
I keep her in the round pen for several days away from the other horses and making her dependent on my care. Jamie likes her grooming, but is reluctant to pick up her feet, and is restless during saddling. We have some work ahead of us. We work in the round pen at a walk and on turns. I am using the hackamore that has been used in her training. She is responsive to the hackamore, but I am not that confident to continue its use. We will change to the bit soon. Little did I know this would be the beginning of many new adventures and I would learn that “Through the ears of a mule; blow the winds of Heaven“!
Our first adventure is Blue and Gray Park to ride with her trainers. Jamie does not want to get into our trailer since this is the first time and new to her. Then there is a detour making us even later to reach our destination.
Jamie stood better today to be saddled and stood by a mound of dirt for me to mount, but walked off before I could get my foot into the stirrup. We will have to work on that. We rode for a couple of hours on trails that were quite brushy. Jamie was moving out very well and was in the lead part of the time. I will have to work on collection on the down hills. At least she is walking on the hills today and not trying to jog.
We rode another hour after lunch on trails that are more open. We top a hill only to find a small box turtle in the trail. Jamie watched the turtle suspiciously, but did ease by with her ears trained on the little turtle, and all the time snorting, as if that would keep the turtle from attacking us. Jamie wants to explore less used trails causing some branch ducking and wondering where is the real trail.
Jamie was a little confused when we came back to the trailers thinking she would be going home in her old familiar trailer. She did play it cool by ignoring her previous owners and giving us all a good laugh. I guess this is an indication she is starting to bond with me.
I haven’t ridden Jamie alone on the trails, but we will eventually. We still work in the round pen and in the driveway working around trees and backing between trees and then opening and closing the gate on the round pen.
We plan a trip to the Ozarks for three days of riding in the Mark Twain Forest. We have to change a tire on the truck before we arrive. We grab a quick lunch and head for the trails. I notice that Jamie has a scratch and some puffiness on her off hind leg, just above the fetlock which happened on the trailer ride.
The first downhill almost sends me over Jamie’s head. I do need to remember to help her collect. There are lots of hills and more rock than I remember. Jamie is going well for me but her feet may get tender, since she is barefoot. She through a hissy fit when the farrier trimmed her feet, so I have to work more with her feet. Unfortunately, farriers in our area are not comfortable working on mules and seem to be afraid of them.
The saddle is sliding back and forth on Jamie’s back and I think it is the saddle pad causing the problem. I will change saddles and pads tomorrow. The horses drink from a puddle in the trail, but Jamie is acting like a typical Arab and tiptoed around the puddle. The last hill into camp really tuckers her out and she is ready to rest and stand quietly at the trailer. It is getting chilly and she accepts the blanketing.
Now for supper, we are so hungry we could eat the hind-end out of a skunk! Well, almost! We have hot dogs, applesauce and marshmallows instead.
We are up early the next morning, turn on the heater, and shiver into our clothes. I start the coffee, and then go to give my Jamie her oats. Oh No!!! She is gone! I find her grazing nearby and lead her to the trailer, but notice she is acting pretty stiff. We watch her trot before saddling and she is not lame, just stiff. Her legs look good with no fill.
Jamie is having some trouble on the rocks and slows down in the rocky areas until the rider in front of us trots her horse downhill. I will not trot my mule downhill, ever! This puts a lot more concussion on the front end plus it’s really not a safe choice.
One of the downhills seem to make Jamie’s neck a lot shorter, but it gets longer on the next uphill. I need to get a better fitting saddle. Jamie does her mule care by stopping to catch her breath on the last steep uphill into camp. I’m glad she is taking care of herself and I let her rest. Whew, at last, camp. I dismount, loosen the girth and lead Jamie to the trailer. Jamie is walking a whole lot better than I am! We were on the trail a little over four hours. This is a big ride for my little three and a half year old “Half-Ass-Arab”.
We have our supper and then sit around the camp fire discussing today’s experiences and making plans for tomorrow’s ride
We are up early the next morning anticipating the ride. Not again! My little Houdini has escaped again and I can’t figure out how that snap came undone. I will put duct tape on the snap tonight.
We check Jamie at a trot before saddling and find she is moving freer than yesterday, and there is no sore back. I decide to change the britchen by using the side girth ring and the girth center ring thinking this might hold the girth better. Jamie is dragging over the rocks today, but all the animals are moving slower today. Jamie has her first explosion as we are going down a logging road; she shot forward about fifteen feet for a reason known only to her. Fortunately, she stopped, letting me regain my balance. Of course, she waited to do this when I was totally loose in the saddle. She is not going to let me get by easy while she works.
We are both tired as we return to camp. I remove the tack and find that the girth has stayed in place better. I groom her and then put her in the electric pen to let her relax and graze. It begins to rain and keeps us away from the camp fire tonight. We will be going home tomorrow.
We finally get to ride our trails again! The weather has been so unsettled and windy, but this afternoon becomes much calmer. I lounge Jamie in the round pen and she is a bit sassy, turning away and bucking. I increased the pace and soon she begins to listen and starts licking. She is now ready to be saddled and we ride about an hour. Jamie helped open a gate by side passing a little, and then she did a front end pivot to back through the opening while I closed the gate. She still doesn’t want to put her head between the two trees so I could fasten the chain. I didn’t push her to do the rest, but I’m so proud of her for doing this much. I will keep asking and she will eventually stand with her head between the two trees while I hook the chain. Training is all about repetition, repetition, repetition with short sessions.
I guess her Arab mind must be on today since she side-stepped away from a different colored weed, and then again acting as if something was going to bite her behind. Maybe this is a mule trick as well.
It’s the day before Thanksgiving and some friends are coming to ride with us. My husband’s horse is dancing the whole time and I am concerned Jamie will want to go with his horse, but she is only nervous and doesn’t misbehave. The ride is uneventful until our friends cantered off as we entered an open field. One rider and her horse did stay with us helping Jamie to stay calmer. These friends became ex-riding buddies as they played cowboy. I dismount to lead Jamie to the barn and she may have handled the cowboys fine, but I am not taking chances letting her learn bad habits or dumping me.
It is now the middle of December and Jamie and I have been working together two months. Jamie let me pick up her feet easier today for cleaning. I lead Jamie out of the barn and down the lane a short distance before mounting; after all it has been awhile since we have ridden.
I mount but she walks off, had to correct her by making her back a few steps. She is feeling a little tight, but she walks off without a problem, then we had to wait for my husband and his horse that is stopping for some unknown reason.
The first downhill is a little bouncy since my husband and his horse are taking a different route. Jamie takes the first steep uphill very well without rushing, and she gets praised. She has her ears back in the listening position. She must also learn that I do not like a roller-coaster ride through the ditches.
Jamie opens and shuts the gate without too much fuss. More praise. She opens and shuts three more gates, including the one that requires her to put her head between two trees. I am so proud of her today. More praise, and she seems to understand the praise. I dismounted twice to move some brush. Jamie stood very well for those dismounts and the remounts. More praise.
Jamie and I take some small loops by ourselves. At first Jamie was a little anxious butsoon adjusted. We got in a nice smooth trot across the ridge. .
As we were getting close to the barn, we encountered a couple of cows. Jamie wasn’t sure she wanted to approach them by herself and seemed relieved when the other horse scared them out of the way. We also saw some scary bushes today and Jamie had to stare one down, and she had to do her Arab side step away from one after she was already past the bush. Silly Arab! She also did a “shy in place” today which is showing a little maturity.
It is such beautiful December days again; just need my flannel shirt and an insulated vest with my jeans to be comfortable. I saddle and lead her out of the barn for the mount, and this time she responds to the reins better for standing. I’m on and realize the throat latch is not fasten, so dismount, fasten it, mount, and this time Jamie stands perfectly. Some more praise for her before we even start our ride.
My husband wants to head a different way to the south through the pasture with the cows. Jamie is stepping right out, feeling a bit frisky. I thought I might be headed for the ground when a calf ran behind Jamie causing her to jump up and down a couple of times almost in place. Our next obstacle is a ditch with water. Jamie takes a look, and then makes a smooth hop that is hardly noticeable.
I think my husband wants to show me he has trimmed some of the branches along the fence line. By the time we get to the south fence line, Jamie has settled down, and for the rest of the ride was just plain lazy. I finally borrowed my husband’s whip to keep her walking at a better pace.
We open four gates today and she is getting the hang of this procedure. She stays calm and takes her time to side pass and pivot, then back through the gate. A couple of times she pretended she didn’t know the cue by moving the wrong way. She enjoyed her praise and one time seemed to be taking a bow. It felt like I was riding on her neck most of the time: maybe she was carrying her head a little lower today. I kept pushing myself back in the saddle.
It is almost Christmas and I have sorted junk and thrown stuff away all day, besides baking three loaves of pumpkin bread and a loaf of bread, so I am ready to play with the horses and my mule.
It has warmed up and is light jacket weather. I let Jamie have her usual grazing and then saddle. I will be riding alone this time, so I lead her waiting for her to quit looking back at the barn and to pay more attention to me. I am at least a half mile out before I mount her. She is speeding through the trails at a very fast walk and would trot if I would let her. She finally does slow down some. She did no shying even on the spooky trail even though she was reluctant to take that trail. We do not ride all the trails, but do go to the far end of trail by the old barn.
She helps open the gate on the way back, but is very anxious to go, so we have to get in position several times before I can finish hooking the chain. She has done a good job for me today.
The weather is unbelievable for December with temperatures in the 50’s but with a bit of wind chill. My husband and I decide to take our ride this morning and be back by 11:00 to go to our daughter’s for dinner.
I lead Jamie for a short distance to let her relax; the leading takes the place of working in the round pen. Jamie stands this time for the mount. She moves off at a nice walk and seems to be watching everything. We see a squirrel on the old road and some cows in the field. Jamie opens the gate, but does move away several times before I can get the chain unlatched. She is afraid the other horse is not coming with her.
There is less underbrush now and we can see all kinds of new things, such as a log by the pond that Jamie had not seen before. She had to take a long, hard look, then tip toe down the trail for a way. We saw one squirrel, which did not bother her much, and later saw a deer with a huge white tail. Jamie watched it and then continued down the trail. She did have a little explosion on one trail, jumping around, and going off trail a little. I don’t know if she caught something in her tail or was trying to get with the other horse.
The wind has gotten stronger and I am glad to be on the way home. It seemed to be making Jamie a little jumpy. It turned out to be the best time to ride today, because the wind got stronger all day. This afternoon would not have been fun. This ride completes my first 50 hours for the Versatility Trail Program sponsored by North American Saddle Mule Association.
Jamie has been easy to work with, and I owe her trainers a great deal of thanks for giving her a good start. At seventy-one, and with a full time job, I do not need quite as much excitement in my rides as in my younger day. If Jamie keeps her head on straight and bonds well with me, we will ride in some competitive trail rides starting with the 40 mile week end. If everything goes well, we will try the 60 mile week end.
It seems to me a horse or mule started in the late fall, and laid off during winter months, will try you come spring, and I have an uneasy feeling about my ride today, but Jamie stands for the mount and doesn’t jump when I try to get my right foot into the stirrup. Drats!!! The saddle feels loose and is setting off to the left, so I stop to cinch up one notch on the near side.
The ride is going well until Jamie does her Arab thing and shies at a cow pie, then with me over reacting by giving her a kick on the off side to straighten her body. She then does a couple of side steps the other way, but does stop. Now she is nervous, thinking I will give her another kick. Several times she did her bouncy side steps to the left. I don’t know if I changed my position or got my right leg too close, but she was still nervous. I even got off to see if the equipment was all right, but couldn’t see anything wrong. Maybe the middle D ring on the girth was off center causing more pull on the right side.
She did mind well on the trail, even when the other horse wasn’t close, so that is an improvement. She did have trouble with the gate today by being too impatient and not letting me get the gate unhooked. We will work on it another time. It is now April and I have been working with Jamie in the round pen for several days, trying a different saddle which I like, but Jamie does not. I have to go back to my Wintec for her. I am still adjusting the britchen, and don’t feel I have it comfortable for her yet. All this has not been fun; she continues to be tight backed.
Today, after some time in the round pen, we go out on the trail with my husband and his horse. Jamie continues to be slightly tight backed and acts as if something is after her rear end. She does relax after awhile, but still is occasionally doing a rear end twist. I am not enjoying the ride much and wonder if I will get back in one piece. We are almost home when Jamie does a pretty good rear end twist. I gently turn her in a circle, trying not to get her excited.
We go a little further without incident, but then came to the cows, so I decide I will lead through the herd of cows. I continue to lead Jamie to the barn, which is only a short distance.
We have been planning a trip to Mark Twain Forrest, but found my husband’s horse does not have a current coggins and I am not that comfortable with Jamie this spring.
We worked in the round pen while friends saddled their horses. Jamie was behaving very well considering she had company. She was much more relaxed today when I mounted and helped with the gate.
We were out about twenty minutes when Jamie did her rear end twist and jumped around for no apparent reason. I decide to lead her back to the round pen. I worked her in the round pen until she worked up a pretty good sweat. I loosened the britchen, worked her some more, and decided she would be ready to mount, but she was even more tight backed. I dismounted, walked her around the round pen for cooling. I gave her a bath to cool her down, and then shut her in the stall to keep her from rolling in the dirt.
It is now May, and I have been planning my work with Jamie, thinking I would add one piece of equipment at a time to see if any is bothering her. My husband has offered his saddle for me to try on her, but I am not ready and I know it will not fit me so well.
Our daughter and son-in-law come today to ride with us bringing an extra horse for me to ride. To my surprise, my husband is saddling Jamie for himself. He has just been itching to try her! Jamie is relaxed even with a back girth rather tight. My husband says she is not tight backed???? Maybe it has been my saddle that is bugging her. He is not using a britchen or crupper.
Jamie is leading the way just as quiet as can be until some brush slaps her side. This sets her off, but my husband gets her under control. There are a couple more incidents like this, but the last is with Jamie rushing through the last gate, catching my husband’s leg, nearly dragging him off, and of course scaring Jamie. He again gets her under control, but I know his leg was hurting. This happened because Jamie was afraid that the gate was going to shut on her, and could have been prevented with someone holding the gate.
Somewhere in the middle of the ride, my husband commented, “Jamie is smoother riding than Flair”. Of course, this made all of us grin, just because there has never been any horse as good as Flair, according to my husband. He rode the whole ride without getting off to walk the usual pain out of his knee. Well, all we muleskinners know a mule is smoother and easier on our body.
There are even sweat marks on Jamie’s back with no hair ruffled, and there had been no slipping. Maybe I have my answer!
I am trying a western Wintec saddle on Flair, my husband‘s horse. It does not fit her and feels a little wide for my body. I try it on Jamie. It seems to fit her better, but I need to ride her with it a little. I don’t want to ride too long because I may want to return it.
We leave on our ride with my husband riding Jamie using his saddle, and I am riding Flair thinking I should play the games that he plays when he is riding Flair, but I want to give Jamie a chance to work without distraction. Jamie helps with the gates, surprising my husband with her intelligence. She is leading most of the trail, looking as if she is enjoying seeing the trail again. Jamie never gets into the mode of working her ears in rhythm with her walk, but she is being so good and I am anxious to be riding her again in a different saddle. Jamie shies only one time by the pond. We don’t know why, only she knows. I have been waiting for a good ride for so long to change my mood from sour to satisfied. My body is aching like crazy, but I don’t care. It just feels so good to be back in the saddle. I can’t wait to get my new saddle for Jamie. I do enjoy watching Jamie go down the trail; she is so pretty, with ears alert, watching the trail and seeming to enjoy it all.
Just wanted say I'm back in the saddle again (on Jamie) even though my new saddle did not come. This day started with me being very sour; it's raining and my husband’s bronchitis is getting worse which means we will probably not go camping this week end.
It is almost the end of May and I am determined to get some riding on Jamie, so I get the Orthoflex saddle out, take off the wool saddle pad because I am going to try a thinner pad. I get it on Jamie and cinched up pretty tight though she doesn't seem to mind, and it seems to be setting pretty good. I am not using the britchen today.
I take her to the round pen to let her wander around a bit. She is not tight backed this time I get on. She is a lady, helps me open and shut the gate, and we ride around the yard with lots of things going on. Two trucks come in our west driveway with brush; another truck comes in the same driveway to load up their ATV. My husband starts the ATV and checks on the cows. The neighbor's dog is barking and threatening to come over to get us. She was very good with all this, but needless to say, was not totally tuned on to me.
She helps me open the gate, backs into the round pen, helps me shut the gate, and we play in the round pen a few minutes, then open and shut the gate again, and go to the trailer. The saddle seems to be staying put during the times we went down the bank and back, but when I take the saddle off.....same old thing.....the hair is ruffed up on her back. I want that hair to be lying down and in the direction it is supposed to be.
We trailer to Saddle Ridge Park on May 25th, and went out on the blue trail but Jamie is a little timid about going first, so my husband and Flair lead the way. I am trying my Orthoflex with a thin pad today, and everything is going fine until we go down a rather steep hill. The saddle slides forward on Jamie making her and me a bit nervous. We have to stop to put the saddle in place. The next few down hills are not quite as steep or long, and I found if I could keep Jamie’s head up and work on collection a little the saddle would stay in place better.
We get into camp without any more mishaps, but when I remove the saddle, I discovered a girth rub, not sore yet, but still unacceptable. The hair is ruffed up on the withers.
Afternoon
We discuss changing saddles, but I don’t think he can get the stirrups low enough for him on my saddle. We decide to switch horses and saddles to go out on the red trail. My husband’s saddle is staying put over some pretty rough terrain, but all this is making his leg hurt. We are out two hours and fifteen minutes. We check Jamie’s girth area and back when we get into camp. There is no more irritation to the girth area, and that is a good sign.
May 26, 2003
We decide to stay with the horses we rode yesterday afternoon, but to pick a more level trail. We choose the red trail that leads to the dam. The trail is well used and marked enough we can find the way. I am trying my GPS today, and when Flair shakes, it turns off the GPS.
Jamie shies a couple of times, once staring at a broken down cedar tree, and once when she saw something moving in the grass. We have been out about an hour, when my husband’s leg starts hurting. He finally dismounts for a short time, relieving the pain only slightly.
I love the way Jamie inspects a muddy spot, and then picks the easier way. We are out two and a half hours, and then we have lunch, lie around for awhile, and then load the horse and mule to go home.
It is now the end of May and I called a riding buddy, Ginger, last night to see if she would ride the Hill & Dale trails with me today. She is a bit reluctant since she had been riding quite a lot in the heat yesterday.
I thought I would leave home about 7:30, but Jamie played hard to catch this morning, so didn’t get away until 8:00. We arrive at Hill & Dale about 9:15, and Ginger is already there. It is windy and chilly this morning, which she is thankful for, but I am wearing a jacket and insulated vest.
Jamie is a little worked up to be hauled by herself and not to see Flair in the camp ground. I let her graze just a little before tying to the trailer for saddling. Ginger holds the blanket on Jamie because of the wind. I am still experimenting where to set the new saddle and how tight to cinch the front and back girth. I found later in the ride that the saddle needed to be a little further back for a more comfortable ride and to be more comfortable for Jamie.
Jamie doesn’t want to stand for me to mount, so Ginger holds her head while I mount. The first obstacle is a snake in the trail that slithers into the grass, but not without Jamie’s antenna ears tuned onto that now invisible snake. We ride for two hours on the blue trail trimming some and hanging a few ribbons. Jamie starts to anticipate getting into camp and starts to walk faster. She is so disappointed not to find Flair there, she is crying, looking at each horse as we near our trailer. She is very restless at the trailer and I move her farther away from the other horse.
Ginger leaves for lunch at the 7-11 Store down the road while I put hay and water out for the horse and mule. I then have my lunch.
We leave camp at 1:20, and Jamie still needs to be held while I mount. We ride some more blue trail with Jamie leading part of the time. We meet several riders, and again Jamie cries trying to go with them. The last two groups have different colored horses than Flair and Jamie is not so interested. I wonder if this is an indication that horses see in color.
Today is the first time I have noticed Jamie’s ears out to the side, but still not working in rhythm with her walk. She goes over the trail so well, (brag, brag) stepping over some big logs, even stopping over one to do a side pass for me. (Practice for competition.)
On the next day, I meet my friend, Ginger, at the 7-11 Store, then follow her to the west side of the Hill and Dale Dam to the “party corner”, which is a turn around, with a tree in the middle.
Jamie has made a real mess in the trailer, which indicates anxiety during the trailer ride. She backs out slowly and carefully to be tied to the trailer. She seems calm, and I have to brush her some again. I get the saddle in place just a little further back this time, and the back girth seems tighter than the last time.
We ride down the road with Jamie wanting to move out front, which is good until she smells something, she thinks. She is stopped, looking down at the tall grass as if there is danger, when suddenly she jumps up in the air and kicking on the right side, surprising me, but not unseating me. The rest of the ride is goosey, but I am not losing my confidence, although I am not enjoying the ride as much as the last time. We come back to the trailers for lunch, and then ride another loop.
We are ready to leave when two riders come in getting most of Jamie’s attention, so I just tie her to the trailer for a little while for her to calm down. Some of the ride is on the road with a couple of cars passing. One pulling a trailer with a big plank stuck up in the air. It bothered me more than Jamie, but the other car came from behind, which she could hear long before we knew a car was behind us. She was a little bothered by this one.
Jamie stands quietly while Ginger hangs ribbons and trims. This is good training. We come to an opening in the fence, which my friend backs her horse through. Not to be outdone, I ask Jamie to pivot on the front end, which she didn’t do very well, but did back between the two posts a little reluctantly.
This is the first time I have noticed that Jamie is moving her ears in rhythm with her walk, at least part of the time. We cross a couple of little creeks with Jamie going through just fine, and at the last creek, she did drink. This is good; she is taking care of herself. She still needs more practice standing for the mount, but she is getting better. I am the one that needs more practice.
We get back to our trailers with threatening thunder, but no rain yet. We load up, and I decide to go home rather than stay overnight, because Ginger would not be riding tomorrow if the trails are muddy.
Later, on a different day, Jamie had her first partial competitive trail experience, by camping overnight without her buddy, Flair, in the crowded Hillsdale Saddle Ridge Equestrian Park. There were over 60 riders camped with lots of activity for Jamie to watch. She stood very quietly at the trailer, laid down for part of the night. We took walks around the camp ground with Jamie on a lead, and her doing a lot of snacking. She caught on to that routine very quickly. Now she nickers to me when I come to her side of the trailer.
She sang (brayed) when the other horses left for the trail, by the way, her voice is not as squeaky now. I play songs for her when we camp, so maybe she will develop a better voice. :-) At least, the riders enjoy the songs. She got compliments, and there were some questions about mules, and I could actually answer some. I get a chance to ask if they know the "Auctioneer Song", or "Walk on By", and they say, "Oh, I love those songs!" "He raises mules?"
I am very pleased with Jamie's behavior at the ride. This is a good sign that she may develop the mind for trail competition.
My good riding buddy, Ginnie, comes the 5th of June to ride with me, and was waiting for me when I arrived home from work. She brought cookies, which I had to sample before changing into my riding clothes. It has been fifteen months since we have ridden together.
My husband helps her get Flair ready, and then she rides in the round pen for a few minutes. By this time, I have Jamie ready. She stands this time for me to mount, but the saddle feels a little loose, so I get off to cinch up a little. She stands for the mount again.
The first obstacle is the gate to open, Jamie does a good job, but side passes down the bank when Flair comes through the gate. We are not too far out when we pass a hay swather. Both Flair and Jamie are tip toeing. We make it to the next gate, which Jamie opens and shuts with a little urging to shut, but very good for such a youngster.
Jamie has to chew on a log that is in the trail, pulling up a vine in the way. Now I don’t want to take a chance getting hung up in the vine, so I get off to lead her around between a couple of trees. Jamie stands quietly while I cut the vine in several places, and then carefully comes between the trees and up the trail, standing again for me to mount.
We have one shy in an open area, with Flair shying first, causing Jamie a little jump. About an hour out, Jamie’s body seems more relaxed and I am feeling more confident. We come upon a deer which Jamie just watched as it slowly ran away. The biggest obstacle was all the brome, and brush that Jamie thought she needed to trim.
Jamie opens and shuts two more gates on the way home, doing a really good job. The last little thing we see on the trail is a rabbit hopping across in front of us. Jamie pays little attention to the rabbit. I guess it looks too much like our barn cats to be scary.
Jamie enjoys the grooming after the ride, and I find a couple of ticks. She picks up all her feet willingly for cleaning making me very proud of her.
I have been spending time with Jamie in the round pen, trying a new saddle pad and starting her with a bit. I finally have the bridle adjusted so she is not mouthing the bit so much. The wool felt pad is letting the saddle slip forward. I think I will start using the britchen again. The farrier put shoes on Jamie for the first time yesterday, and she was so good; made me proud.
Ginny came to ride Flair with Jamie and me today. I have Jamie ready and turn her in the round pen while we get Flair saddled. It is so windy today and I don’t enjoy riding as much in the wind just because animals are more anxious and I get allergies.
We leave the barn at 8:45 this morning. The first two gates are open, so Jamie does not have to help with that, but she does open the next gate, doing a terrible job. It seems that she is not responding to the bit or leg, of course, this is the first time on the trail using a bit.
We stop at the pond, but Jamie does not want to get a drink. She starts twisting around a little, and I realize a horsefly has landed on her rump. Not thinking, and doing what I always do for my horse, I slapped that horsefly, killing it, but surprising Jamie, and causing a bit of a jump.
Jamie is responding to neck reining today. She seemed to pick that up after starting her with a bit. Interesting! I could be enjoying this ride a whole lot more, if I could get my saddle to set straight. The cantle is off to the left, and no matter what I do, I can’t seem to get it to stay straight. I stop on the trail to adjust the saddle, sliding it back a little, and then cinching up a little more.
Jamie stops to smell on the trail just south of the old barn. It appears that a deer has slept in the grass there, but then I noticed hair and blood, and then “whew” the smell. I don’t know what happened to the deer, but it had been dragged off the trail into the brush. Jamie acted as if she was afraid she might step on it, and would not go on without Flair taking the lead. Jamie does a few flinches or twists during the ride. I wish I could figure out why. We get back to the barn at 11:00 and have beaten the rain storm that is coming.
We have trailered to the Mark Twain Forest and we want to ride as early in the morning as we can because the heat index will be 100 this afternoon. At noon the temperature was 90 degrees in the shade. Jamie flinches during cinching. I wish I could get everything adjusted for her.
We are having a pretty good ride when we come upon some untrimmed trail causing head ducking or getting slapped in the face. Fortunately, this trail is not too long. Jamie does a couple rear end twists when I am pulling my leg away from a tree on the trail. At least now, I know what causes the twisting part of the time.
These hills are so steep that I am having trouble keeping the saddle in place, and the blanket slid behind saddle, so I stopped to adjust all this. I will remember to tie the blanket to the saddle for tomorrow. I am having trouble keeping the pommel bag in place, and will have to put it on differently. Despite a few problems, it is a good ride, with Jamie still going strong in the heat.
Jamie gets a bath and after she dries, I check her back, just because I am using a thin wool blanket for the first time on a hard ride. At first Jamie flinches at the withers, but when I test the withers again, there is no flinch.
There is an electric pen for the other horses, but I don’t know if Jamie would stay in, so I leave her tied at the trailer, and she pawed so much, digging a hole and throwing rock everywhere. I had to move her to the picket line.
I take Jamie for several walks during the afternoon, letting her graze. She is getting to expect this, and it is all right, because the grazing will keep the gut working after a stressful ride.
Jamie has pawed so much over night at the trailer that I am surprised to find she still has all her shoes.
We ride a hot seven miles today with Jamie doing a little more squirming. She may have some tender places from the ride yesterday. I realize now that the saddle pad needs tying to the saddle at the sides as well as in the middle. I stopped three times to adjust the saddle and the blanket. Jamie is very patient with all this and stands for the mount. Jamie is getting more use to the bit and is setting her head better. She has taken longer to get use to the bit than I thought it should.
She let me trim a branch, which fell on her head, hanging on her ear. Now she accepts this slight inconvenience, but it is a different matter when it falls on my toe and is carried for a few strides. We have a good ride despite the heat and hills. I noticed, as we rested after one hill, that her respiration is a 10 for 15 seconds and she is breathing deep, which is very good. I am smiling to myself as I watch the horses puffing. I love my mule! I haven’t taken her pulse yet, but will in the near future.
Jamie blew my theory that she would be calm at the trailer while other horses left the camp by rearing and putting up quite a fuss. Fortunately, the riders noticed and came back to relieve her anxiety.
We decide to saddle up for an evening ride since it seems to have cooled down some. For some reason unknown to anyone except Jamie, she has a jumping fit at the trailer. It’s a possibility that I need to walk her after cinching and before tying to the trailer.
We are on the trail for a very hot two hours and fifteen minutes, with Jamie doing more squirming this evening. Jamie gives me a test by shooting forward after going under a low swinging branch. I guess the movement of the branch surprised her.
We start down a very steep hill with the saddle already slightly forward and Jamie seems a little reluctant to go, so I decide I will walk and lead her. She seemed more willing to go that way and probably is very amused at me sliding down the hill. We stop at the bottom so I can adjust the saddle and blanket again! She is patient, standing for the adjustment and then the mount. Jamie seemed more relaxed with a different horse behind her than with Callie, probably because Callie has not been friendly to Jamie.
Jamie is a real trooper in the heat, and decides it is all right to stop on the last terribly steep hill for a breather, and I am glad to see her do it.
O-h-h-h-h, this is the last day of my vacation and I am wishing we can stay longer. My husband and I saddle up for an early morning ride. The others are going to wait for a friend.
This morning is cooler than before, but it will be a short ride just because I need to get home to prepare for going to work (washing clothes, etc.). Yuck!
Jamie is feeling fresh, acting as though she has not been on two days of hard riding, and she wants to lead the way. We ride through a field and on a logging road to a cave. The cave has a bar door with a cement pond in front for water. We have no idea or information about this cave, but we have to go see it each time we are here. We then wander to a pond which has really dried up a lot since the last time we were there. Now, we are on our way back to camp with that sad feeling of “almost over”. Jamie is giving me a nice ride this morning, and I believe she is thankful we avoided the really steep hills. It’s time to clean up camp, load up everything, including Jamie. Callie will go home with her stable mates.
We trailer to Saddle Ridge Park with Jamie riding calmer with Flair in the trailer, not pawing, and less mess in the trailer, and she stands quietly at the trailer for saddling.
I am experimenting with a stable ride pad over the wool pad today. Hopefully the saddle will not slide so much with this arrangement. My husband made some more holes in the off-side billet for my saddle last night. Now I can adjust the strap so it will not be bunched under my right leg. I should be able to keep the saddle straighter on Jamie. I’m also trying an ankle-stache on my thigh to carry my phone, camera, and GPS. I find out early on this is not going to work for walking, because it is sliding down, but it works great after I’m on.
Jamie is always ready to go as soon as the bridle is on, and today is no different, so I lead her to some uneven terrain that will be easier for me to mount. She finally decides to let me go with her and stands for the mount. Flair, decides a few bucks are in order, which she has never done before.
Jamie leads the way, hesitating at the beginning of the trail. I tell her she is old enough to go by herself and does not need someone to go first. She is a little reluctant, but obeys. We start on the red trail and this part happens to be a rough and rocky five mile loop. My saddle is staying in place very well today. We stop at the lake for a drink, and then my husband and Flair take the lead. It is good that Jamie and I are behind, because Flair loses her easy boots several times, which I find in the trail. We go back into camp, but we decide to take the blue trail out again, and I thought we were coming in for lunch. Well, I would rather ride, anyway. Jamie sash-shays around a little turtle that is beside the trail.
Now we are in the lead again, going along very nicely until we come upon a board beside the trail, which stops Jamie quickly. She stares, then tip toes by with her ears tuned on to the harmless board. We also pass a dead skunk, which Jamie does not see, but has to smell at the ground.
Jamie does a couple of half-hearted squirms today, but we are both more relaxed with the saddle setting straighter and not sliding forward. We get into camp again, unsaddle, groom our horses (o-o-p-s, mule), water them, and give them hay. Now, we can have our lunch, and I’m starved. We let Jamie and Flair graze a little, and then take them to the wash rack.
It is not as hot as yesterday, and I decide to be easy on Jamie by starting with a bath, which she is learning to enjoy, and even lets me spray a gentle stream of water on her face. The green flies are fierce, and none of the repellents seem to work. She is being calmer about me slapping on her to kill the flies. She is picking up her feet on her own for cleaning. This is such a big improvement.
I decide to work in the round pen for a while getting her use to a sponge. I start by sponging with the wet sponge which she stands for nicely. I now want to get her use to a sponge being dropped from the saddle to the ground. No reaction, but the first time I let it drag on the ground was a bit different, but she soon found that stopping when it touched the ground gave her a rest and some praise. We played with this on both sides.
We moved on to carrying a slicker in front of the saddle, which she pays little attention to, and stops when the slicker falls to the ground. More praise. We carry the slicker in different places with no exciting reactions. I then hang it on the gate for distraction when we open the gate. I ride a little in the round pen, and then ask Jamie to help open the gate; this is the best she has ever done, and she pays no attention to the slicker. I will have to pick it up the next time we practice.
I ask Jamie to go down the driveway, past the barn, where she is a little reluctant, but we get out in the pasture to the creek crossing. I do not ask her to go across, but turn back up the hill to a trail going to the barn. This pleases her, of course, and she perks up, but keeps her gait at the walk. I am pleased with her and tell her how good she is and stroke her neck.
This is the first cool evening for quite some time and our daughter and son-in-law came with their horses to ride with us. Jamie is very anxious to go as soon as the bridle is on. The horses can’t decide who will lead, but finally decide who can go first to scare out the boogers.
Jamie does her usual poking waiting for Flair, with Flair doing the same for Jamie. Our first obstacle is a deer in a field of millet near the terrace. The deer is so busy eating that it doesn’t know we are coming, so I hollered. I didn’t want that deer jumping up at the last moment to frighten our horses.
We are almost home when some half-grown turkeys ran out of the brush making Patches jump pretty good, but fortunately is under control quickly. Jamie watches the commotion quietly. Jamie is really good on this ride, but is sticking her nose out more than usual. Jamie is use to the ending routine and is prepared to pick up her feet.
We are going to ride our trails tomorrow morning while the weather is cool but is to be 115 heat index in the afternoon. Jamie is anxious to go just as soon as that bridle is on and she knows that Flair is going today. We leave the barn with both Flair and Jamie poking along, and Jamie thought she was in a hurry! Flair opens the first gate, so Jamie doesn’t get to practice.
It is windy and I will be glad to get to the woods where we won’t notice the wind so much. The ride is pleasant there and both animals are working quietly, that is until Flair comes upon a deer carcass in the middle of the trail. Jamie sees this and looks this over, but decides to go carefully around it, way around!
We meet our neighbor on the trail and he decides to ride along with us. Jamie takes all this in stride. We pass a big, thick, white, cob web, which Jamie tunes her ears on, then she wants to go closer for a good look, but I urge her down the trail. We can look at that some other time.
The trail needs trimming in a lot of places, so maybe tomorrow morning, if the weather is permissible, we can go back to get practice on trimming trail. I forgot the sponge today, so I need to get that on the saddle.
Jamie opens two gates on the way home; doing a good job. Jamie has also found that I am a pretty good fly swatter. Now it is okay to slap those things when they land on her.
It is now early August and the weather is pleasant, cool and not windy. I spend some time getting rein stops on my favorite reins. I am hoping that the running martingale will keep Jamie from sticking her nose out during crossing ditches, and when backing or side passing.
We leave the barn at 9:00 A.M. on our trails. Jamie is unhappy about something, but not doing anything but keeping her ears back further than usual.
We decide to ride the trail the opposite direction. Jamie is leading, but poking along, waiting on Flair. The grasshoppers are thick and this seems to be a new thing for Jamie. Jamie squirms a few times during the ride, and one time had her tail clamped. I am carrying two bottles of water in the cantle pack, which is sloshing some. This may be distracting her.
I trim several branches, with Jamie catching on to this in a jiffy, because she gets the trimmings. I dismount to saw one branch; Jamie waits patiently, and stands quietly while I mount. She is standing for off-side mounts today.
Jamie is thirsty and wants to go to “Jiggs’ Pond”, but I never let my horse (o-o-p-s, mule) drink there since my horse, Jiggs, jumped in; fortunately, I had dismounted before letting him drink. Jamie has to wait for the next pond, which is close to the end of the ride. I will be dunking the sponge, and sponging Jamie at this pond. This is practice for a competitive ride. She is a little shy at first, but then stands for the dunking and sponging.
We get by the bone patch with slow steps and a lot of smelling. She remembers it is on this part of the trail. I ask Jamie to trot on the trail more today. I also ask her to side-pass over a log, and to back out of a ditch. She is so good about all the new things I have ask her to do during this ride. She opens two gates on the way to the barn.
We are almost to the barn when I ask her to circle around a bale, and then pivot on the front to back between two bales as my husband is riding his horse away. She handles this with flying colors. We are back at the trailer, and I give her a hug, tell her she is so good. I hope she knows what that means.
It is another beautiful August morning, so we hit the trail at 9:15, after Jamie and Flair have a bath. They are dirty than usual because of last night’s shower.
Jamie is starting more relaxed. Jamie and I practice some more trimming along the trail, and the East Road. She has learned which trees need trimming and is stopping on her own even though I have not ask, and then passes those that don’t need trimming. This is very interesting, and makes me wonder how much my mule really understands.
Jamie and Flair are dragging their feet. I am working harder than Jamie just to keep her going. This is a really slow ride, but Jamie is not trying to buddy when my husband takes Flair a different route. This is a good improvement, and will be helpful on a competitive ride. I ask Jamie to trot more today, mostly to get out of the slow pace she is setting today. She has a very smooth trot part of the time, and then can be rough.
Jamie opens two gates on the way home, and again we practice a front end pivot and back between hay bales.
The next day that we ride, we wait until the cooler part of the day because it has been really muggy in the afternoon. My husband is riding Flair with Jamie and me, and he is helping by separating Flair from Jamie more. Jamie is taking this in stride better each time we practice. Jamie helps open and shut six gates, during the ride. She is moving slow but paying attention better than in the past.
We do more trotting this time and Jamie is very smooth tonight. It is dark before we get home, and Jamie is not spooky in the dark like some horses I have ridden. This has been a great, fun ride with Jamie being very good.
I’m riding almost every day now, and I take Jamie around the yard, then down the lane, open a gate and into the pasture. We cross the crick, then up a steep hill and around the tree line into the small pasture. Jamie is not very interested in the first pasture, but perked up in the small pasture, and wanted to explore. This is the first time in this pasture. We stop; try to stand for a little while, then back.
We leave the small pasture to go down the lane again, trot a little, do a front end pivot, back between a couple of bales. We do a front end pivot, back around a small bale. We do a couple of side passes on the way to the trailer. We back between two trees, trim a small branch for her to eat. The last side pass is down a bank, which she is not too sure about, since this is the first time I have ask her to do this.
She waits patiently to be unsaddled and groomed, and then she starts to wiggle around, because she knows I will let her graze in the yard for awhile before taking her to the barn.
We will be riding our trails with our daughter and son-in-law and their young horses today. This is the first time for a new saddle pad on some steep hills, and it looks like I will have to go back to the thin wool pad to keep the saddle in place.
Jamie and I are riding drag with our son-in-law on his horse, Patches, our daughter on her horse, Little Man, and my husband on Flair in the lead. Jamie is lagging behind, not getting excited, until we pass an old deserted house. We hear some weird noises, and then Jamie wants to catch up with the other horses.
She is doing more squirming today, maybe because the saddle is more forward today. Jamie steps on a log which flopped up hitting me and Jamie making Jamie jump forward a few strides.
We stop at the pond for a drink, but the horses are not thirsty. Jamie would rather have the soaked weeds at the edge of the pond. We are on the graveyard loop, when I decide to check the front edge of the saddle pad surprising Jamie, causing her to jump forward again. I really don’t know what her problem is today.
We do not ride the entire trail because we have two young horses out and we have to be to a lunch appointment at 11:30. We are on the home stretch when Patches goes down with her rider. She just lies there as if resting, but is pretty warm. We pour our drinking water on her neck and under her tail to cool her. She finally gets up, starts eating grass. Our son-in-law decides to lead Patches to the barn.
My husband and I start on, but then he decides to wait for the others, leaving me to ride in by myself. Jamie stops several times, brays a couple of times. We finally get to the trailer with Jamie dragging her feet.
We get a little later start on our trails the next morning, but it is cooler than yesterday, very pleasant, in fact. Our son-in-law and daughter are ready before us and start their ride, but it isn’t long before we catch them.
Jamie is squirming some today, so I decide that each time she does, I will ask her to back a few steps. I believe it is helping. Jamie is so slow today; it feels as if she has her brakes set.
The ride is uneventful except for a squirrel running down the tree line, which Jamie had to watch. We have a little incident in the bone patch, with the horse behind stepping on the bones causing a cracking sound, which sends Jamie into a small, but controllable orbit. It is a bit amusing because Jamie is being so careful to avoid stepping on any bones.
We came upon a cow with a new born calf. Jamie has been sniffing the trail, so she is not surprised to see the cow, but stares for a long time at the calf.
When we get back, we unsaddle, let the horses graze. It is so pleasant, I just want to get a chair to sit in, and watch them graze, but the men are waiting for lunch.
We are riding our trails again today and get a late start, so this is going to be a short ride. Jamie is happy to go a different way, as we turn to the south and around a field. We eventually get on the same old trail.
We have some excitement for me, but not Jamie, as turkeys fly out of the trees above. Jamie acts as though she has heard this a million times, but then later Jamie is startled by something in the brush, and does a shy in place, which is acceptable. A rabbit crosses our path; otherwise, the ride is uneventful and pleasant, even though it is dark when we get to the barn.
Jamie gets her expected grazing, while I have my diet-coke. I will be late getting to bed tonight, and I know it will be a slow start in the morning.
It is mid-August and I want to ride early this morning, because the heat index is going to be a 100 later today. I ride around the yard then Jamie helps open the gate into the round pen. We stay there about 10 minutes, and again Jamie helps to open the gate into the yard.
We then head down the lane to the pasture. Jamie opens another gate, but at first is reluctant to leave the area. We take a short ride around the tree line, with Jamie looking as though anytime something would jump out of the brush to get her. She does not try to run on the way back, and opens the gate again. We have to do our usual pivot and back between two bales, then side pass up to a tree for Jamie to get a bite. We side pass away and head for the trailer to unsaddle. Jamie does a little shy at the barn, so we turn around, and then pass that spot again. We back between two trees, and then around two different trees and side pass up and down a bank. Now we are ready to unsaddle, then Jamie can graze.
It is so hot and dry on our trails; everything is burnt looking, and the grasshoppers are thick. Hopefully, we will be back to the barn before the 100 degrees hits.
I am more comfortable with Jamie today, and she seems more relaxed. We see turkeys running on the ground in the Beaver Loop. My husband and I are separating more today by going opposite directions on the trails. Then we did a big separation with him going back to the barn on the old road and Jamie and me going up the East Hill. I took her respiration at the top; she is breathing deep with a count of nine which is good in the heat, and we are here without Flair. I was unable to get a count on the pulse because she kept chewing the bit, and I couldn’t find a pulse on the leg. I will have to carry the monitor.
Jamie stands quietly for me to mount, but then is a little reluctant to leave without Flair. We get down the hill without incident, but Jamie is now getting anxious and her body tightens. Fortunately, we now get a glimpse of Flair, and Jamie relaxes, but does hurry to meet her. This is a big step and improvement for both Jamie and me.
Jamie and I meet our goal of 100 hours for the Versatility Trail Program sponsored by North America Saddle Mule Association on August 17, 2003. We received a certificate of accomplishment and a T-shirt with logo from NASMA, and Mules and More Magazine published my 100 hour story. This made my day and almost reminds me of the actor that is known for the statement, “Make My Day”!
The days are still hot and humid even at 7:30 in the evening. We ride a different route this evening staying along the edge of the open fields. Wait, I think I feel rain, but I’m not sure because the seventeen year cicadas are singing. They sing, then they spit, well, I’m not sure it’s spit. We move farther away from the trees to make sure it really is rain. Yes, it really is rain.
We ride down the hill next to the tree line and disturb a roosting turkey hen. Her angry clucking tells us how unhappy she is as she flies out of a tree behind us, then struts indignantly away, fussing the whole time. Both the horse and mule stand quietly for this excitement. The rest of the ride is uneventful and is a good relaxing ride.
The next day I rode around the yard and down the lane until my husband had Flair ready. Jamie is so interested in the neighbor’s horse that I am having difficulty keeping her attention. I ask her to do some side passes and backing around a tree, and between two trees to get her attention.
Jamie and Flair are so slow, we only ride half the trail. We see a couple of cows off by themselves, and one has a new born calf, which she has hidden nearby. She starts toward her calf when we get too close. She thinks we do not see the calf.
Jamie is doing a very good job opening and closing gates today. She remembered the final step by moving away from the gate with out being told.
My saddle is not setting straight today. I get off to straighten it a couple of times, using these opportunities to do off side mounts. Jamie stands very well, even though I am clumsy.
This is a special ride on August 23rd with Jamie taking me by herself. I’m not sure howlong we will ride; it will depend on Jamie’s behavior. We went south in the brome field, then up the hill. Jamie is dragging her feet part of the time, but is behaving very well. Jamie helps open the gate into the trails, and I ask her if she wants to go the other way today. She seems to know what I said, and goes the opposite direction. Interesting!
I decide not to ride on the bone trail, and I tell Jamie she might step on a bone making it crack. The word “crack” makes Jamie jump. We do not ride all the trails. Each loop we start makes Jamie ask with that look “Do we have to?”
One loop is spooky to Jamie, and several times she turned up her nose. I think she may smell the cows, or maybe a deer. We see several squirrels which make Jamie stop to look. She watches for them as we go down the trail. Their disappearing act seems to bother Jamie a little. I keep singing and talking to her until I am hoarse. I love the quiet of the woods, so I do not sing the rest of the ride. I don’t think she likes my horrible singing anyway, because she has he ears in the disgusted position.
Jamie is watching for the cows as we ride to the ridge. She remembers they have been there before, and today the cows are at the other end of the ridge. I ask Jamie to trot on the ridge and she trots the whole length, not stopping until I ask. This is good. We do not see any turkey or deer today, although, I thought I heard turkeys softly clucking.
Jamie opens all the gates, but is anxious at the last gate when we head home. She is quiet the rest of the way home. Jamie is so good, much better than first time out alone. I am pleased we rode most of the trails without incident.
It is another beautiful morning to sit on the porch, cook breakfast on the grill, and sip coffee. It is warming up quickly, and by 9:30 we are noticing the heat. Jamie must be noticing the heat also, because she is s-o-o-o-o slow on the trail. She has her brakes set again. This feels like her back legs are set in the ground. I work harder than she does today.
We see some cows today, but no deer or turkey. The pond is so stirred up by the cows that the horses don’t want to drink there.
We get back to sit around, drink a soda, and watch the horses graze. It is all over much too soon.
August 29th is the first cooler evening for quite some time. It is hard to get started after work and after supper. We start in the small pasture, through some ditches and a steep uphill, then a rough downhill with low branches overhead. I didn’t enjoy the downhill with the branches to duck. Jamie is good through all this. I am expecting some exciting behavior from her, since it is cooler tonight.
We ride around a field where the cows are grazing. We ride through a group of cows, getting a calf excited. The calf runs right for Jamie with Jamie doing a little side step away. I am yelling, hoping to get the calf and its mother to stop. They turn off to go behind Jamie, and Jamie and I are happy with their choice. This is a short, but good ride.
It is the end of August and summer will soon be over so we are riding as much as possible. Our son-in-law and daughter are bringing their young horses to ride with us, and bringing a horse for my husband. It is threatening rain while we are getting ready, and is showering enough to make us put on our slickers before we leave.
Jamie is not thrilled about being ridden in the rain. She is showing her unhappiness with wrinkles above her nostrils and her ears in the disgusted position. We start in the small pasture, with my husband being extra confident on his mount today. He leads us on a steep uphill which is already getting slick from the rain. Our daughter’s horse is getting antsy, because he thinks he is being left behind. She decides to lead her horse even though it is slick for her. My husband doesn’t take the hint and rides down a steep hill with overhanging branches. Our son-in-law’s horse climbs up the bank to get off that trail. They get through on the second try. Our daughter and I decline the challenge.
We ride around a field and through a group of cows. The cows are feeling the effects of the cool weather and want to play, running and kicking. This excites our horses, but fortunately we all get under control, including the cows.
We then ride on trail where all is quiet, but getting slicker. Jamie is having sliding problems with her back feet. She seems to be bracing herself to prevent sliding. I guess she is taking care of herself.
We get to the last gate, with my husband asking his horse to help open and shut. She does all right with the opening part, but is too anxious to be going home to help shut the gate. Our son-in-law asks his young horse to shut the gate with her behaving perfectly.
Now all the horses are a bit excited to start to the barn and are trying to dance down the hill, including Jamie. We talk our horses into a walk, but as we start uphill, our son-in-law’s horse decides to buck. He is not prepared, but only lost his hat in the episode. We are not sure which came first, the loud toot or the big buck! Jamie is surprised by all the excitement behind her, and shoots forward a few strides. We all have a good laugh after we find everyone is all right.
The jacket I chose to wear did not keep me dry, and I am soaked to the skin. I feel much better after getting into some dry clothes. The rain is so needed that I can’t complain. It has been a good ride.
Even though September’s cooler weather is upon us, I give Jamie a bath to wash off the mud. She thinks it’s a little cool, and is humped up, and is fidgeting during saddling. I let her eat in the round pen a little, and then ask her to walk around. I ride in the round pen for a short time, and then ask her to open and shut the gate.
We ride around the yard, pivot on the front, back between a couple of trees. We walk down the lane past some strange looking weeds. Jamie cocks her head and ears at the weeds, but walks by without a problem. We do our usual side passes to the trees with Jamie getting her treats of green leaves. We head toward the round bales, and Jamie is looking for the place we usually back. Okay Jamie, we can do this if you want, but I already know why you want to back between the bales then she can get a bite of hay once she gets between the bales far enough.
We leave the bales of hay only to hear Callie’s thundering hooves behind us. Jamie stops, tenses, and looks over her shoulder. I turn Jamie to watch Callie in her pen. I ask Jamie to back to take her mind off Callie. This seems to work, so we turn to go down a sloping bank. Jamie is very careful here because she knows it is slick from our recent rain.
We start toward the barn, when suddenly Callie puts on a bucking exposition and runs to the barn. Jamie gets a little tense and starts to hurry. After all, we have not been out alone often. She is being controllable, but I decide to dismount to hold her and let her eat some grass. This works to calm her, but she doesn’t want to wait for me to mount. I guess she thinks I should make a flying mount. Jamie is getting impatient with me, and does something very interesting. She turns her head, sticks her nose on the stirrup as if to say, “There’s the stirrup, why don’t you just put your foot in and mount?” Now she stands, but I am laughing so hard that I am still having difficulty!
She goes quietly until we come to the strange looking weeds. Remember the weeds? Now we have a problem! Those weeds look a lot scarier than the first time. Jamie has to back away from those scary things. She looks those things over for at least five minutes. She then tip-toes by without incident and then I ask her to trot for a short distance. It’s time to quit. It was short but sweet.
The next day, I force myself to go to the barn, and feel better as soon as I start to brush Jamie. Amazing what a horse, o-o-p-s, mule can do for a person’s attitude!
My husband decides to ride Callie with us. We go into the small pasture, but I refuse to do the slick banks. We come upon four little calves lying in a low area, so I turn Jamie’s head to see them. Jamie is getting a bite of millet now and then. Callie begins to really walk out, so Jamie has to move faster than usual. This is good. and I am so glad Callie is not waiting for Jamie like Flair.
I am having some trouble keeping my right foot in the stirrup. I feel like I will lose the stirrup. This has not been a problem before.
We ride by the spring, which is much fuller since the rain. We walk to the barn. I wish the ride were not over. I let Jamie graze some before putting her in her stall. This is her treat after a ride, and she expects this.
Today Jamie and I are going out alone with her being a little reluctant to leave the barn and other horses. We open the first gate and shut it without a problem. We then trot some on the two-track to the red gate. Jamie is pulling to the right wanting to head back. We top the hill only to find the gate closed. This is not one Jamie can help open, so I dismount to struggle with the gate. We finally get through. Jamie has to go through her routine before letting me mount
Now I realize there is an electric fence blocking our way, but as we get closer, I find the wire is down. I dismount to lead Jamie across without incident. Jamie has a hard time standing for the mount again. This time she wants to move to a good snacking place.
We go onto the old road, and Jamie starts to move out at a faster pace. I let her get a bite to eat every so often to help her stay calm. We get onto our property and Jamie is walking very fast now. Good and she isn’t trying to break into a trot.
Jamie shot forward under a low hanging branch that smacks me on the head. Shortly after the branch incident, she had to do a rear-end squirm. I wish I knew why she does that.
We open a gate, but have a little trouble shutting it, because Jamie is anxious to get to the barn. She then hurried down the hill, but did pay attention when I told her not to trot. She did very well opening and shutting the last gate. We ride around the yard a little, doing a side-pass up a bank, and then going between two trees and stopping. The ride by ourselves is over and has been great.
Jamie and I go out again by ourselves. It is just too nice to sit inside even though the pollen and mold count are very high.
We open the first gate with Jamie getting part way through, and then she started backing through the gate. She is slow going down the hill, looking for ways to go back. Once we get in the brome field, she picks up speed.
We go onto the old road and trot to next gate. Jamie opens and shuts this gate without a problem. She is going over the trail so nice. We get to the pond when we both notice something moving on the trail we had just ridden. It is my husband on Callie. I dismount to hold Jamie since she is a little bit excited until they catch us.
We ride most of the trails before it gets too dark. We get to the gate, when suddenly Jamie shies big time. Hey, I stayed on! There is something in the brush on the other side of the fence, probably a squirrel. She goes to the gate to open and shut it even though she was afraid a moment ago. Jamie has to hustle to keep up with Callie. This is good because it will help Jamie learn to walk out faster.
We practice a side-pass up a bank and back around a tree in our yard. It is time to unsaddle, brush Jamie, and clean her feet. She knows it is now time for her treat of grazing in the yard while I have my diet coke. Another great ride!
Jamie and I are going out by ourselves today. She is not thrilled with this idea, and plays a little trick with the gate. She gets half way through, then backs up, as if I wouldn’t notice. She is reluctant going down the hill, but we pick up speed in the brome field.
She opens the next gate nicely. We get into trails with Jamie looking for my husband and Callie to show up like the last time. She is speeding through trails and gets even speedier coming home.
She won’t help shut the gate on our way home. I finally dismount to hook the gate. Now she really doesn’t want to wait for me to mount, so we have to do a few circles and positioning. She finally decides to stand for the mount. She is moving out well, not even taking time for a bite along the old road. She is going down the last hill by walking quietly, and does a good job with the last gate.
Our son-in-law and daughter come to ride with us today, but my husband is repairing a tractor blade, so will not be riding. It has been over two weeks since I have ridden Jamie, so she may be a little fresh.
Jamie starts quietly and even keeps her cool when Callie comes out of the barn to play along the fence line as we ride by. It is very windy today and could make for an interesting ride. We see some turkeys in the woods, but Jamie doesn’t notice them. Jamie is doing some rear-end twists quite often, but finally settles down in the woods. We see some deer and again Jamie pays little attention. A black snake crawling off the trail got her attention. She watched it, then tip-toed by that spot. She is walking out faster today with these faster walking horses, which is good.
At one time, she asks for more rein, which I gave a little. I know I have a tighter rein today than usual, preparing for any playfulness. Jamie slips a little going down a bank, and then shook her head. I don’t know if she was mad that she slipped or wanted to play, but she did get checked for shaking her head.
She closed the gate for us, and opened the last gate, but forgot to hold it for the other horses to go through. I talk to her, telling her we have to wait. She waits and then backs through, standing quietly for hooking the gate. Our next challenge is Callie playing with us as we go down the lane. All the horses handle it very well. What a great ride.
I have chili and a salad waiting for us, and it smells so good. I pop some cinnamon rolls into the oven for dessert. Yummmm!
It is hot today and beautiful on our trails. This is a great day to ride, but my husband is still not feeling well, so it will be a short ride, and he decides to ride his horse, Flair.
We see some turkeys that Jamie watches as they sneak through the brush. It is quiet on the trail except for the horses’ hooves rustling the leaves that have fallen. The trees have beautiful color today and my husband just had to ride to Rainbow Hill to show the trees to me.
Jamie is pretty quiet today; I believe the ride yesterday has left her tired. She sometimes acts as though her back is sensitive. I want to try a different arrangement with the saddle pad. The ride is uneventful, and if I am going to fill up this page, I will have to tell some lies. Another great ride
We are riding at Saddle Ridge Park today and leave camp with Jamie anxious to go as soon as the bridle is on. I lead her to better terrain to mount, and she stands after I get her positioned. She is working s-o-o-o-o well; what a pleasure. The woods are so quiet and peaceful. We stop once to adjust the saddle, and Jamie stands well for the remount.
The morning ride is over too soon, but my husband is hungry. The lunch break is almost too much of a refresher for Jamie. She is rushing some of the trail, especially the down hills. We stop beside the lake for the horse and mule to drink, and Jamie drinks heartily. We start on our way again, when suddenly my GPS radio comes on. Jamie didn’t appreciate the bells, whistles and the static, and did some jumping around. Fortunately, the radio became quiet, but only for a few seconds, not giving me time to turn off the GPS. Now we are jumping around again. I finally dismount to get the itty-bitty off button clicked. I don’t know why electronic gadgets are made with such small buttons you need a toothpick to operate.
The rest of the ride is uneventful. We meet some other riders, and Jamie stays quiet while they pass. One rider is conditioning for an endurance ride that passes us in a mannerly way, but soon is out of sight. Jamie doesn’t try to chase or keep up, but just minds her own business. This is a good sign she has the right mind for competitive trail riding.
What a great ride. I want to go again tomorrow, but I have to go to work. Drats!
We arrive at Berry Bend Park near Clinton, Missouri about 4:00 P.M. October 14th. We stop at the park office and are ask for the coggins papers on our horse and mule. “Sure," I said. I whip out those papers with the confidence of an ol’ time gun slinger, only to find…… the gun empty…..No, I found the coggins papers three months out dated. Fortunately, they decide to let us stay. I imagine that happened since we are going to be the only ones in the camp ground.
October 15, 2003…..9:20 A.M. to 12:20 P.M.
The weather is a bit cool this morning. I saddle Jamie which makes her back flinch some. She is anxious and a bit fresh, so I walk her around and cinch up some more. We do our usual moving around for the mount. She is s-o-o-o-o ready to go today.
Soon out we see deer that doesn’t disturb Jamie in the least. Jamie is willing to lead or follow Callie. She is working the downhills very well, taking her time over the rocks. She is steady on the up hills.
We have been out a little over an hour and are now looking for a cross trail to head back to camp. We come to a downhill with a mud hole at the bottom, and I try to tell Jamie to go around on a trail that has a log. She decides the mud hole looks better than the short steep terrain and log I have chosen. I trust Jamie to choose the best footing for her. She gets in the middle of the mud hole, pauses, then looks the direction I had ask her to go. It sure looks as if she is wishing she was over there. She moves out with little difficulty. This kinda’ shoots that theory that mules will pick the best footing on the trail!
We are now heading to camp, when Jamie starts to limp. I holler to my husband to hold up, so I can check her feet. Sure enough, she has a rock lodged in her off front foot with the shoe holding the rock tightly. I can’t get it out, so my husband takes over, and with some effort gets out the rock. Jamie is relieved to be walking without limping.
My husband gets some pictures of Jamie at Lookout Point with Truman Lake in the background. There we see an odd distorted rock, then realize the distortion is a buzzard resting there.
Jamie is doing her unexplained twisting. I dismount to tighten the girth that comes up further than I expected. We arrive at camp soon after, and I find the off-side girth unfastened and nearly undone. The flopping of the loose latigo may have caused the twisting. I feel very fortunate the girth did not come completely undone.
We have lunch and then bathe the horse and mule. Jamie seems to like her bath, and I tie her to the trailer to keep her from rolling, and then give her some hay. She looks happy to have the hay to munch.
Wish you could have been there!!!
We sat at camp in the warmth of the sun, and then decided to take another ride. I have been waiting for my husband to say he felt like riding again since he is having flu-like symptoms.
I get Jamie saddled and mount, but the saddle is setting to the left. I dismount to try to straighten the saddle, but not really having any luck. She worked so well this morning, but now is twisting quite often. I dismount to straighten the saddle again with better luck this time.
We find a garter snake crossing the trail. Jamie watches it intently, and then walks carefully around the spot where she first saw the snake, as if she shouldn’t step on that part of the trail. Jamie is twisting, and I am asking her to back each time. The rest of the ride is uneventful.
We get to camp, unsaddle, clean the horse and mule, and check their feet. We let them rest about thirty minutes, and then feed. We have our supper, and then blanket the horses with a heavier blanket tonight. The heavier blanket will keep their muscles warm, and keep them from getting stiff.
We decide to leave in the morning. We want to be sure not to wear out our welcome. The park officials may change their mind about the coggins papers.
October 16th: We head to Saddle Ridge Equestrian Park at Hillsdale Lake
We arrive in camp at noon. We unload the horse and mule, and then have lunch. Some riders are pulling in to compete in the 50 mile endurance ride that is being held on Saturday. A lady from Smithville, Missouri, pulled in next to us, and while visiting with her, we found we knew a lot of the same people. She had competed on a mule in the past and admired Jamie.
It is getting colder and is windy in the camp ground. My husband is not really feeling very well, but is putting in the hours to help me achieve my 250 hour goal. He should be riding a mule, too.
We ride the red trail a different direction today. Again, I am having trouble getting my saddle straight, but finally do get it to set better. Other than Jamie twisting and me asking her to back, she is working the trail well.
We come upon six deer that watch us and continue to graze. Jamie watches them closely then moves down the trail quietly. The trail winds around those deer, so we soon see them again. We find some more deer in another area, which surprises Jamie making her shy in place.
We take a short loop on the blue trail to finish our ride. This has been such a great ride. I dismount at the trailer and Jamie puts her head on my shoulder. I believe she wants to know how she did, so I praise her, telling her “good girl.”
We let the horse and mule rest a few minutes while we visit with some more endurance riders. We load up, and head for home, getting home just before the pouring rain. I can’t wait to ride the trails again.
It is absolutely a beautiful day with very little wind. The sun is shining and it will warm to the 80’s today.
We leave the Rock Haven camp on the orange trail next to the lake. I can’t believe how well the trail is being cleared. We can actually get through to the end of the trail by the dam. We follow the blue trail back, and it is being cleared as well. Some local saddle clubs have been clearing the trails in their spare time. We see different kinds of birds on the lake. Boaters are taking advantage of the beautiful day.
We water the horse at two different places along the orange trail. Usually there is not water on the blue trail, but today we found water in a small ditch. Jamie is grabbing bites of leaves whenever she can, and had to stop once to scratch her nose on an extending log. Jamie is showing signs of being tired during the last hour of the ride. She has some winter hair and is sweating some on this warm day.
We come to two rocks with a crevice between them on the trail. Jamie was almost on top of those rocks, when she started to smell and snort, then back away. She continued to snort, but we could not see anything there. My husband on his horse, Callie, had to go first to scare the boogers away, and Jamie did follow, but not without snorting.
My husband and I are getting a bit weary the last bit of the ride. My husband dismounts to walk relieving the ache in his leg. We get in camp and unsaddle, then give the horse and mule some hay. We have our lunch, and then bathe the horse and mule to remove the sweat. It has been a great ride
My husband decides to take the torture one more day, and ride at Saddle Ridge Park. This is the last day of my vacation I can ride. Tomorrow I will go to work to make up one day, and then I will be having eye surgery on Thursday.
We go on the red trail to make a loop by the dam. This trail is a good change for the animals, since it is mostly flat and very few rocks. The change is good for us, as well. This is a beautiful trail.
It is getting warm and I want to remove my vest to tie to the saddle. I dismount, and as I am taking off my vest, I startle Jamie. She starts down the trail without me, but only for a short distance. My husband offers her a carrot, so I can catch her. I need to hold her in the future.
We are in an open area when we see an individual with two dogs. The white dog really catches Jamie’s eye, because she can see the white tail wagging. He is very courteous and holds his dogs when he sees us.
Unfortunately, one gets loose just as we get to them. I quickly dismount Jamie, because I don’t know what she will do. Actually, my dismount bothers her more than the dog running up behind her.
The new saddle pad arrangement is working very well for us with only a smidgen of slippage. Jamie’s back seems more relaxed with this pad. The saddle stays in place during the mount and sets straight throughout the ride.
We are in camp after three hours of riding. We unsaddle, groom, and clean feet. We have our lunch and rest a short time. The afternoon ride is going to be short, because the riders and animals have become tired. We take the blue trail around the camp, riding an hour and fifteen minutes, and then take a trail into the camp. The animals are glad to see camp and the trailer. We unsaddle, groom and clean feet to check for rocks. Jamie is so good today.
We rest a few minutes, then load the horse and mule. This has been the most wonderful day.
It is s-o-o-o-o-o beautiful today after several days of ugly weather. This is the first time I have a chance to ride since my cataract surgery.
The trailer is winterized and is parked in the shed. I try to find a safe place to tie Jamie for saddling. I decide to use a support pole to the shed. I find this to be too close to the trailer. Jamie is exceptionally nervous during saddling. I lead her to the round pen to tie and finish tacking.
I let her walk around a little, and then pick a place to mount. Now, I am wearing more clothes today, and have a weakened arch in my right foot. This is limiting my pushing up during the mount. I barely get on with the second try. Poor Jamie is standing like the “Rock of Gibraltar” through this. I am so proud of her.
We walk, do some turns, and go a different direction. I ask “Are you ready to trot?” She understands what I have said, and gets ready. I am very pleased that she waits for the leg cue. We spend about fifteen minutes in the round pen. It is time to go out, and she opens and shuts the gate like a pro. We walk in the yard and down the driveway, and between a couple of trees. We do a side-pass, and back around a tree. She is remembering everything. I am bursting with pride!
We are out ten minutes when I run out of time. We head for the round pen, and Jamie opens the gate, backs through, waits for me to hook the gate. Ten minutes hardly seems worth mentioning, but that ten minutes did wonders for me. I dismount, and unsaddle Jamie. I turn her loose to graze in the round pen while I put the tack in the trailer.
Jamie gets to graze a short time, and is not willing to be caught, but does give in quickly. She is walking to the barn so fast that I can hardly keep up. I decide to run, asking her to trot with me. This is training for competitive trail riding. I hope I can keep trotting.
Last night I conned Ginger into riding with me today. I do not have to twist her arm, because we both know today is going to be beautiful after the fog burns away. The fog is really dense just south of Bonner Springs making me feel a little disoriented. This is the worse, but shortly after the sun is shining.
She is waiting for me even though I am ten minutes early. I unload Jamie, then saddle. She and I both lead to some railroad ties to stand on during our mount. Jamie stands nicely for me.
We ride on the red trail an hour and a half. Jamie is moving along quietly today and leads the last part of the trail. We have our lunch in camp giving the mule and horse a short break, as well as ourselves.
She is picking up cans along the trail and carrying them on her seventeen old horse, Silver. Jamie is in the lead, and hears the cans rattling, and is listening and looking around. I tell Jamie she can pick up cans when she gets to be seventeen.
We ride on the blue trail after lunch. Jamie is being so good today. She is carefully picking her way over the rocks since she does not have shoes. The under-brush is gone and she looks around more today. She takes some time to smell the side of the trail. Who knows what animal has been there. She grabs a bite to eat occasionally.
We are almost to camp when she shies from something in the grass. Only she knows what is there, because I do not see anything spooky. Now, she does a few rear-end twists like her britchen is grabbing her. She is sweaty under the britchen and she has long hair that may be getting pulled.
We get to camp, unsaddle, brush, and clean the feet. Ginger and I sit to rest and have a diet coke, and she goes behind my trailer startling Jamie, but I get a welcome-nicker when I show up on Jamie’s side of the trailer. I love that and give her a hug and some scratching. Jamie loads without a problem and we are on our way home after a great ride.
It is very windy today, but getting warmer. I arrive at the park about 10:30 this morning. I am the only one in the camp, and I know Ginger will not be there until almost noon. It is not long before some more trailers pull in. I decide to saddle and ride around the campground, and set the GPS to practice making a map.
I ride toward the other riders, but Jamie is getting a little hyper, so I decide to ride back to my trailer. She gets calmer, so I ride to the blue trail and head for camp on that trail. Jamie is a little reluctant, but goes ahead. She is very alert. We meet some other riders. Jamie watches them pass, but does not try to go with them. This is good. She gets a little speedy as we get close to camp. I make her do some circles, which isn’t helping much. I let her eat some grass a couple of times. This seems to slow her for a short time. Ginger is waiting when we get to camp. We were out for 35 minutes by ourselves. It wasgreat!
We have our lunch before going on the trail again, and then take the red trail that takes us by the lake. It is windy making some pretty big waves on the lake, and it is also noisy. We take the horse and mule to the lake for a drink, and Jamie surprises me by going out in the waves to drink.
We see a big doe and three small deer close to the trail. Jamie watches the deer for a short time, then proceeds down the trail. We meet more riders, and I have to laugh to see their horses staring at Jamie. We also meet a couple of hikers that worried Jamie a little, especially when they moved behind her.
We pass camp to ride the blue trail. Ginger is leading us on shortcuts to get to camp by 3:00 P.M. We meet two people riding bicycles. Now, Jamie has never seen a bicycle before. They pull off the trail to wait for us to pass. Jamie wants to duck through the brush to pass the first one, but I am able to discourage that route. She finally scoots by the first one, and then scoots by the second one. She then wants to stay closer to Ginger’s horse, Silver.
We meet some more riders without mishap. They are traveling fast, so we want to be behind. We are doing a lot of shortcuts now, and make it to camp by 3:00. We have been out two and a half hours making the day a great one!
I canceled our ride we planned today due to the weather report, which turned out to be wrong. Bummer!!!! It is cloudy and chilly today, but not raining like the report said it would.
I will ride our trails after the cows are moved. As it turns out, our neighbor and his horse help move the cows. My husband and I saddled to ride part way home with him. I can remember doing this with my riding friends when I was a kid. Jamie is uneasy with our neighbor and his horse following. She acts as if the britchen is grabbing her. I plan to adjust the britchen and wash it when we get to the barn. It does seem a little snug.
I have to dismount to tighten the saddle once during the ride. Jamie stands nicely for an off-side dismount and mount. Using the off side does not seem to put as much strain on my tender right foot.
We see the white tail of a deer disappear into a ravine. Jamie watches as it disappears. Jamie is like a pointer, but uses her ears to tell me where some birds are. She is not startled when a flock of small birds fly. She does a good job helping open and shut three gates today. The repetition has gotten results.
My husband’s stiff neck is not letting him enjoy the ride, plus his stomach starts to hurt. He just doesn’t feel up to more riding today. We get to the trailer, unsaddle, groom and clean feet. I then take Jamie to the round pen for some grazing, while I get some dinner started. I am glad to have the hour and fifteen minutes today which has chased away my sour mood.
I have spent several sessions in the round pen for adjusting, and letting Jamie test the britchen. I am having a lot of trouble keeping the saddle in place, so I ordered a stable ride saddle pad. This is holding the saddle in place, but I don’t know how it will be in the hot weather. I am still getting roughed up hair, but it is still so long.
I am teaching Jamie to stretch for me, and then let me mount. She caught on to the stretch voice command in three sessions. She is so smart! Now all she has to learn is to stand that way for the mount. We practiced on that today without much success.
I spent a little riding time in the round pen, then ask Jamie to help open and shut the gate, which she did perfectly. She is so smart! We then spent only fifteen minutes out around the yard and driveway. I ask her to back between two trees, mostly to get her attention back to me. We did a side pass down a bank, across the driveway, up the opposite bank. We did a back around a tree, which she did nicely by staying close to the tree. We did another side pass up a steeper bank. She got a treat for that one.
I wanted to ride some more but ran out of time. We went to the round pen to get the halter and rope, and then did another mount. We went to the barn, did a front end pivot. I dismounted, led Jamie into the barn to remove the tack and then do the usual grooming. She picked up her feet by voice command for cleaning. She is so smart! I just wanted to keep on playing with her.
Today is the first shirt-sleeve day and I hurry home from work to ride. My husband fed the horses early in anticipation for a trail ride this evening. We get our horses groomed and saddled. I lead Jamie around a little for her to relax so I can tighten the girth again. She stands perfectly for me to mount. She gets her treat.
She walks out briskly with that mule back and forth motion. It feels so good. She opens and shuts the first gate and expects her treat. My husband and his horse open the next gate, but Jamie helps me shut the gate, and I just pet her this time. I dismount to straighten my saddle and tighten the girth again. She stands for the mount and waits for her treat.
The leaves on the trail seem to spook her some, and she quickens her pace through this area. She is stopping for branches in the trail as if she wants me to dismount to move them. We are able to go around some.
My husband and his horse open the next gate, and Jamie does a nice side-pass to shut the gate, and then waits for her treat. She is moving through the trail at a nice pace, but is not able to keep up with my husband‘s horse, and I won’t let Jamie rush through ditches or downhill.
My husband’s horse is being barn sour on the way home, and he has her do some circles to slow her without much success. At least, this lets us keep up with them. My saddle is feeling loose again, so we stop at the East gate. The girth has come unfastened, and with a couple more strides and it would be completely undone! I am not sure why this is happening, but it is kinda’ scary. Jamie stands again for the mount, even doing a little stretch for me.
Jamie expertly helps with the next gate. No treat this time, just praise and petting. We are almost home, and my husband and his horse work the last gate with his horse very impatient. We get to the barn, and my husband surprises his horse by asking her to go by taking her to the round pen to do the barn sour prevention training.
Jamie gets to stop at the barn for unsaddling and the grooming. Jamie gets one more treat after picking up her feet for cleaning. What a great ride!
It is a beautiful evening on April Fool’s, warm and no wind. Jamie is shedding some hair. There will not be so much hair to bunch up under the girth.
I have a longer girth to try so I can tie the latigo strap. I spend a long time adjusting the britchen again to fasten into the girth at the front of the D-ring. I believe this will keep the girth fastened during riding. Jamie is a little jumpy tonight and is pawing after I put the saddle on her back. This is not a good sign, and I am only cinching the girth a little at a time.
I take Jamie to the round pen to check the fit of the britchen. I adjust some more and she is ready for me to mount. She is standing good for the mount and gets a treat. We spend a little time in the round pen, and then she helps open the gate. We open the gate toward us and back out this time. She does such a good job. She is so smart.
We ride in the yard and down the lane. I take advantage of everything out here. We back around a big round bale. We do side passes and back up a bank. We back down a bank. We back around a tree in different directions with me touching the tree with one hand. We were slow, but did all right. We did some trotting and stop, and I did a dismount and mount on the trail. She stood and even stretched a little for me during the mount. She is behaving so well. I am very pleased with her.
It is almost dark when we go to the barn. I unsaddle, check her back for roughed up hair. It is smoother this time, but there is a little waffle-weave appearance on the off-side shoulder from the stable-ride saddle pad. She gets her usual grooming and foot cleaning, then a treat.
I spend some time trying to clip Jamie with dull blades that are supposed to be new blades. I am not getting a smooth clip. The other horses left the barn making Jamie nervous. I decide to work on the clipping at another time.
I groom and saddle Jamie, then lead her out of the barn. She stands for the mount, and I start to ride around the yard. Jamie is not doing very well for me, because she is distracted by the neighbor’s horse. I decide to ride down the lane, but she is distracted a little by the neighbor’s dog barking. We do a couple of side passes, and back around a tree, which she does not do very well today.
I decide to quit early. This time, I unsaddle and groom at the trailer. I want the tack in the trailer for our trip to Rocky Top in the Mark Twain Forest.
It is a very beautiful day again. I trim some more on Jamie’s face which she accepts quietly. Jamie is not fussy today about saddling. That is good.
My husband and his horse open and shut the first gate. We ride our short steep hill right after the creek. My saddle seems to stay in place. We see four deer running across the hill. Jamie watches as they disappear over the hill. My husband and his horse open the next gate, but Jamie helps me close the gate. She did well.
We wander down the East Road and back into the trails. We are not following any particular trail, and this is more interesting. We do have some trees and branches down over our trail. Jamie does not like to go under low hanging branches. It seems that my ducking under the branch bothers her, and she will hurry through.
The trail across Jiggs’ Pond dam is completely blocked with branches. I dismount thinking I could lead through, but after looking closer, I realize I cannot. My husband has gone down the dam and along the outside bank. I let Jamie go to the edge of the pond for a drink, but all she wants is the wet grass. I tighten the saddle and mount with Jamie standing and even stretching some. We then take the same trail that my husband has taken.
Jamie and I try to open the next gate, but someone has snubbed up the chain too tight for me to unfasten. My husband dismounts to get the chain undone. Jamie helps me close the gate again doing a good job.
Jamie gets to graze after being unsaddled and groomed. She appears to have a tender spot on the off-side from the cinch ring. The latigo straps are staying fastened, now that I have the longer girth and am tying the strap as well as buckling. I have changed the way of fastening the britchen, and I believe this has helped. What a great ride.
We pull there in a borrowed truck, and I realize I have not brought my watch or cell phone. I will check the time by the clock in the truck.
We unload, and I am struggling with shutting the window, but almost drop it on my head when my husband’s horse gives one of her grunts. It was as if she was trying to help, but now I am laughing so hard I can barely get the window shut.
I take the quarter strap off the britchen, because it is just laying there loose. Jamie waits for me to mount and stretches some for me. She gets her treat.
Jamie chooses the trailhead today, and I really think she wants to take a closer look at all the heavy equipment working in that area. Most of this trail is pretty open with some areas brushy, but not woodsy. We see some trees with pretty pink blooms, maybe peach trees. The plum trees are in bloom and smell so sweet.
There are some crows tormenting some animal or another bird, maybe turkeys, since we see a lot of turkey tracks on the trail. Jamie thinks the crows are after her since they are so noisy. Jamie leads part of the time, but is sure there is something in the brushy area, and does an about face. Only she knows why.
Jamie stops to let a giant king snake cross the trail. I am glad she saw it and did stop. We come upon another snake later. My husband and his horse are in the lead and Jamie did not see this snake, even though it started to come our direction. This king snake is muddy. It must have just come out of hibernation. I stop a couple of times to tighten the saddle, and one time to take a picture of my husband on his horse and holding Jamie.
We have lunch in camp, and then go out on the blue trail. The weather became warmer during the day and is very pleasant. The terrain is rougher and has some mud holes. Another rider goes with us on part of the trail. Jamie had to look this horse over, and wasn’t concentrating while they were behind.
We stop at Vet Vax on our way to Rock Haven to get some easy boots for Callie. It is all ready raining on us, but not hard. We arrive at Rock Haven at 10:30 A.M., and it is still raining softly.
We look for blankets for the horses and raincoats for us. Jamie seems to be accepting me in my raincoat while moving about her. This will be a new experience for both of us today.
It has stopped raining and my husband is putting the easy boots on Callie. They really don’t fit very tight, and I have my doubts about them staying on.
Jamie stands perfectly for me to mount, and we move out just a little. My raincoat is under my leg, so I make a move to pull it from under my leg. This startles Jamie and she shoots forward mighty fast, almost unseating me.
We start out on the trail, but Callie’s easy boot comes off in the first mud hole. We head back to camp. My husband is going to duct tape her front feet for protection. We start out again at 11:15 and get in two hours and ten minutes. It is so quiet and peaceful on the trail. Both horses (O-p-p-s, horse and mule) are working well. Callie is startled by a deer, but Jamie just watches. Jamie gets more upset by squirrels and anything moving in the grass.
We have lunch in camp, and then leave at 2:30 to get another hour and fifty minutes. The ride is uneventful, other than the raincoat incident. I wish it were not over.
We start our trip to Rocky Top, but the truck blows up before we get to Bonner Springs. I later find my saddle is coming apart, so it is in the shop.
Our son-in-law and daughter rescue me from a disastrous spring break. They invite me to go with them to Rocky Top. We leave home about 5:15 P.M. Tuesday, April 13 making two stops; one for gas and one at Smith’s Restaurant. We arrive at Rocky Top at 10:15 P.M. We put the horses in the stalls and then we hit the hay. We all spend the first night in the trailer living quarters.
April 14
I am up by 7:20 A.M. The weather is cool, but not cold. I lead Jamie out, and hobble her leaving her to graze while we have breakfast. I may change from the three way hobble to the two way hobble.
We have a new farrier shoeing for us this time. His prices are much more reasonable than the farrier we have been using, and he is right on time. I told him he needed to say hello to Jamie before playing with her legs. He does, then trims one front foot, then walks right back to the hip and asks for the back foot. Yep, he has worked with mules before, just like he said! He is not standing by the shoulder and reaching for that hind foot. Jamie is not cooperating as well as I would like her to, but he is very patient. He puts shoes on the other two horses while I sit by the trailer enjoying the beautiful weather.
We have lunch before leaving and Jamie starts out lively, leading part of the time. I have to adjust the saddle at the bottom of the first downhill, and at the bottom of the next hill, and the next. I now feel comfortable.
We are on a new trail with beautiful scenery, and the Dogwood trees are blooming. Jamie did a “mule jump” over one of the big logs. That was s-o-o-o cool! A couple of turkeys startled Jamie making her jump forward. Our daughter finds several mushrooms along the trail but finds more in camp. We get back at 3:35 P.M. and the horses and mule are tired. I unsaddle Jamie and she has a lot of roughed up hair. Jamie is very tolerant for such an ill-fitting saddle.
I want to put up my new picket line, but I am hobbling big time with hip pain, and hobbling during each time I adjusted the saddle while on the trail. Our son-in-law puts up the picket line showing me how, and then he puts up a TV antenna on the barn. He fires up the stove that is in the living quarters of the barn so I can sleep in there tonight. I am tired and will sleep well tonight.
We head for some steep terrain and on the last long very steep down hill; I have to stop part way down to adjust the saddle that is forward. This is bothering Jamie and me even more. Our son-in-law wants to know what is wrong, and I am a little cross with him. I apologize later, but I have hurt his feelings. I think I feel worse than he. I adjust my saddle one more time today. I may have to get a different saddle sooner than I planned. There is always a dry spot on both sides of her back with sweaty marks around the edge of the saddle.
Jamie asks to rest on a steep uphill for the first time. She is using her donkey mind today. She asks again on the last steep uphill. She is a tired little mule today. The horses and mule drink more often on the trail today. This is good. We are on the trail 3:15 hours. Jamie is very willing and tolerant, but I know she must be uncomfortable with the saddle.
April 16
I am up at 6:00 A.M. to feed and water Jamie, then let her graze, but she would rather explore. She walks around the barn looking everything over, then starts down the road. I have to hurry a little to catch up with her.
We have our breakfast around 8:00 A.M. then saddle. I take the cinch up one more notch today. I finally got smart, and I now cinch up and adjust the saddle before going downhill. I do this two different times and the saddle is staying in place better today.
We do not see any wild life today. It is a beautiful ride with clear streams and waterfalls. The horses and mule have slowed their pace today. Jamie does a horse jump over a log today. I guess this means her Arab brain is working today.
We go to camp for lunch, unsaddled, let the horses graze. We rest for part of the afternoon, and then go out again for a couple of hours. I took a picture of the kids on their horses in front of a Dogwood tree on their property.
We spent this time trimming and hanging ribbons. Jamie did well for me, but did quicken her pace as we near camp. We are on the trail 2:45 hours this morning and 2 hours this afternoon.
April 17
I change the girth today because Jamie has some hair rubs in the girth area, but they are not raw. It is really tough riding here. We pack our lunch and a bottle of bufferin, and leave camp to the north which is different than before. I soon find that Jamie does not like to carry a rattling bottle of bufferin. My daughter finally carries my bufferin. We are exploring a new trail, trimming some and hanging ribbons. Jamie is getting the hang of standing for me to hang ribbons. She is so smart, but spooky! We run into a dead end, stopped by a fence. We now have to back track. This trail will have to wait for some changes.
Jamie is working really well until going up a hill where she caught her hind leg in a branch dragging it along. This makes her spooky for the rest of the ride.
Jamie is so good about letting me mount and has been good every day. She is stretching and standing for the mount (even bracing herself for my pull) then waiting for her treat. I adjust my saddle four different times during the ride today. I do one not-so-good off-side mount, but do manage to get on.
We saw one turkey running through the brush. Each day we see many wild flowers. Every day has been just great weather and great riding. We are out for a total of 5:20 hours.
April 18
This is our last day to get a short ride before we leave for home. We are feeling a bit weary, especially our son-in-law who has been helping two women all week.
We start our ride with a steep downhill and I have to adjust my saddle again. The rest of the ride is mostly on side hills or uphill. We do some trimming but not so much ribbon hanging. We are out 1:10 hours.
Each day we are out, we are looking for mushrooms, and find enough for a couple of messes. Our daughter finds more in camp than on the trail. We are almost in camp when Jamie points a turkey. Of course, I think she is staring at a stump until the turkey flies.
We unsaddle; load everything, while the horses graze. We are on our way home at 11:20 A.M. and arrive home at 4:15 P.M. We stop to get gas and another time to get a chicken combo from Popeye’s. It is just starting to sprinkle when we get home, so there is a mad rush to unload. My daughter helps so much by bringing the food into the house. I am hobbling slowly with hip pain.
This thirty minutes feels so good after recovering from a “snapping hip” (dislocated hip), shingles and plantar fasciitis. The plantar fasciitis is not quite well, but didn’t bother me to ride.
Jamie is a little fussy today about going the direction I want. She is pretending she doesn’t understand the rein contact.
We do some side-passes up and down a bank and backing around a couple of trees. I also ask her to do a rear-end pivot, and the front-end, which she remembered. We backed up an incline. She doesn’t particularly like to back up hill, but tolerates the request. She knows when I say, “Good girl”, that it could mean a treat as well. We finished the ride with lots of grooming and mane clipping. She even let me trim a little hair from her ears.
It is Memorial Day week-end, so I don’t go to work on Monday. I am hoping for decent weather for more riding. Today is just an appetizer.
I am home with my husband today while he is recouping from sinus surgery, and the weather is too nice not to saddle up Jamie. There is no wind and it is almost hot.
Jamie is good for all the grooming including cleaning her feet. She stands for me to mount and we ride around the yard then to the pasture. The brome is tall, but she doesn’t try to eat. She is looking for any movement in the grass. This seems to bother her. I don’t know if she is expecting a turtle or snake, or maybe just a little bug.
She jumps the ditch with water and is busy looking over everything. She does try very hard to go next to a tree to get a bite. She is not responding to the bit and reins as well as I would like.
We have a nice ride for an hour. It is great! She gets several treats during the ride. I unsaddle and groom, and clean the feet.
It is now time to chore. I am doing this by myself since my husband needs to take it easy. I finish and start for the house, and “lo and behold” the UPS truck is bringing my new saddle. I had almost given up getting it this week. Of course, I have to try it on Jamie. I put it on the saddle rack first to sit on and adjust the stirrups. Now, I just have to try it on Jamie. I have to look through all my tack to find a English girth long enough. The old one I found was almost too long, but got the job done for now. My husband did have to hold the stirrup on the off side for my mount. He just had to come to see how it was going.
I like the seat, but the swinging fenders are hanging up on something. I will have to find a way to prevent that. I did not use the britchen with the new saddle. That will come later.
I put my favorite stirrups on the new saddle and had to shorten the leathers to the last notch. I may have to put another hole in the leathers.
I couldn’t get a longer girth today, so got a girth extender. This helped, but I don’t like it because it comes unfastened too easily.
Jamie was very patient with all the adjustments and remounting. I rode for 30 minutes, and then tried the pommel bags on the saddle. I also put the britchen on Jamie and adjusted that.
The next time I ride I will try a stable ride pad under the saddle pad. Maybe the saddle will stay put better during mounting. I will also put the cantle bag on to adjust. I will soon be set for a longer trail ride.
I conned my riding buddy, Ginnie, into coming to ride with me today. My husband and I help her tack up Callie, and then she rides Callie in the round pen to get use to her. I tack up early trying all the saddle bags on the new saddle and a stable ride pad under the saddle blanket. I am hoping for no slippage.
We get started at 2:30 P.M. She chooses to ride behind and really does a good job withCallie who likes to tail gate. Jamie is opening and shutting all the gates today like a pro. She is so smart. She is going so calmly today; I believe she is beyond the green-broke stage now.
I stop once to tighten the saddle which probably didn’t need to be tightened. It was very hard to get to the next notch. The belly-buster was slipping on the leather. I felt I was riding to the left. I believe I will put a little padding in that left stirrup. Maybe that will help me feel level. The saddle seemed to be in the middle of the horse. The new saddle is not slipping on our little hills and I feel very comfortable with it. Jamie seems comfortable with it as well. She half-heartily did the twisting rear-end thing once.
I can’t believe Ginnie is up to as much riding as we are doing, but I can’t believe that I am not hurting. I will probably be stiff tomorrow. I am having a little difficulty walking without pain today even before the ride. More pain killer will be needed for awhile.
Callie is very good for Ginnie until we get through the last gate, then the barn-sour attitude kicked in. She does a really good job with her, even when Callie kicked out her heels once. We have found letting Callie eat while she waits for Jamie to work the gates helps to keep her calmer.
We wash the horses checking for ticks, but did not find any. I guess the repellent is working. I talk her into coming to ride again after I get home from work Wednesday. I couldn’t thank her enough for riding with me. She is such a good riding partner.
It is June 19th and the weather has been doing nothing but raining and raining. We get home from eating at Home Town Buffet and my husband is telling me I still have time to go to the Hill and Dale Competitive Trail Ride. I call the ride manager at the ride to check the camp ground condition. He tells me it has dried enough for me to get in. I load up Jamie and get on my way.
This is the first time for pulling the trailer since the head gasket has been replaced in the truck, so my husband is telling me to watch the temperature and oil pressure. Oh, joy! Well, it pulled without that problem, but did vibrate at 55 mph or over. Now he is telling me, “It’s just the tires”. Oh, isn’t this just hunky dory! I arrive without incident after filling the truck with gas ($50.28!!!). My husband calls to find if I am there.
I pay my annual parking fee and overnight camping fee. Goodnight!!!, it has gone up since last year. I pick a camp site, and then make Jamie comfortable for the overnight stay. The apprentice horsemanship judge comes for stable check on the competitors next to us, but spends most of her time admiring Jamie☺and asking questions about her.
I walk to the picnic shelter to visit with whoever may be there. I am greeted by a junior rider who is not riding this week-end. I talk to the ride manager and the ride secretary. Ginger, the trail master, comes in and we go to my trailer for a very short visit. She is not feeling well and will be glad when the ride is over.
I walk back to the picnic shelter, and find friends at their camp site. I sit a while to visit with them, then head for my trailer for something to eat. I realize I will not be walking much more today, because my “snapping hip” is beginning to hurt. Dang!!! I did not go to the picnic shelter for the briefing.
Jamie is ready for some grazing away from the trailer. There is good grazing right at the camp site, so I just sit in a chair holding Jamie on a long rope. She is happy. I see a couple approaching Jamie and me, and they live on Stranger Road just west of us. They visit, and ask about mules. They came to the park unaware of the competitive ride.
June 20, 2004
I have a good night’s rest to wake up noticing it is daylight. I have not heard the usual horn-honking for wake-up call, but there are a few riders out feeding. Jamie laid down during the night, but is out of bed peering in the camper window.
It must be time to get up to feed, then I will have something to eat, fix my face (this is getting harder these days, and then there are the shingle’s scars to cover).
I lead Jamie to watch the horses trot for the judges. Jamie is getting compliments and lots of attention from passer-bys. It is really funny to watch some horses stare at Jamie. They know she is different.
One rider is trying to figure who I am, then finally asks if I am Patsy Moore. She is sure that Patsy is the only person with a mule. Her excuse is, “You have different hair”! ☺
Jamie is being so calm and enjoying the extra attention. The horsemanship judge, came to say, “Hello”. It was funny to watch Jamie stare at a little girl. The small size must be attracting her attention.
I lead Jamie to the trailer to saddle and ride a little around camp. A rider comes by on her horse that checked in a little off this morning. She is pulling, but will ride a short loop with me. We ride to watch the last horses leave on the trail. I am curious to know how Jamie will react. She wants to go, but not because they are leaving. She just wants to get on the trail. She stays calm. Her mind is ready for this kind of riding. Now for my body to be ready! We ride for 50 minutes. Smoke and Jamie are paced well for each other. It is great, but never long enough!
Ginnie came to ride with me this morning. The weather is beautiful, sunny and not too windy. I have Jamie at the trailer but not saddled when she arrives. I help her with the grooming on Callie and also with the saddle. We have to add another saddle pad for her saddle since the wool lining is so worn, but this saddle is only 54 years old.
I have the empty saddle bags on my saddle to save time, but still have to put the water bottles and trail equipment in the bags. I am trying my English cantle bag today, and got hung up on the water bottle during the mount. How embarrassing!!! I also have the swinging fenders secured to hang under me. This will be the first time to ride with this arrangement.
I am trying to make a map with waypoints today, but can’t tell if I am having any luck. I will check it on the computer later.
The trails are in such a mess with mud and a lot of wind damage. The cows made their trails all over the place and then there are a few four-wheeler trails. I cannot see where the trail is and am off trail part of the time. I almost give up looking.
Jamie is working the gates very well today. When she hears the words “Good Girl”, she looks for a treat, but sometimes she has to be satisfied with just the petting on her neck.
It is very peaceful on the trail until two good-size fawns run away from us, scaring Jamie, and making her run a short distance to the left. Callie took off to the right. I can’t figure why the horses went opposite directions. Oh, well!!! We see a turkey running through the under-brush on the Beaver Trail, then see a crane flying off the pond.
Our tenent, who rents our pasture and hay ground, waits for us to get by before starting his equipment. He is a thoughtful person.
This is a great ride, and Ginnie is just the greatest person to ride with. She is so in control of her horse. It is very relaxing to ride with her.
My husband decides he will ride today to find how the trails are. We will ride part of the time around the fields to avoid the mud and the down trees.
We are not out long when Jamie does a big shy to the left. We can see nothing in the brush. Now she is upset, doing her little hind-end twist ever few seconds. This is putting me on edge as we ride next to the brush at the fence line.
We finally get on the wooded trails and Jamie settles. I have to dismount to tighten the saddle, and she did her usual waiting for her treat after the mount. The saddle slipped slightly while going down our East Hill.
My husband clears some down trees from the trails. We will have to use a chain saw, or make new trail around some that are too big to be moved.
We see a couple of turkeys during the ride. One flew out of a tree along the old road startling Callie; another ran on the ground through the brush on Poo Trail.
My husband fixed fence this morning, and then we took a trip to Melvern Lake to check the equestrian camp site. There are pads with electric and water, and 21 miles of easy trail for the horses.
My new girth and helmet sun visor arrive while we are gone. I have to try both. The new girth is going to be much easier for me to cinch. Jamie takes me on a nice little ride in our east field where the brome has been mowed and baled. She is doing a lot of looking, but that is just fine as long as she doesn’t do any big shying. The non-slip pad does hold the saddle, but has Jamie’s hair roughed up after the ride.
It is a beautiful day with sun and very little wind. It is perfect for riding. Jamie rolled in the mud and needs bathing before I can saddle. She even has mud on her face.
Maybe this ride will make my leg feel better. We start on the two-track, then up to the East Hill. She thinks any time she should be turned toward home. I’m wondering how she is going to act when we start to the barn, but she surprises me by staying calm, and walking out very fast. She does a couple of rear-end twists, but is pretty good for me.
I need to get her use to a rattling bottle of bufferin, so I put her in the round pen while I fix a bottle with some small rocks in it. I drop the bottle in the pommel bag. She makes a couple of fast trips around the pen before the bottle drops out of the bag. I decide to walk around the pen with her to let her get use to the sound. She suspiciously lets me approach and is happy to get her treat, but not too fond of the bottle. We will need several more sessions.
It has been a good ride and training session. Surprisingly, my leg does feel better!
It is absolutely a gorgeous day with sun and no wind, with just a little stickiness. Every time I saddle Jamie, I am placing the saddle differently, and adjusting the britchen. This is a new saddle, so it may take a little time to find the right place on her back. She is so patient with my clumsiness during the saddling. I am trying to set it on easy, but usually start sliding it on.
I am not sure where I will ride, but it feels so good to be on Jamie that we go to the East field. We then go up the East Hill and to the Old Road. We head home on the Old Road. I wish we had more time to go on the rest of the trails. Jamie is working so calmly giving me a very pleasurable ride. We make a loop around the pasture before going to the barn. Occasionally, Jamie stops to tell me the direction to the barn, but with a little encouragement will go on. The ride is over much too soon, and I wish I could go again this afternoon, but we have to put up hay.
I let Jamie graze in the yard while I have my diet coke. It is interesting that she stays close to the house watching me out of the corner of her eyes.
We decide to go south on Highway 169, and then across on Highway 2 to Highway 71, going through Louisburg, Kansas. I didn’t think this would be more miles, but it seems to take forever to get to Rocky Top. (5 ½ hours). We did drive through three hard rain showers making the drive more stressful. We stopped once for gas and then again for lunch.
We set up camp on the north side of the barn. Our son-in-law and daughter have water and electricity for us. I leave a long rope on Jamie to let her graze. She is happy for awhile until she decides to take a walk down the road. I have to walk pretty fast to catch her. I wonder where she thought she would go.
We have our supper, then I sit down to rest and enjoy the evening, and although I can hear thunder rumbling in the distance, I pay it no mind, until suddenly the sky opened, nearly drowning me before I could put away my chair. Fortunately, I had my poncho on before the rain to keep the mosquitoes from biting.
I go into the barn with the others to watch TV, and to watch the weather forecast. Rain is predicted for the night, which it does, ending at 5:00 the next morning.
July 4, 2004
It is still cloudy, looking like rain still. We hurry to feed the horses before it rains again, but the sun begins to shine weakly by 9:00 A.M. The forecast is good for the rest of the day.
We leave camp at 9:30 A.M. with Jamie squirming, but she finally settles. Jamie is getting really calm as we get further into the ride. She is not disturbed as Callie trots by, or Callie and Rascal canter behind to catch us.
We did not see any wild life today. We did ride through a crick bed and under a dripping, rock ledge. This is a beautiful spot on the trail.
My saddle slips on one downhill. I adjust it two different times to get it in the right place. This saddle is staying put better for me than the Wintec western saddle. I can put my neoprene-like, spaghetti weave, nonslip pad under the felt pad tomorrow. I worry about this being too hot, but it is better to have my saddle stay in place to prevent any mishaps.
We are in camp at 12:30 P.M. This has been a great ride.
This evening my daughter borrows Callie to give her friend a ride. Okay, I will hide Jamie from Callie as they leave; unfortunately, they rode our direction, setting Jamie into a frenzy. Jamie is wearing me down, so I tie her to the picket line. Jamie is now pawing, pulling on the picket line, and kicking her hay bag, propelling it over the picket line. Jamie stays very fussy until Callie is brought to the picket line.
July 4, 2004
We are up at 6:00 A.M. to feed the horses and have our coffee. We have our breakfast and notice it is getting darker rather than lighter. We watch TV for the weather forecast, but could see that we were in for some kind of storm. The wind becomes very strong and it starts to rain. The tall trees around us are swaying big time. I worry about the horses on the picket line. This storm lasts most of the morning. It is quieter but still very cloudy at 10:30 A.M., and the forecast has improved.
We ride out at 11:30, after a discussion about letting the dog go with us. I didn’t want to be like a neighbor and her dog incident. Jamie is very fresh today and I think still a little upset about being left in camp yesterday, and kicks out with her right hind. She is still wet from the rain. I have the nonslip saddle pad on her, and I am not too sure how this is going to affect her with the wet back. I lead down the first downhill, and she seems to settle.
It is muggy today making the horses more willing to drink at the first pond. There is a big frog swimming by Jamie’s nose. I prepare myself for some sort of reaction, but Jamie just watched it swim away.
My saddle is staying put today, but I notice the saddle is slipping on the felt pad. I can put a stable ride pad between the saddle and the pad if necessary. Jamie is working much more comfortably on the down hills, making me more comfortable, as well. We are in camp at 1:05 P.M. I am very pleased to find no dry spots under the saddle, and the new pad did not rough up Jamie’s hair. I do not find any heat bumps on her back. I bathe Jamie, and then let her graze a little before tying her to the picket line.
We are on the trail again at 3:05 P.M. this afternoon. My husband and I go on this morning’s trail from the opposite direction (or tried to), while our son-in-law and daughter go another way taking their dog. We back track several times because we cannot remember all of this morning’s trail.
As we approach that same pond with the frogs, Jamie could hear them croaking. She keeps stopping and listening suspiciously. She hurries by not wanting to drink there with that noise. It is very hot and pretty hard on Callie. Jamie seems to be holding her own. The last hill into camp was pretty tough because of the heat. We are in camp at 5:30 P.M.
I bathe Jamie and let her graze a little to replace the nutrients lost in the sweat, and to keep her gut working. I believe horses get less fill in their fetlock joints when allowed to graze right after working.
We decide to break up camp this morning and head for Hill and Dale Lake. We are not riding with our son-in-law and daughter, because this will make us late and possibly driving in the rain. We could stay another day, but the weather forecast is not that good. We can’t find our way on the trails without our guides. We are on the road at 9:15 A.M. and arrive at Hill and Dale about 2:30 P.M.
After a big discussion, we park out on the flat where there is no shade. We do need to avoid getting stuck, since they had a storm the night before. We have time to take a short ride. The trails are a muddy mess and we change our direction several times. We manage to get an hour ride. It is getting very warm now and sultry. We take care of the horse and mule and then let them graze on the shady side of the trailer.
I cook a couple of hamburgers and green beans outside, but the weather is so hot the food makes me feel a little sick. There are no hook-ups at this park, so we cannot turn on the air. I finally think of the ice packs we have in the freezer. I get two out. My husband tried the ice pack all over his body, well, maybe not all over. We are able to cool down, and I take my ice pack to bed with me. The night starts peacefully, but a storm moves in with strong, gusting winds and rain rocking the trailer. I am hoping the trailer will stay upright, and the horse and mule will be all right.
The morning looks pretty bleak with lots of mud, which will not be good for riding. We decide to go home without another ride. My husband gives the truck the gas and spins his way to some gravel. We load the horse and mule and are on our way.
The weather is still pretty hot this evening, but it seems so long since I have been on Jamie. I decide to ride down the lane into the pasture. Jamie helps with the gate while curiously watching the cows that are standing nearby. This all goes well, but when we leave the gate, the cows want to follow. I turn Jamie to face them, of course the cows stop. One cow had that “Make My Day” look. Finally, she and Jamie touch noses making both flinch. It is obvious that we will not go down the trail alone. Jamie helps with the gate, and we go to the south pasture to ride. Jamie and I enjoy the short ride. It is over all too soon for me.
The weather has not cooled much this evening, but it has been so long since I have been on Jamie. I just have to brave the heat. I lead Jamie at a trot for a very short distance, and then lounge her in a circle both ways. Whew!!! That is enough in this heat.
I saddle, and she stands perfectly during the mount. We go down the lane to try the newly packed dirt at the gate. This is going too good to stop here, so we head out in the pasture. Jamie seems to be enjoying the outing. We both are startled by a coon that leaves his hiding place in the grass ahead of us. The half-grown coon stops at the tree line to take a look at us.
I ask Jamie to trot a short distance. Her trot is so smooth. The rest of the ride is uneventful. She gets her usual grooming and treats, then gets to graze for a short time. I wish I had more time to spend with her tonight, but I need to get my clothes ready for work tomorrow.
It is such a nice morning for a ride. I do not have to twist my husband’s arm much to go with me. I know there will be some really muddy places on the trail that we will avoid. There will also be wind damage with more trees and branches in the trail. The cows have not improved the trail either.
Jamie helps with the first gate then Callie helps with the second gate. I ask Jamie to wait while my husband and Callie make a short loop, then she takes me on that loop while they wait. It is good training and Jamie and Callie handled it well.
There is a huge tree down on the fence and into the field that we go around. We go down the old road and into the field. This route will keep us off the muddy trails.
We find five forgotten cows that our tenant left behind when he moved his cows to a different pasture. They are content to stay in the shade as we ride near them. I’m glad they did not want to follow. We see two grown turkeys with three small ones running through the grass. Jamie watches with little interest. They are too far away to be a threat.
We are in the Barn Loop trimming and moving some brush out of the trail. My husband trusts Callie too much, and always is turning her loose while he moves the brush. This time Callie decides to walk on down the trail. I dismount to lead Jamie closer and we see that Callie is stopped and looking for us. Now she sees that Jamie and I are coming, so she starts to walk a little faster, and a little faster. Soon this becomes a trot and then a canter. I am expecting a big fight with Jamie as Callie disappears over the hill with my husband hurrying through the brush to head her off at the pass.
I lead Jamie down the trail, and sometimes she is leading. Jamie and I get to the old barn and wait for my husband and Callie to return. Jamie is still anxious, but is eating grass and watching. At least, she didn’t have a tantrum like she did at Rocky Top.
My husband and Callie come back at a canter. I find some terrain to help me mount easier. Jamie is good for the mount as usual. We continue our ride around the Cemetery Loop, then the Jiggs’ Trail, the ridge, and the Call Trail. The Call Trail needs some trimming. Jamie stands while I trim some branches and use the saw. She gets a treat for the good behavior.
This is such a good ride, and I really am not ready to unsaddle. Jamie gets to graze while I have my diet coke. The next treat will not be appreciated, since it is the two-month wormer.
I am late getting started with my ride today, so missed the cooler temperature this morning. It is a quiet day with no rain in sight for a change. My husband is busy helping our tenant move the lost cows and some equipment, so I will be riding alone. I think Jamie works better by herself anyway.
I change to the western cantle bag and adjust my stirrups differently. The English cantle bag sets too high making it more difficult to mount.
I take Jamie’s pulse at the trailer. I am taking the stethoscope with me today to check her P & R after a trot and an uphill.
Jamie is dragging her feet a little leaving the barn, and is reluctant to pass the bob cat loader that is in the lane. She soon begins to work. We open the two gates, then go onto the trail. She smells the trail frequently. A deer has probably traveled this trail earlier today.
We trot as far as we can on the old road. I notice her trot seems rougher today, but it could be the stirrup adjustment I made. We walk up the east hill. I dismount; take her pulse and her respiration. She has a nine for her pulse and a five for her respiration. I notice she is breathing deeply. This is a good sign.
We start down the hill toward the old road. Jamie notices the cows in the pasture resting under the shade. We follow the old road to the neighbor’s house, trotting some of the way. We have never been here by ourselves, and she is very busy taking in all the sights. On our way back, a neighbor’s dog barks at us, and Jamie stops, ready for the challenge. Fortunately, the dog is in a pen.
We trot some along the east field, and then walk as we turn toward home. Jamie steps high with her left hind leg, as if to step over something. Further down the trail, she does this again, but stops and just holds it there. I dismount thinking she is caught in something, but find nothing. I clean her hoof, but find nothing. I lead her a few steps, and she now seems okay. I mount, and we walk to the barn. Jamie is very alert as we come through the last gate, staring toward the neighbor’s place. We pass the hay bales to find several people having some sort of target practice with only a clicking sound.
We get to the trailer, and I check her leg and foot some more, but still find nothing. I ask my husband to watch her trot in a circle. We both think she is not lame. I hope there will not be any lameness. I seem to have a history laming my horses. I let her graze while I have my diet coke.
The weather is hot with a heat index of 96 degrees, and it made me feel sick on that sliver of apple pie I just ate.
We meet our son-in-law at the gate in his truck. He lets us go through before closing the gate. He wants to pet Jamie and offers her a hedge apple, but still Jamie will not let him approach.
We meet my husband working with the bob cat and he turns off the motor to let us get through the next gate. Jamie does not pay much attention to the machine.
Jamie is dragging through the trail and the flies are really bad. We take the old road to the neighbor’s driveway. Jamie snorts as she steps around something dead. We then see a squirrel, and later a cat. We then go to the East Hill. Jamie pulls to the top. I dismount to take a P & R. It is 12-10 with Jamie sniffing.
Jamie picks up speed down the East Hill to home. She slides on some grass. Jamie helps open and shut the gates. She is getting to be a pro at this job.
The ride is over all too soon. I unsaddle and groom Jamie, then let her graze.
The weather is cool and sunny, but a little windy. It is ideal for a ride. I change the cantle bag again to the English type. I pad the stirrups a little for my short legs. I cannot raise the stirrups any more.
Jamie is squirming around in her rear-end this morning. Why, I don’t know! She helps open the first gate. Jamie and I are more relaxed going downhill since I have the saddle more secure. She is moving more front to back than side to side now. We see an owl fly away. It makes no sound when it starts to fly, and seems to glide to the next tree.
I dismount to try to get the saddle in the middle, but without much luck. I will practice mounting from the off-side to see if that will help. (Next time!)
It is really muddy and this is keeping us off most of the trails. Jamie and I have a little discussion about where to cross a muddy spot. Jamie finally does a side-pass through the mud. She is keeping an eye on Callie who is getting out of sight. Jamie chooses where to cross over the last muddy ditch. Of course, she picked the best place to cross. We go up the East Hill, following a squirrel part way. Jamie asks for a treat at the top. We had stopped here a couple of times to take a P & R. I had given her a treat afterwards, so now I guess this is a ritual!
She walks smoothly down the last two hills. She is getting better and better. I hope it continues. The ride is over too soon.
The weather is ideal for a ride this evening. Jamie is calm, as usual, as I groom and saddle. Her feet are so packed with mud that I am not able to clean her feet very well. Hopefully, some of that will drop out during the ride.
Jamie really does not want to go on this ride and is dragging her feet as we approach the first gate. She helps like a pro with the gate, and starts to work after the second gate.
Jamie hates the mud as much as I do, and picks her way around when possible. We ride into the trails even though I know they will be muddy and lots of trees are in the trail. I dismount to trim our way through one place. Jamie is very patient and stands for my mount. Of course, she is expecting a treat for standing during the mount! I really want to spend some more time on the trails, but it is starting to get late, and I don’t want my husband to wonder what happened to us.
We see an owl, I think, flying away from the last crick crossing. Jamie is not too concerned about the bird. The sun is shining on a rock that we have passed many times, but it looks different to Jamie tonight. She is giving that rock a good look. Jamie helps with the last gate. The ride is almost over. I wish I had more time, but my husband is waiting for his supper. I still take time to let Jamie graze while I have my diet coke.
My goodness, I had a really busy day at work! I lay on the floor on my back for about forty minutes to get out the kinks. I need to ride to relax. It is not raining this evening, but I am afraid it will rain tomorrow.
My husband decides to ride his horse, Flair, with Jamie and me this evening. Callie is having a tantrum while we are at the trailer getting our horse and mule ready. She finally calms down by the time I am ready. I am hoping to get in an hour of riding. We go south in the brome field, then up the East Hill. We ride along the tree line on our property. Jamie is working well, except for a couple of rear-end squirms.
I find an interference mark on her left rear fetlock. I had wondered if this were happening when she held her foot up during a couple of our rides. It now has a scab making it easy to find.
Jamie gets to graze for a while. I make a phone call to the ride manager regarding judging a CTR ride in September. I will not be able to judge at this time because of my work load at school. I try several times to reach her, but the line is busy. I will try a little later.
I take Jamie to the barn and tell her how good she is. She knows the words “good girl."
I get a late start tonight, but just couldn’t pass up another ride in this perfect weather.
Jamie asks to chase a cat. The chase didn’t last long since the cat made its escape through the fence. Jamie seemed a little disappointed.
Jamie pretended to be dumb about helping with the first gate. We finally got through even though Jamie didn’t want to leave the other horses. Jamie did a professional job with the second gate. We did some trotting for a longer period of time tonight. We walk up the East Hill without stopping. Her respiration is 5 which is real good.
We go back to the old road and then to the trail. The ride is almost over. (Sigh) Jamie helps with the next two gates. I decide to ask for one more thing; a pivot on the front end, then back between two bales of hay. She is totally ignoring my cues, refusing to pivot to the right. We finally pivot to the left, then back between the bales. I think she is watching the other horses.
I let her graze only a little because I need to be getting ready for tomorrow.
The weather is turning hot and sultry. I visit with the neighbors for a while this morning and go to see their horses. It is almost noon when I return home. We have our lunch while I talk my husband into riding with me today. I want to do some trimming on the trails and I know I will be out longer than he expects. He shortened the stirrup leathers for me this morning, and I have the leathers adjusted further back today. I am anxious to try this new arrangement.
We go through the first two gates, with Jamie helping with the first gate. Callie helps open the second gate and Jamie helps shut the gate. She is being very good today. We go along the trail to the old road. Callie helps with next gate.
This is where we will be doing some trimming, and moving some limbs out of the trail. I realize I want my bug-shirt on, so I ask Jamie to stop over a log. I use the log to dismount and mount. Jamie stands quietly with front feet on one side of the log, and back feet on the other. I have to take my helmet and vest off to put on the bug-shirt. This will keep off the cob webs and spiders. Jamie gets a treat for standing patiently during the bug-shirt procedure.
We ride and clean the first trail, and the Beaver Trail. Callie is not giving my husband a very good ride. She is twisting and throwing her head around. She may be nervous about some horse flies buzzing her even though there are none in sight now.
He is getting tired since he did move some heavier stuff out of the trail. It is warm making me sweat even while I am riding. We go to the old barn then into the Loop Trail. I stop to let down the stirrups. We get back to the old barn, and my husband is ready to go to call it a day. We take a short-cut to home.
My husband wants to give the pruning shears to me, but Jamie is shying away. I think she is shying away because the sun is glaring off the shears. I finally do get the shears, but even though she can not see them she is doing a little dance as I put them into the pommel bag.
Jamie helps me open the gate by the barn. This is a little harder to work because the chain is so low, but she stands quietly while I unfasten the chain. Jamie does not have a problem with the rest of the gate procedure.
Jamie is sweatier under the saddle today. I let her graze for a short time. I feel the need to get into the house for a cold drink and a nap. I did drink a lot of water during the ride, but I am still thirsty. It has been a good ride, and the trails are drier than they have been for a while. Fortunately, rain is in the forecast.
The weather is going to get hot today, so I want to take my ride this morning. I go to the grocery store early and get home about 9:00 A.M.
Jamie gets her usual pre-ride grooming and hoof cleaning. I get her saddled even though she moved away from me. She must know about that song, “Please, Mr. Custer, I don’t want to go!"
I practice an off-side mount, which is not very good at all. I will need more practice. Jamie stares at one of the new rocks that my husband hauled in from the field, and then we are on our way. She would be dragging, but I am using the end of the rommel reins to discourage this. She helps with the first two gates so well. She makes me proud.
We take the trail to the old road and then into the First Trail. We are trotting where the terrain is level.
The First Trail is more enjoyable this morning due to the trimming we did yesterday. We see two deer in the Loop Trail. The first deer made Jamie shy in place. I can stay on that kind of shying. Jamie stopped for a lizard to cross the trail in front of her. She is very suspicious of small things moving on the ground. Jamie acts like she is stung on her leg while on the Poo Bear Trail. She bounced forward, then stomped her right back foot. We ride all the loops except one that has not been cleaned.
We are almost home, and I decide to take her down one short, steep hill that we have never attempted before. She did not rush down the hill. She went down like a horse with that rear-end swaying, but that is okay. I am proud she stays calm. We try the front-end pivot to the right to back between two bales of hay. She does not want to pivot to the right. We will practice that maneuver in a different area next time. She has given me such a good ride. She is still interfering in the back, and getting some scaring.
I unsaddle, and then give her a bath. She is pretty sweaty today. I bring her to the yard to graze while I have my diet coke. This is a ritual now.
My husband and I start our ride around the pasture and field. We want to stay in sight of the house because our son-in-law and daughter are coming. We are out thirty-five minutes when we see them drive in, so we head for the house.
We visit a little and my husband talks our daughter into riding Callie with me. We ride to the East Hill, then to the old road and back to the barn. We ride thirty-five minutes. The ride with my daughter is more relaxing. Both horse and mule are working well.
I get a late start this evening, but I am determined to take a ride. The weather is perfect. I try some splint boots on Jamie’s rear fetlock, but decide the boots may be a hazard because they are too small.
We ride to the Dorf Trail where we find a rabbit running down the trail ahead. Jamie notices the rabbit, but doesn’t want to chase it as if it is a cat. We trot some along the Dorf Trail
We trot most of the old road, and then walk to the East Hill. Jamie is disappointed when we turn to go down the hill away from the barn. She does a rear-end twist, dropping from under my right hip, but I recover. The saddle is setting to the right today, and I cannot seem to get it straight.
We ride along the tree line in the brome field, trotting where we can. She is getting use to this, and my body is getting more use to the trotting.
The cows are waiting at the gate next to the brome field. I hope they do not want to follow this time. Jamie is a little reluctant to open the gate, and all the time is keeping a close watch on the cows. The bull is standing closest to the gate with an “I’m not moving” look. We ease by with Jamie and me watching them closely. We get by without incident.
Jamie gets her usual grooming and treats, and then gets to graze while I have my diet coke. It is dark when I take her to the barn.
It is another beautiful day to do things outside. Our daughters and son-in-laws come this morning. I will ride this afternoon.
I get Jamie about 2:00 this afternoon and have her almost ready to go when a neighbor stops by to visit. We sit on the porch to visit, and when I go back to the trailer, Jamie has a bewildered look on her face. I believe she is thinking I deserted her.
Jamie tries her dragging technique, but the end of the reins encourages her to keep moving. We go to the Dorf Trail to the old road. We are trotting when Jamie interferes causing her to stop and hold up her hind leg. I think I will have the back shoes pulled. I straighten the saddle once to make it more comfortable for Jamie and me.
Jamie is stomping some as though she might be picking up some ticks. We see one deer bouncing through the woods. Jamie hardly notices.
We ride all the trails in the First Trail, and then go to the East Hill. Jamie and I have a couple of discussions at places that we could start home. For the most part, Jamie is doing well today until we start down the hill. She does a little twisting and bouncing. I’m not sure what she is thinking, but I do get her under control. She may be having a little barn-sour tantrum.
My husband meets me on his four-wheeler in the pasture. Jamie is too busy watching a cow that is standing in the creek at the bottom of the hill to pay much attention to the ATV. We sneak by the cow without incident to find the rest of the cows on the other side of the creek. Fortunately, none of the cows want to follow.
We do the usual end-of-the-ride ritual. I enjoy watching Jamie graze before taking her to the barn.
My husband is riding with me this evening. We just start to saddle our horse and mule when we notice that the herd of 65 cows is running across the field following a lead cow. Jamie is really staring at this unusual sight. The cows are very close together. We watch, but cannot see a reason for the stampede. The cows are slowing down some by the time we mount. Thank heavens we do not have to go through the herd for any of the trail.
We go to the brome field and start toward the East Hill, but find that our tenant has put up an electric fence for future grazing for the cows. This leaves very little trail on our property, so we head for the Ambo Trails.
Some clouds roll in providing some cooler air. There are a few sprinkles as we finish our ride. It is a great ride even with the horse flies dive-bombing us.
This evening is long sleeve weather; just right for a ride. I get Jamie to groom and saddle, but I feel a couple of rain drops. There is a dark cloud overhead. I stall for a few minutes then decide to saddle up anyway.
The flies are terrible on the horse and mule’s faces this evening. I wipe Repelex on Jamie’s face and it seems to help.
We ride around the yard then head for the trails. Jamie is such a good girl about helping with the gates.
We follow the Dorf Trail to the old road, and then into Ambo’s Trails. Jamie is a little on edge because it is darker in the woods tonight. We will not ride all the trails tonight.
We are in the Beaver Loop when we scare a turkey off its roost. Jamie shied in place showing me she is getting more mature. The horse flies attack us as we close Ambo’s gate. Some seem to follow us home. Jamie stops to let me get them for her.
Another turkey flew from its roost as we turned onto the old road. Jamie only flinches, but I am more startled. Jamie gets a little speedy as we turn into the brome field. I think she is bothered by the horse flies. We go down the steep hill to the creek crossing and then to home. It has been such a good ride, and so relaxing.
I let Jamie graze a little and have some fun with her by asking her to do a mule jump over our rock wall terrace in our yard. The jump looks so pretty.
We arrive at the park around 10:30 and our daughter and son-in-law are waiting with their horses saddled. This unnerves me a bit since I am pretty slow getting Jamie ready.
It is cool this morning but still short sleeve weather. Jamie starts out a little frisky, but not being bad, just frisky. Our daughter and son-in-law rode into a covey of quail yesterday scaring their horses almost into an accident. I am a little tense as we ride out due to the expected quail.
Jamie likes the smooth, non-rocky trail and moves out briskly. We pass our son-in-law and his horse, Patches, and lead down the mowed trail. Jamie and I come upon a really spooky, paper plate trail-marker and Jamie tip-toes by that monster without incident. The next obstacle is a mule-eating white, plastic, post trail-marker. She shies a little from this thought-to-be predator.
The trails are mostly open prairie with some mud crossings and very little woods. The prairie grass, in some places, is tall enough to hide both Jamie and me. We water the horses and mule at the lake in three places. I am glad to see them all drinking.
We did not see any quail today, but did ride through a flock of turkeys. The turkeys did not startle Jamie much.
We did get a couple of pictures today during our 10 ½ mile ride. This is enough miles to make me realize that my stirrups need some adjusting.
I let Jamie loose on a long rope to graze until she decides to leave the camp ground. Fortunately, I am able to catch her before she gets too far. I decide to hold onto the rope because there are some riders coming into camp.
August 15, 2004
I sleep until 6:00 A.M. this cool and comfortable morning. I feel rested but just a little stiff from yesterday’s ride.
We feed and clean after our animals. There are corrals and posts for picket lines. Callie is too mean to Jamie to put them together, so I put Jamie on the picket line last night while Callie got the corral. We now have our chores done, so we can have our coffee and breakfast.
We are on the trail at 8:55 this morning and still expecting quail at any moment. Jamie is ready to go, but not as briskly as yesterday. It is such a beautiful day, and just right for a long trail ride. We scare up a quail in two different places, but not a covey, for which I am thankful. Jamie only flinches as a quail flies up beside her.
Our son-in-law’s horse is a little spookier due to the experience she had on a previous day. We ride through more prairie grass and some ditches. There is actually a bit of a hill with more rocks than on the rest of the trail. The sight is beautiful from this hill, as we can see for miles it seems. My husband takes a picture of Jamie and me here. I hope the beautiful scenery will show.
We ride next to a field where a farmer is baling hay. Jamie pays little attention to the tractor and baler.
We ride 9½ miles today, and I still have more adjusting to do with my stirrups. I am glad to be finding this problem now so I can be more ready for the competitive trail ride in October.
We let the horses rest while we have our lunch. We will be packing after lunch for the trip home. It has been a great week-end in a beautiful camp ground.
This is the first day this week that the weather has been suitable for riding. It is cool and not raining.
My husband is riding with me tonight and wants to show his road grading. He smoothed the two-track in the pasture, and Jamie is enjoying walking on the fresh dirt. The grasshoppers are so thick in the brome field. Jamie is twisting around when they land on her. We head into Ambo’s Trails, but Jamie is stopping to listen and stare at whatever is in the woods. We think she hears turkeys, but we cannot see a thing. My husband and Callie finally take the lead, but Jamie is still slowly sneaking down the trail. We wander around, not following any particular trail. We do not have time to ride all the trails before dark. Jamie works the gates tonight really well. She makes me proud.
She loosened up my tight back. I believe not riding any this week, plus sitting at a desk during the day made me stiff.
I let Jamie graze in the yard while we visit with our neighbor. Our neighbor wants my husband’s advice about a tractor he is thinking about buying.
I get a late start this morning due to a necessary trip to the grocery store. The weather is ideal for a ride.
Jamie isn’t dragging her feet so much this time alone. She is working the gates like a pro. Well, I guess by this time she is a professional gate helper. We take the Dorf Trail to the old road, then into the Ambo’s Trails. It is so quiet and peaceful in the woods today.
We see some sort of varmint on the Beaver Trail at the rough ditch. Jamie watches it run down the ditch and disappear. She is not alarmed and proceeds through the ditch. We see a deer on the Beaver Trail that makes Jamie flinch. We trot where ever we can this morning.
I dismount to saw a small tree out of the Ambo’s Trail, and again on the Poo Bear Trail. I trimmed some low hanging branches on the Son Trail, then on the Poo Bear Trail. Jamie is calm with all this, except when one of the branches hung on the back of the saddle. She listens to me as I ask her to stop, but darn, that branch has thorns, and I stab my thumb. She is walking more briskly now since we are heading toward the barn.
We see a turkey fly from its nest on the ground as we approach the Ridge Trail. Jamie and I have a little discussion as which way to go at the Ridge Trail. She would like to take a short cut to the barn. As we ride the Cottie Trail, a big, black horse fly lands on Jamie’s rear-end making her twist around. I finally figure out what is bothering her, and shoo the horse fly away. We ride back on the old road and the Dorf Trail to the barn.
It has been a wonderful ride, again, and Jamie gets to graze while I have my diet coke. I can’t spend too much time watching Jamie graze, since my husband is waiting for his dinner. I am going to cook fish in the microwave, and some mixed vegetables. We still have good tomatoes from the garden. This meal won’t take long to fix, or devour.
The weather is beautiful again today. Jamie is getting bored with the same trail each time, but we have some excitement on the Dorf Trail when we go around a dead tree. Jamie is startled by her shadow. The shadow seems to stay just a little ahead causing her to cock her ears at it.
We trot down the old road to Ambo’s Trails. We ride on the Ambo Trail and through the Beaver Trail. We see two deer south of the old barn in an open area where we have seen them before. Jamie always looks for them.
We trot some through the Son Loop where Jamie makes believe something is going to jump from beside a tree. We see a squirrel in the Arry Loop. We take a short cut from the Ridge Trail to the tree line where we see two more deer running and leaping to the Ridge Trail. Jamie watches them disappear over the hill. We go to the Cottie Trail to the old road to return on the Dorf Trail to the trailer.
It has been another good ride on Jamie. She is getting more mature in her actions.
It is the most beautiful day I have seen for so long. The temperature if very comfortable and there is no wind. I am sneaking this ride in between company that is here for a family reunion. I don’t waste any time tacking up Jamie.
The cows are gathered at the first gate fighting flies. None of them try to follow us this time. We take the usual trail to the old road and into Ambo’s. Jamie seems pleased when I choose to ride the opposite direction than usual.
We do not ride all the loops, and do not see any wild life except for the little gray animal in the Beaver Loop. I tell my husband about the little gray animal, but neither one of us know what it is for sure.
The cows are still bunched at the gate, and there is a four-wheeler blocking the gate. Our tenant is somewhat hidden by the cows. He opens the gate for Jamie and me, and Jamie rushes through the gate. She seems to be afraid of him. I try to get her to walk up to him, but she is too shy. I dismount to lead her to him, but she is dragging her feet. I give him a treat to give to her, which she takes by stretching her neck out as much as she can without getting too close.
The other two horses are out when we get to the barn. Flair greets Jamie by smelling noses, but Callie threatens Jamie. This upsets me that Callie is so mean to Jamie. I dismount and threaten Callie to no avail.
Jamie has to watch the cows in Dook’s pasture. She is especially interested in a little black calf that is frolicking around its mother. Jamie wants to get a closer look creating another one of our discussions.
Along the Dorf Trail we find a big flock of turkeys that take off when they realize we are approaching. Jamie is trotting smoother tonight. Maybe her back feet are now level with the shoes being off for a while.
The saddle is setting to the right. I ask Jamie to stop over a log so I can dismount easier. I pull the saddle to the left to no avail. Jamie waits, still standing over the log, for me to mount, but the saddle is still not straight. Jamie deserves a treat for her patience.
We see three deer in the Arry Loop, and a squirrel. Jamie is getting calmer about the squirrels. We see one more deer in the Cotty Loop, and now we are heading for home.
I ask Jamie to go down our last steep hill for practice even though we don’t always go this way. It has been another great ride.
It is a beautiful evening, but just a little warmer than yesterday. My husband is riding with me tonight. Our first obstacle is a new born calf that is hidden next to the fence along the lane. Jamie stops suddenly and starts to smell the ground, and then Callie shies letting Jamie know where the big spook is. I thought Jamie would never stop staring and sniffing, but we finally did get by.
We ride along the Dorf Trail to the old road and into Ambo’s Trails. We do not ride all the trails tonight. My husband and Callie take the lead since Jamie is too busy watching behind her. The woods is very quiet again tonight and so peaceful.
We get back to the trailer as our neighbor drives into our driveway. He stops to visit and admire the horse and mule. I let Jamie graze a little while I sip my diet coke.
I get a late start today, so won’t get a long ride. Jamie sees a calf running and playing, and wants to get closer. She is really dragging her feet down the hill, but starts to act better after crossing the creek. Jamie and I both are getting bored with the same trail every night. Much of our farm has electric fences everywhere leaving no place to go. We go down the old road and into the brome field, but find the gate closed. This is not an easy gate, so we just return the same way to the pasture.
Jamie is acting barn sour tonight, so I take her on a short loop in the pasture before letting her go to the trailer. On the way home, she is walking like a good mule should.
I wash the girth cover and the britchen tonight. Both are pretty dirty.
It is a beautiful morning, and I am excited to get started. Jamie is getting so bored with our trails, so I take a slightly different route today. I take Jamie over the hill rather than follow the tree line on the Dorf Trail. We go to the old road where we meet people on the trail. Jamie is not use to seeing people along the trail, so this is going to be a good experience for her. I find the people are our good friends, the Gee’s. They also have their dog with them…..another good experience for Jamie. After visiting a little, Mr. Gee (who can charm the socks off any horse or mule) approaches Jamie. Jamie waits calmly to for her petting.
We continue on the old road to the neighbor’s driveway where we turn to return the same way home. We now meet Laine with her dog. We visit some more, then head for home.
The weather has warmed up some. My husband and I, on the spur of the moment, decide to load up and head for Randolph State Park near Manhattan, Kansas. We arrive there at 6:30 P.M.
We sleep a little later than usual. While we are saddling our horse and mule, a couple of women came by to visit. One just had to have her mule put down due to a bladder stone. Both individuals know about competitive trail riding, but have not competed. One woman, a police investigator, has a fox trotter and knows a friend of mine. They ask if they can ride out with us because they do not know the trails very well. This will be a good experience for Jamie to be around some new horses.
Jamie leads for a short time, and then realizes she wants to slow down for the rocks. The trail is rockier than I remembered. Jamie becomes the drag mule. She works well at the rear of the procession. My husband gets a picture of Jamie and me with Tuttle Creek in the background.
The two women take a trail leading to camp, while we continue for a longer ride. We meet a group of riders with two unleashed dogs. The dogs start toward Jamie, and I do a hurried dismount. I remember how Rocky whirled around to kick a dog on the trail. I didn’t want this to happen. We had the misfortune to meet these riders again, but the dogs did not approach us. These riders seem to be having a hard time staying on the trail. Maybe they are lost. The rest of the ride is uneventful, but the terrain is much rougher than I remembered.
It is very windy when we get back to camp and is spitting rain. I have difficulty with the sun visor brim on my helmet. It is also hard to put the tack in the trailer with the wind catching the trailer doors. Jamie has a slight girth gall on both sides, which I treat with “Blue Coat” spray. Her hair on her back is rough as usual.
It rains for the rest of the afternoon, but stops just in time to grill some vegetables and hamburgers. This tasted pretty good to two hungry riders.
Callie is still fussy when Jamie is out of her sight. I hate tying both to the same side of the trailer because Callie is so mean to Jamie.
September 6, 2004
I am awakened early morning by a disturbing noise from the horse and mule. I ran out to look, but cannot see anything wrong. I go back to bed, but keep an eye on Callie for I think she is the culprit. Sure enough, she turns to kick at Jamie. I ran out again to move Jamie to the other side of the trailer. I didn’t want to tie on the same side at the start.
We have found that the batteries for running the water pump and the lights are low. My husband started the truck last night so I could take a shower, and again this morning so I could wash dishes. I hope there is enough propane to keep the fridge running.
For some reason, my husband pops the hood on the truck and finds two nests and a pack rat sitting on the air cleaner eating clover. What is that rat thinking? Fortunately, we find it before starting home. The truck is missing a little anyway.
There is only one horse camper in the park this morning. There were quite a few when we arrived. We have our breakfast, then saddle our horse and mule to take a short ride this morning. It is cool enough this morning for long sleeves.
There is a trail we want to explore this morning. It is a beautiful trail, but very rugged. I love this kind of trail, but I am worried about Jamie’s girth galls. I started with the girth further back, but with all the up and down it may work forward. I think I will have to go back using the britchen strap to the center of the girth. I worry about that catching on brush, but Jamie is getting pretty level headed. The animals seem to be getting tired and slowing their pace. We have not had water available this morning.
There is one more horse trailer in the camp when we get back, but the riders are gone. I wonder if it could be the competitive trail ride manager?
We groom and get ready to load the horse and mule. We have found that we need to padlock the back doors, because the door on the horse compartment came open on the way here. The tack door came open on one other occasion. Poor Callie could have been running along on her back legs.
I have lots to do when I get home. I need to catch up on my journals and print the picture that was taken yesterday. It looks like it might be a good one.
I do a lot of changing on the britchen and the martingale tonight. I add a strap on the britchen to go to the center girth. I hope this will help keep the girth back and prevent the galling. I lengthen the shoulder straps on the martingale and shorten the girth strap. I want to be sure the martingale is not cutting her wind off as we go up hill.
This is going to feel different to Jamie, so I lead her around for a little while. I mount, and then go to the round pen to let her get use to the feel of the britchen. We soon leave the round pen to take a short ride in the pasture. She is not complaining even though the britchen is snug.
It is a good ride, and I do not have any treats for Jamie tonight. She refuses the baby carrots I offer her. She checks my pockets several times.
She gets to graze in the yard while I do some chores in the house. I drink my diet coke on the run.
It is a beautiful morning, quiet and slightly cloudy. I feel lazy and in need of a peaceful ride in the woods.
I am trying a new position with the britchen like the Internet article. I really need to keep the girth from galling Jamie. I hope this works. Jamie stood for the mount as usual, but when I gave her the treat, she caught my finger slightly. This startled both of us.
Jamie starts on the trail a little better today, mostly because I am getting after her with the end of the reins. We are on the Dorf Trail when we both see a deer running our direction. Jamie stops to watch, and I am talking to the deer. She is looking all over for us, but does not seem to see us. Deer must have really bad eyesight. I urge Jamie forward so the deer will see us. She then turns to run and jump the fence into the woods.
Jamie soon begins her ‘away-from-home-drag’ and I am working harder than she is. I decide to cut a little branch to use as a persuader. This created a little excitement for only about ten seconds, but it is easier than using the reins.
We trot on the trail where ever we can today. This is the most trotting we have done. We both need to get use to doing this. Jamie is willing to trot each time I ask, which is good.
We see more squirrels today than usual and one more deer. Jamie is accepting the squirrels better now.
Jamie helps tie a ribbon on a tree by side passing, and waiting patiently while I tied the ribbon to the tree. I try to give her a treat, but she is afraid she is going to get my finger again and drops the treat. I dismount to get it for her, but now she wants another treat for standing during the mount. She drops it again. I dismount to get it for her, but only pet her after this mount. She was a little disappointed.
This has been a great ride. The girth seems to still be back and out of the gall area. This is good. I notice that the britchen has the hair roughed up at the flank area. The hip safe has stayed in place better. I will lower the britchen at lunch time on the competitive ride. I am so looking forward to that ride. I hope the weather will be good.
I bathe Jamie, and then let her graze while I start some dinner. Jamie and I completed our 250 hours September 11, 2004 for the Versatility Trail Program.
The weather turns a little warm this afternoon, but I can’t resist taking a ride. My husband decides to ride Flair with me today.
The horses (O-o-p-s, horse and mule) are slow. Jamie is taking care of Flair by taking it easy through the trail. According to the GPS, we rode four miles at two miles per hour. I knew we were moving slow. I printed the map of our ride.
We see several squirrels. Jamie just does not miss a thing on the trail. She has matured so much mentally this summer. She is a joy to ride. The ride is uneventful, but great.
The wind dies down some, so I decide to take a short ride. My husband decides to ride Flair with me. A small stick keeps Jamie moving at a smoother pace. We ride in the pasture and up to the East Hill, then along the tree line on our property. We see a deer as we get to the tree line. Jamie watches then calmly proceeds down the trail. The cob webs seem to be much worse tonight than usual. We top a hill along the Dorf Trail, and see another deer, which watches us for a few seconds. It decides to run back into the woods. Jamie calmly watches, and I wonder what she is thinking.
I notice Jamie’s ears are alert, but much more relaxed than they used to be. She is still very aware of everything, but not so tense.
It is a short and sweet ride. Jamie gets the usual end-of-the-ride treatment, and she also finds a watermelon rind to devour.
The weather is perfect for an evening ride. My husband decides to ride Callie with me. We are almost ready to mount, when the phone rings. This takes ten minutes of precious daylight time. The neighbors get their new horse and want us to meet the trainer. We decline, but maybe the next time he is there we will go over.
We are finally on our way. We take the Dorf Trail to the old road. We decide to ride to the neighbor’s corner then ride back the same way. It is getting dark and is even darker where the trees cover the old road. The cicadas have even quit singing and gone to bed. The frogs are quiet now, as well.
Jamie is very careful on the trail, but does stop several times to eat. I don’t mind a snack, but she wants a full course meal tonight. I did have to get after her with the stick.
I have the GPS with me tonight to practice reading the trip odometer and the map. Someday I will know how to use all the features.
Jamie did not get to graze very long tonight. I need to get her to the barn and then get ready for school tomorrow. It’s been a great ride!
It is windy today and Jamie seems a little jumpy. We take a different route to the East Hill, then to the old road. We go into Ambo’s Trails. It is so quiet in the woods, and the wind is not noticeable. I am still learning about the GPS, and I am marking waypoints today as well as making a map.
Jamie is very slow today, and I did not bring my little stick. I finally have enough of the pokiness, and get a new stick off one of the trees. This helped only a little. It is warm today and Jamie has started her winter coat, so she probably feels a little lazy.
We hear and see several squirrels on the trail, and two deer. Jamie takes this all in stride. She is very good waiting for me to mark waypoints on the GPS. She did really well with the gates. I am proud of her even though she did poke through the trails.
We stepped over a little turtle in the trail which Jamie didn’t seem to notice. This is different than the first time we saw a turtle on the trail. Of course, the first one was moving and this one today is not. We did very little trotting today. Some places on the trail were slick making Jamie slide occasionally.
I decide to mark the home plate (home) on the GPS, and find that I have not turned on the track meter. Drats!!!! The GPS did show we were moving an average speed of two miles per hour. I knew we were really poking. It showed we were out for two hours and forty minutes.
I let Jamie graze, but she goes to a bucket and peeks in as if looking for water. I take her to the barn right away, but she does not drink. Well, I don’t know what she was looking for in that bucket.
It is a great ride and I am a little stiff and tired. I need to get my clothes ready for going to work tomorrow. I will start the breakfast coffee later.
I get a late start tonight with only about thirty minutes of daylight. Jamie is moving out faster, but is a little more opinionated about where to go. We ride along the Dorf Trail to the old road where we do some trotting. The trotting ended when Jamie spotted a deer. A little farther down the old road we see two more deer. These deer appear bigger at dusk, and disappear into the brome field.
We go into our brome field to ride along the tree line. Jamie smells along the trail where the deer have gone. Things do look spookier as it gets darker, but Jamie is handling it better than me.
She is good until we start toward the downhill to home. She is dancing along pulling on the reins. I stop her and tell her we can go another way which we did. We are now riding away from the direction she thought we should go. She doesn’t fuss and is walking like she should.
It is dark when we get to the trailer to unsaddle. Jamie is disappointed when she doesn’t get to graze more, but I have to get ready for work tomorrow. It has been a great ride
I get a late start tonight, but the weather is too beautiful not to ride. My husband decides to ride Flair with me. We ride to the East Hill by the way of our pasture. Jamie and I are surprised by a hunter coming up the other side of the hill. We first see his orange hat bobbing along. Jamie watches him closely as he waves his hands and talks to my husband. She flinches some as he passes her, but then wants to turn to watch him leave.
It is dark on the old road now, but so quiet and peaceful. We are startled by a rabbit in the brush as we ride along the Dorf Trail.
The ride is over much too soon. We have a trip planned to Ozark this week end, if my husband is feeling all right. He has a stress test tomorrow that takes most of the day.
September 24: We left at 8:15 A.M. with the horses to go to Rocky Top. The weather is beautiful and cool for traveling with horse and mule. We are half way there when my husband notices the truck is pulling harder than usual. He doesn’t have all the bugs worked out of that engine yet. We are stressed now, because we are beyond the point of return, and he is still feeling a little shaky from his stress tests yesterday. We arrive with a sigh of relief, but now we will worry about getting home.
Our son-in-law and daughter arrive only a few minutes before the farrier arrives to shoe their horses. He won’t have enough daylight to do ours, but will come in the morning.
September 25: The farrier comes to shoe our horse and mule, but after looking at Callie, he recommended leaving Callie the way she is, because she has not grown much. Jamie does not stand as well as we would like, but the farrier is patient. He uses a size one pony shoe that is fitting better than the 000 horse size.
We wait a little for other riders that are joining, but decide to start on the trail. We are at the end of the driveway when here they come. We head back to camp. They have their horses saddled, so we are on our way quickly. The man reminds me of a veterinary friend of ours.
Jamie must like her new shoes because she is flying down the trail and acting a little rank. I think the britchen may be bothering her, but she is fine on a later downhill. The visitors like to let their horses run through the ditches and charge up the hills. I have to bite my lip.
We see two deer stands, one being very elaborate. It is a great ride in spite of the ‘cowboys’!
We take a short lunch break in camp and are on our way again. We now have some more visitors riding making a total of eight horses and one mule. I drop the britchen a little to prevent hair rubbing in the same place. I want to see if this will work.
Jamie did well part of the time as the drag person until after we stop at a pond to get a drink. We are now second in line, with Callie still on the tail end. Jamie is working so well in this spot. She is a real joy. She seems to be more comfortable going down the hills, even though the saddle does slip forward some this afternoon. The adjusted britchen is not holding the saddle as well. This is another great ride even though the weather has warmed a little. Jamie gets a bath again this afternoon.
We sit around camp, and then have our supper. One of the visitors cooks some jumbo scrimp that is really good.
September 26, 2004: We leave at 8:30 A.M. minus one horse. Callie is staying to give a friend a ride then come home with our daughter and son-in-law. This will relieve some of the stress on our truck. We are hoping the truck will make it home. It does pull hard on the hills, but we do make it home. We are so relieved.
I am hoping my husband can get the truck in shape to go to Randolph State Park for the competitive trail ride next week-end.
We are having the most beautiful weather to ride. I just have to ride to try the new girth and a non-covered britchen. The wool girth cover I had on it is beyond cleaning and is getting thin. My husband and son-in-law are working on the truck. Hopefully, they will get it running for this week-end.
I trot Jamie through the pasture on the two-track, then up to the East Hill. She is willing, but has her head a little high today making the trot a slightly rough.
We see something moving in the woods as we approach the old road. It is probably a deer, but all I can see are some legs. We trot where we can on the old road. We practice a couple of stops from a trot. Jamie knows the cues on the second stop. She is so smart.
We ride into the brome field and trot along the tree line. I believe she would trot up the hill if I ask. She seems ready to go after the hill climbing, so we head for the barn. We trot along the flat area next to the fence. We probably have done more trotting tonight than any other time. We both seem to be holding our own.
We are on the last stretch when Jamie hears machinery running beyond our place, and she worries about the sound. She has to stop to listen several times.
My husband does not have good news upon our return. There is more work to be done on the truck making the trip this week-end impossible. I am disappointed and angry at the same time, and am getting stressed. I tell him that I really don’t need to go; just park the truck in the shed for the winter, but he is still trying, and making phone calls for parts.
The new girth looks as if it will work even though I did have the saddle too far forward. The britchen did not rub.
I watch Jamie graze. The evening is beautiful with a full moon, and I relax.
It is another beautiful evening to ride. My husband and daughter are going to a horse clinic. I think my time will be better spent riding Jamie. I try some sho-sheen on the britchen butt strap. I want to see if this will prevent some of that shaving.
I dismount on the off side to straighten the saddle, but I get it too far to the right. I partially dismount on the near side to straighten the saddle to the left, and this works.
We trot on the two-track through the pasture and then walk up to the East Hill. We go to the old road and into Ambo’s. We go the opposite direction this evening. The first trail is so hard to follow with all the brush and cross trails. Jamie is sure interested in something in the woods toward the old road. I never do see anything. We do see several squirrels this evening.
We only ride part of the trails and I try to stay on a trail that we can trot. We go to the Beaver Trail, and when we get to the Ensley Dam, Jamie takes it upon herself to trot this trail. She is usually looking for spooks here, but not tonight. Jamie works the Ambo gate so well, and waits for me to tell her to move away. She usually wants to move away before I get the gate fastened.
We ride down the old road trotting where we can. Jamie is putting in a canter stride with her trot, so I tell her she can canter. She smoothly canters a short distance. I am so pleased with the smoothness of her gait. This is the first time I have ridden her at a canter. Most of the terrain I ride is not safe for cantering. We practice a couple of stops along the way. We enter the brome field and ride along the tree line to the East Hill. We trot a little further today. She is so willing and is trotting by voice command. We stop on top of the hill while I check Jamie’s respiration. She is sniffing a little then taking some deep breaths.
We head down the hill with a rear-end twist for some reason or other. We trot again on the flat along the fence. We open another gate, and go down the steep hill. Jamie rushed the downhill, otherwise it has been such a good ride, and Jamie is such a joy to ride.
Jamie gets to graze while I have my diet coke, then I take her to the barn.
It is cloudy and rains a little this morning. The weather becomes windy, but gets quieter later in the morning. I decide to saddle Jamie to sneak in a ride before the cold front gets here.
We go on the Dorf Trail to the old road, then into the Ambo Trails. We start onto the Beaver Trail when a big gust of wind hits that lasts about thirty seconds. Leaves fall like a hard rain; then it begins to rain. Jamie and I are protected by the woods and not feeling many drops of rain.
We continue through the Beaver Trail next to Ensley Pond. The rain is splattering on the water. We are cutting this ride short. The rain slacks, fortunately, and we are on the old road toward home, but I think I hear the tornado warning siren. I look at the clouds and see nothing threatening. Jamie is staying calm even though a few drops of rain are falling on her. The sun is trying to shine as we get to the trailer to unsaddle. It is getting cooler now that the cold front is coming.
The ride is short but sweet. I put the blanket on Jamie to keep her clean, because I am still hoping we might make the competitive ride.
This morning is crisp with the first frost this fall. I go to the barn to get Jamie, and all the horses are out sunning themselves. I call Jamie, and she starts to come, but the other two horses start to walk away. Jamie stops, makes a circle, and then starts toward me again. The other horses continue to walk away. Jamie wants to come to me, but the herd instinct is too strong. I walk after her, and she lets me come to her. Someday I will be her lead horse. It almost happened this morning. I wait until 9:00 A.M. to take off Jamie’s blanket and to let her graze for a little while.
This is the week-end for the competitive trail ride I had planned to ride, but the truck is still broken down and partially unassembled. This is a big disappointment. Jamie had her own cheering section for that ride. A couple of our mules riding friends were going on Sunday just to see how Jamie would do.
I get Jamie saddled and do some more adjusting on the britchen. I want to lower the britchen some. We don’t get far on the trail when we see a really big flock of turkeys. They split with some going on each side of the crick. I counted twelve on our side of the crick, and there looked as if there were that many on the other side. They run on the ground into the woods. Jamie tensely watches and is reluctant to continue. We finally get across the crick with Jamie watching for more turkeys. Jamie is sure there are turkeys on the whole trail. We see more squirrels today and they are becoming “old hat” to Jamie.
Jamie is not moving well today. She is looking and wandering like a first time trail horse. I finally ask her to trot some thinking this might wake her. She interferes several times today which she had not done since last shod. She just does not have herself together. I did borrow a crop from my husband to carry today. The crop doesn’t seem to upset her like a stick. We have a big shy along the Dorf Trail. I think she hears the turkeys there, for that is where we did see them heading.
I want to have lunch then ride again, but I am running out of time. Our daughter and son-in-law will be coming, and hopefully he and my husband can finish putting the truck together. Our son-in-law has a new ATV, so they will play with that for a while.
I get some cleaning done in the house, but just can’t wait to get on the trail this morning. It is cool light jacket weather and just perfect for riding.
I get Jamie saddled after she moves around. She is acting as if I might hurt her when I put on the saddle. I check her back often, but she never seems tender. I am ready to go, and plan to clear one of the trails. My husband announces he is going too, but it will be about a half hour, so I ride around the yard while I wait for him.
We ride through the pasture to the East Hill, then to the old road. We go into the Ambo Trails and head for the trail we want to clear. My husband is carrying the long handle pruning shears to use on the heavy branches, and I have a saw and small pruning shears. We tie our mule and horse so they can see each other, and start down the trail. We spend nearly an hour getting to the other end. Jamie was waiting quietly for me, but she is looking a little puzzled since we have never done this before.
Jamie stands over a log so I can use the log to mount, but now the saddle is not straight. I finally get the saddle straighten. She perks up on this trail that we have not ridden for a while. She gets so bored with the same old trail all the time.
My husband is trimming as we ride along. I saw off one branch, and Jamie helps me move it, but I can’t get it completely out of the trail, and my husband has to finish the job for me. I am pleased with Jamie that she stood for me, and then side-passed to let me pull the branch around. She is going to be a good trail-clearing mule.
We are heading for home, and Jamie is helping with the gates today. She is holding the gate while my husband and Callie go through, and not trying to leave before I get the gate closed.
We just get unsaddled when our son-in-law drives in to work on his ATV, and is adding some accessories.
My hip is trying to go out on me again. It gets less painful after I move around. It has warmed up, and a jacket is too much now. It has been a great ride.
We decided last night to go to Rockhaven Park today. The weather is chilly, and I am wearing a jacket with a vest over that. We leave at 8:15 A.M. My husband and son-in-law have worked on the truck, and now we will see if it pulls. We arrive at the park at 9:10 A.M. with the truck perking right along.
This is a week day and we are the only one in the park. We park in the day parking area since there is no charge there. We notice more pads are being rocked with one that has water and electricity. I imagine there will be a park host on that pad.
Jamie goes through the trail head opening this time without a problem. We ride out on the blue trail. The beginning of this trail is rough with rocks and some dry mud holes. The trail is marked well with some changes in the trail, but I remember most of the trail.
We get to a road that has a name that I cannot remember. This road leads to the lake where the mule and horse drink. I have my husband take a picture of Jamie standing in the lake. We ride back up the road to the yellow trail to head home. Jamie has been leading all this time grabbing snacks along the way. I cut a stick earlier to keep her moving. She wants to stop on down hills to get a snack. This is not my favorite stopping place. She seems to be moving rough today, and changing her stride over the rocks. I seem to be having a problem staying put in the saddle. My right leg is feeling paralyzed.
My husband and Callie take the lead. Callie moves faster, which helps Jamie move better. Jamie never breaks into a trot to catch her but will just walk a little faster to keep Callie in sight even thought she may be quite a way down the trail.
We meet only two riders on the trail today. The woods are very quiet, except for some crows tormenting something. We see two deer on the trail.
My husband is please with Callie’s behavior today, and Jamie is so good today, as well. It is a long but great ride. I am amazed that I can actually walk after dismounting.
We unsaddle, and have our lunch. My husband is anxious to leave, and is ready before I am through with my lunch.
Dates and Hours: October 8, 9, 10, 2004….9 hours and 20 minutes
October 8: We had almost two inches of rain yesterday and last night. The day is so gloomy. I temporarily decide not to go to the ride. My husband and I could not find anything we wanted to do today. Wait…..the sun is trying to peak through. This lifts my spirits, and I start to load the trailer to get “On the Road Again." My husband comes in and is shocked to find I have changed my mind again.
We arrive in camp about 2:00 P.M. No one is checking in yet, and there is not a crowd at the secretary’s stand. We get parked, unfortunately, at the far corner of the campground. Jamie gets a small rub on her neck and shoulder from her trailer ride. I cannot put anything on the rub, due to rules and regulations. I get Jamie tied to the trailer with the right amount of rope length, and hay and water. I also brought her salt block for her, which she used several times.
There are some little beetles here. They look like ladybugs; they are biting us, and being a real nuisance. I later find they are Japanese Beetles.
I head to the secretary with the necessary paper work and the money. I can see I will be walking a lot this weekend. I find I am competing against eleven of the toughest rider-horse teams in the region. In my opinion, they are the toughest in the nation. I get my yellow vest, number “54”, and the ribbon for the halter and bridle number, and the map. There is no packet for me due to my late entry, so I did not get an agenda or a trailer number. I put on my vest, and tie on the halter and bridle number before I forget. I just now realize I need a trailer number. I make another trip to the secretary for the trailer number unaware there is a written agenda for the weekend. I look over the map and notice there is no lunch break even though we ride through camp. Drats!!! I want to give my body a break, and want Jamie to have that break, as well.
I do some grooming and clean Jamie’s feet before going to check-in. Now there is quite a line, so I go back to the trailer rather than stand for a long time. I make several more trips to the check-in area before finding a shorter line.
I tell the judges this is Jamie’s first ride, and that she is very timid with strangers. She did not stand for the judges, but did trot out well for me. I get a big hug from the horsemanship judge. It is so good to see all the familiar faces and not be judging, but to be riding.
Management uses the PA system to announce briefing, although it sounds muffled to me. It is dark by the time briefing is finished. Management announces that Associated Press is with us this weekend taking pictures, and will be publishing two articles. I do not know when this will be published. I head for the trailer to put a blanket on Jamie, because it is going to get cool tonight. I would rather have her a little warm than too cool, and I want to have her protected, and clean, if it should rain. Jamie has played a dirty trick on me. She has dropped road apples on her salt block and made a nasty stain on her hay bag. I give her a clean hay bag and clean the salt block. I also move the salt block because she has chosen the dropping place.
It seems very late, but it is only a little after 8:00 P.M. My seventy-three old body is telling me to rest. It has been six years since I have competed, so it seems like a long day. I am going to bed.
October 9: Our alarm did not sound. I find I have it set for P.M. It is 6:00 A.M. I will have to hurry to have breakfast and Jamie ready for time-out at 7:30 A.M.
I am using an extra saddle pad to keep Jamie’s hair smooth, but I need my husband’s help to lift the saddle and put it on Jamie, then I finish with the tacking. I put a pad on the butt part of the britchen last night. The ring and buckle had been rubbing. I know I should not be trying anything new at the ride, but this whole thing is an experiment. I finally get all the gear on Jamie. There is the pommel bag with a bottle of water, wet sponge in a plastic bag, knife, hoof pick, and wire cutter. (Just like the credit card advertisement, I never leave home without the wire cutter.) There is the cantle bag with water for me, and then there is the lead rope, neatly coiled, hanging from the pommel. She is wearing her halter. There is no way for me to lift the saddle with all that gear attached. It is awkward, so all this is put on after the saddle is carefully in place. Riders are being called to time-out before I am ready. Fortunately, the novice and competitive pleasure divisions go later. These riders are being held for a later time-out to prevent meeting the open division in a loop. Whew….I am finally mounted and heading for time-out. I need to remember to set my watch at 12:00 for easier time keeping.
Well, I hurried up to wait. Some of the riders are asking about Jamie, and it may be my imagination, but some of them seem to be smiling smugly. Jamie walks around to explore for some good grazing. I decide to ride out last before the drag (safety) riders. I know they will not be passing causing Jamie to get excited. There are two other riders with the same idea. They are gracious and let me have my preferred spot. We are out! I even remember to set my watch.
Jamie is going very calmly; sure hope that lasts. The first observation, right by camp, is a very deep ditch with a steep bank on each side. Open riders had to cross the narrow bridge. Jamie is not hesitating, but carefully watching the people standing on the other side. Jamie may be considered slightly rushing out. My horsemanship is not so well balanced here, and I may be dinged for allowing her to come out too fast.
We are off! Jamie starts freshly, but she is not trying to buddy with any horses. She is moving like a seasoned horse (O-O-P-S, mule). Well, I am never going to be a muleskinner at this rate!
We have a problem on the steep downhill off the bluff. I am riding on her neck before we reach the bottom. I dismount at the bottom of the hill. The two riders that we passed earlier ask if they should wait. I told them no, since the safety riders are right here. I get the saddle adjusted somewhat. I need to get the extra pad off, but that will have to wait until we are in camp. We will ride into camp during the ride, where I plan to water Jamie, and feed myself.
The next observation is a trot by the horsemanship judge into P&R. First, we have to get by the person giving the instructions. I ask him to approach Jamie, and she finally lets him touch her. My hearing is so bad. All I hear is walk through the gate into P&R. Jamie hears the instructions and is trying to follow them, but I am making her walk. The judge wants to know if she can trot any faster. Oh, of course, no problem.
We get in line for the P&R. I dismount, get the reins ready, put the stirrup over the saddle, and loosen the girth. Jamie moved away from the incoming P&R team, but finally stood. The incoming P&R is finished. I struggle to get one side of the breast collar unfasten. I start sponging her neck, legs, under her tail, and between her back legs. Jamie is grazing during this procedure, but I soon will need to get her head up and left leg forward and continue sponging. She is responding very nicely for the ten-minute wait. Jamie is apprehensive during the outgoing P&R. She has a 12-7.….I momentarily forget the respiration is no longer six or under. No points lost.
The vet judge wants to do a metabolic check. Jamie is still slightly apprehensive. There are no problems at this time. I tell the vet judge, “I don’t care what you put on that card, she is doing well for me.” Jamie is getting some positive attention by now, and I could not be more pleased with her behavior as a first time competitor.
I am two minutes behind schedule in camp. My husband helps me get the extra saddle pad removed. I adjust the placement of the saddle. Jamie drinks for the first time on the trail. She refuses the water in the tubs at P&R.
We are off again! I do not see any riders ahead, but never fear; I have the safety riders behind. Jamie is getting slow on the down hills. I am worried she may play out on me, but then I realize she may be getting a sore girth area. She is moving as if she had her brakes set.
I just finish getting a drink of water and am putting the bottle in the cantle bag when we see people coming toward us. They are not only people, but back packers, who look very deformed, and there are so many! Jamie decides she would like to go to camp in the opposite direction. I get her under control, only to do another spin into the safety riders’ space. One safety horse cautiously takes the lead. It takes all of Jamie’s courage to scoot by those monsters. We meet two more groups of hikers without such a big reaction, but Jamie watches them closely as we scoot by.
We soon come to a meadow with a good long trotting area. We have a partial spin from a leaf falling, or her shadow. She is starting to buddy with the safety horses and wants to take the short cut they are taking. I am sure she is thinking, “I want to be a safety horse when I grow up, and now would be fine!” We soon get into the woods and hills. She is slowing down even more. It seems she is waiting for the safety horses. Well, who takes care of the safety horses? She does not want them to be out there all alone.
Jamie gets her picture taken on the trail a couple of times. Drats!!!! I forgot my camera for my husband to get pictures of her. I do not know if these people are with the Associated Press or hikers.
She is standing much better for the second P&R with helpful P&R teams. She is under the maximum this time as well checking out with an 11-7.
The horsemanship judge has an L shaped back between trees for us, and then some logs to walk over. Jamie did her back just fine and stood while I touched the ribbon on the tree. She waited for me to tell her to leave, even though there were two horses leaving. This is the last time I see any riders ahead. They really boogie down the trail. I am behind schedule about ten minutes, but I refuse to trot my horse downhill. (O-O-O-P-s…mule.) We trot wherever we can.
We pass marker 2, then realize that we have to turn right at marker 2. We do go as far as the mud hole as a big black snake slithers across in front of us. Jamie takes a sip of water and we turn to go to camp.
I almost miss the last mile loop; then I see riders coming toward me. Fortunately, I am not very much off trail. The last loop is a mowed grassy loop and we complete the loop at a trot. We cross the deep ditch into camp and to the timers with five minutes to spare.
Riders are to dismount to lead to the vet judge. I have time to loosen the girth before going to the judge for a metabolic check. Jamie is still suspicious.
I stiffly walk to the trailer leading Jamie. I clean Jamie poorly, and she is not quite dry in 45 minutes for the vet judge to check back and legs. Fortunately, Jamie is dry by the time we get to the judge. As we are waiting, the timer came by to ask how my ride had been. I told him “It couldn’t be better for a first time horse!” (O-O-O-P-S….mule) He watched her come down the last hill by camp and thought she looked really good. I believe she is being noticed.
Jamie has a tender hair rub on the right girth area. I need to think fast to prevent that getting worse tomorrow. She trots the L shape pattern, but pushes me a little, as we make the right turn. She is sound.
I now can take care of myself by taking a shower and eating. I am so stiff; I can barely pick up my feet to put on my pants. Will I even be able to get out of bed in the morning? I spend some time letting Jamie graze near the trailer. As I tie her to the trailer, she points to something in the woods. A small doe has come out of the woods and is grazing only a few feet away from us. She is so beautiful with a soft looking coat, and her small head with big eyes. She eventually trots into the woods waving her tail that looks like a white flag.
I groom Jamie some more trying to clean off all the sweat marks. I do not want to saddle a dirty horse (O-O-O-O-P-s, mule) in the morning.
Management uses a car horn to alert riders for briefing. I am expecting to hear something over the PA. I miss briefing, and have to bother the trail master for map instructions. I am the world’s worst at following map instructions. The trail master really has his nerve to change the trail every six years. We are to ride only part of the trail tomorrow and in reverse. I ask another rider for morning checkout procedure.
October 10: My husband has the alarm set for A.M and it alerts us at 5:00 A.M. I crawl out of bed. Hey, I do not hurt any more than usual. I can actually walk! It must be that over dose of bufferin.
Oh, no! We do not have lights. This is strange because they worked last night. I feed Jamie by flashlight. Soon we cannot use the pump for water. Fortunately, I started the coffee last night. The gas is still working, so I can fix breakfast by flashlight. I had put a nutmeg scented candle in the trailer before coming. I really was trying to get junk out of the house and I thought the candle would add a nice scent to the living quarters in the trailer. We had breakfast by candlelight. How romantic!!
We are to be to time-out at 7:00 P.M. It will still be dark when I need to saddle Jamie. I clean the stall area while my husband holds the flashlight. I remove her blanket and groom. He helps me lift the saddle. I finish the tacking while he holds the flashlight. Have you ever tried to adjust a black britchen in the dark? I added the extra straps last night, but have to adjust the length this morning. I need to get the girth to stay out of the tender girth rub. I want to keep the hip safe from coming forward and the butt part of the britchen from riding up on her. I am starting with the saddle positioned further back. I know it will slip forward a little.
Our morning check is a trot by the judges. Jamie is sound and a friend cheers for me. Yeah, I know, misery loves company. They want me to suffer with them.
We wait awhile to be timed out on the trail. In the meantime, Jamie is getting compliments like: “She is so pretty, and I am not even a mule person!” Many riders are surprised to find Jamie is half-Arab. I am answering questions about her like: “Where did you get her?” “What is her name?” “How long have you had her?” “How was your ride yesterday?” “Is she smooth to ride?”
The first observation is just off the trail. We are to ride between trees keeping ribbons on our right. Now Jamie is no fool, and can see where the trail is, and it is right where we left it yesterday. We have a little discussion, but she finally hurries by on the observation trail. Jamie does not want to spend too much time that close to those people.
I meet a rider on a leopard appaloosa on several occasions. Each time he makes some comment about Jamie. I really did not appreciate it when he called Jamie a goat. I retaliated by saying “Oh, I think I am getting sick, I see spots before my eyes!” I never heard anymore from him.
The first incoming P&R today is a little high, but is an 11-6, which is under the maximum for outgoing. Jamie has picked up stick-tights on her ear, but is fussy about getting them pulled. I decide to leave the stick-tights. We are ask to lead to the judges. The vet judge does a metabolic check and Jamie is good to go. The horsemanship judge asks for an offside mount but allows the riders to use a nearby picnic table. Some one commented you could tell the riders that are over forty, because they choose the table. Gosh, I did not know I did that bad, so I remind her I just passed number seventy-three. “Gee“, they say, “hope I can still ride at that age“.
It seems I am the only rider leaving, and Jamie notices that as well. She thinks something is missing, and it is horses in front. I soon realize they are far ahead. We are all hurrying, because it looks as if we are about twenty minutes behind. Jamie is trotting well for me and even canters for short distances. She has the most wonderful canter. We are detained some by meeting riders coming back on the same trail. It seems we are losing more time.
We are in the next P&R. Jamie’s outgoing P&R is 10-5! I am really pleased! I get some more stick-tights off her ear. Some of the workers want to visit with me. I keep getting Jamie ready to go just the same. She has stretched and stood for every mount. We now go to the horsemanship judge to step over a log with the front feet, side pass over to a person, and of all things, holding a plastic bag, to get a piece of candy. I say, “No thanks, I don’t want a piece of candy.” Well, we get over there, but not too smoothly. The person much too quickly shakes out the plastic bag. I originally thought the candy would be handed to me. I now realize taking a piece of candy from the plastic bag is part of the observation. Well, Jamie did a very quick reverse side pass across the log. Did Jamie pass the test? “Not completely,” comments the horsemanship judge. The horsemanship judge gets a piece of candy for me to give to Jamie.
We are now on the home stretch. Jamie takes a breather twice on the killer hill to the bluff. We think we are behind, but when we reach the two-mile marker, we find we have fifty minutes to our maximum time and twenty minutes to our minimum time. This is great because we can walk the rest of the trail to camp.
We now have a big bunch of novice riders too close together. Jamie and I have a good spot and are able to keep that space. The horse in front of Jamie is having some trouble staying back from the horse in front of him. A few of the riders are waiting at down hills to prevent crowding the horse in front. It is acceptable to stop within the two-mile marker to practice safe horsemanship.
Jamie is watching the horse dance down the hill in front of her. She finally could not stand my asking for a walk any longer, and shook her head, did a little jump that was very similar to a little buck. I scolded her. This is the only bad thing she did the two days on the trail.
We walked the last mile into camp, and this time we crossed on the bridge. Jamie acts as if she has been crossing this kind of bridge all her life.
We went to the timer, and I dismounted to lead to the vet judge. I again have time to loosen the girth. People are asking me how my ride has been. I tell them that it couldn’t be better. I can actually walk to lead Jamie to the vet. Jamie is fine again. I slowly lead Jamie to the trailer.
I use a no rinse shampoo on Jamie, which seems to be cleaning pretty well. I have a little time before checkout, so I eat about a pint of chocolate ice cream. Well, it is melting because nothing is working in the trailer, including the refrigerator. I should not have put that cold food into my stomach after all that exercise.
It is time to go to the vet for checkout, and there is not too long a line, but my stomach has other ideas after that ice cream. I have to make a run to the trailer and lose my place in line. I finally get back in line, but not for long, because my stomach is making more demands. I finally get to check out last.
Jamie checks out sound and is willing to trot for me. She has not interfered during the ride. I will tell my farrier. I keep after her a little, because she thinks she should graze.
All the workers are very helpful and patient with Jamie’s shyness. They have made my ride enjoyable.
I ask the judges for early departure. We load the trailer and pull out of camp about 3:00 P.M. I do not know what is on the cards; the judges are not through with them. In my mind, Jamie is number one. I am on such a high now. It will be good to get the cards to bring me down to normal. I cannot believe my body is less stiff from this ride than from sitting at a desk all day.
Jamie has her own cheering squad (Patsy Moore who use to compete on a mule and her husband) who want her to go to the next ride on October 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Unfortunately, my fall break will be over and I will be working. I will not have the 22nd free.
The weather prediction for today is not good, but the sun is out and it is not too chilly for a short ride. I don’t want to get out of practice.
My husband decides to ride Flair with me today. We head for the barn to get the horses ready. I use a curry comb and stiff brush to remove the mud from Jamie. She is acting as if her back is tender. I rub my hands all over her; then to her back. I really can’t tell if she is sensitive or not. I will saddle and see if she seems sensitive when I mount. I will use the quilted pad today to give her some relief from the non-slip pad.
Her back is relaxed when I am mounted, so we head out to the pasture to avoid the muddy trails. We pass some cows in the brush. Jamie has to stare at them. I am glad they are on the other side of the fence so they cannot follow us easily.
I think we are headed for the barn when Flair decides to stroll up the East Hill. Well, I really didn’t want to go in yet. Jamie stays calm even though we are separated for quite some distance. Her competitive ride has made her more independent.
The scene from the hill is beautiful with the fall colors of the trees. We head down to the old road. Jamie seems comfortable on the steep downhill. This is good.
My husband and Flair are leading and are on the old road as we get to the gate. Jamie stops to look at something on the right. Suddenly, a small gray animal crosses in front of us. Jamie seems to know the rules of the road, and things on the right have the right a way. She goes on undisturbed. Jamie is a little anxious along the Dorf Trail and wants to run forward. Fortunately, I was able to keep her walking.
The ride is over much too soon. I unsaddle, and Jamie’s hair is roughed up on the right side. The girth has stayed back, and the hip safe has stayed in place. I may have roughed up the hair putting on the saddle.
Jamie wants to check on Flair, so does not graze for long. She gets to the barn before I do. She has given me another good ride.
I hear from Jamie’s cheering squad, our mule riders. They received my journal on the competitive ride, and want more information. The score cards came yesterday, so I could tell them Jamie’s score and where she lost points. We had a great visit even though the cell phone cut out twice.
This morning’s weather is chilly to start but warms up by 10:00 A.M. My husband suggests that we ride before that wind and cold front come.
I groom Jamie and find her feet have small gravel packed in clay. I don’t know where she picked up that. I am using the quilted saddle pad again today. It seemed to work well the last time. I am getting better adjusting the britchen. I have the best luck when I attach a strap to the center girth.
Our first obstacle is about twenty heifers waiting at the gate. The heifers love to follow anything that comes their way. Jamie seems interested in them but not too afraid. They are following, so I dismount to lead Jamie. I don’t know how she will accept the herd following behind. She is a little nervous about them getting too close.
We get through the gate and I mount to continue our ride. My husband has trimmed some new trail in Dorf’s property that he has to show to me. Jamie seems a little anxious on the trail. She usually is happy to be on a new trail. We go to the old road and into the Ambo Trails. We see some squirrels and one deer this morning.
Jamie is going pretty slowly in front. I am working harder than she is, so I ask my husband to lead with Callie. Jamie is now moving better.
There now is a chilly wind, so we do not ride the Ridge Trail. We take the Femce Trail to the woods. We are on our way home. Jamie works the next two gates like a pro. Thank heavens; the heifers are nowhere in sight at the last gate.
My shoulders are hurting from the extra clothing. Just the same, it has been another great ride. Jamie gets her usual grazing while I have my diet coke. I just love watching her.
October 19: I have only a short time to ride this evening since we are to be at a dinner date at 6:00 P.M.
I spend twenty minutes saddling and adjusting the britchen again. I have added snaps to the straps to fasten in the center girth. Jamie seems a little sensitive on her back with what looks like some swelling. She seems to be all right when I lead her a little. I only have time to ride around the yard and down the lane and back to the trailer. There is not time to let Jamie graze. She is disappointed.
October 20: I get another late start this evening after getting food and clothing together for our trip on Friday.
There is a misty rain, but not enough to get us really wet. I do not put the britchen on Jamie, because I will only ride in the yard and down the lane. Jamie seems glad not to be wearing the britchen.
I am mounted when I see my husband making a mad dash for the barn. I am thinking he is going to get tack ready for the trip. I am riding by the barn only to see him saddling Flair. I tell him I am only riding on the flat because Jamie is not wearing her britchen.
We go to the pasture and angle down the hill where it is less steep. We go into the brome field to ride along the tree line and part way up the East Hill. It is getting pretty dark. Jamie is moving along calmly until we get to the crick. She sees a light colored rock she can’t remember. She has to stare at that for a short time. Jamie works the gates this evening like a pro again. I have to feel for the hooks.
This has been a great ride in the dark and mist. I do not have time to let Jamie graze again. She stops on our way to the barn to remind me that I have forgotten.
Our daughter and son-in-law invite us to go to Rocky Top with them. They will haul Jamie and our daughter’s horse. Our son-in-law and my husband will work on the water line and building a driveway for their house. They will also have some fun with the ATV’s, while my daughter and I ride.
October 22: We get to Rocky Top about noon in weather that is damp and gloomy. Our daughter fixes some lunch, but not what she had planned. The can opener has disappeared. Our son-in-law later opens some canned food with his handy-dandy camp tool.
October 23: We get up early to have our coffee and watch some TV. It is almost 8:00 A.M. when our daughter and son-in-law are up. She fixes breakfast and I wash the dishes and clean up the counter. We are ready to saddle our animals.
I am using a different girth arrangement to attach to the britchen. I am trying the thinner pad with no non-slip underneath. I am hoping the britchen will hold the saddle in place.
Jamie really doesn’t want to go down the first steep hill. She is expecting some discomfort if the saddle comes forward. The saddle is staying put for us. Jamie seems to relax. I later have to stop to pull the saddle back. It stays for the rest of the ride. The girth is staying out of her armpit.
We have quite a struggle with a new gate that a neighbor has installed. We finally get through, only to find the next opening has a fence across. She knows there is another gate onto the road, and we are going through some really thick brush. My stirrup catches on a vine or branch, but fortunately, Jamie listens to me when I ask her to stop. Now I am untangled, but Jamie is caught. I discover she has her head through a thin vine. I clip the vine with the pruning shears. Thank heavens, she is staying calm.
We are unable to find the gate. We have a choice; to go through the thick brush to the first gate we struggled with, or start cutting wire. We decide to cut wire and have the guys come back to fix the fence. I know, we are not supposed to do this kind of thing, but I am worried about our safety trying to get through the underbrush.
We ride on the waterfall trail that runs under an overhanging cliff. There is also a rock ledge about chest high on the horses, which they climb. My daughter’s horse climbed right up, but I took Jamie to a smaller ledge. The rocks are wet, and I am afraid of slipping. Jamie is the best along with Little Man.
October 24: We have our early morning coffee, and then have breakfast with our daughter and son-in-law. The guys will ride the ATV’s out to fix the fence while we take a short morning ride.
We take the trail out to the tall pine and up a really steep hill. We meet a neighbor on his ATV. He stops and turns off the motor for us to pass. We get acquainted, and find he is hunting turkey. We proceed on the dreaded uphill, and let the animals rest a couple of times on the way. Jamie is acting as if she is not feeling well. I remember my husband gave her more oats than I would. I begin to worry about her.
We are heading for a steep downhill, and I am apprehensive about the saddle staying put. The downhill goes well. We are now back tracking on the trail to camp. We do take a different loop into camp. Jamie is anticipating the steep uphill into camp. She seems to be looking for another route.
It has been another great ride. We unsaddle, and start picking up everything to put in its place in the trailer for the trip home. We arrive home about 6:00 P.M. I can’t believe how much stuff we have in the trailer to unload. This has been a good trip.
We are on our way to Rockhaven Park by 8:30 A.M., and are on the trail at 10:15 A.M. The weather is beautiful, but still cool enough for a jacket. I am packing a lunch this time, because I know we will be out about four hours. I do not ask my husband; I just pack it.
We just had Callie trimmed and not reset, so my husband is using easy boots on Callie. I am following to keep a watch on the easy boots. The boots are staying on well in the mud. Each one came off twice, but we made most of the ride with the boots. We were almost to camp when the last one stuck in the mud. Callie made the rest of the way without the boots.
We start on the yellow trail, and find the trails muddy. This is going to make Callie and Jamie work. They are playing the game “Take our time," and are really sluggish. I soon have to tighten the saddle, and then soon after have to straighten the saddle by dismounting and mounting on the off side. This is the first long ride since I changed the gullet on the saddle, and it seems to be staying in place.
We have lunch in a grassy area along the yellow trail. Callie and Jamie enjoy the grass during the break. Jamie did take time to investigate my peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I didn’t let her breathe on it, and thank heavens; she didn’t sneeze while smelling my food. After lunch, Jamie lets me mount from the off side to continue down the trail.
We see a couple of deer on the yellow trail and a turkey. Jamie knows there is a deer on the trail before we can see it. Remarkable! Jamie also keeps looking behind us on the trail below. We finally see two riders whom we meet on the orange trail later. We find they are from Abilene.
We follow the yellow trail to Rockcrusher Road, and then ride the orange trail to camp. Jamie and Callie drink from the lake a couple of times. There is water on the trail in several places where they drink as well.
We are almost to camp when we see a rider on the trail above us. Of course, Jamie sees them first. The trails are close together running east to west along the lake. The map shows the trails almost on top of each other in some places. I am having better luck reading the GPS the last several rides. It is interesting to print the map, although I need practice marking waypoints.
Jamie is a bit sweaty when we get to camp. There seems to be a more even pressure on her back from the saddle. I find that water is still available, so I give her a bath. She has some sticky black mud on her legs from the last mud hole before camp. She did cross that mud hole where I ask. There really wasn’t a good place to cross. Jamie has been so good for me today.
Our neighbors came over this morning and want me to ride with them this afternoon. They have some friends coming to ride with them also. I know they are anxious to ride on the trail, but I have been putting this off as long as I can. I am not sure of their experience, and I don’t know if Jamie is solid enough for the unexpected.
I groom Jamie at the barn, then lead her to the trailer to saddle. The neighbors’ company has arrived, and they are getting their horses ready. I notice they are taking turns riding in the round pen. This may not be a good sign.
I have Jamie ready, and I mount to ride around in the yard, then down the lane while the others are getting ready. They are finally looking my direction and seem to be ready to start. There are six riders.
We start down the lane, when someone realizes one rider is not with us. One rider goes back to check, and someone meets him to tell him the horse fell and injured the rider. U-n-n-n-n-n-h…..this is not a good start.
I ride back with them, but wait in our yard for them. Soon one comes on her horse and tells me she is the only one going. Okay, well, her horse is acting pretty calm. Hopefully, there will be no more incidents.
We are on our first little wooded trail, when I hear her saying “Whoa, Whoa!” She lost her stirrup when her foot hit a tree. The horse got a little excited, but did stop for her. The horse settles, and we continue down the trail.
We come into an opening, and I hear the rider scream. Her horse is running off, but circles away from Jamie and me. She is off balance and is going to hit the ground. Thank heavens; she is clear of the horse. Jamie stands dead still in shock, and seems more concerned about the person on the ground than the horse that is now running over the hill.
I dismount before Jamie decides to go with the other horse. Jamie won’t let me lead her close to the thrown rider, so I just holler to her and ask if she is all right. She is not getting up, and I am getting concerned. She answers me to tell me she thinks she is okay. I thought she would never get up, but when she did she seemed to move with a little limp for a couple of steps. She has some dirt on her face, but no blood anywhere. The problem was losing the stirrup and bumping the horse’s side.
We walk over the hill to catch her horse, which walks up to her. She tells me she doesn’t want to be a baby, but she really doesn’t want to get back on. I tell her I am going to lead my Jamie in, and that her horse does not know why she is leading. We lead back to the trailer with her apologizing all the way. She asks for pointers, but she has all ready thought to shorten the stirrup leathers. I suggest stirrups with more tread rather than the roping stirrups. I also suggest using closer contact for ready control, and to keep her voice calm to soothe the horse. She did not realize she had screamed.
I decide not to go out again. I unsaddle and let Jamie and the other horses graze in the yard.
The day is gloomy and cooler than yesterday. I need to take a ride so I won’t be grouchy tomorrow. Jamie is shy today and doesn’t want to be caught, but she soon gives in. She wiggles around for the saddling. She makes me wonder if her back is tender.
She starts well for me by walking faster than normally. She is probably enjoying the cooler weather. Our first startling object is a gray squirrel that Jamie knows it is there before I do. The fat, gray squirrel runs across the road in front of us, then down the fence line next to us. Jamie stays calm even though the squirrel makes a big racket in the leaves.
The trails are hard to follow due to so many leaves on the ground, and Jamie is not helping. She wants to wander to the left to prove her barn sour attitude. We finally do one of the trails in the opposite direction. Jamie is stopping to listen and look. There are many deer playing in the woods today. We only see the white tails bouncing through the woods. Jamie seems to be getting more anxious as we near the old barn. I really think she is playing a game with me just to see if I will turn her to go home.
Jamie is squirming around as we near the cemetery, when she is startled by a big deer running through the cemetery. She should be more attentive to the trail. Jamie is beginning to move faster now that we are heading for home. She stops by the gate at the old road to longingly think about that short cut. I can not open and shut that gate, so we have to go on down the trail.
Jamie bounces down a short steep hill. I am able to keep her under control. We have only a short distance to the gate. Jamie pretends not to understand the cue to side pass to the right. I move the end of the reins to the left with a little tap. Hey, she remembers how to side pass to the right. She is very patient while I struggle with the chain to latch the gate. The rest of the ride goes well without incident.
I unsaddle and groom. She stands better today to have her feet cleaned. She gets so impatient with the feet being cleaned. She gets to graze for a while. She provided an interesting ride today. She is so much fun.
This is a busy day for me, but I need to take a ride to relax. It may be the last decent day for a while. Jamie is wearing caked mud on her coat, and we both enjoy the grooming.
I decide to ride without the britchen today. The saddle is staying in place better since my husband put in a wider gullet system. I know the girth will ride forward. We follow the Dorf Trail to the old road. We stay on the old road to the cross road, then turn to come back. We have just passed the barrier when I hear a vehicle behind. I turn Jamie so we can see who is coming. A hunter gets out of the truck and walks toward us. Jamie gets anxious as he gets closer. I tell the hunter we will go on since she is afraid of strangers. I think he is as relieved as Jamie. We do not see any deer today, but see many squirrels. Jamie seems a little anxious on the trail today, but she is good for me.
The saddle has come forward a little and Jamie has roughed up hair on her back. The girth is forward as well, but has not rubbed off any hair.
Jamie grazes for a short time, and then goes to the barn by herself. I follow her to find her eating from a hay bale. I take off her halter and rope. She follows me to the feed room. I guess she worked up an appetite on the ride.
It has been s-o-o-o-o long since I have ridden Jamie, and the weather is good enough today. There is very little wind and the sun is shining. The temperature is comfortable. Unfortunately, there is mud.
Jamie is a little shy about getting caught. She makes me walk out in her pen through the mud. I get the mud scraped off her winter coat. I am now ready to saddle.
My husband put the trailer in the shed after I set the saddle and other tack in the yard. I usually cross tie between the trailer and the tree. Jamie doesn’t want to stand and makes a trip around the tree dumping the saddle pad on the ground. She finally does stand, but only because I am firmly saying “Whoa, Whoa."
Jamie stands for me to mount and gets her treat. We start toward the road, but the neighbor’s dog is walking up the road. I don’t want the dog to follow, so we go toward the barn. Jamie likes this idea, and is doing the mule shuffle to get there faster, but the mule shuffle stops abruptly at the barn. At least, I now know she can walk pretty dog-gone fast.
I see the cows are on the south hill, so that means we can ride in the little pasture. We use the gate that Jamie can help open and start our ride by crossing a muddy crick. Jamie makes a huge jump across the crick. We follow the tree line, but Jamie and I see something white across the ditch. O-o-o-p-s, it is moving. I finally see that it is a white face cow. Jamie probably knew what it was all along. We cross one more muddy ditch, then head for the gate.
Jamie wants to go a little longer and asks to go down the hill into the next pasture. Okay, this is fine with me. We cross the crick and go up the hill to stop quickly at the top. My goodness, there is a tree down that has never been there before. We have to stare at that. Later, we stop to watch a reddish-brown coyote cross the pasture ahead of us. The coyote spots us and keeps looking over his shoulder as he disappears into the hay field. We go a few more steps only to see three deer running along the opposite side of the brush. The deer soon cross the ditch to run up the east hill as we watch.
Jamie gets in a bit of a hurry as we start for the barn. She does mind, but would rather not. We open and shut the gate to hurry some more. I take Jamie between a row of big round bales and back to distract her. She is still hurrying, so I ask her to go the opposite direction. I ask her to pivot on the front and back between the rows of hay. She is very obedient, and now has given up the hurry act.
We find that my husband has turned the other two horses out to graze. I can tell Jamie is anxious to be with them. She has a rather disgusted look in her eye about missing the grazing.
I unsaddle at the barn where I will keep the tack for the rest of the winter.
My husband has Jamie grazing in the yard and comes in to tell me I need to get out enjoying the warmer weather.
It is a beautiful afternoon with the temperature comfortable enough for riding. We have very little area left to ride on. Our tenant has electric fencing for his cows cutting off most of our riding area.
I get Jamie groomed and saddled. I will not use the britchen today. I didn’t need to warm the bit today.
Jamie is anxious to go, so I ride up the lane a short distance and back to the barn. I realize I need to straighten the saddle, and tighten the girth before going further.
My husband is riding Callie and leading the way. He says we can ride the south hill. Fortunately, the cows are in a different area and are not following. We follow the Duff Trail, then the Able Trail. We are cut off here due to another electric fence. We head for home to meet a black cow on the two track. She is concerned and is watching us closely. Callie stops to return the look. We get by with the cow running ahead for a short distance.
My husband wants to go into the east field where most of the cows are. I decide to pass up this opportunity, but Jamie is not too willing to leave Callie. I dismount to lead Jamie to the gate. We are now on our way to the barn. I unsaddle Jamie, and let her graze in the yard for awhile. It is great to be riding again.
Oh my, it has been so long since I have been on Jamie’s back! It has been such a beautiful day and I wanted to play hooky from work, but didn’t. It has been the day from hell.
I go to the barn shortly after arriving home. I know I have a mud ball to clean before I can ride. I don’t even care if I ride, since just the currying will change my bad attitude. I am sure I spent an hour and a half scraping mud and clipping her mane with the scissors. Jamie is very patient with all the attention.
I still have some daylight left, so I saddle Jamie. She is still patient with me. Something is very different, and then I realize Jamie is bigger around. (Must be all that straw she has been eating that was intended for her bedding.)
Jamie is reluctant to go down the lane toward the pasture, but gives in without too much fussing. She is a bit fresh on the way back and passes the barn to go to the road. She hopes to see the neighbor horses across the road.
I ask her to back and she remembers the cues. We do several side passes and back around a couple of trees. She is remembering and is willing.
The ride is a short eighteen minutes, but does wonders for my attitude.
I am in the house most of the morning getting my computer check writer to work again after a computer lockup. I also am busy getting Dad’s funeral thank you notes ready for mailing. I am ready to take the notes to the mail box and find the weather is very beautiful. It is just right for a ride.
Lunch will have to wait because I am off to the barn. It has been so long since I have been on Jamie, and it is the first time since my father’s death. She is suspiciously thinking I am going to give her another shot, but the sight of the saddle makes her realize what will be happening. She is very cooperative, except for a little moving as I bring the saddle to her.
I know the ride will be short. We will only get to ride around the driveway and down the lane. I ask her to back, and to side pass up and down a bank. She backed around a tree in both directions after a little discussion. We ride on the road past our driveway and she is disappointed when we turn into the yard. She is so ready to go some place besides the yard.
We head to the barn to unsaddle and groom. Oh, how I wish there were more time today for a longer ride, but there are many things waiting to be done.
We travel to Rocky Top and the farrier is here right at 9:00 A.M. to put shoes on Jamie. Jamie just has been turned out into the pasture and is not too happy to be pulled away from the grass. She is fussy and puts her ears in the disgusted position, as well as having a couple of wrinkles above her nostrils.
We have lunch, and then my daughter and I are ready for the trail. There is a problem….Jamie gets separated from the other horse, and is galloping from one side of the barn to the other not wanting us catch her. She is upset and anzy during saddling. It is taking forever, because I have to adjust the britchen. She has grown since we last used it.
I lounge Jamie a little before mounting to see if the britchen looks right, and to let her test it, if she wants. We start on the trail and find a big limb in the trail, so we choose a different trail. My daughter is a little anxious about the trail we choose, because some of the ribbons have been removed and hung off the trail. We did get off trail due to this, but found our way after about fifteen minutes.
We stop to slide the saddle back on Jamie and again to check her feet for a lodged rock. I do not find a rock at this time, and am not sure why she is limping a couple of steps.
We are back in camp at 4:30 P.M., and I’m really stiff since this is the most time I have ridden this spring. Jamie is tired, but she did work well on the trail today. I unsaddle, groom, and then check Jamie’s feet. She has a good sized rock lodged in her right front foot that requires a hammer to remove. It has been a great ride.
This is our first trip of the season in our trailer and it is not even summarized. I am tired but excited to be going. Jamie gets in the trailer as if she is glad to be going.
The campground is really full, but we find our favorite spot still available. Our friend, Ginger, is there on her mustang waiting for some of her friends, so we do not get to ride together.
We take a short ride and have lunch at the trailer. We go for another short ride after lunch. Jamie is so good. She gets some nice complements on the trail.
One woman on a pretty Arab comments, “Your mule is adorable!” One mule man is so smitten with Jamie that I believe I better keep a close eye on her. He went on and on that she is the most beautiful mule he has ever seen! He also knew her breeder, and had some auctioneer instruction from him. Well, now my head is so big, I may not be able to get through any low hanging limbs I always knew Jamie is beautiful, but to have someone to confirm her beauty makes me feel all warm inside.
It has been a good ride; hope I won’t get too stiff at work tomorrow. At least, there won’t be students on our first day back since it is a teacher work day.
The weather is so beautiful today with sun and very little wind. It is finally shirt sleeve weather, but also the allergy season. Jamie seems to enjoy her grooming that is removing the loose hair, and tolerates the hoof cleaning better than usual. She gets a treat for cooperating.
I get her saddled without so much adjusting this time. Hey, we are ready to go. She stretches and stands for the mount, but I notice Jamie has a tight back. I talk to her hoping this will start to relax her, and I can feel it as she relaxes.
The trails are a mess with lots of brush and trees in the trail. Jamie is taking the mud and the brush in stride. She helps me to get through a tight spot by stepping one step at a time. She stays calm when my stirrup catches on some brush, and backs for me to get the stirrup released. Thank Heavens!
My husband and I go different directions on the trails. Jamie had been dragging and I thought this would get her attention. It almost becomes too much of a perker-upper, but she does stay under control for me.
There are lots of Violets and Sweet Williams blooming on the trail. I remember how much Ginnie enjoyed the violets when we were riding. I don’t see any wild life during the ride, but Jamie thinks she does.
It is a great ride, and I feel relaxed, but tired. Jamie loves her after-ride grooming, then munches grass as fast as she can, because she knows she will soon be going to the barn.
The weather is perfect for riding in the Mark Twain Forest today with no wind and cool. We will take a short ride this morning to see if I can ride without getting too tired. It will be better for our soft mule and horse as well.
The farrier shod Jamie yesterday afternoon and set her at 56-55. This is a degree steeper than last time, and I am anxious to see how she moves.
Jamie starts very briskly leaving everyone behind. I wish she would continue to walk out this way, but she sees the horses behind and starts to slow down for them. They will soon be leading, which is just as well since I do not know the trails.
We have doctored the horses, and ourselves, for keeping off ticks. I’m sure we will get a few, hopefully, not the seed ticks.
Jamie has her Arab mind turned on today rushing the trail and wanting to stay nose to tail. At least, the saddle stayed in place better than usual.
P.M.
My GPS made a good map for me this morning and this afternoon, but I was not able to get pictures today. I realize later, that I need to set the date and time after changing batteries.
It is muggy this afternoon and the horse and mule are fussing about picking up ticks. They are stopping some to scratch. My daughter’s horse is really sensitive to the ticks.
Jamie is still pushing the horse in front, so we lead for a short time. I wish I knew the trail better to keep her in the lead longer. Despite the ticks and Jamie rushing, it has been a great two outings. The heat is starting to tell on all of us a little. My energy is gone before sunset, and I have to go to bed.
It is another beautiful day, still cool this morning, but will get hot this afternoon. We are preparing for a longer ride, hopefully, with fewer ticks.
We have a new area to explore across the road. We ride through an open field, then into the woods. We soon realize there is a lot of work to be done on these trails. The trees have become over grown since the last time our daughter and son-in-law have ridden here.
We head to camp, and when almost there, some riders decide to canter. My daughter and son-in-law are surprised to see Jamie canter so smoothly. I think they are more surprised that I would canter her. We stop at camp for a short break, then on to the trails.
I did get a couple of pictures of the other riders before the batteries ran down on the camera, but did not get one of Jamie. I will get rid of those batteries.
It is getting hot and Jamie is wearing down with less attention to the trail. We didn’t see any wild life, except for the ticks.
Jamie has a rub on her chin due to holding her back so much on the trail. I think she is trying to get away from the ticks.
This has been another great ride. We wash the horse and mule, and then tie to the picket line. I get myself a coke and sit to watch the horses. I want to make sure they are all right from the long ride. Lunch can wait.
This is a sad day for my ride on our trails. I need to take Jamie away from the barn while my husband puts Flair down and buries her. Callie is staying since she is not such a buddy with Flair, and it will keep Flair calm. It seems it takes forever to get Jamie ready. My husband wants me to be gone at least forty-five minutes, but I will be gone a lot longer than that. I will spend some of the time trimming branches.
I am not out long when I realize I do not have the key to unlock the gate, but I will not go back. I will find a way to get through. Yep, I can unwire the opposite side of the fence. Of course, it probably takes at least thirty minutes to do this.
Jamie is moving out briskly again today. Maybe she still has some ticks bothering her. She is stopping for trimming until later in the ride. She is now stomping some, so has picked up some ticks. We are only slightly startled by a deer crossing the trail ahead of us.
My husband is on his ATV cruising the old road. I am sure he is looking for us since we have been out quite some time. Maybe he is bringing the key to unlock the gate.
Jamie does a little dance when we get a stick hung on the stirrup. She does stand reluctantly while I lean over to remove the stick.
We meet my husband at the gate, which he hasn’t noticed yet that a part is removed. He is not too happy to be fixing the gate. Jamie, at the time, is excited and making circles around me. I find she is being chased by a stick that is in her tail. She listens to me as I carefully remove the stick.
We are nearing home on the Dorf Trail, when we see a turkey ahead. Jamie watches as it disappears into the woods. Well, that turkey decided to fly just as we get beside it. Jamie jumped, and then stood very tensely, as I talk to her. Jamie relaxes some and we go down the trail.
Jamie does not notice Flair is gone until I take her into her stall. Jamie looks into Flair’s stall with a slightly worried look, but does not get frantic and start racing around. Later, I see Jamie out looking in every direction, but still is quiet. We all will miss Flair very much.
The terrain has finally dried a little, but I am sure the trails will be muddy. We will ride on the old road. My husband and Callie are going with us.
Jamie almost has her summer coat and is looking so pretty and feels so slick. There is still some hair shedding with the brushing. She stands quietly for saddling and getting her feet cleaned.
We are not finding many cob webs, and the horse flies are not bothering us. I ask Jamie to cross a good size log in the road. I think she might do a mule jump after she measures it, but she steps over with her front feet, then hops with the back. Jamie spots two turkeys running next to the fence line and she stops to watch as they disappear over the hill.
Jamie likes to explore new trails and is asking to continue beyond the crossroad. Many years ago, that road was only a dirt road with very little traffic, and only one house at the end. I rode many a horse down that road and across the land we farmed where only houses now stand. I would like to let Jamie go further, but I know there is fast traffic on that road now.
We start our return journey crossing that same big log with a mule jump and a hop. The mule jump is more fun than the rear-end hop. Jamie is working really well tonight and the ride has been enjoyable, but is over much too soon. I notice the upside down saddle pad has less slippage and less ruff hair. I need to change that permanently.
Jamie is reluctant to leave Callie and Callie is anxious. I have a feeling they remember the last time that I rode Jamie out by herself. I have only a short time to ride before our daughter and son-in-law arrive. It seems such a long time since we had a good visit with them.
Jamie notices a deer after topping the first hill. Most of the ride is quiet, except for a startling noise in the brush on the east hill. Jamie has to turn around to stare into the dark brush. She finally decides it is not worth her attention. I don’t know what it is about cow pies, but Jamie is convinced a monster lives there. She does a partial spin before I get her back facing whatever she thinks is in that cow pie. Actually, the ride would be pretty dull without her awareness of so many things. Jamie points out things I otherwise would miss, although I have never seen the cow-pie monster! I love my mule!
It is sultry and still this morning, but I want to ride before it turns too hot. My husband is not going since he is mowing the yard at Dad’s house for the last time.
I want to change cantle bags to the one that is easier to swing my leg over. The one that fits over the cantle is too high causing me to catch on it sometimes. It seems to take forever to get ready, but I guess I have plenty of time.
Jamie is willing to go this morning. I think she gets bored standing around the barn. She is moving quietly and smoothly through the trail. I dismount, using the off side, to open the metal gate at the old road. The next gate has to be unlocked, and surprisingly, I am able to open it from Jamie’s back.
I find the trails in a real mess with limbs down and branches that need trimming. I will just spend my time doing this today, so I can enjoy the next time through. The cows have made trails all over the place, so I am marking my trail as I go through. Jamie is very patient for the first hour, but then becomes anxious to move out. I can’t say as I blame her, as I am feeling the same way. We finish riding the Fence Trail, then on the ridge to the Beaver Trail to the old road. We will have to finish cutting our way through the next time.
As we head for the Beaver Trail, Jamie has to stop twice to stare into the woods across the meadow. She acts as if something is stalking her, and she quickens her step. Of course, I cannot see anything there.
We are having such a nice ride down the old road. I dismount to shut the metal gate, and Jamie waits for me to mount and give her a treat. We are on the Dorf Trail home. We haven’t gone down the steep hill next to the crick for a long time, and I think today will be a great time to use it again. We are walking through the brome when Jamie stops suddenly to let a fawn leap up under foot to scamper into the woods. I am so proud of Jamie for staying very calm.
The britchen safe has stayed in place better today. Maybe the cantle bag resting on the straps to the saddle helps?
Jamie gets her usual brushing with the new rubber scratch pads which she loves. Now she can graze for awhile as I have my coke. She is not happy to find wormer waiting for her when we get to the barn, but she tolerates the nasty stuff any way.
It is overcast and cooler today which will be just right for riding. The trails will be muddy, so I will just ride on the old road. Jamie and I will try the new britchen that she patiently waited for me to adjust yesterday. Hopefully, I will not need to pad this one to prevent rubbing.
We see two turkeys scurry across the Dorf Trail and into the woods. They are probably waiting there to surprise us. Jamie pays little attention to them this time.
It is muddier on the old road than I thought it would be. We make our way to the south past neighbors. Jamie would love exploring around all those new houses, but I don’t want to deal with the traffic and dogs.
Jamie shies forward just past neighbor‘s place, for what reason, I don’t know. I take her back, and then pass the scary thing for a little training session. I‘m sure she saw something even though it is so quiet and peaceful this morning, and Jamie is otherwise working so well. She is a joy to ride. It has been a great ride.
I find the britchen safe has slid forward causing the butt strap to ride too high. I need to figure how to attach a crupper to the safe. I will work on that later. According to the “easy-measure gullet gauge”, I need to adjust the gullet of the saddle to a wider position. I hope this time I have an easier chore with that one screw. The rest of the screws were easy.
I have to hurry to get to the bank before noon to deposit my husband’s check, and I need to stop at the grocery store as well.
July 15th: We get a ride in this morning in the Mark Twain Forest before it gets too hot, and before the farrier gets here, and he drives in before we have unsaddled. Jamie will have to wait for a bath, because I’m sure the farrier will not want to work on a wet mule. Jamie is not very cooperative, but we find letting her chew on a lead chain made her forget all about the shoeing process. We hope this will continue to work.
July 16th: The weather is muggy today even in the early morning. We will have to ride early and rest often for the animal’s’ sake. Jamie will let me know when she needs to rest unlike the horses we will be riding with.
I will be using a different britchen today to see if that works better for Jamie. It is also padded to give her some relief from yesterday’s ride. I need to find a way to attach a crupper to the britchen to keep the safe in place. I need to be riding with some other mule riders to get some ideas from them. The gullet adjustment seems to let the saddle down on her back in the middle, although there is still some roughing of the hair.
We are ready to ride, but find the others still sleeping, so we take a short ride for thirty minutes. We still wait some for the other riders.
We see a couple of snakes along the trail which one rider dismounts to kill. We all are worried about finding copperheads on the trail. We hope not to see any bears or wild hogs that have been known to roam the area.
The heat from Jamie is steaming up my glasses. We take several rest stops along the trail, even cutting our ride short due to the heat. Jamie rushes some down hills for some reason, maybe because the saddle seems to be slipping forward more today.
It has been a good ride even in all this heat and humidity. We hose the animals as soon as we have unsaddled to cool them. Jamie seems to enjoy her bath and especially likes to have the cool water under her tail.
We take care of the animals, and then my husband and I drive around the nearby area sightseeing and looking for property for sale. I guess I am out of luck finding any property this time.
This will be a short ride on our trails due to the heat and humidity. I want to adjust the britchen some more, so I take Jamie out for thirty minutes. I can see I will have to add a crupper to hold the safe in place. I attach a temporary crupper, and then let Jamie wander around the yard to graze. This lets me see if the britchen seems to be staying in the right place and also is giving Jamie time to adjust to the crupper.
I decide it is time to mount and ride around testing the crupper and britchen on some short down hills. I ride Jamie another thirty minutes with good results. I will need to make the crupper permanent somehow. I will work on that tomorrow.
July 21: I have the crupper more stable, but still need to find a permanent fix. I will take Jamie on some more hills today for more testing. Our ride lasts for thirty-five minutes with no fussing with the crupper or britchen. I am pleased with the results. I am sure now I can cut off the excess straps.
The weather is cool this morning and just right for riding. I really had planned to clean first, and then ride. My husband comes in and asks, “Are you ready to go ride?” I leave the vacuum setting in the middle of the floor.
We are tacking up the animals when I notice the neighbors are headed our way to visit. They come over often when they see us outside. I keep getting Jamie ready as the lady steps up to pet Jamie on the face. I was really proud of Jamie for standing and not trying to back away. The neighbors soon left us to get on with our ride.
We ride the Dorf Trail to the old road and then into the Ambo Trails. The trails are still a mess since we haven’t had a chance to do any clearing. I can barely find the trail in some places, and I am getting slapped in the face by some of the branches.
Jamie is dragging today and I have to get a persuader stick. This perks her up some. She hates the rose bushes that have grown into the trail, and one gets stuck on her face. She stands patiently and turns her head for me to remove the sticky thing.
We are on the Fence Trail when Jamie jumps forward as if she is sure a monster is going to get her from behind. My training is to take her back on the trail to walk the same area until she goes quietly. I have found this to work after enough practice.
The only wild life we see is a squirrel that is climbing a tree. Jaime spots the squirrel as we are coming up the last hill. She notices it even though it is quite some distance away.
We find company at home: Our daughter and son-in-law with their company and horses. They are short a couple of horses, so my daughter will take Jamie out, and another will take Callie. I am anxious to see how my daughter likes her ride. Jamie seemed not to notice that a different person is on. It is so good to see the progress that Jamie has made.
It has been so long since I have had a chance to ride. The weather has been rainy, hot, muggy, or too muddy plus I have been working a lot of overtime. I am determined to have this ride even though I am very tired and hungry after work today.
Jamie is having a problem from the white clover, although she is not slobbering quite so much this evening. I wish there was way to kill that plant completely.
I give Jamie a much needed bath before saddling. I can tell she is out of practice, too, since she is a little jumpy.
Jamie stretches and stands perfectly for my mount and she waits for her treat. We go around the yard, side pass and then back between two trees. Yep, she remembers the cues. We head for the pasture trail. It has been so long since she has been out that she has to snort at everything. She has very soft snorts; not at all like my Arab mare that could do big roller snorts. Either way, it is fun to listen to.
The pasture has so many electric fences that the trail is really limited. We get to see the pond which actually has water from all the rains. It is so muddy everywhere; Jamie almost needs a set of chains to navigate the trail!
We see a quail at the first gate, but no other wild life. The day is so quiet and peaceful making me relax after a stressful day. The ride is over much too soon, but I have to get something to eat before I collapse!
The weather has cooled some and I want to ride before I get too sleepy. Jamie is at the far end of her pen, but she comes to me even though she waits until I am right there.
I have Jamie almost saddled, when my husband decides to go. We are ready to leave when a neighbor drives in to work on a tire, so he stays to help and tells me he will catch up on the trail.
Callie doesn’t fuss and neither does Jamie about being separated. We take the Dorf Trail to the old road, then to the cross road.
We see a couple of squirrels scampering out of sight along the old road. We have a really scary time near the old stump. Jamie is sure she hears something in the brush. She almost has me convinced that I hear something as well. I am a little tense because I am trying to hold a small branch to brush the cob webs out of the trail. This is preventing me seeing where we are going, and I feel uneasy about control with this in my hand. We slowly tip toe through into some sunlight. This seems to relieve Jamie’s tension.
We see the neighbor mowing his yard. Jamie keeps a close eye on him, but soon has other things to watch. Of course, these things are all invisible to me.
We near the cross road as a red van goes by with the driver pointing and finally waving. I have no idea who it is. Jamie always wants to cross the road, so today I let her cross and then turn to come back. She seemed satisfied to try this much, and found the blacktop was not what she wanted to travel.
We meet my husband and Callie on our way back, and for once I see them before Jamie. Neither Jamie nor Callie made a greeting sound. We finish our ride by going into the south east field and through the pasture to home. The ride is over much too soon, but I will be tired by the time I get to the house.
It is a quiet, sunny, but cooler morning which will be just right for riding. Jamie has second thoughts when I ask if she wants to take me for a spin and starts to leave after getting her treat. I am able to head her off before she gets out of the stall.
I am going to live dangerously today by wearing a straw hat rather than my helmet. My helmet just does not give my face needed shade. The hat feels more comfortable.
There has been so much wind damage to the trails this year. My husband has been cleaning the trails with the chain saw this morning and is now returning only to go out again with a can of spray paint to mark the trail. Jamie and I leave shortly after he leaves on the ATV. We can hear him, but not see him.
Jamie blows her nose breaking the silence of the day and I am slightly startled by the sound. We ride along the Dorf Trail, and Jamie is listening to sounds only she can hear. We cross the old road, through the open gate into Ambo’s. We can hear the sound of the ATV somewhere in the distance.
Jamie acts a little stiff this morning. I have taken the soft cover off the girth, and the girth may be rubbing her tender girth area. She is also dodging all the rose bushes that have overgrown the trail. We ride the Fence Trail to the open ridge trail then turn toward home. Jamie has to stop at Ensley’s Pond to wade in. She does not want a drink but only wants to eat leaves that are floating along the edge.
We meet my husband, who is on foot and trimming trail, on the Ambo Trail. Jamie is not use to meeting him on the tail this way and is very suspicious. She relaxes some when he speaks to her. He is the only “wild life” we see today. ;-)
Jamie does a rear-end twist as if something is getting her. I put my hand behind the saddle to rub her, but this makes her do another twist.
I carried the long-handled pruning shears in a scabbard today that I have not used. Now that we are at the trailer, I will see if Jamie will tolerate the shears being pulled from the scabbard and then returned. She did not notice at all!
I enjoy brushing Jamie as much as she seems to enjoy being brushed. I find a girth rub on the right girth. I will need to pad the girth again.
I let her graze a little while I have my diet coke. It is getting warmer and we both will enjoy our rest.
This is another nice morning to take a ride. I have Jamie saddled and find my husband is getting Callie ready. Jamie and I take a ride around the driveway. Jamie notices the cows across the road, but doesn’t try to stop to stare. My husband is ready when we get back to the barn.
A squirrel startles Jamie and me at the first crick causing Jamie to shy in place. Jamie is getting to be a pretty good horse….o-p-p-s mule. Neither Callie nor Jamie really wanted to go up the next steep hill, but Jamie didn’t get a choice like Callie. My husband let her take an easier route.
We ride along the Dorf Trail to the old road, then into Ambo’s. Jamie helps with the gate after I trim a rose bush out of her way. The Ambo Trail is nice, clean, and marked from my husband’s work the other day.
The Beaver Loop needs a new ditch crossing. Jamie has been telling me this for some time, so next time we will make a new place to cross.
I dismount on the next trail to cut some rose bushes while my husband holds Jamie. I come back to find both horse and mule are tied to trees by the reins and he is nowhere in sight. Thank goodness, neither pulled back.
We ride off that trail to cross an open area and head for home. We saw one more squirrel, but nothing else.
I didn’t let Jamie go into Ensley’s Pond today since it is covered with green scum. We take a short cut to the gate. Jamie helps open the gate, but for some reason did not want to back through as we usually do. We had a little discussion and I won, of course. I’ve been thinking about her behavior there and wondering if I did something different with my cues.
We see our tenant walking in the pasture as if he is looking for something. I find out later he has been checking fences. He has some of his cattle in the south field again.
I did change girths today and I see the hair rub in the girth area has not worsened It has been a good ride.
I start the wash, and then I’m off to the barn. I want to get a ride in before the weather turns hot today. Jamie greets me with a little, squeaky bray. At least, I think that sound was her. She is ready for her treat, and to take the halter.
I make an adjustment on the britchen hoping this will make it stay in place even better than before. I am wearing my hat again today, no helmet. I will take the long, handled pruning shears. Jamie has adjusted to the shears being slid in and out of the scabbard.
We ride along the Dorf Trail to the old road, then into Ambo’s. Jamie helps with the gate, patiently waiting until I have the gate unlocked. The first few trails have been cleared, so the riding is good without any work on the trail.
We make a new crossing on the Beaver Trail. There is still more work to be done here, but Jamie seems to like the new crossing that she helped select. We have some rose bushes to cut here, and Jamie is helping by standing while I clip. She also helps move some branches by dragging them off the trail. Is she getting to be a good little trail horse, or what? O-o-o-ps, mule! She gets little tense as I use a saw on a creaking branch. I cut some more rose bushes as she follows nicely behind me. She is being very tolerant of my space, which I appreciate.
I have about all the fun I can stand for one day on those rose bushes, so we head for home. Jamie has been so good all morning. We tried several new things today which she quietly took in stride. I’m so proud of her. My goodness, I think she had her eighth birthday. I will need to check on that. How did she get there so soon?
It has been an exceptionally great ride. The saddle and britchen seemed to stay in place better today.
Jamie gets to graze in the yard while I have a “diet cherry coke” which is not my favorite, but it is cold.
We arrive on the 15th at 3:30 and prepare to set up camp. We unload Jamie and Callie and tie to trees until we can get the picket line ready. Suddenly, Jamie is stomping and kicking, then begins to buck and run as far as her lead allows. I am just sick when I realize she is in a bee’s nest. She stops barely long enough for me to unsnap her lead from the halter and we both run out of there! She has quite a few stings and acts as though she might become sick. A couple of hours passed before she began to act perkier.
She really wants some sympathy while I cleaned her stall area, and lets me know by backing up to me so I could scratch her tail. I wonder if she will be too sore for her tack tomorrow.
My husband and I take the ATV’s on a tour of Ken’s property. We wonder if there is any way to build a road into that property without breaking the bank. We are both doubtful.
We find that water is leaking into the camper from some unknown source. My husband believes he knows where it is leaking. We will turn off the water and decide whether to take it to a RV place or try to fix it ourselves. My husband makes a trip to Forsyth on Friday morning only to find he will need to go to Branson for the plastic hose and clamps
We will not have time to take a ride since Bonnie is coming this morning to visit and our farrier is due around noon. Bonnie arrives around 11:00 and we show her around the kid’s place. I have so much to ask her because she is a seasoned mule rider. She offers suggestions on the fitting of the britchen and maybe changing the saddle pad to wool.
The farrier arrives on time and works on Jamie first, but Jamie is even less cooperative than the last time. Jamie is not a terrible mule to work with, but I just wish she would be better for him.
The weather is just cool enough to have hamburger soup and apple pie for lunch. Our farrier is not bashful about having lunch with us.
Bonnie rides Callie while Jamie and I lead out on the trail. Hopefully, I will not get us lost. We start by riding to a nearby cave. We then head onto a trail that I know I have been on, but cannot remember where it ends. We top a ridge, and I realize we will need to back track because we will not get in before dark if we continue.
We come into camp at 4:15 and find that our daughter and son-in-law are there before we expected. This is a great time for Bonnie and our daughter to discuss décor for the house.
Our son-in-law and my husband have fixed the water leak in the camper which didn’t turn into a huge job or trip to the RV repair shop.
Bonnie has some great pictures of her ride in Wyoming making my daughter and me envious. We have been standing for some time causing my body to become very stiff. This is unusual because I really didn’t ride very long.
September 17, 2005:
My husband and I saddled up early this morning for our ride. The weather is perfect for riding.
We started on the west ridge, then over to an old logging road where we met a couple in their pickup. They are from Republic, wherever that is. They are checking places to hunt for a later date.
We are not out long because we know that our son-in-law needs help. Our daughter is back from her grocery shopping, and we talk her into taking a ride on Callie. Hey, this is good; I will get some more riding.
I had to adjust my stirrups a couple of times to make my saddle feel even. The britchen is staying in place really well. I will switch to a wool pad later.
We did not see any wild life today. The ride was quiet and peaceful.
It looks like rain this morning so I wait until this afternoon for my ride. By now the weather is almost hot. Jamie is a mud ball, so I have to give her a bath. I wonder how just the wool pad will work today, especially since she will be wet when I saddle.
I have spent most of the week-end entertaining our new dog. She is not use to horses and is barking wildly at them. I let her and Jamie smell noses which only helps a little. I had to set the dog’s cable stakes twice while I was saddling Jamie. The ground is so soft due to all the rain that the stakes are not staying in the ground. I lead Jamie away from the dog and to the barn. I have to open a gate there anyway. Jamie seems okay with the excitement of the dog.
We go along the Dorf Trail to the old road into the Ambo Trails. My husband has been cleaning the trails the last couple of days. It is easier to get through. We see a couple of deer on the first trails. Jamie has been listening to them for some time.
Jamie discovered a new rock on the trail today that has been there all the time, but I never noticed that rock all the years I have been riding that trail. I am glad she pointed out the rock.
We rode the Arry Trail and the Son Trail then head to home. We rode south from Jiggs’ Pond, and didn’t take the Fence Trail.
I tried to get Baylee and Jamie better acquainted. Jamie is curious and wants to accept her. I unsaddle to find the hair smooth for a change, and the saddle did not slip. The wool pad is going to work well. Oh yeah, Jamie is not eight years like I thought; she is six and a half. Thank heavens!
I had to lead Baylee and Jamie to the barn to keep Baylee from racing around Jamie. Jamie is being very patient with her. I can see I will have a lot of work to do with Baylee.
It has been a good ride, even though I feel a little rushed. We have a funeral to go to this evening.
I just had to ride a little tonight after work and taking care of the new dog. The dog is still barking fiercely at the horses and mule.
I get Jamie saddled and we head to the east hill where we saw a deer bouncing down the trail. Jamie is taking everything in stride as we walk along the edge of the brome field next to the old road.
We see another deer near the Dorf Trail which caused Jamie some tension. It is almost dark and everything looks spookier. Jamie tip-toes along the trail even though the deer is long gone.
We get to the barn and back to the barking dog. I hope the dog will soon get use to the horses and mule. It has been a very short ride but has helped me relax after a busy day. I unsaddle Jamie and brush her, but I do not let her graze due to the lateness of the day.
It is such a beautiful day, and our daughter and son-in-law are coming this afternoon to ride. Y-a-a-a-a-a-y……. It has been ages since I had an opportunity to ride. I have been fighting a virus and have been to the doctor once. Today I have to go to the hospital for some lab tests. I will speed to Lawrence this morning after I put chili into the slow cooker. I can’t miss the ride this afternoon.
As usual, I am the last to have my Jamie ready, but I do have a lot more equipment to put on my mule, and I take time to clean feet. Her feet were really packed.
I mount, only to find the saddle is not setting straight. I soon find I cannot straighten it without dismounting. Drats! Everyone is waiting patiently. Finally, I have it straight. We are on our way. We ride along the Dorf Trail to the old road, then into Ambo’s Trails. The trails are hard to follow with all the cow paths everywhere.
Callie, Patches and Rascal have to splash water in Ensley’s pond. Jamie just wants to eat the floating leaves and moves away from the splashers.
We are moving along peacefully on the Beaver Trail when Jamie and Rascal jump as if there is a monster behind. The horses are still a little fresh after the several weeks of rest.
Jamie stops for a branch that is between her front legs. She moves cautiously as I urge her forward. I am proud she is being careful. Then Jamie and I separate from the other horses to a different trail for a short distance, which she doesn’t appreciate. Now, I have to take back my proud feeling. Oh well, what would I have to write in my journal!
The rest of the ride is uneventful, until…..we are home, and a squirrel ran out of a stump, startling Patches and Jamie. Patches and Jamie shy sideways with Jamie almost unseating me. I knew the squirrel was there and was just gathering the reins for a surprise. Hey, at least this is good journal material!
It has been a great ride. I let Jamie graze, and she moves near Patches and Rascal to socialize. Callie lost a back shoe leaving some broken hoof.
Jamie makes a soft, funny sounding nicker during the excitement of the trailer leaving and the horses neighing. I sometimes wonder if the mule’s voice is a cruel joke, but I love the unique sound.
O-h-h-h-h-h-h-h, what a wonderful feeling! I’m back in the saddle again! I wasn’t sure if I would remember how to saddle my mule, or anything else. I have only a short time after work to play with Jamie, and the weather is perfect. I just have to get on.
Jamie is still hairy, except for her head and neck which I clipped several weeks ago. As I saddle her and put on her breast collar, I realize she has grown some more. She is broader in the chest and fuller at the withers. I have to adjust the breast collar two notches on each side and two notches on the girth strap. I believe the saddle will set farther back this year, and hopefully stay put better.
Getting ready takes a half hour, but it will be worth the effort. I lead Jamie a little, and find she is relaxed as ever. I do get on without too much stress, and Jamie stands perfectly, and then waits for her treat. I forgot her treat until I realized she wasn’t moving for me. She hasn’t forgotten anything, but I am not so sure about myself.
We ride around the yard and down the lane practicing stops, backs, pivots, and side passes. She remembers everything, but her steering column is a little rusty. We will need more practice as who is in charge….ME!
It is a wonderful twenty minutes, and I can hardly wait for a longer ride. I hope the weather will cooperate.
April 18th: I try my Orthoflex saddle on Jamie tonight because she has changed in shape over the winter. The Wintec, which I love, is now perched on her back like a bird.
Of course, I get the Orthoflex setting to the side and all my shaking is not helping. I feel a little insecure since it has been a long time since I have ridden in this saddle.
Jamie doesn’t seem to mind the change and the saddle does set down on her better. Jamie is a little anxious with the strong wind. We ride in the yard and down the lane trying some side passes and backing for practice.
I want to get some more time with this saddle before I make a decision. I want to try some steep hills to see if the saddle will stay secure.
April 19: It is a beautiful evening with very little wind. I will take a longer test ride with the Orthoflex.
We go to the pasture that is so green but not overgrown. It is so peaceful and so quiet. I notice a ground hog climbing a tree, but Jamie doesn’t seem to notice. I am glad we are not under that tree taking the chance of a falling ground hog.
Jamie is enjoying the scenery and looking around as we travel along. We mostly follow the fence line. It has been so long since we have been out here without dodging all the electric pens set for the cattle.
Jamie traveled at a reasonable speed without hurrying toward home as she did the last time. Oh, I don’t want to quit, so we go around the yard once to finish the ride. I can tell Jamie is wondering what I will ask her to do next, but I surprise her by going to the barn.
I find a girth rub, which I doctor. Now I need to fit the britchen to this saddle since I plan to use it some more. The britchen will prevent the girth rubs, I hope!
Jamie gets a couple of treats and lots of praise before I take her to her stall. She loves it, and is soaking in all the attention.
The weather is perfect for riding tonight. Our son-in-law is putting shoes on his mare, but stops with the front shod as he gets itchy pants when he sees me saddling Jamie. Then my husband decides he wants to ride if our son-in-law is going. Gunner, the dog, even wants to go with us.
This is going to be an interesting ride with Jamie getting use to Gunner. I want Jamie to get use to having the dog along.
We take the Dorf trail to the old road. We see a turkey in the brome field. Jamie pays little attention as it flies away.
We don’t have the key to Ambo’s gate, so we go to the back gate. We near the old barn and see a flock of turkeys in the nearby field. We see a deer bounding away from us. We head for the Fence Trail, but my husband decides he has enough. I guess his hip is hurting. My son-in-law and I have to hurry to catch him.
It has been a great ride, and Jamie is tolerating the dog much better than I expected.
The morning is just too beautiful not to take a ride. My husband decides to go with me, and is ready much before me. I am making some changes to the saddle pad and putting the clean pad on the britchen. I enjoy the time it takes to make the adjustments and bushing Jamie. We are finally ready. Jamie always stands for the mount, but waits for the treat.
We follow the Dorf Trail to the old road. This time we have the key for Ambo’s gate. My husband unlocks the gate and we are on the Ambo Trails. Jamie is moving right along as if she is glad to see this trail again. This is much better than trying to ride through the brome with her trying to eat a new trail through the field.
Some parts of the trail are in need of cleaning. There are lots of trees down and rose bushes that Jamie hates. Jamie is very careful picking her way over the down trees and brush. She always wants to chew on the big logs across the trail. I guess she is trying to make it smaller.
We ride to the old barn and take Arry’s Trail. There is a big tree down at the start of this trail, but the rest is not too bad.
We ride the Cemetery Trail which in some places are hard to see the trail. We didn’t get off too far. We head for the Fence Trail, but cannot even start on this trail due to a huge tree across the trail. We follow the fence line to the two-track, then head for home. Of course Jamie and Callie want to stop at Ensley’s Pond. Jamie started to drink, but Callie pawed and splashed water on us.
The only wild life was a squirrel running through the grass. Jamie noticed the squirrel but was not startled. It was a great ride, and Jamie was so good. She looks sleepy until I turn her loose for her grazing.
Jamie has been fighting the flies and the effects of white clover, but today is cooler and perfect for a ride. My husband disked Jamie’s pen to get rid of the white clover; hopefully this will help her.
Jamie stands like an old plug for the brushing, then cleaning her feet, and saddling. I am not getting too close to her head to avoid her drooling.
We see a turkey just inside the brome field. We are on our way following the Dorf Trail to the old road. I have to dismount to open this gate, and Jamie stands by a log for me to mount. For some reason today, the old road is full of spooks. Jamie has to stop to stare at only what she knows is there. She is reluctant to proceed down the road. We finally get to the gate that has to be unlocked. She is very patient.
I have to break a small branch that is in the trail and decide to give the leaves to Jamie and use the rest for a Jamie persuader. Now, she is moving nicely. The persuader prevents her stopping to chew on each down log.
There are a lot of trees down in the trail. We have to squeeze between two trees, but Jamie won’t budge. I take a better look and see there are vines across the opening about knee high. I’m not upset with her, because this may be the reaction if there is wire across the trail. Okay, Jamie we will find another place.
We ride the Ambo Trails to the Cotty Trail, then on to open the gate. Jamie is helping with the gate, but dag-gum-it I put my hand on one of those little black wasps as am shutting the gate! It was more than willing to let me know. That dog-gone thing wasn’t there when I opened the gate!
It was such a good ride with special Jamie. She is such a joy to ride. I do not let her graze as usual because the yard has so much white clover. She just knew I was forgetting something and reminded me by looking longingly at the grass, and the clover.
I am so busy packing for our move to Forsyth that I don’t start my ride until after lunch. Now it is getting warmer, but still not uncomfortable.
I am trying to hurry with saddling, and I guess I have forgotten how. I get the saddle ready, and then realized I don’t have the saddle pad. I have to do a restart! Oh well, the rest I remember.
I am carrying the Jamie persuader which is making Jamie a little nervous. I have to convince her I am not going to beat her. She stands for the mount and waits for her treat.
We start on the two track to the red gate and make a loop next to the tree line. The cows watch from a distance. Suddenly, Jamie stops and smells the ground and looks toward the tree line where we see a dead animal. She is so aware of everything!
We take the Dorf Trail to the old road, then on to the gate where I was stung last time. I look closely, but do not see any wasps. I am getting the key ready to unlock the gate when a wasp gets me on the arm with a fly-by-sting! Well, Jamie and I decide to back on out of there to find a different trail.
We travel on the old road to the top of the hill and decide to ride along the tree line next to a bean field. I let Jamie graze a little in the shade, and then we head for home. Jamie deserves the grazing treat since there is nothing in her pen.
There is a huge log in the road that we sometimes go over, but today Jamie didn’t want to cross this log. Although I couldn’t see anything different, I let her use her mule sense and went another way. After all, she is my trail partner and can make some good choices.
I do an off-side dismount to open the gate, but for some reason, Jamie gets a little excited and doesn’t stand. This is very unusual for her. I talk calmly to settle her. It has been a great ride in spite of the bee sting.
We are anticipating a short ride after work and the weather has not disappointed us. We are finally ready to ride!
A neighbor’s dog has joined our dog for the ride. Jamie is just getting use to one dog on the trail with us and she is not too happy to see the extra company. We are having a pretty good ride when the extra dog runs past us from behind, which causes Jamie to pop two backward wheelies! This is the term my daughter used when her pony bucked. Well, the backward wheelies popped my saddle forward, and I became very anxious to reach the bottom of the hill. I had to dismount to adjust the saddle.
I do believe Jamie has changed her figure again, because this saddle does not seem to fit as well as before. I think I will try another saddle for the next ride.
I didn’t notice any wild life today, and I hope we never encounter the bear that visited our back yard a few weeks ago. It has been a great ride and Jamie is a fun mule.
The weather is too beautiful to pass up a ride, and I have a friend, Sunny, visiting for the week-end. We spent yesterday shopping for antiques, so this is our riding day! She will be riding my husband’s horse, Callie, and he will be riding our son-in-law’s horse, Patches. My husband leaves taking his saddle and Callie’s bridle. Luckily, there is another bridle for Callie in the trailer.
After changing girths for Callie and adjusting the bridle for her, we struggle to mount. I do believe Jamie has grown some more! We are on the trail! We join with the others to show Sunny the beauty of Mark Twain National Forest, and it is beautiful with the color of the trees.
I need to lengthen the right stirrup, and then Jamie surprises me by stretching for my mount without any cueing. Is she smart or what? Jamie is getting stronger on the up hills using more of a four wheel drive rather than a front wheel drive. The only wild life we see today is a small turtle. Fortunately, we did not meet any wild hogs or the neighborhood bear!
It has been some time since I have the opportunity for a long ride that I am wondering if my legs will collapse when I dismount. I am surprised to find my legs still in working order as I dismount, but a little slow and stiff. Oh, it has been a wonderful ride!
I remove the saddle from Jamie, and give her a bath then scrub off the sweat. She is enjoying this part of the ride.
Sunny is impressed with Callie and the beauty of the woods, but wishes for fewer hills.
O-h-h-h-h…..it has been such a long time since I have been on Jamie. The holidays, weather and back problems have kept me waiting for this ride. We had some wonderful weather for riding, but today is not as nice as some. It is windy and a bit chilly, but not like winter weather I remember in Kansas.
Jamie has been a bit shy lately; I think she misses the treats that we have not had lately. I shut her stall door to insure she doesn’t leave! She seems to enjoy the grooming and is patient about her feet. She is clowning with me picking up her off-side hind foot knowing I am on the near-side, or maybe she is suffering dementia in her old age.
Jamie helps me with my mount by standing by a bank allowing me level access to the stirrup. My back will not let me do the mount otherwise.
We take the ridge trail from our house to the forest and the holler, then back. I am not ready for the rough terrain. We follow our driveway to a clear and flat area to enjoy. The neighbor’s dog is along for the fun. Jamie squirms around with a rear-end several times. I have never figured out why she does that. Fortunately, this doesn’t bother me as much anymore.
We hit the driveway to the neighbor’s house and on to Mark Twain Forest, and then head back to our house on the shortcut trail.
The wind is bothering Jamie today, and is spooked by the leaves and unusual sounds that only she can hear. She is not sure what is moving by the tractor….oh, it is just my husband, and she is relieved to hear him speak.
She has never liked going under low hanging branches that hit me, or the feeling of me ducking them. Well, she hasn’t outgrown that, and she makes a jump forward as a branch brushes across my head. Of course, I wouldn’t enjoy my ride if she were totally dead.
She lets me dismount on the bank and waits for her treat. It has been a good ride, and I don’t hurt too badly.
Well, I can’t believe that I actually might be able to ride. The weather has warmed to a comfortable temperature this afternoon. I just have to try the flat areas to test my back. Jamie’s long hair has her a bit sweaty even though she has just been moping around the pasture.
I decide to change saddles again; this time to the Orthoflex. Jamie is very patient with all the adjustments and expects a treat for each. I will not use the britchen this time, because I am just too anxious to get started.
I finally have Jamie ready, and I am pleasantly surprised to find the mount is easier than the last time I rode. This is a good sign that my back is better.
We start on the driveways and work to the edge of Mark Twain Forest. Finally, I just have to try a steep trail in the Forest. Jamie is not helping on the downhill by stopping midway down the hill. The saddle is really getting up on her neck. She is slow listening to my frantic kicking and clucking. We are down; whew! I am thankful to see the immediate uphill, which will put the saddle in place. This has been a slight strain on my back, so I guess I will have to stick to flat land riding for a while longer.
We finish on a flat trail along the ridge behind our house. This is such a quiet, peaceful trail, which is the perfect finish.
I am not stiff for the dismount. This is great, and Jamie has been so good for this ride, with the exception of the downhill-stop.
Jamie is prepared for the feet cleaning by picking up her feet as I move from one to the other. Of course, she knows exactly what she is doing, and wants a treat for the good behavior. She thinks she should have a treat after the brushing…..wait a minute; there is something wrong with this picture. Oh well, she is worth it anyway!
The weather is beautiful with a comfortable temperature for riding for the rider, but sweaty for the mule and horse. They are losing their winter hair, but have too much to be comfortable while working on the trails.
Jamie acts as if she is on her last legs after about an hour out on the trails. I have never seen her this soft, but she hasn’t been worked much since last spring, maybe the fall before. These trails will test any horse or mule.
The neighbor’s dog followed us on our ride Tuesday causing a distraction for Jamie. She is watching for the dog more than she is watching the trail. The dog seems to race toward us on a treacherous part of the trail. I heard a growling sound that I thought was Jamie’s stomach, which made Jamie start forward a little. Now, I don’t know for sure what I heard.
Our ride today, Wednesday, was very slow with both animals, even though it is a bit cooler today. Jamie stops several times to rest, but asks for a treat. I’m not sure she really needed the rest, and I won’t give her treat just for stopping on the trail. The ride is uneventful, but relaxing for me. I need to try a different saddle again. It will be awhile before I can buy one that would fit Jamie better. Jamie is shedding more today.
Today is another beautiful day with warm temperatures and very little wind. The Arkansas smoke has dissipated leaving the air breathable. I want to ride before my eye surgery in two days. Tomorrow I will have to clean house and do some cooking for the company coming at the end of the week.
We go to the pasture to lead Callie and Jamie to the barn, but Jamie doesn’t want to leave the other horses and is dragging her feet. My husband is a bit upset with her, so I lead her. We normally lead the two in with the ATV.
I decide to try a different cinch today which causes more adjustments on the britchen and the breast collar. I am trying a different technique with the saddle placement by setting the saddle more forward.
I use the terrain for a struggling mount, but I am on. I have to practice some more. My husband and Callie are going along to show me the garden that is doing well in all those rocks. The Sarvis trees, wild plum, persimmon trees are in bloom making the air fragrant. There are scattered redbud trees in bloom.
Jamie and Callie are a little slow, so I get a small switch to encourage Jamie. I just have to carry it but use it very little.
My husband decides to take a short cut to the barn leaving Jamie and me to ride the ridge trail alone. Jamie minds well, but brays on three different occasions. She keeps looking up the hill for a short cut, so I cannot trust her to follow the trail. She begins to work much better as we near the barn.
The hair on her back is rough, so the saddle is still giving us problems. The saddle seemed to stay put better than usual. She gets her usual brushing and feet cleaning, which reveals a rock lodged in her near front hoof. I use a hammer to remove the rock. Now she gets her bath which she stands for perfectly. It has been another great ride.
It is a beautiful day and it is safe for me to ride after my cataract surgery. Our son-in-law is here before we get our lunch and my husband is still unloading hay from the farm. Our son-in-law decides to tie Patches to a nearby tree, and then help with the hay. We all have lunch before we saddle.
In my rush to get Jamie ready, I pick the wrong girth. I got things rearranged when I put the saddles on a different saddle rack. The other two are waiting for me. This is one reason I enjoy riding by myself; I can take my time getting ready.
We are finally on the trail. We will go across H to some trails there. Jamie and I both like these trails because there are less rocks and a more open trail.
Jamie is doing really well on the down hills, but her stride is a little short. I am afraid the wrong girth is going to gall. My, that was a long downhill! We follow a little clear stream through the holler. Patches is getting a drink each time we cross the stream.
We finally find a trail to go up the hill and loop back to join the beginning of the trail. Well, that is what we thought, and we would have been on the right track, if we just knew where it is. We wander around a bit, and then find the trail we want.
Jamie and Callie are asking for a bite of grass now and then. This will be good for them to keep their gut moving.
I am getting too warm and need to remove my vest. Jamie does a little dance while I am getting off the vest. We haven’t done this for a long time. She finally decides it is okay for the vest to hang in front of the saddle.
This has been an awesome ride, but I do find a hair rub on the off-side girth area. Jamie had some bloody fly bites on her face. She did let me wipe the flies off her face several times during the ride.
I give her a bath, and then let her graze next to the house trying the grazing hobbles. This is going to work good when I want to have both Jamie and Callie out to graze.
We finally have a nice day and the company we have been enjoying left us yesterday. I feel too lazy to do any work, and almost too lazy to get Jamie ready for a ride. I think I am riding alone, but my husband comes in on the ATV, and then starts getting his horse ready. For a change, I’m ready before him, but then I did have a head start.
Jamie stretches and waits patiently for me to mount. I realize pretty quickly that I will need to make some adjustments with the pommel bags. I make that adjustment in the first clearing.
We meet our daughter and son-in-law with their company on the ATV’s causing Jamie to side step around them. Jamie is being silly, because we use the ATV to lead her and Callie to pasture.
We ride to the falls which have a lot of water pouring over the rocks due to the recent rains. Jamie is startled to hear the sound, but goes down the bank to explore. We ride down the crick to see water gushing out of the bank. We take a narrow trail to the logging road to continue our ride.
The beginning of the ride is pleasant, but then my husband lets Callie start to follow too closely stepping on Jamie’s heels and pushing against her. Neither Jamie nor I appreciate the sloppy riding. I pull Jamie over and tell him to pass. He then lets Callie trot and rush the trail causing Jamie to become anxious.
Jamie is pulling the hills with fewer stops. Her pasture lot has some steep hills that may be getting her in better condition.
We let Callie and Jamie graze a little toward the end of the ride, and then continue to the barn. The other horses run to greet us and then run away. Jamie watches, but minds her manners.
Jamie has a rock stuck in her foot that requires a hammer to remove. We have to check their feet morning and night for rocks. Jamie has more trouble with rocks lodging in her shod and narrow feet.
Jamie gets her grooming and a bath. She stands so patiently, and of course expects a treat for her good behavior. She licks me on my face unexpectedly while I am locking her gate. Hey, although I am surprised, I love her too!
It is another beautiful day and just right for riding. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice as well, but then rain the rest of the week. I’m getting close to my 500 hours and hope to reach that goal within the month.
Jamie gets her usual pre-ride grooming and feet cleaning. We now have to use some repellent on the horses for the flies and ticks. My husband is riding along today and I hope he pays attention to riding. We are ready about the same time and we are on our way. O-o-o-p-s! My saddle slipped during the mount, so I need to straighten and tighten the saddle. Jamie stretches again for my mount. Now, we are on our way.
We take the trail near the cave and along the ridge. This is one of my favorite trails until the decent. My husband and I find a different down the hill which is better, but we didn’t come to a trail as we thought. We wander around finding fence which prevents us getting to the trail we want. My husband finally leads up the hill to find an opening and the trail. He and Callie are minding their manners today making the ride more pleasant than yesterday.
Jamie is startled by a noise in the woods and has to stop to stare. I think a limb fell making a crashing noise. A turkey is frighten away, and takes flight making Jamie flinch even though it is not very close. We take the trail circling the ridge and then pick up Penny’s trail. This has made a good ride.
Jamie gets her treats, grooming and bath. She licks my arm today and doesn’t try to lick my face. She is so good.
I had a difficult time catching Jamie today since she had been turned out in the pasture with the other horses and no halter. I finally had to catch every other horse and return them to their smaller pasture before I could catch Jamie. Part of the problem is the other horses drive her away. I finally have Jamie and give her usual grooming and feet cleaning. I put some repellent on her face today.
I start on Penny’s trail, but soon realize on the first downhill that the crupper is not fastened. We stop to adjust the saddle which has slipped forward. I didn’t realize how much the crupper helped to keep the saddle in place.
We ride past the falls and on to the old house and trailer. We take the trail around the ridge, but run out of ribbons and sight of the trail. Jamie takes charge by taking me up the hill to come in behind the garden. Jamie is always looking for shortcuts.
She gets a bath, and then eats her hay to relax. I give her grain a little later. It was a good ride.
Jamie is disappointed to find she is not going to pasture. She tells me I am leading her in the wrong direction, drags her feet, and drags me some. She has several wrinkles above her nostrils to show her disgust.
I am beginning to wonder what my ride will be like! She is restless while I groom and saddle, but is glad to see Callie come to the barn. She gives her squeaky, sobbing greeting. She is now quiet for the rest of the saddling.
She is being very outspoken today trying to choose her own trail, but reluctantly lets me do the driving. We start on the trail next to the pasture, then head for Penny’s Trail. Jamie chooses the next trail. We haven’t been on this trail for awhile. She argues a little when I choose the next trail. She chooses a trail we have been on this morning and then seems a bit annoyed to find that same old steep downhill. We head for home, and I am very proud when she pulls the long uphill without stopping. She must be getting tougher or just in a hurry to get to the barn.
I love her fun personality, and the ride is over all too soon (for me, that is). She gets her grooming, feet cleaned, and then gets her bath. She is checking my pockets for treats, but the pockets are empty. She does not wait for me to get more treats; she canters to the end of her pasture to be near Callie.
The weather has been beautiful for the last week, but I have been entertaining company until this morning. We have that lost feeling after company leaves, so we take a trip to Bar K Ranch to see the campground and figure a way to get our trailer over the hump in the road to camp. We visit with a mule rider. He has two books of pictures to show to us (something we hadn’t planned) but it is interesting and he is quite a talker. All this is giving me itchy saddle pants.
We have lunch after getting home, and then I go to the barn to saddle Jamie. I decide to change saddles again. This will be the saddle I will use until I get at a new saddle. I am planning to sell my Wintec Australian style saddle on consignment.
Jamie gets restless after Callie leaves the barn and because the change is taking so long. I try several girths to find the right one. I am finally ready to mount.
O-o-o-o-p-s, the saddle slips during the mount, but there is no way to tighten the girth, so I use better terrain to mount. This works, but as I continue to ride, I feel a bit uneasy. If Jamie should happen to shy, the saddle might slip. I decide to head back to the barn to find our daughter and son-in-law home from their ride. I talk my son-in-law into punching some more holes in the billet straps. Wow, what luck!
Jamie is reluctant to leave without some persuasion, but we are soon in gear heading for Penny’s Trail. My saddle seems to be slipping forward some on this steep downhill. Jamie wants to get on with the ride to get back as soon as possible. I am getting a fast walk and sometimes she wants to trot. Jamie acts more comfortable going downhill with this saddle and britchen.
It is such a good ride, and I find Jamie’s hair smoother under this saddle. This is a good sign. Jamie gets her brushing and bath, and then I let her graze in the yard a short time. I want to get a crupper attached to this britchen somehow. That is a tomorrow thing.
I am sleepy and could very easily stay in the recliner, but the day is just too beautiful. Anyway, I need to be getting my remaining 30 hours to the 500 goal. I also want to fit a crupper onto the saddle.
Jamie is so patient during saddling and fitting. My husband helps punch a new hole in the crupper straps and to cinch to the last notch on the girth. Either Jamie has shrunk or the girth has stretched.
The saddle slips during the mount, so I go to the step to prevent pulling the saddle off center. Jamie is ready to go until we turn down Penny’s Trail. She can see the other horses in their pasture, and thus creating a bit of a discussion between her and me! Fortunately, she always lets me win! Jamie has to express her opinion now and then.
I decide to explore a trail that I have never ridden alone, and soon find the trail hard to see due to the growth of the underbrush. Jamie stepped in a good size hole, but stayed calm and just backed out of the hole. I soon lose the trail and we turn to go back. Jamie is movin’ on, because she thinks we are going home. Wrong, I want to turn on Penny’s Trail, with only a slight discussion this time. We go by the old house and the hanging post. Jamie is asking for a bite of grass now and then, but for the most part, she is really moving. This is supposed to be an hour and half ride, but not at her speed.
We are getting near the end of Penny’s Trail when we meet our neighbor and son-in-law loading cedar logs on the ATV. It is close quarters to get by, and there is a piece of the log sticking out which is a concern to both Jamie and me. My son-in-law breaks that piece, and Jamie is more willing to go by. Did she sense that I was concerned, or was she concerned as well? I like to think that she was concerned, too. We are again speeding down the trail until the steep uphill. She takes one short breather on the uphill, and continues.
Jamie sees my husband in the garden and stops to look; got to make sure it’s what she thinks it is. We are now in sight of the barn, so Jamie relaxes and moves more leisurely.
I pick ticks, give her a bath, and then let her graze in the yard. A great ride, and you know what; I’m not sleepy anymore!
I have been exploring some different trails the last few days. I am getting more oriented on the trails by myself. Jamie is not too happy to be on a different trail, but did work better today after I cut a stick trail persuader. The ticks did not bother much today since I am using two different repellents together. They were tormenting Jamie terribly yesterday making us cut our ride short.
I will be tracking the hours in the forest as well as the hours on private property. I have an advantage with the forest at our back door.
Jamie alerted me to deer in two different places on the trail. She could only hear the first one, but soon spotted the deer’s tail disappearing through the brush. Of course, she has to stop to listen for the sound that only she can hear.
This trail, for the most part, is easy to follow, but we did get off trail at the crick on the way back. I will take some ribbon tomorrow to mark the hard to see places.
We took the Lone Pine Loop which borders our neighbor’s property. This is the first time Jamie and I have done this trail alone. I am achieving a goal when I learn a new trail. I can’t wait to try a different trail on our own.
I did have trouble with the saddle setting crooked for awhile. I had to dismount to straighten and tighten the saddle. This saddle doesn’t fit as well as I would like, but it is not roughing up the hair when setting straight.
This is the picture that I sent to the “Mules and More” magazine along with a story about Jamie’s 500 hours which we reach June 25, 2007.
The last few rides do not have journals, but I have been exploring trails that are new to me. Today is cooler making perfect riding weather for Jamie, as well as for me.
We start with Penny’s Trail to the ridge with the old shack. I search again for the trail that I rode that came out to face the hanging posts. I will have to find the trail at the other end and this time I will mark the beginning and the end of that trail.
We spent some time in the National Forest before nearing Penny’s property, and then took the trail down the hill to the logging road. I hung some ribbons at each end of this cross trail. I will mark other trails with different colors.
We saw a fat rabbit. It was so big that I thought it was some other kind of animal, but it came out of the weeds to run across in front of us proving its identity. Maybe it didn’t like being called kitty…kitty. We saw another rabbit not as fortunate as it had been injured and was not able to move out of the trail. Jamie almost stepped on it, but stopped abruptly when she saw it moving. Jamie gave a couple of snorts and backed a couple of steps then watched intently. I talked Jamie into moving slowly to the side and around, which she did calmly. I didn’t feel I could save the rabbit so left it on the trail.
I trimmed a few branches along the trail with Jamie standing patiently while a small branch hung on her ear. I gave her a treat for her patience.
Jamie is getting more determined to eat along the trail, which is alright with me as long as she doesn’t stop for a full course meal. I will use a little more persuasion to prevent these stops.
It was a great ride, but not long enough. I will have to add a few more trails to our ride.
It is late morning, as I get ready to hit the trail. I had used all the repellent so mixed more to use on Jamie. It seemed to take forever to get ready; even Jamie started to look a little sour as she waited.
We start on our driveway, then to Penny’s Trail. I want to explore the trails and mark as I go. I am using the GPS today for the first time in a long while. I hope I get the GPS to show the trail so I can print the map for today’s ride.
We ride to the old trailer and take the trail to the north (I think it is north). I believe this is the trail my husband and I came to on our last ride. I will mark at any cross trails and at the end on the lower trail. As Jamie and I go along this trail, I remember a tall weed in the middle of the trail. This is the trail I thought it would be. Y-a-a-a! I check the GPS; it is making a map! I guess I must have it set correctly!
We travel to the lower trail, then to the pond. It is so quiet and peaceful on this trail making me relax a little too much. Suddenly a buzzard flies up in front of us unexpectedly sending Jamie into a spin to the left. This action almost unseated me, but fortunately Jamie stopped letting me get into the middle of the saddle again. In the meantime, I’m thinking it would be a long walk home for me if Jamie got away. The buzzard has found the injured rabbit we saw on the trail two days ago. Jamie snorts and cautiously tip-toes by the bones.
The rest of the ride is without incident, although the excitement seemed to get Jamie moving a bit faster.
We arrive at the barn a little late for lunch, but only my husband is hungry. I can wait. Jamie gets her grooming and bath then gets to graze until she started to leave to look for the other horses.
I find the GPS is not working the first part of the trail, and I remember hearing it beep about the time it started. The printed map is missing a part of the trail, but I know which part of the trail is not printed.
It is another beautiful day and may be the last cooler day for a while, so I am going to take advantage of this weather. I am hoping my husband will go along, but then I find he and our son-in-law are going to the Ozark Fair. I kinda’ wanted to go, but am not sure I can take that much walking or standing; besides I already have Jamie saddled.
I am trying my luck with the GPS again today with some instructions and adjusting from my son-in-law. I will learn this GPS thing eventually. I will try to mark some waypoints today.
We start on the same trail a bit differently, which is confusing Jamie. We have a little discussion on who’s doing the driving. Jamie quickly agrees, “Okay mom, just wanted to be sure you knew the way”.
We stop at the logging road to mark the first waypoint. Jamie stands quietly while I play with the GPS. I give her a treat for standing so well. I mark another waypoint at the forest marker and another at the pond. I also marked another at the Hangman’s posts, but I found it didn’t show on the finished map. I guessed the spot, but not sure if it is correct.
I have been so curious about a trail near the old shack that appears to drop off the hill. We take that trail today and find it comes back to the pond. This path crosses a trail that we were on a few days ago.
Jamie is cautious on the trail where she was startled by a buzzard a few days ago. We are both relieved to find no buzzard or anything dead.
We take the trail on by our house to the driveway then back to the barn. Jamie is cooperative with only a look at our barn as we passed. What a great ride. Just wish I had someone to share it with.
It will be a humid day, but this morning is not too bad, so I decide to leave my household chores to saddle Jamie. We are on the trail at 8:00 A.M.
I just have to find that trail that comes out facing Hangman posts. I just could not find it from the ridge, so I will try again from the lower trail. Jamie is not thrilled to be taking the same trail out this morning (mostly because it is away from the neighbor horses). I really like this trail through the woods, so Jamie reluctantly accepts.
Jamie is standing quietly the first few times while I mark waypoints on the GPS, then she got restless for the last three points. We find the trail to Hangman posts, but I have to trim branches the last few yards. Now I will be able to find this trail from this point on the ridge.
We turn to go on the trail to the old shack and then on to the old trailer. We turn left to go down the hill toward the pond. I trim some more branches at the end of the pond and hung a ribbon to remind me where this trail will lead.
We will be retracing the rest of the trail to the barn. I hope I have a good map of the trail on the GPS. We bypass some of the trail to ride the ridge to our barn. This is a pretty trail which Jamie likes (not because she thinks it’s pretty, but because it is a shorter distance to the barn). Mules like to conserve their energy (never know when they might need it for an emergency)!
I find pine needles under the saddle pad which probably explains why Jamie was so anxious to move during the tree trimming, and remaining waypoint markings. Her hair is lying smoother under the saddle which I am pleased to see.
My GPS has a good map to print. I manually type in the waypoints hopefully somewhere near the correct place on the map.
I am on the trail at 8:30 A.M. today, and I know the humidity will soon be uncomfortable, more for Jamie than me.
We start on Penny’s South Trail to the wire gate and on to the old trailer. We turn right to go to the lower trail, but Jamie wants to get to the ridge trail. We go up the hill to the old shack then to Hangman’s. I have a heck of a time finding that trail down the hill even though I have trimmed and marked the entrance. Finally, here it is, we head down the hill to the lower trail and around the pond.
I am mulling over in my mind whether to take the Lone Pine Loop. I kinda’ wanted to take that trail the last time, but it was getting late and warm. We will take that loop today. I am almost sorry for my decision, because the steep hill seems to be wearing on Jamie more than I expected. It is warm and humid today, and I let her stop for a breather several times.
Whew, we are finally on the Woods Trail to the barn! I love this trail, which is actually a path through the woods. The other trails we have taken today are old logging roads. Jamie gets her usual grooming and bath then gets to graze in the yard a little.
I need the GPS map to tell about today’s ride. My son-in-law has helped me to divide the map into private property and National Forest. This shows the lower trail and the Lone Pine Loop to be in the National Forest. Jamie and I have many more trails to explore!
It is more humid today and I am getting a late start on the trail. Jamie is so patient with the preparation. She asks for treats occasionally during the tacking procedure, and of course she gets a treat.
Yesterday we had some deer flies bothering us on the trail, so I will use the Off Towelettes on her ears. We had to use a twig with leaves over her ears yesterday which she was happy to accept.
Jamie has her favorite trails that she is picking today. I notice she likes the ridge trail and will take a steep uphill trail to go to the ridge. Now I get to pick a downhill trail from Hangman’s to the lower trail. Jamie doesn’t seem to like the first steep downhill into Penny’s Trails, maybe because we are still too close to the barn. She has her ears forward on the down hills and not fussy this year, so I must have something right.
The ride is uneventful but pleasant. Jamie stands for marking waypoints on the GPS, and is willing to trot part of the trail for longer than I wanted. I guess she is in better condition than me. We will practice the trotting some more just for me. Jamie has given another great ride.
August 10…….The heat and humidity has put a damper on riding, but I just had to try the new saddle pad that came in the mail. I am about wilted by the time I get Jamie saddled. Jamie has recently been puffing up her belly to prevent being cinched too tight. This saddle pad will fit under the whole saddle and maybe will not be so uncomfortable for Jamie. I also will be taking more time to cinch a little at a time to relieve her discomfort. Today I will not use the britchen just the crupper, since we will only ride the ridge beyond our front yard to check the new pad.
Well, I finally mount, pulling the saddle, and now am sitting on a saddle off center. I am not having much luck getting it centered as we ride.
Jamie is dragging her feet and looking back at me as if to say, “Please mom, don’t make me go out on the trail on such a hot day”! She gets perkier as we head for the barn.
The hair is roughed up under the saddle today probably from being off center. I believe I will have to use a non-slip liner under the new pad.
August 11…Oh my…..another day of heat and humidity, but I just have to straddled that ol’ saddle again! I am putting the non-slip liner under the new pad. I take time to cinch a little at a time for Jamie, so she won’t get fussy about being saddled.
This ride is going to be in the shade as much as possible and again Jamie is moving slowly. The heat is making me feel a little sick to my stomach. We ride along the fence line, then over to Penny’s turn around. I let Jamie get a bite of grass a couple of times along the way. We take the driveway back to the barn.
I find Jamie’s back with even sweat marks and with very little roughed up hair. This looks better even though I prefer to have the wool pad next to her. I need to sew some Velcro on the pads to hold them together for easier saddling.
Wow, it is cooler this morning! I will see if my daughter and son-in-law want to ride with me this morning since my husband is going to the men’s coffee. I can’t wait to straddle that ol’ saddle again. I know it will warm up fast, so have to get out early.
I take time to cinch little by little because Jamie puffs up her belly. I have to do it this way or cinch tighter out on the trail, and I don’t want the saddle to slip during the mount.
We start on the trail next to the fence line, but find a rope across the trail. I untie the knot, but the rope slides out of my reach. Oh well, we will use the driveway. We have only gone a short distance when Jamie stops abruptly and holds up her right front foot. I can see she has picked up a huge rock. I dismount and use the hoof pick to remove the rock. I begin to think I will not get the rock removed. Finally, it flies across the grass.
I lead Jamie a little then ask her to stretch for the mount. I would have a hard time mounting if she didn’t know to stretch on cue. Sometimes she will stretch without the cue. She is a sweetheart! We soon meet my daughter and son-in-law mounted and ready for the trail.
We take Penny’s trail to the open grassy area with the cedar trees, and then take the trail at the old trailer to the pond. We have to stop at one place to trim through grapevines. My son-in-law is showing me a trail that I have not been on for awhile. Jamie remembers and is staying on trail, which she doesn’t always do for me. The ribbons seemed to be gone, and my son-in-law is looking for the marked trail as well.
We need to get on this trail again to hang ribbons. I don’t know what happened to the ribbons that were marking this trail. We ride up the steep hill behind the driveway. This has been a really good ride, even though it is getting warm. Jamie is more sweaty than usual.
Jamie has some roughed up hair again. She gets her grooming and then her bath. She then gets to graze in the yard while I have my diet coke.
This will be a short ride due to a late start and the weather warming fast. I plan to ride Penny’s loop.
Jamie is showing discomfort during cinching. This is the first time she has turned toward me with ears back just a little. I don’t know what the problem is, but I will take time to cinch slowly. I find that I need to start over by sliding the saddle back some more since the britchen is much too tight.
I start the GPS tracks…I think, but find about 20 minutes out that I didn’t turn on the tracks, so a part of the map is missing.
Jamie is reluctant at first, but gets perkier as we get farther out on the trail. This is a usual start for her. We go by the old trailer and the old shack to the Hangman’s trail. We haven’t been on this part of the trail for a while and the grass and weeds have grown some.
The ride is uneventful and peaceful except for a couple of rear-end squirms from Jamie. Jamie always stops for a breather on Penny’s Hill and today is no different.
I groom Jamie and she seems to enjoy her bath more today than usual. I let her graze and let Callie graze with Jamie today. Callie has to wear the hobbles to keep a limit on her wandering. Jamie will stay with Callie. I have my diet coke while I watch them. The other horses come to the fence to keep them company for a while. It’s another great ride!
It is just too nice a morning to pass up a ride on Jamie. It is more humid today but the temperature is lower 70’s this morning.
I will use a different saddle pad today to see if Jamie is more comfortable being cinched, and I find she is not fussy but tense. I still take time to cinch a little at a time. The saddle moves side to side without the non-slip liner. I will use a different non-slip liner the next ride.
We start on the trail from our front yard to the woods. I really like this trail because it is just a path to follow. We meet a turtle on the path which is doing its best to get off the trail for us. Jamie watches cautiously until the turtle is almost out of sight. Jamie snorts and tensely continues down the trail. This trail takes us to the logging road which I have named the Blue Trail for reference.
Jamie and I have never taken the logging road to the left from the marker, so we explore this today. It is a gradual uphill all the way to a driveway which has a homemade sign “To Rick’s”. At this point we turn to back track because I do not want to ride on the highway when we have all the wonderful woods to explore.
We have some new logs to cross since the rains. Jamie and I passed one branch by using our “open and close the gate” technique. I then cut the vine to let the branch fall to the ground. Jamie wanted a treat for her help at this obstacle. Yes, I gave her a treat!
Jamie is moving out well for me today, although she did take a breather on Penny’s hill. This hill is a steep booger.
Jamie gets her grooming, feet checked and her bath before I let her graze. Callie gets to graze with her today. I have my diet coke while I watch them grazing.
The morning is cool but a bit humid; still a good day for riding. My husband is on a trip to Leavenworth so I will not feel rushed to be back at a certain time. Jamie gets her usual pre-ride grooming and seems to have a sensitive spot on her belly although I cannot see anything there. I will be gentler with the grooming.
I finally get the saddle back far enough to finish cinching. I notice it is getting warmer before we are ready. Oh...Oh, I see the GPS has a low battery; well maybe, it will make this ride.
We start on the driveway past our daughter’s house and on to Penny’s Trail. I dismount to tighten the girth more before we go down the steep hill. We take a trail to the lower trail, then by the pond and up to the old shack. As we near the old shack we see two deer bound across the trail and into the brush. We take the trail down the hill from Hangman’s to the lower trail again.
I want to explore the trail that goes to Blue Crick. I am careful to mark our trail at any side trails that might get me confused on my return. I explore a dead-end, but then find a trail that takes us to a grassy area and cross trail. I will explore the cross trail another time, so we return to the lower trail. Two turkeys sound off and fly out of the trail that we will take into the woods. I am glad they didn’t wait to surprise us. Jamie stopped but didn’t seem very frightened. Jamie gets off trail a couple of times trying to take a short cut to the ridge. I have to watch today since she is not helping.
Well, I see the battery played out on the GPS and part of the trail through the woods is missing. It took me a little bit to figure out that partial trail. I have to install new batteries in the GPS before I can download to the computer.
Jamie gets her grooming and feet checked, and then her bath. She seems to enjoy her bath and stands so well for bathing. She gets to graze and I let Callie join her. They grazed around the house today which is unusual. Maybe they finally realized there is more grass there. I had my diet coke and then cleaned in the living quarters of the horse trailer. I kept a close eye on the two. They soon began to wander a little, so it’s time to take them into the barn. It was a great morning!
We have been having some nice weather to ride and my husband is going with me more. We explored the trail to Blue Crick and the loop back to Penny’s Trail. I will be able to find this loop myself and I know I can open and shut the gate on this trail. I can’t wait until my friend, Sunny, comes so I can take her on this loop.
We rode Friday evening for a little over one hour on Penny’s Trail to the Lower Trail where we stirred up about a dozen buzzards roosting. I hope they all got settled back in for the night without too much trouble. At least they didn’t fuss at us like the turkey we interrupted at her roosting place on one other ride.
We took a short ride on Saturday before our daughter and son-in-law came. We started on Penny’s Trail to the Downhill Trail to the Lower Trail by the pond. We then took the Lower Trail to the Woods Trail and back to the barn. We had a turtle obstacle for Jamie on this ride.
My husband and I discussed going to the Bar K Ranch today to explore those trails, but we didn’t have enough gas in the truck to pull to Bar K. He wants to show me more trail beyond Blue Crick telling me it will be about a four hour ride. We will need to take sandwiches and water with us. Okay, this will be easier than going for gas, then hooking up, and loading the trailer.
We get on the trail about 9:00 A.M. and start on the Woods Trail to the Lower Trail then to Blue Crick. The weather is more humid this morning than the last few days and it will get to the lower 90’s today. I want to mark some waypoints on the GPS and discover I have left it on the picnic table at the barn! Drats!!! I always feel rushed when I ride with someone thinking they don’t want to wait while I tack up Jamie.
We ride on the road for a short distance meeting one car. Jamie twisted around a little as the car passed. We soon take the logging road which is in the National Forest. We will follow logging roads in the forest. We can tell that vehicles have traveled on some of these roads; in fact we meet one jeep. Some of the trail is very, very rocky making Jamie and Callie slower on this part.
Some of the trail has mud holes that are impassible to vehicles, but a bypass road has been made. I am beginning to wonder if my husband really knows where these roads will lead. I see he has his compass out several times. I have to dismount to change a stirrup that is rubbing my little toe. My foot is hurting so much I am having trouble moving around Jamie. We have our lunch on the trail about three hours out, and I can see this ride is going to last a bit longer than four hours.
Now my husband is changing his mind about the trip back to the barn. We will now make a loop back to Blue Crick backtracking on part of the trail. I guess he decided not to ride along H highway, which makes me thankful for that decision. It seems we will never get to the road next to Blue Crick. We all will be tired after this ride since we have only been out for one to two hour rides before today. We finish our ride on Penny’s Trail and thedriveway. Jamie is still going strong not stopping on the long uphill to the driveway.
Jamie gets her usual grooming and bath, and then gets to graze with Callie. Oh my, will my feet ever be the same?!! The four hour ride becomes the five hour ride!
9/12…I have our son-in-law talked into riding with my husband and me. This trail is all private property. I love this trail but always get lost on the ridge and I want to have an easier downhill from the ridge. We haven’t been on this trail for a while so there is some trimming to be done and we are hanging more ribbons.
We do find a nice downhill to the pond which we mark heavily with ribbon. We find a deer standing in the pond and it does not want to give up its territory to Gunner, the dog. She fluffs out her tail as a warning. We watch for a short time then descend downhill to the pond. Now she decides to run a short distance and challenges the dog. My husband and son-in-law get close enough to get good pictures, but discover there is something wrong with her. Her tongue is hanging out and she is drooling; not a good sign.
We take the trail across the pond dam then to the left to Penny’s Trails. We will ride this trail tomorrow to hang more ribbons if necessary. Jamie is patient with the ribbon hanging.
9/13…Well, the men have decided they have better things to do this morning, and my husband finds Callie with a sore on her back which started with a bug bite. So, I will be riding alone, but this will give me a chance to find the trail by myself.
The trail is hard to find in some places due to the over growth, so I hang more ribbon. I had a hard time on the ridge due to the fact we hung less ribbon yesterday. I finally did find my way to the new downhill and to the pond. We have to be picky on this trail due to so much wire. Jamie is glad to see the pond and takes over as navigator. Sometimes she is not much help on the trail because she can figure where the shortcuts are, which is fine for her but not for her rider.
We do not see the deer today or any other wild life except for the spiders. They have been busy spinning their web. It has been a good ride.
I decide to get some riding in the National Forest, so I pick the trail to Blue Crick. It is cool this morning and will be good riding weather.
I haven’t been on the trail long when my eyes start burning and watering so much that it is hard to see the trail. Jamie is not helping since she is trying to make a trail up the hill. I considered coming back but it is just too nice to quit.
I originally planned to cross the road from Blue Crick, but gave that up due to my eye problem. The trail takes me to a gate that I have never opened before, but it seems not too tight for me to open. So it should be a snap to shut. Wrong! That gate managed to tangle more wire together than I could manage. I thought I was going to need help, when it suddenly untangled enough for me to shut. Whew! I know not to take this route by myself.
Now that we are through the gate I find a rock to stand on during the mount. Jamie is pleased to be on this trail and is now the navigator.
We find my husband sawing blocks at the barn which is stirring up quite a dust. He stops long enough for us to get into the barn. This dust does nothing for my burning eyes and now I am gagging. But I don’t have allergies, so the doctor says! I am having a reaction to something in the air.
I take Jamie to the pasture across the road to join the other horses. She is content to graze along the fence without joining them.
The reaction is now a full blown sinus headache with burning eyes that lasts for the rest of the day.
The weather is still cool this morning but is to be in the upper 80’s this afternoon. Jamie is resting under her favorite tree and is not about to come in on her own. I lead her through Callie’s pen and stall to avoid the steep uphill in Jamie’s pen.
Jamie is getting quite a hair rub from the britchen, so I adjust it to ride lower hoping to relieve the rubbing. Jamie is more patient for saddling today. She doesn’t seem to have a sore back, but moves around during brushing and saddling.
I decide I want to back track (if I can find them) on the trails that we rode yesterday with my daughter and son-in-law. I turn at the falls on a trail that I haven’t ridden by myself. This is a fun trail even though it needs some trimming. We reach the trail that will lead to the gate that I had trouble with a few days ago. I open the gate with no trouble, get Jamie through, and then surprise myself with little effort shutting the gate. Whew!
Jamie and I are headed down the trail to the Crick Bed Road that Jamie doesn’t like so well. We turn on the road to Blue Crick and then to the lower trail. Jamie surprises me by asking to turn up the hill that will take us by the pond and eventually to Penny’s Trail. There is a long, steep hill on this trail which Jamie takes in stride without stopping for a breather. She is getting stronger! She does stop on the last steep hill for only a moment. I love how Jamie keeps a steady pace and doesn’t charge up the hills.
This has been a great ride. Jamie gets some more carrots along with her grooming and bath. She then gets to graze for a short time in the yard.
The weather is beautiful and cool just right for sleeping but better yet for riding. The pollen count is high making it difficult to breath. I can enjoy a ride this morning with the use of inhalers.
Jamie and Callie are at the end of their pens waiting to be turned into the pasture across the driveway with the other horses. Jamie and Callie are both disappointed to find I am leading Jamie to the barn to get ready for a ride.
We ride along the driveway to Penny’s Trail. We pass the falls then on to the cedar and grassy grove. Jamie wants to be the navigator starting at the old trailer. Oh well, we haven’t been this way for awhile, so why not?
We pass the old shack and Jamie navigates to the Hangman’s Post where I take the reins to the trail downhill which leads to the lower trail. Jamie is a bit reluctant to give up her role but is cooperative. We reach the lower trail and Jamie asks to head to Penny’s Trail, but I want to go to the Woods Trail. Again, she agrees a little hesitantly. She doesn’t ask to take the trail to Blue Crick (I guess she remembers that is the long way home).
She really works well on the Woods Trail, and is not stopping on any of the hills, and not rushing any of the trails. She tries to sneak by the trail to our ridge which is not as steep but is farther from the barn. She would rather go on the steep hill for the short way home.
She is patient with her grooming and bath, even though she is anxious to go to the pasture. She grazes a short time in the yard but my husband has to catch her as she starts down the driveway.
I leave her tied in the barn a short time while I rest and drink my diet coke. I then lead her to the pasture behind the ATV. She canters and bucks as she leaves me to find the other horses.
I can’t believe how long it has been since I have ridden. I had Jamie out yesterday for the first time since the 4th of October. We took the Woods Trail to the Lower Trail, and then we went up the hill next to the pond to the old shack. We returned through Penny’s Trails.
I want to beat the bad weather that’s coming our way by riding again today. My husband decides to go with me. I want to take lunch, but he thinks he will need to have a shorter ride.
We start on the driveway with Jamie very perky. (She thinks we will take her to the pasture.) We ride along the fence line next to the pasture, and then to Jamie’s disappointment turned down the steep hill. Jamie really doesn’t like this hill much. The trail winds through the woods onto Jaren’s Ridge. The wooded part is my favorite and Jamie seems to like it as well.
We have to be careful to follow the ribbons closely on the ridge due to down wire. Some of the trail needs more ribbon for me to follow. Jamie is not helpful by staying on the trail.
We meet three of the neighbor’s dogs and fortunately they did not follow, but did bark a greeting or warning (I’m not sure which). We soon come to Penny’s Trails and my husband thinks he can take the ride to Blue Crick.
I need to adjust the saddle blanket that has slipped. I mount, and then decide I want to remove my vest that is making me too warm. I know….I should have removed the vest before I mounted. The vest is under layers of a bug jacket and an orange vest. Oh well, this is a good manners test for Jamie which she passed with flying colors! The trail to the gate seemed much longer today. (Not sure why it seemed that way.) My husband opens and shuts the gate, and then we are on our way to Blue Crick. Jamie and Callie drink at the crick and want to rest in the water. The water is stirrup deep on Callie and now she seems rejuvenated making her take the lead at a faster pace than Jamie had gone. Jamie hustles along to keep the pace. We take the Lower Trail to the Woods Trail, and then back to the barn. I believe all four of us are tired.
Jamie gets her grooming and bath, and then gets to graze in the yard while I hold her on the lead rope. I enjoy my diet coke while she is grazing.
I notice that Jamie and Callie are still resting in the barn an hour later, so my husband and I sat in the barn to enjoy their company.
My mule ridin’ friend, Bonnie, brought her mule to our place to enjoy the Mark Twain National Forest trails. We had a great ride together with lunch on the trail.
Bonnie and I had such a good ride that we plan another get together in November!
It has been s-o-o-o-o long since I have had the opportunity to ride, and the weather is warm and beautiful today. I will use a hood that covers my mouth and partially covers my nose to prevent my asthma getting worse.
Jamie is at the end of her pen, so I use the ATV to lead her to the barn. She is patient during all the preparation, and she is so good to pick up her feet for me. We are soon ready to try the trails again!
We take the trail next to our son-in-law’s, and Jamie is anxious about Jaren’s barking dog nearby. We take the trail into Penny’s, and then loop down to the lower trail again. Jamie is disappointed when we take the trail away from home. We go past the old trailer and the old house. It is unusually quiet on this ridge, almost spooky. We pick up the trail into Penny’s and then up that steep hill. Jamie wants to rest a couple of times on this hill. We pass the garden and then onto the driveway to home.
It is feeding time when we get to the barn. My husband has put hay in for them, but waits for me to cool Jamie, and then I will give Callie and Jamie their oats.
It has been such a good ride! The extra protection on my face seems to work preventing an attack of asthma.
Jamie saw something on Penny’s trail and I’m not sure what it was. I couldn’t tell if it was dear or people, but whatever it was disappeared. Jamie is sure it is still there. Later, Jamie is on point again. This time I hear something which sounds like a cat. Then I realize it is our neighbor with her five dogs. Jamie is a bit apprehensive, but tolerates the dogs. This has been an exciting and good ride.
Jamie gets to graze in the yard for a short time, and then gets her grain and hay.
Jamie and I took four rides December 25, 2007 through January 7, 2008 practicing with the GPS and making maps of each ride with the computer.
It is another beautiful day, and I do not plan to let it get away without a ride. Jamie is at the end of her pen again, but this time I will walk there to get her. My husband took the ATV before I had a chance to get Jamie. Hopefully, the walking will not stir up my asthma too much.
We take the Woods Trail which is so hard to follow now with so much leaf coverage, and Jamie is not much help. She would rather take short cuts through the brush to miss the hills and other parts of the trail she wants to avoid. Jamie knows she can through me off trail easily. We were off trail several times but finally did reach the logging road.
Jamie is sure she saw the boogie man on this logging road, and I finally backed her past the monster, whatever it was. It’s funny how backing can give her something else to think about.
It has been s-o-o-o-o long since the weather has been suitable for a ride. The sun is shining and has warmed the air to comfortable.
I spend the first part of my afternoon trimming Callie’s bridle path. That turned into more of a chore than anticipated due to so much winter growth. I am enjoying my time in the milder weather so I decide to take Jamie for a little outing.
Jamie hasn’t forgotten standing for saddling. I am not using the britchen today for riding the driveway and showing Jamie the clearing on the neighbor’s property. So getting ready is faster today than usual.
Jamie remembers stretching for me to mount even though I need the step as well. She gets a carrot piece for standing so well. We go to the neighbor’s property first mostly because I want to see how much clearing they have done for their new house. Jamie is really looking everything over, too!
We then ride the driveway to Penny’s property then start on our way back. We pass my husband and son-in-law cleaning brush and sawing wood.
Jamie picks up a rock in her left front hoof and she tries to go on, but then decides she would like for me to remove the rock. Fortunately, I am able to remove the rock with the hoof pick. Sometimes I need a hammer to remove rocks from her feet. Well, now I need a good place to mount which I do find close by. Thank Heavens for that!
We are soon at the barn and I remove the saddle and curry Jamie. I really hate what I need to do next which is not a very nice thank you for Jamie. It is time to worm, and she really hates this. We do get the wormer down with a bit of a fuss, but she got it all this time. I wait a little while before giving her a couple of carrot chunks. Now she is acting as if she has forgiven me.
Jamie and I again take six rides May 23, 2008 through June 30, 2008 making maps of our rides on the GPS and transferring them to the computer.
My entries in my journal have been far and few between, but I now have a new notebook and sheet protectors to fill.
Our daughter left for home early this morning and directly our other daughter came to visit for a short time. Now I have the itch to ride on the trail. I am trying a new mixture of repellent for Jamie and I am anxious to see how it will work. I will take the trimming equipment for I’m sure the trail has grown shut in some places.
I sneak in the back barn door which startles Jamie a little, but at least I have her trapped. She has been leaving the barn if she thinks I’m there for a ride, and looking a little sour as I saddle. I’m not sure what is bothering her.
I finally have her and myself ready. I believe it takes me longer to get myself ready with half chaps, hat and bug jacket.
We are on our way and I am excited to see the trail again. Daisy, the dog, is going along. I like having her company, but Jamie is not so sure. We get into the trail and start trimming. Jamie seems to be staying tick free for awhile. I am carrying a can of tick spray that I soon stop to use on Jamie. This seems to help, but now Jamie is wanting to race with Daisy. Jamie is acting herd bound with the dog and maybe a little barn sour. I decide I have had enough of the foolishness, so I decide to back track the same trail.
This works for quite a while, but Jamie doesn’t like Daisy right behind her. I am afraid Daisy will get kicked. Sometimes Daisy is right beside us, almost under my left stirrup. Jamie is in such a race with Daisy that she doesn’t stop on our last long hill to rest, which she always does.
In spite of the mule and dog race, it has been a good ride. Now that I have the right combination repellent, I can’t wait to ride tomorrow, but without Daisy.
Jamie gets a bath and gets to graze in the yard while I have my diet coke.
I get two good rides on July 14th and 15th 2009 in the Mark Twain National Forest and then taking only short rides on the Driveway and Private Property.
I have waited for such a long time for this ride, and today’s weather is perfect. Jamie didn’t look very happy about seeing the saddle and I wondered how much she would tolerate after such a long vacation. I even wondered if I could actually get my leg over her.
I took a little more precaution before getting mounted by leading her some. She seems okay for now. By golly, I did get my leg over and into the stirrup while she remembered her manners by standing and waiting for a treat. I only have pieces of bread for her treats today.
She started a little slow and stiff, but picked up speed pretty quickly. I know we may have some trouble with the dog following today. Jamie hates for the dog to follow right behind her heels.
Oh dang, I have to dismount to hook up the running martingale. Oh well, I need to tighten the saddle again anyway. I find some raised terrain to use for mounting and I actually got on again. Of course now, the saddle is a bit to the left leaving me feeling a little insecure.
The other horses are so glad to see us that they put on a little show for us. This gets Jamie dancing along! The saddle seems to be getting more to the left and I just have to dismount to straighten it and cinch up some more. Jamie stands nicely again for me to mount, and oh wow, this is much better. The dog is still unknowingly giving Jamie a fit. I have to holler at John to hold up a bit. Well, Jamie is definitely ready to move down the trail with my husband and Callie by our side and not riding so far ahead.
We ride out to see the neighbor’s new house and now Jamie is starting to work better. Jamie turns away from home as if she is ready for more, but I believe this will be enough for me. I am hoping the ride will loosen the muscles in my back.
I trim Jamie’s mane with the scissors not very neatly, but it will do until I can use the clippers.
It has been a good ride! I just wish the weather would be more consistent for more riding now.
My rides starting April 15,, 2009 through August 26, 2009 have been recorded on GPS maps with no stories since the rides seemed uneventful.
I need to ride in the mornings now since the horse flies are much worse in the afternoon. We are having some October temperatures at the end of August making for nice riding weather.
We start on the trail to the property line. I only trimmed a couple of places today since the horse flies are buzzing us. I have the Walker Loop looking clear, so I decide to check out the trail to the gate. It is better than expected until we came to some thick, tall grass. I can’t tell how rough it will be under all that grass. We need to run the ATV over it a few times. All this will wait until another day. We back track to finish the Walker Loop. I am practicing waypoints on the GPS today. I can estimate pretty close where all these things are on the map, but today I want to see how close my estimates compare. I am surprised to find the tree stand farther out on the map.
Jamie is walking right out to keep away from the horse flies. The repellent doesn’t deter those pesky critters. Her fast walk is smooth and enjoyable. She only stopped on that last long hill for me to mark the tree stand waypoint.
We stopped to visit with my daughter for a short time. Jamie was too restless to visit very long. We both were glad to be back at the barn to escape the horse flies!
Jamie gets her grooming along with pieces of carrot. I don’t let her graze in the yard today. She will be more comfortable in the barn. It was still a good ride, even with the pesky flies.
I have now reached my 750 hour goal. Goodness, it takes longer to log those hours than one would think! Working a summer job does cut down on riding time. Every hour of riding on my mule, Jamie, is a pleasure. I am glad NASMA offers the VTP to mule owners who just enjoy trail riding. My only regret is I didn’t ride a mule sooner.
This fall like weather is ideal for riding and will still be cool enough this afternoon. This cooler weather has made the horse flies disappear.
Our dog loves to go with me, but she is getting so many ticks on the trail that I will put her in the crate when I leave. I do let her stay out while I am getting Jamie ready. I hate putting the dog in her crate then leaving. I don’t know which one of us feels worse.
My husband takes the ATV on the trail to the gate to do some trimming, but meets me on his way back. He is out of gas and running on the reserve. Jamie does a little dance to get by the ATV which is not even running. I don’t know who she is trying to impress!
We soon meet our son-in-law on his ATV, and he has been out running over trails to knock down weeds. We will have these trails whipped into shape in no time at this rate.
We continue on to the gate trail which I only trim to get through. I had to dismount to work on one area. I will trim some more tomorrow. We get to the gate then back track to the Walker Loop. There we saw our son-in-law’s handy work on the trail. Now Jamie seems to remember the branches we have left in the trail and pays no attention to those, but branches we did not trim is a different story. She stops to snort and look closely, and then cautiously sneaks by. We finish the Walker Loop in record time to arrive at the barn in less time than expected. Daisy, the dog, greets us as we arrive.
Jamie gets her grooming and carrots, and then gets to graze in the yard while I have my diet coke. This has been another great ride.
This is the most beautiful morning and just right for a ride. I am getting a late start at 11:00 A.M. and am not sure how that happened. Oh, I remember, I waited a little for the horses to come back to the barn which didn’t happen. I decided to walk to the end of the pasture, catch Jamie, and then lead her back. Well, that wasn’t such a good idea since I really can’t walk very well and not as fast as Jamie. My hip was complaining by the time I got Jamie to the barn. My husband fixed a rope across Jamie’s pen for me to use on mornings I plan to ride which will keep her close to the barn.
I had given Daisy her flea and tick treatment thinking she could go on the trail with us again, but Daisy has a sore left foot or leg. I think she hurt her leg jumping off the porch or the couch. I just hate putting her in the crate.
I finally have Jamie ready and myself ready. This seems to take a long time. I have the GPS and the long, handled pruning shears. I let my husband know where I will be trimming and riding.
We take the trailhead to the property line, and then to the Gate Trail. I am naming parts of the trail just for identification purposes. Jamie sees the need for trimming on the Gate Trail and slows her pace and even stopping. Okay, I will get the shears out to trim; I really hadn’t planned to trim so soon. Jamie is very helpful trying to clean on the ground at the same time I am trying to trim a branch. We have a little discussion. I am running out of time so I don’t get to the gate today. We did explore a little on a trail to the crick which comes out at the falls, I think. There is a lot of trimming to be done on that trail. I will work on that trail next. I will need to think up a name for this trail
We ride the Walker Loop to Penny’s Trail, past my daughter’s, and then to the barn. Today Jamie only cocked an ear at my son-in-law’s trimming. The trail was so peaceful and the ride so enjoyable, I just wanted to keep riding.
Daisy hobbles out to meet Jamie and me. Jamie notices the dog’s changed gait, and watches her carefully! Oh, what a great ride!
This cool fall-like weather is an invitation to ride, ride, and ride! I extend a rope across Jamie’s pen for holding which has her attention. I hope she won’t push through before I am ready to catch her.
Jamie decides to leave when I come back to the barn, but she is a bit puzzled by the rope across her pen. She wants her carrot, but is a bit reluctant to be caught. So far, the rope has worked. Jamie is anxious now that Callie left the barn, but she finally stands for grooming and saddling.
We are going to trim on the Gate Trail and hopefully finish that, and then go to the Crick Trail to trim. We will take the Walker Loop to the barn. O-o-o-p-s, I forgot that we still have some trimming near the falls. This doesn’t leave time for the Crick Trail. Oh well, we will get that next time.
I have to dismount to remove my jacket since it has warmed up and I have worked up a sweat. We mostly finish the Gate Trail and I decide to mark this waypoint on the GPS. Well, the dag-gum battery has gone dead on the GPS.
I will need to figure a way to keep Jamie from eating off the ground at the same time I am trying to trim above her. She is good about branches dropping on her head and hanging off her ears.
Jamie becomes anxious on the way to the Walker Trail. She acts as if there is a booger in the woods. I just hope there isn’t a bear nearby. Jamie settles down once we are on the Walker Trail. It is so peaceful and quiet today.
Jamie is pulling that last hill without stopping. I think she always can but likes to conserve energy just in case she needs a reserve to flee a predator.
We’re back and Jamie gets her grooming and the rest of the carrots. It has been another great ride
I am taking my ride this afternoon, so probably won’t trim as much due to the warmer condition. I am going to trim on the Crick Trail just off the Gate Trail.
I think I might be getting a little faster getting Jamie ready for the trail. I have to put Daisy in her crate just before I get on my bug bonnet and hat, and then getting Jamie bridled. I may let Daisy go the next time.
We start on the trail next to my daughter’s past the property line and onto Penny’s Trail, and then on to the Crick Trail. Jamie is being helpful for the most part. She is responding to the “move over” cue much better. Jamie’s backing leaves a little to be desired. There is a lot to be done with this trail and I only got to the crick. I am anxious to work on it some more, but I am running out of time. I need to tell my husband that I will be on the trail longer so he will not look for me.
It was satisfying to finish the ride on a cleared trail. Jamie seemed to like it, too. She has been moving out well for me.
I do need to put a sleeve on the britchen straps to cover the buckles. Jamie squirms around when she catches her tail in the buckles.
Jamie pulls the last long-steep hill on Penny’s Trail without stopping. I believe she finally decided she can! We pass the garden and then we meet my husband and Daisy coming to meet us on the ATV. About this time Jamie must have caught her tail in the birtchen causing her to leap up in the air, and then act spooked. Daisy decides to accompany Jamie and me the rest of the way home. What a fun ride!
I’m a little late getting to the barn and Jamie is still in her stall, so I capture her before she sneaks out the door. She had her wormer this morning so I will take a slower ride, maybe. Daisy will get to go with us today and she is trying to be unnoticed to make sure.
I take time to cover the quarter straps and adjust the hip strap on the britchen. Now, this calls for more adjustment on the quarter straps. I will probably need to do this over when I get Jamie’s new saddle.
I mount Jamie closer to the barn today just because I slide so much on the rocks going to the step. Both my husband and I were a little surprised that the mount was just as easy there. Jamie waits for her carrot and I set the GPS.
We go by our daughter’s house to Penny’s Trail for a change of scenery. We haven’t gone from this direction for some time. We will ride the Walker Loop, and then to the Crick Trail where we will do some more trimming. We get off trail just a bit and come to the fence, so we back track to get on the right trail. I decide to try to get through to the falls, but find some places too thick without trimming our way. Jamie is patient with the trimming although she would rather be moving on down the trail. There is a lot of work to be done on this trail, but at least I now have my bearings.
We are near the old rock foundation when we are startled by noise in the brush. Jamie stops to point with her ears in the direction of the noise, and then we see a deer leaving our area.
Jamie is in a real hurry to finish this ride for some reason, and when we get to the barn, I find why. She has picked up some stick-tights
Jamie doesn’t waste any time on the last steep hill, but asks for a bite of grass at the top. Jamie and Daisy have been good companions this ride, and I like having Daisy with us, too.
Jamie gets the stick-tights pulled and a bath. She then gets to graze for a short while, and I have my diet coke.
Daisy slept on the couch for an hour or longer after the ride. I scrounged around for something to eat and found enough to last me until supper.
It was a little warmer today, but still a good ride. Can’t wait to go again!
I haven’t ridden for several days and this morning I am out at 8:00 A.M. Daisy gets to go today and my husband has decided to ride Callie with us. It is the most beautiful morning and we are on the trail at 8:40 A.M.
We take Penny’s Trail to the Walker Loop, and then the Gate Trail, and from there we take the Crick Trail. I have my trimming equipment, but not sure if we will spend any time trimming. My husband hasn’t ridden for awhile and may not want to spend so much time on the trail.
The Crick Trail is so overgrown that I start to trim. It seems once you start to trim you can’t stop. There is always one more branch that needs to be eliminated! My husband seems to be doing well and is patient even though he is not trimming. I need to make a scabbard to carry another long-handled trimmer. My trimming is a hit and miss job today; there is so much more to be done.
Today I did miss part of the trail that went uphill through the gate and pink ribbons. I get disoriented so easily! That trail will be the next challenge to remember.
Jamie showed off for my husband and Callie by side-passing, backing, and standing as branches dropped on her ears.
We give up the trimming and go to the falls, and then take Penny’s Trail to the property line. We stop on the last long-steep hill to give Callie a breather, since she hasn’t been on the trail much this year, and is a little soft.
I want to keep on riding this morning just because the weather is so beautiful and my body is ready for a longer time in the saddle.
We are going to the White River Valley Electric Coop annual meeting this morning after my husband goes to the neighborhood coffee. Roy Clark will be entertaining the Coop members. We have lunch at Culver’s, and then head home. I am not sure I will feel up to riding when we get there.
We get home about 1:00 P.M. and I believe it will not be too hot on the trail to ride. I get Jamie ready and put a different crupper on the britchen. The crupper is not to help hold the saddle in place but rather to hold the britchen in place.
We take the same trail as the last two times, which gives me another look at trimming needs. Jamie is not thrilled about taking the Gate Trail today. We go to the Crick Trail to clear out some more branches. Jamie is staying cool due to the slow pace of trimming, but I find I am getting a bit sweaty.
We explore a couple of side trails to find one is a dead end and another has a huge tree down on the trail. I can see trail beyond, but we will work there at a different time. I believe I have missed a side trail I wanted, so back track only to find we had not missed the opening with the pink ribbons. The pink ribbons are not very visible due to over grown brush.
I now realize Daisy has disappeared. I believe she has gone home without us, and Jamie is moving faster than I want just to find Daisy. We had a little discipline session by backing a short distance down the trail. She is backing very nicely, and then does slow her forward pace some.
Oh dear, I hear the ATV. My husband is probably looking for me, even though I haven’t been gone more than two hours. Well, I find he has been out to trim and has picked up Daisy. I don’t blame Daisy for desertion when she can ride on the ATV.
Jamie is a bit hot, and she gets a bath, and also has to wait an hour for her grain. I felt she was too warm to have grain so soon after her ride, but she does get her hay.
I get a call to tell us that our son and granddaughter will be arriving tomorrow, which is a day earlier than expected. We are so glad they are coming, but will miss seeing daughter-in-law and our other granddaughter.
I took my ride yesterday late afternoon and did not save the map or enter into my journal. I did not trim on the trail yesterday. Jamie, Daisy and I just enjoyed the outing!
I believe I might be getting just a little faster getting Jamie and myself ready. Daisy is anticipating the ride today. We go by our daughter’s house to Penny’s Trail, and then on the spur of the moment, go down the steep hill to the lower trail. I am going to call this the Pond Trail for future reference. Jamie and I had to trim our way through in a couple of places. Maybe later we will trim some more. I haven’t ventured this way for a long time, because of the bear sightings near here.
We cross the pond dam to the trail that will lead us to the old trailer. We did have to cut our way through in one place and this trail can use some more trimming, but for the most part, is not too bad.
Jamie seems to be playing games with Daisy along the way. Jamie and I had a little discussion on taking the Gate Trail today. We had been riding the same trails for several weeks and I believe Jamie thought these would be the permanent routes. I’m hoping to get enough trails cleared again to make about a three-hour ride. I am so anxious to use Jamie’s new saddle on these trails, and just hope the weather holds.
Jamie slows her pace once we get on the Property Line Trail, which is different for her today. It is more humid today and the air quality is not as good as the last few days. Jamie always likes to get a bite of grass at the exit of this trail.
Jamie is sweating dirty sweat today, due to the repellent, so she will definitely need a bath. I find that a piece of equipment has broken which fortunately did not cause a wreck. One of the straps holding the crupper to the britchen has broken letting the crupper ride to the right side. I’m glad both straps did not break possibly causing the loss of the crupper or upsetting Jamie. I will have to think up a solution.
Jamie gets her bath and gets to graze in the yard while I groom Daisy for ticks, and then I have my diet coke. Both days provided exceptional weather for riding.
This is the first dry and sunny day for a week; I was rained out on my last ride, and only got to my daughter’s driveway. I am getting a late start due to laundry, baking a cake and having company for awhile, but I’m goin’ anyhow!
I patch the britchen by attaching the crupper again. I really would like to clip Jamie’s mane and tail, but that will just have to wait. We go by my daughter’s house to Penny’s Trail, and then take the steep downhill to the Pond Trail. All of a sudden, I get a hankerin’ to check the Blue Crick Trail. I haven’t been on this trail this year at all; just hope I don’t meet any bears. Blue Crick has filled in some and is very clear. The trash that had collected there in the past appears to have washed away.
We don’t meet anybody on the road or the Rocky Drive Trail. There are tire tracks on the Rocky Drive Trail, that is, where tracks are visible.
We come to the Gate Trail, and now I get to try my expertise opening and closing the gate. This goes much better than expected even though I had to put back one strand of wire. I am deciding which trail to take….shall I go the Walker Loop for a longer ride, or shall I go the Crick Trail. I decide to take the Crick Trail, mostly because I don’t want to return on the same trail.
Daisy has stayed with us for the whole trip, and taking a splash in Blue Crick. Jamie does avoid stepping on Daisy as she stopped right in front of us several times. Jamie has changed her attitude toward Daisy and doesn’t try to stomp on her anymore, although she still doesn’t allow Daisy to come into her pen.
The weather is so beautiful and the trails are so peaceful and quiet. This ride has been so great! Jamie has her bath and gets to graze just a little in the yard. Now, for lunch!
Well, I just run out of time to write each ride events. The weather has been so beautiful and the trails so peaceful and quiet. Jamie works on the trail well enough now to let me enjoy looking at the scenery and I am discovering new sights each day. Jamie is sticking to the trails better and not looking for shortcuts.
We did have a little excitement on the 27th and again on the 28th with Jamie acting as if we were in a bee’s nest. We just high tailed it out of there as quickly as possible, but the next day left me wondering if she only caught her tail in a buckle on the britchen. Either way, we danced around a bit. I need to spend some time covering the buckles.
Jamie has enjoyed the trimming of trails so much that she still will stop where she thinks we could be trimming. She is right about the places that could use more clearing, but we can get through.
I did spend some time on the 26th to clip Jamie’s mane and her tail. I had not clipped her tail all summer, and not sure just why I did on this day. It’s getting so close to winter and it will need to be done again in the spring. I am hoping this might keep some tail out of the buckles.
The saddle maker came by on the 27th to fit the tree which does fit the curve of Jamie’s back. I sure hope this new saddle maker knows what he’s doing! He seemed to think the saddle would be ready in about a week and a half. The leather is already cut with some tooling left to be done.
Well, I did give a sad story that I may not have that much riding time left. I am facing hip surgery and not sure about the recovery rate. I will find out more in a couple of days. I seem to be able to ride more comfortably than I can walk. Of course, it is difficult to walk here on these rocks and hills. The mule can handle these difficulties much better.
All three days were just the best rides ever, and now the weather is going to be a bit chilly for a couple of days (in the 40’s), but not too cold to ride yet.
I decided not to ride this morning and go with my husband to Strafford to check on the truck/trailer wash. Yes, we can get the trailer there; now just to get the truck working well enough to get it there. We stopped at MFA and bought a small fence charger, a couple of needles, and a couple of small snaps. Hopefully, the fence charger will make the fence hot enough to keep Callie and Jamie in their pens.
We decide to have lunch at home, and now I am thinking about a ride. First I try my idea to cover the buckles on the britchen, which I am disappointed to find won’t work the way I thought. I get Jamie ready while Daisy anxiously waits.
We start on the Property Line Trail to Penny’s Trail, and then to the Crick Trail where we trim a few branches. We then proceed to the Gate Trail, and the Walker Loop. Jamie has started a bit lazy on the last three rides, but then walks with a more deliberate stride. This pace is very comfortable to ride.
I notice Daisy is moving slower with not so many side trips today. I think all three of us are just a bit tired. We had a quiet ride with only one episode of the tail caught in a buckle. Again the trails are looking prettier, and soon there will be more color. The underbrush is slowly drying and disappearing.
Our neighbor, who keeps track of the bears, has not seen any for quite some time, but now he thinks we have wild hogs in the area. For goodness sakes, what next? I only can wonder how Jamie will think and react to this wild life.
I wore my orange vest today since it is bow season for turkey. I am getting Jamie use to a bell, and I think I will work some more on that tomorrow.
The saddle maker is working on Jamie’s saddle and says it will be ready in about a week and a half. I am so excited to know it is coming soon.
We get back at chore time to find my husband just finishing cleaning the stalls, and he leaves the grain feeding to me. Every ride is a blessing!
Rain is predicted for today and the sun is inconsistent. The weather becomes some brighter, so I decide to try to saddle and get on the trail before it changes. I’m in luck; I am on the trail before any rain, and I am wondering for how long. I don’t mind getting wet; it is the lightening that concerns me.
We start on the driveway by my daughter‘s, and then to Penny’s Trail. The sky is staying pretty clear, so I decide to ride more of the trail than first planned. We take the cross trail to the Pond Trail, and then take the Middle Trail to the old trailer. We did not take the Gate Trail to the Crick Trail since I heard a loud clap of thunder in the distance. I’m thinking we better hurry when the sun appears. Oh well, we could have taken the long way home!
Jamie is rough on the first downhill, but seems some better on the next hill. I think sometimes she is just dragging her feet because she is not all that enthused about going. I am hoping the new saddle will improve her way of going, especially on the down hills. She may need some time to adjust. She behaved very nicely on the rest of the trails.
Daisy is pushing her luck with Jamie by stopping in front of us and waiting until Jamie blows on her to get her to move. This ride was a just sneaked-in-ride which I enjoyed so much.
The weather is cool, partly cloudy, but pleasant which keeps me waiting until afternoon to ride. I start on the driveway by my daughter’s to Penny’s Trail. We take the Cross Trail to the Pond Trail, and then I decide I want to see the Lone Pine Trail. I haven’t been on that trail for over a year, and I hear our neighbor has been clearing the trail for his ATV. I found a few low branches and the rock ledge seemed more prevalent. I believe the trail has eroded away from the rock ledge.
Jamie seems to be moving a bit rougher today or maybe I am just tired. I can tell the pollen count is high and making me sleepy. I am enjoying the ride even though she isn’t moving so well, so I decide to take the Ratrick Trail. It has been so long since I have seen this trail. I think I hear a turkey, but Daisy is not following the sound. Maybe it is a turkey hunter with his turkey caller. I think we better backtrack.
We return to the Pond Trail, and then proceed on the Lower Trail to the old trailer. We take the Gate Trail to the Crick Trail and head for home on Penny’s Trail. I’m not only sleepy, but my feet are hurting. I don’t understand why my feet only hurt on occasion.
I am surprised to find that we have traveled almost eight miles and have racked up some hours for NASMA. It is 4:00 and we are supposed to be ready at 5:00 to go to Red Lobster with our daughter and son-in-law. I will be really hungry after all this riding.
This is absolutely an ugly day with rain most of the morning with no sun at all. It is also cooler with the dampness going right through me. We picked up Jamie’s saddle yesterday so now I’m anxious to get a ride on the trails. I had originally only planned to get all my gear arranged on the saddle, but the temptation is too much. I just have to try this saddle on the trail.
I do use the hole punch on the near side billet strap to fasten the girth. I feel more comfortable with that tongue in a hole. I cover the buckles on the britchen to protect the saddle, and hang the hoof pick on the saddle. This is the least I have carried on the trails for a long time.
The cooler weather has Jamie wanting to move briskly. Jamie is entertained with some new squeaks from this saddle. She is somewhat confused with the feel of the new saddle, and is not sure to scuffle along downhill as usual. She tries some longer, even strides which seems comfortable. At least, this is more comfortable for me. Jamie is distracted some by the dog so we really aren’t getting a true test.
I am amazed at how secure I feel in this saddle even though it is smooth leather. I have been riding on suede Wintec which has a secure feeling. The new saddle stirrup position gives me the ability to drive her into the bit. (A close contact feel.)
It is a nasty day with wet trees dripping and lots of water on the trail. Water is running where I’ve never seen it before! I am going to enjoy this ride, no matter what! I only have a few weeks left to ride before hip surgery, but I plan to be riding next spring.
I am anxious to see if the saddle roughed up any hair on Jamie. It looks as if the saddle stayed in place much better. Maybe I could ride without the britchen. There is a line of rough up hair on each side of her spine in the middle. Dang!!
This will be a rush, rush day to work in a ride. At least, the sun is shining. Our daughter and son-in-law come just as I finish saddling. He is going to make some more holes in the billet strap. My daughter is going to try the new saddle; o-o-p-s, it slipped, so my son-in-law makes some more holes in the billet strap. Now she can mount and ride in the circle drive. She is smiling, so I guess she likes the feel of the saddle.
I am going to try to ride without the britchen today, but half way down the hill makes me go back to get the britchen. We might be able to ride without the britchen, but I feel more secure with knowing the saddle will not move forward much. The problem is keeping the girth tight enough as the saddle moves forward to keep the saddle from turning. No need asking for an accident!
I’m glad my husband has decided to ride with me today and wish he would more often. We start on the Property Line Trail, and then proceed to the Walker Loop. I only have an hour left to ride, so we don’t take the Crick Trail or the Gate Trail.
Jamie is moving with a longer, smoother stride due to the cool weather, or maybe it’s the saddle. This is what I’m hoping will continue.
We meet our daughter and son-in-law riding their horses on Penny’s Trail near the tree stand. We talk for a little and then head for the barn.
The GPS has a weird track. I think because the GPS has been swinging from the saddle. I do have my work cut out for me to get everything attached and stabilized. I have the saddle bags in the dryer as we ride. All these things have been made to attach to English style saddles. I have to do some thinking on how to change to the western saddle.
There is roughed up hair on Jamie under all the saddle area. The two ridges of rough up hair are not visible. Well, we did start without the britchen and then moved the saddle around for placement. I should have removed the saddle to start from the beginning.
I take care of Jamie and then hurry to the house to shape the rolls we will take to supper at our daughter’s. It has been another great day!
It is a cloudy, cool morning, but the afternoon is about 50 degrees. I am going to make the most of any riding weather, so I put on my long johns. Hey, I’m comfortable.
I spent some time trying to tie a pommel bag onto the saddle. There, I think I have it. I want to carry the GPS in something.
I am still getting use to placing the saddle correctly, and today I forget to fasten the crupper. I dismount on the driveway, and with some twisting and turning, I finally get the crupper fasten.
O-o-p-s, I need to tighten the girth beyond the extra holes my son-in-law made. Well, I finally do get mounted to find the pommel bag slipping and carrying the GPS upside down. The slipping pommel bag continues to be a nuisance throughout the ride.
Jamie is not at her best today either. She is more distracted by the dog than usual and moving at a slower pace. She does help me by standing quietly to hang a few ribbons on that turn I keep missing.
We just finish the Crick Trail when we meet a big brown dog. I try to shoo him away to no avail, and Daisy decides to acknowledge him. It’s then I see our neighbor walking with all her dogs. We visit a bit, and then she moves off the trail with some of the dogs. Jamie passes one step at a time.
It has been a good ride even though the weather is not pretty. I have stayed comfortable in the cooler weather. The saddle has not left such roughed up hair this time. Well, something must be working right.
It is a gray quiet day with about three more days of this weather staring at us. It is a bit warmer today.
I use a different method to attach the GPS and it looks as if it will be stable. I decide to change the britchen some by removing the crupper and then attaching one quarter strap to the center ring of the girth. I do have to check that the center of the girth stays in the center. Drats! I have to redo the girth to center the quarter straps. Jamie is just a bit fussy about getting cinched. I’ll have to watch for other non-acceptance signs.
We take the driveway by our daughter’s to Penny’s Trail, and then down the steep hill to the Lower Trail. I think we will ride the Tall Pine Loop. Well, we are stopped by a huge tree across the trail and no way around. I dismounted thinking I could coax Jamie to coon jump, but something was not right for her and she refused. We back tracked to the Pond Trail and up the eroded hill to the old house.
We continue the Walker Loop to the Gate Trail and then the Crick Trail to head to the barn. I am disappointed we didn’t get to finish the Tall Pine Loop. I want to work enough trails for at least a three hour ride. So far, all I can get is two or two and half hours. I am hoping to work in the Paylor Loop which would give a nice afternoon ride, or morning! We have not seen any wild life, but Daisy probably scares wild life away. She gives the squirrels a fit.
The GPS is staying stable; this gives me an idea how to secure the pommel bags. This will be a winter job which may require some sewing.
The woods are beautiful and just a bit wet, but still providing a great ride. Enough leaves have fallen to give us a better view of the landscape.
Jamie’s hair is roughed up under the whole saddle area. Well, at least there is even pressure. It is hard to keep her longer hair smooth under the saddle. There are no girth galls, so that is good. Changing the britchen is better than before, but I may need to change the angle of the butt strap.
Its chore time and my husband has cleaned the stalls and fed hay. I will feed the grain after I take care of Jamie.
The weather is ugly with no sun and feeling damp. At least it is not raining, but close. I’m going to ride anyway.
I spend some time shortening the upper quarter straps on the britchen. I really do need a couple of harness snaps. Jamie’s new saddle is so comfortable to ride. I really could spend more time on the trail if we had some nice weather.
We start on the Property Line Trail, and then to the Crick Trail. This trail will have wet branches to duck. We go on to the Gate Trail to the Walker Loop. The weather is really better for riding than I originally thought, so we will go to the Pond Trail, and then on the Middle Trail back to the old trailer. We will finish the Walker Loop to Penny’s Trail, and then by our daughter’s to the barn.
Jamie is startled by a deer at the old trailer, and then had to tip toe down the trail for a short distance. She is just waiting for that deer to pop out of the brush.
I left Daisy with my husband so I could test Jamie’s way of moving. I do find she is paying more attention, without the dog, to the trail and moving smoother down the first hill. I think Jamie is doing her own testing of the saddle with some longer strides. I am having trouble with the saddle pad tightening on Jamie’s withers even though I have it tied to the saddle. I think I will try a different saddle pad the next ride.
I hope we have a few more days of riding weather since I feel I need to make the most of my riding time. Once I have my hip surgery, I will have to wait until late spring to ride again. Jamie has given me another great ride and I give her more carrots. I hope she knows that’s a thank you from me.
Well, my husband wants potato soup for his late lunch, so I better get busy on cooking.
It is another gray damp day and only 48 degrees. I’m going to ride just the same because I will be gone over the week-end. Maybe on Sunday afternoon I can ride for a short time.
I do a little adjusting to the britchen, and I am trying a different saddle pad today. Jamie is moving away from me when I am ready to put the saddle on her back. I am having difficulty letting the saddle down easy, but I don’t think it has been that hard on her. She also is uncomfortable with cinching.
Daisy is excited to be going on the trail with us today. We go by our daughter’s and to Penny’s Trail. We will not go to the Lower Trail today due to the trail being muddy and a bit slick. We take the Walker Loop to the Gate Trail and Crick Trail.
It is hard for Jamie to have an even stride due to sliding some in the mud. She is very careful. We don’t see any wild life, but Daisy does see squirrels in the woods. I think Daisy makes it up, because I never see anything.
Surprisingly, the different saddle pad did not rough up Jamie’s hair. We might use that pad for awhile. I find two harness snaps on some old equipment which I remove to use on the britchen. I cannot use this more than once because the snaps are not quite the same length. Maybe I won’t have to use them at all since my husband suggested going to Gronis Hardware in Leavenworth. Hey, good thought!
I seem to run out of time to write in the ride journal after each ride and totaling the hours. These hours have been submitted to the Versatility Trail Program. Unfortunately, the VTP chairman is two years behind in posting riders stories and pictures. The hours are sorta’ up to date. I have heard that my last ride story and pictures were published in the “Mules and More” magazine. I haven’t seen that since I don’t take the magazine.
Most of our fall weather has been very good riding, but this is about to change tomorrow. Jamie and I have been in the National Forest more this fall, since I am losing some of my fear of meeting a bear.
On one occasion we took the trail to H highway past the neighbor’s. We took the Walker Trail and Pond Trail quite often. One day we saw a couple of deer near the old trailer which must have left a big impression on Jamie. We were on that trail a few days later with Jamie feeling sure she saw a formidable something. Daisy and I did not see anything, but whatever it was chased us all the way home. I was afraid to look behind for fear I might see the formidable something! Anyway, I was too busy staying in control.
Our daughter and son-in-law rode with my husband and me on the Home Trail. I had not been on this trail for quite some time due to over growth and missing ribbons. This turned out to be a great ride over to Blue Crick. I tried to find my way through the Home Trail a few days later with no success. I could only go part way and then could not find trail tracks or ribbons. Jamie and I explored the trail behind the garden, but ran into wire. I hope to complete some more trail loops in the National Forest.
The new saddle has helped Jamie to lengthen her stride and her down hills have become smoother. I still feel I am riding on her shoulder on the downhill, but the saddle does not slide forward much at all.
The weather is sunny, but not as warm today. I know this will be my last chance for a ride due to weather change on the way.
I am still trying different saddle pads to see which will work best. Some of the saddle pads do not come far enough down on the barrel for this saddle. I am using a gel pad with a bigger thin square pad which I used on one short ride. I will test this combination on a longer ride today.
We will take the Garden Trail to the Penny Trail which will be a good test on the steep downhill. Jamie is too distracted by Daisy to give me a good ride down this hill, but everything is still in place at the bottom of the hill.
We take the Walker Loop and then to the Pond Loop ending at the trailer. I see that the saddle pad is slipping back some, or maybe the saddle is slipping forward; whichever, I can see this will not work on a longer ride.
Even though my body is aching from the cooler weather, I want to make the most of today’s ride. I decide to take the Gate Trail to the Crick Trail and then home. I am not sorry I have taken these trails because they are so beautiful and now so open with the fallen leaves that are looking like a carpet.
The saddle pad arrangement is a disaster, but Jamie and I will stick it out until we get home. I am too stiff to dismount and try to get the pads in the original position. They are still under the saddle, but not the way I would like. I will have to discard this saddle pad plan.
I am saving the GPS tracks to eventually have all the trails on one map. Why, I don’t know; just something new to try. Jamie has given me another great ride. I hope it will not be too long before another ride.
We had two months of snow and terrible winter weather for this area. Today is cloudy but warm enough for a ride. My daughter will ride Callie with Jamie and me on the driveway encouraging me to try a ride.
I don’t know if I can walk well enough to carry the saddle and get it on Jamie, but surprisingly I could, if not better than before. The exercises must be improving my strength.
The horse and mule are fresh and the neighbor horses see their chance to start some excitement. Fortunately, Callie and Jamie minded their manners.
We first rode toward the highway and Jamie was disappointed when we turned to back track. We followed the driveway to Penny’s turn around. Jamie was glad she didn’t have to go down that hill. Even though our ride was on the flat, the saddle slid forward. Jamie has such a donkey belly that it pushes the saddle forward.
Gunner and Daisy kept Jamie’s attention on this ride and she even offered a threatening kick at Daisy. Jamie does better if the dogs stay in front.
We pass the barn to ride to the end of the ridge. We could see our daughter’s house straight across from the far end of the ridge. We had never noticed that before, but with no leaves on the trees we could see it plainly today.
This has been a great ride and it is pretty amazing I can ride much farther than I can walk. I’m not sure when I can schedule my hip replacement.
This is a beautiful day for a ride and I want to open the Home Trail from the far end if I can find the trail.
Jamie is moving at a nice pace but sometimes feeling a little rough. I guess the winter rest has left her muscles tight too. We reach the far end of the Home Trail, and I am disappointed to find the trail too hidden for me to follow. I will have to ask my daughter and son-in-law to help me find it when we are all riding. Jamie and I back track to the Pond and then to the steep hill onto Penny’s Trail. Jamie stops to rest more times than I can count. Yes, we both are out of shape!
I think I will carry my trail clearing equipment tomorrow to try on the Home Trail. I just think I may find a part of the trail when I take another look.
This has been another great ride and these rides will have to last me a long time for my hip surgery recuperation. This week is supposed to be nice enough to ride.
It was quite a disappointment to find our programmable coffee pot did not have our coffee ready for us this morning. I am not able to get it to work no matter what I tried. My husband poured boiling water over some coffee grounds which made a weak taste of our morning brew.
We complete our morning routine watching the news on TV and then out to do the chores. I am really looking forward to a ride later today. Unfortunately, this will not happen, and for some time to come.
We clean the feet for the mule and horse each morning to check for rocks. Jamie is so good about picking up her feet for me and I believe she can actually think about more than one thing at a time. This is better than I can do sometimes.
Jamie is eating her oats, picking up her feet as I go around to each, and watching my husband coming into her stall with the shovel and broom. That is quite a lot for a mule to have on her mind at one time. As I am cleaning her right front, I am unaware the dog is making a surprise appearance. Jamie just couldn’t handle that last thing to think about, and went into flight mode using my foot for the take-off point! Now, it is one thing to have a mule step on your foot in a normal way, but another thing in flight mode!
Oh-o-o-o-o, Oh-o-o-o-o, I think my foot is broken. I’m holding onto the stall gate asking my husband “What did you do”. He replies, “I didn’t do anything; the dog just came in the barn”!
I hobble out of the barn to the house, removed my boot, and then applied ice without even taking time to look at the damage. Oh-o-o-o-o, Oh-o-o-o, I guess I won’t be riding for a few days. Oh No, this will interfere with my hip recovery!
Sometime later, I get brave enough to look at my poor injured foot. I have never seen anything so bloody-blue bruised, but by now I have decided nothing is broken. I continue to baby my foot by soaking in hot water, and then applying ice. I find one pair of shoes without insoles to fit over my swollen toes.
We finally decide to go to Sonic for a cup of coffee for my husband and a super-size diet coke for me. Maybe the caffeine will cure the super-size headache I have had all day.
If the Lord’s willin’ and the crick don’t rise, I will attempt (by using a cane) to go to HorseFest on the 12th to see the displays in the booths. There is lots of horse-stuff there to see! (And yes, I know how to spell creek.)
I’m back in the saddle again! ♫
Jamie had a beauty treatment this morning; first getting her nails done and then getting a haircut and tail clipped styling. She also had the hair and wax trimmed out of her ears. She then received a grooming with the rubber gloves she likes so much.
Needless to say, my britches are on fire. Well now, I think I will just see if I can lift the saddle on to her back. After all, I have been working at the gym with weight training. I will just see if I can lift that saddle with the two stuffed saddle bags. Wow, I can! I even got the saddle up and set it down easy on Jamie’s back.
I will cinch up the saddle to prevent an accident. Well, I might as well put the breast collar and the bridle on her because I’m going to get on. Oh my gosh, the mount was so easy!
I give Jamie a treat for stretching and standing for the mount. I believe I will just ride to the end of our driveway. Okay, just a little bit farther. Now wouldn’t you know, we have reached the mailbox? I don’t want to stop, but I don’t want to overdo on the first ride.
My husband is waiting to take a picture, but as usual the stupid camera won’t work due to weak batteries.
I am able to dismount with ease. I lead Jamie to the barn, unsaddle, groom her, and then give her a treat. Jamie is a perfect lady after her extended vacation. This is my first mile in the saddle ten weeks after hip replacement!
I have taken my one mile hike and now I’m ready to try my luck at saddling and mounting Jamie. I put new batteries in the camera for my husband to get pictures of my mount. It is pretty hard to snap a picture at just the right moment. We get several pictures after my ride, but none just right. I want this as a record of my rehabilitation progress. He also takes a picture of the rigging to show to my saddle maker for some possible adjustments.
Today, again I surprise myself by lifting the saddle with saddle bags and all onto Jamie. I feel so pleased with the healing that has taken place.
I plan to ride Jamie to the garden and back which will be just a bit longer than the first ride. We ride close to the garden, as this is the first time I have seen it this year. My husband and son-in-law have yellow crime ribbon around with plastic bags hanging in strategic areas to ward off the animals. Jamie passes calmly by all this, but it might have been more exciting if the wind had been blowing.
I just can’t resist riding downhill on the Property Line Trail just to see how my body will react. Well what ‘ya know? It is easier than ever. Jamie had one episode on the way up the hill when Daisy, the dog, surprised her from behind.
I notice the saddle is staying in place better with the britchen attached to the girth D-ring. This seems to be working better than attaching to the special D-ring I ordered on the saddle.
My husband had been to the garden while I was on the trail and was wondering, “Where did she go now?”
We finish with pictures and then taking care of Jamie. She has been so good with the picture taking deserving the rest of the carrot treats.
Hey, I’m On!
This morning will be cool enough for a ride, so I thought until I started getting Jamie ready. I worked up a good sweat looking for a pair of stirrups to use with my combat boots! These boots are the only comfortable shoes I can wear since Jamie stomped on my foot five months ago.
I am not letting Daisy go today due to so many seed ticks. She slept well last night but not the night before. I had to bathe her a second time to relieve her.
I decide to lead Jamie to the gate that I have to open, and then I notice Jamie is in a perfect spot for an off-side mount. I think about this for a moment and decide what the heck I’m going to try. I wonder if my new hip will get me up there. Well, it wasn’t beautiful, but I’m on!
We are out about ten or fifteen minutes when I remember I didn’t turn on the GPS. I will use yesterday’s map and time for a guide.
Jamie and I trimmed on the Blue Crick Trail yesterday and I plan to trim there today. I want to tie ribbon to the wire that is on the ground so we won’t ride through the wire. I put two ribbons on the wire and one on a tree on the right.
Jamie has been slow this morning but very helpful with the trimming, but now we will go home. Wouldn’t ya’ know, Jamie has her second wind and we are moving at a good rate. It won’t take long to get home at this speed. I notice there are a couple of branches that still need to be trimmed, but I have the best luck trimming as we are going away from home.
I bathe Jamie and let her graze a little. My back limbers up while I’m riding but then gets really stiff after the ride. My hip is fine!
It is a beautiful day for another ride even though it is a bit warmer. Although I’m getting back my strength, it still takes me a half hour to get ready for the trail. I not only take the GPS, but I am taking the camera. I am getting some memorable pictures of the trails.
Jamie starts out lazily, but picks up speed on the Crick Trail. We then take the Pond Trail to the Lower Trail, and then the Home Trail (Woods Trail). I let Daisy go along today since she needs a bath with the tick and flea shampoo anyway. She sure has been picking up a lot of ticks this year. Jamie’s repellent is working well keeping the ticks away.
I want to work on the trail off the Home Trail to the Home Ridge today and I had better luck this time. Jamie is actually following it almost exactly today. Usually, she thinks it would be better just to go up the steepest part where there is all the rolling rock. Jamie is getting better about staying on the trails and not taking some short-cut through the brush.
The ride is uneventful, and we are home all too soon. I take off Jamie’s tack and prepare to wash the bridle, breast collar and britchen. Now, for Jamie’s bath! I just started bathing Jamie when I hear my husband hollering and screaming in Callie’s pen. I know he is looking in the manure pile for Callie’s lost easy boot. I immediately drop Jamie’s rope to check on him, because I just can’t imagine what the problem is!
I find him coming toward the barn fighting yellow jackets. They just hung onto him. I turned the hose on him which helped. He is taking off his shirt and jeans to get rid of any left and we run into the house with Daisy and her stinging bee following. We thought we left all the bees outside, but there are more still in his jeans and shirt. I get out the Raid for a counter attack! Now I can call 911 because my husband is highly allergic to bee stings. Sometime in all this excitement, I get the EpiPen for him, and he gives himself the shot in his thigh.
EMS arrives in good time after calling to ask which driveway to use. They check all his vitals and found him recovering without too many side effects.
Okay, Jamie can have her bath now and I can wash her equipment. Whew…….!
Now it’s Daisy’s turn!
My daughter and I made plans to ride today unaware the temperature was going to be much warmer this morning. She is here before I have even started to tack up Jamie. Well, I did have to mix up some more repellent. I have trouble with the snaps this morning just because I am trying to hurry. I need to invent a different hook-up for the britchen that will be easier to snap.
We are going to use the old radios with head phone and microphone that my friend and I used so many years ago. Surprisingly, they still work well and with one battery still good.
We are going to start on the Home Ridge Trail and maybe start marking with ribbons. We thought Rascal would follow the old trail, but no, he was too distracted thinking about his pasture buddy.
We took some pictures, two of the buzzard at the old house. Unfortunately, the buzzard doesn’t show up in the pictures as well as I had hoped.
It is really too hot to be out on the trail this morning and we take Penny’s Trail for the shortest loop. I hate to give it up so soon.
Jamie and I take the short-cut from my daughter’s and then I get an idea…I will go down this hill to the Ridge Trail and see if Jamie can follow that trail. Wow, she is doing a great job, so I start hanging ribbons. Hopefully, I will now stay on trail from the opposite direction!
This has been a great ride even in the heat. Jamie will be glad to get a cool bath and graze a little. I see a little sore on Jamie under the britchen area, and I need to put some medicine on this.
Jamie is grazing now and I am washing the tack. I decide to go outside to pack the radio into its box and notice that it has cooled some. With no warning, it pours down rain and I have to high-tail it into the barn. Shortly, Jamie comes in dragging the rope and looking a bit bewildered and disgusted at the same time. This shower didn’t last long at all!
We spent the first week of September cleaning the trailer inside and out for our first camping trip in three years. We forgot how most of the things work in the living quarters! I found clothes I had forgotten, and some brown sugar that was still good.
My husband went to early morning coffee at neighbor’s Saturday, and then we went to get groceries, but found Save A Lot not open for another twenty-five minutes. We were in a hurry to get on the trail so went to Country Mart. I can’t save on groceries there!
After much to do, we had things ready to go, such as water in the living quarters and water for the horse and mule, etc. We are ready earlier than expected causing our daughter and son-in-law to cut their morning ride short. They are saving a parking place for us behind their camp site at Bar K.
We arrive about 10:30 A.M., and our son-in-law helps us get parked, and then we find the propane tank empty. Well, we can’t just have one tank because it will leak without the other tank. John goes home to get a partially filled tank to run, hopefully, through the week-end. Yes, we have both tanks hooked together now.
My son-in-law has helped me with the awning while my husband is gone. Thank Heavens for the help. My husband seems to be gone for a long time and we are about to start lunch. Finally he is here.
We leave for a short ride about 2:00 P.M. I put Daisy in her crate in the shade of the awning and she is not happy with this arrangement. She would like to go on the trail with us. We get in a nice ride of two and a half hours. Daisy is so glad to see us, so I think she will stay with me while I take care of Jamie. A few minutes pass, and no Daisy. She will surely come back to the trailer soon, but no, it is an hour or more. We walk around camp, and then drive around with the truck. During our drive, our son-in-law sees her in the field next to the trailer, but she wouldn’t come when called. He was able to catch her and both were waiting when we returned. Needless to say, she remained tied, or on a leash while we were in camp.
The rest of the afternoon is spent resting, having a small meal, and then trying to stay warm next to the camp fire. The evening gets cooler and cooler sending me hunting a jacket.
We wake in the middle of the night freezing, and then getting out a comforter. Poor Daisy got cold on her bed of jackets and joined us under the covers for the rest of the night.
We are up at daylight anticipating the adventures of the trail today. Everyone is ready before me and this is becoming a family joke on my lengthy preparing for the rides. I pack the GPS, camera, and water bottles. I don’t see my husband packing any extras. I put poor Daisy in her crate with her treat. I feel so badly putting her there.
We are on the trail about 8:30 A.M. I am not familiar with the trail numbers and some of the markers have disappeared. Our son-in-law seems to know the trail pretty well with only a few bobbles. We are out for three and a half hours making a 10.9 mile loop. The weather is gradually getting warmer making me glad I didn’t wear my jacket I had on early. I ask our son-in-law to take a picture of Jamie and me at a scenic view. Unfortunately, the camera didn’t catch the background view, but was a great picture of Jamie. We get back to camp about noon and this time I do not let Daisy loose, but put her on her tie line. I will take her for a walk after I take care of Jamie. We make sure Callie and Jamie have water and hay. They seem content with hay. I will take them for some extra gazing after they have rested. I take Daisy for a short walk for her relief.
We have lunch and set around the campfire for whatever reason, I don’t know. We aren’t cold anymore. I have rested enough to take Daisy for a longer walk which she seems to enjoy and marks many places. Daisy has company from a nearby camp. A proud Jack Russell struts around her and they sorta’ make friends, I think.
Our daughter and son-in-law have to leave today and it seems a bit lonesome now. Surprisingly, quite a few campers are packing up and leaving. I thought more would stay through Monday. We are staying over to ride with Bonnie and her mule, Gaitor,tomorrow.
A mule lover stopped by our camp to admire Jamie and told us “That sure is a pretty mule!” Jamie received several compliments today. We also met our mule rider neighbors who live on H highway not so far from us.
It is not quite as cold tonight as last night, but still the comforter felt cozy, and Daisy liked that idea too.
We are up a little before daylight this morning to take care of all our animals. I have never taken a dog camping before, so this is an extra chore. I am afraid to let her loose even for a short time.
Bonnie said she could be here about 9:30 A.M., but if I know her, she will be here early. I will start getting Jamie ready at 8:00. Sure enough, she is here a little before 8:30. I find it interesting she takes even longer to get her mule ready than I do! Well, I don’t feel so bad now! We are out on the trail at 9:00 A.M.
She wants us to lead the way because she is not familiar with the trails. What, I thought she knew the trails, but now we find she hasn’t been on these trails since four years ago! Fortunately, she comes to the rescue with a map of the trails. She stops at each cross trail to check which direction is best, and she really does a great job.
Her mule moves out better than our mule and horse that are tired from the last two days of work. We would catch her while she was checking the map. Today is a slower pace than the last two days, and we made several stops to dismount and rest. My husband and Callie haven’t been out on the trail much previous to this week-end.
We took a trail that I had not seen before, and it was a single file trail that hadn’t been traveled much. It was a great trail with a scenic view for pictures. We traveled 9.2 miles at 2mph, making our time on the trail four hours and fourteen minutes. We came into camp a different trail that I loved, but I actually thought we were passing camp. Bonnie wondered the same thing, but my husband has his bearings and tells us it will come into the other side of camp. Yes, finally it does.
I get poor Daisy out of her crate and on her tie line, and then take care of Jamie. Bonnie has her lunch with us for some visiting and down time.
I take Daisy for a short walk and then we break up camp. We have some trouble with the awning, since we can’t remember anything. The day has warmed up pretty good and we get pretty hot just with this chore. My husband and I take turns jacking up the trailer with some breaks to rest. I think we worked harder breaking up camp than getting ready for the trip. It has been a great week-end and the rides couldn’t have been better.
It has finally quit raining after four days of gloomy weather, but we did need the rain. The weather is beautiful this morning and cool for a comfortable ride.
My husband is working on the car brakes this morning so I will have to wait until he is through with my help. I do want his help putting on the saddle this morning since I scared Jamie the last time. She moved just as I was setting the saddle on her back causing me to drop the saddle on the floor, and then she had the gall to step on my hand.
I clip her mane and trim the hair out of her ears, and style her tail this morning while I am waiting for to my husband to finish with the car.
I plan to snub her close to the wall inside the barn to prevent her moving away from the saddle, and I will also hold her while he puts the saddle on her. This works really well as he eases the saddle onto her back.
I finish with tacking up Jamie and we take off on the Home Trail. Jamie is not very energetic and wants to eat more than work. I think I will ride the Tall Pine Trail that comes out behind the neighbor’s. This trail is overgrown in some places needing a trim to get through. Jamie slips on the rock slab and for a moment I didn’t think she was going to get her feet back under her.
I have to backtrack since I can’t find the Fort Trail. I know one thing; I am going to trim a path around that rock slab. I notice Jamie hesitating as we get close to the slab and she seemed relieved when I dismount to trim a path. She is happy to use the new footing around the rock slab.
She wanders around coming back on the Home Trail and not trying to follow the path. She may be a bit sore from her fall on the rock. She is more willing to take the Ridge Trail today where Daisy greets us.
Jamie has a little scrape on her right front cornet which I doctor with a little Cut and Heal. She and Callie get to graze in the driveway while I fix lunch. We wait until after lunch to get them in the barn. I guess Jamie is not feeling too bad as she does a twister buck into the air sending Daisy scurrying. Tomorrow I will try to find that trail from the other end. What a great ride!
The day starts cloudy again but by 9:00 A.M. the sun is shining brightly and the day is still cool. I decide to take Jamie out. O-o-o-p-s, she is not in her stall; I call her but doubt she will come. Well, I’m surprised to find Jamie coming so I hurry to get the grain for her, and then lock her in her stall.
My husband is mowing, so I will have to try a different approach to saddling Jamie. I tie her short and next to the wall to prevent her moving. Today, I just sorta’ slide the saddle over her withers and it went well!
We start on the Ridge Trail that is not such a steep downhill that Jamie and I like better. Daisy is going today since I just hate to put her in her crate so much. Daisy will need a bath when we get back.
I want to ride the Tall Pine Trail from the opposite direction to find my way this time. I find I have to trim some. For some reason, I cannot get the clippers out of the scabbard. I have to dismount and it seems the clippers are caught on a thread inside and are really hard to remove. The clippers do not hang up the rest of the ride.
Jamie gets a little excited when she caught her back feet in a rose vine that had just been trimmed. Thank Heavens; she gets over the crisis without a mishap.
I wanted to take a picture on the Fort Trail, but the camera batteries are dead. Bummer! Maybe next time. I think I can now ride the trail from either direction. We bypass the Home Trail and continue on the Lower Trail to the Pond Trail, and then on to Aren’s Trail. It is here that the GPS batteries go dead. I hear the GPS shut off, and I turn it back on each time. It will be interesting to see this track. I mostly want it for the time since I’m not real sure what time we left. I will check on the time as soon as we get back to help figure the hours.
Jamie gets a bath and grazes while I have my diet coke and now Daisy gets her bath. She doesn’t try to avoid the bath as much as usual.
I take several uneventful rides and only making the GPS maps for my records with no journal.
Our ride started at 9:50 A.M. with my daughter borrowing Callie. Our friends are here from St. Louis to ride with us. This is great to have company on the trails on such a beautiful fall day.
Jamie and I take the Ridge Trail home leaving the other horses. She was a bit unhappy with my choice and let me know with a buck. I can’t ever remember her bucking, and now she has gained her second wind using her running gait along the Ridge. I’m sure she would pick up speed if allowed.
I pushed Jamie to keep up on the rest of the ride. We are use to riding alone and taking our time. She likes to take time over the rocks and grabbing a bite to eat whenever possible. Eating along the trail helps to keep her gut going and causes her to drink where water is available.
Jamie gets her bath and is given some time to graze in the yard, but something scared her, who knows what, and she cut the very top of her right front hoof. This bleeds profusely and after hosing the hoof with water, I find a small stone imbedded at the very top of the hoof. There seems to be a small cut at the fetlock above that hoof. I let her graze some more and then take her into her stall where I sprayed Cut and Heal ointment on her hoof and fetlock. Other than that, it has been a good ride!
I’m really looking forward to the ride in a different area today. We will cross the highway to ride on our neighbor’s property. We leave about 9:30 A.M. to meet them, and our daughter is riding Callie again today with her husband riding Rascal.
We start in the open grassy area and into the woods on the longest downhill ever. I think Jamie was getting a little tired of my weight on her withers. We ride in a wooded area for a short time and then into a grassy field with no rocks. Jamie is glad to be off the rocks since she seems a bit tender footed today.
We soon take a trail into the woods that is rather overgrown and soon we lost the trail. We searched around but couldn’t find the rest of the trail. We decide to back track to try another wooded trail only to find it too overgrown to travel.
As we head back into the open grassy area, I hear our neighbor ask our daughter why she didn’t have a back support on her horse like the mule. She replied, “Because she’s not a mule”. I wanted to explain the difference in a mule’s back and tell him the back support is called a britchen, but it is hard to have a conversation on the trail. I guess he is a tenderfoot.
We pass an RV parked on a cement pad with electric hookup out here in the middle of nowhere. The rest of the trail ended on a steep uphill. The ride was a bit disappointing due to loosing the trail and backtracking, but it was a good ride with company.
Our neighbors invited us to join them around the campfire in the evening. We will join them to shoot the breeze!
My Dad would have been 104 years old today, and at one time I thought he would live that long.
Today is a little cooler, but dry; just right for a fall ride. I have a limited amount of trail to ride in the hunting season. Hunters are usually out in the mornings or late afternoon, so the middle of the day is safer.
I am glad to find Jamie moving better today and out of her sluggishness the last few rides. Her hooves have grown enough to give her more protection. Her winter coat has been a little too much on the warmer days. We also have started to feed alfalfa cubes to supplement the poor quality hay. I believe all this has helped her today.
There is less forage on the trails now, but she did find one clump of grass she did not want to leave. I had to give her a good whack with the stick which caused her to jump over the rock ledge, and then buck. She has been a bit bossy this ride trying to choose her trail.
We got in an otherwise pleasant five mile ride. The trails are covered with a leaf carpet making some trails non-existent. Fortunately, ribbons on Honda’s trail are more visible now that most of the leaves have dropped.
We got home to find Jamie had a huge rock in her right front foot that I couldn’t remove. I had to enlist my husband’s help and even he had a hard time. I’m not sure how long the rock had been in her hoof, but I believe she picked it up close to the barn. It has been a great ride.
Finally there is a warm day and I want to get rid of this cabin fever! I hope Jamie will behave herself after I get her coaxed into the barn. Yes, she does but keeps begging for her treats I am supposed to have for her. I have to go get a carrot for her.
Jamie has been feeding on big round bales this winter and as a result has a fat belly. I am not able to get the saddle cinched as before and even the britchen is snug.
I am just about to mount when somebody drives in and it is a fellow looking for the seventy-two acres that is for sale. He is asking about Jamie, and if I knew where he might get a young mule to break. I really didn’t want to give information about the seventy-two acres, so I turned him over to talk to my husband. Jamie stands quietly for the mount that I actually can still do and waits for her treat. I set the GPS, and we take the Home Trail. She feels a little tight but soon relaxes.
The woods are so beautiful even without its leaves and color. I try to take a picture of a stream that has water from the melted snow only to find the camera has dead batteries. I need to check on the batteries in the future.
We travel along the Lower Trail with Jamie moving out better with her hooves trimmed differently. She actually has some hoof. I am surprised to come upon a blue pickup with a camper shell on the Lower Trail. There is no one around that I can see and this gives me an eerie feeling.
We continue on to the Pond Trail and then by the old trailer house. Jamie is moving faster now anticipating getting to the barn. Jamie rests several times on the long uphill on the Property Trail. She has too much winter hair for this warmer day and is sweaty.
My daughter comes in right after we get to the barn, but Jamie waits for me to dismount before positioning herself to get a better view of her. She helps groom Jamie trying to smooth the hair of sweat marks.
For some reason the GPS doesn’t track for about thirty minutes giving me only fifty-three minutes of time.
This is another beautiful day for riding in the woods. Winter weather starts again next week. Drats! I check the batteries in the GPS and the camera and both look good to go.
Jamie has so much hair making grooming almost useless. The saddle seems much heavier today, and I struggle to carry it and get it on Jamie. She seems to sense my difficulty and stands, maybe bracing herself, waiting for the saddle to slide onto her back.
We are finally ready and I want to take the same trails today as yesterday hoping the GPS will record the entire trail. The camera has fresh batteries and I hope to get some good pictures.
I think Jamie may be a little stiff and tired from yesterday’s ride, and it is warmer today. All this is making her move slower today, and her winter hair leaves her sweaty. Yesterday she moved at three miles per hour and only two miles per hour today according to the GPS.
The first picture is at a crick crossing looking up the crick at dry falls with a puddle of water below the falls. I never see this during the spring and summer season due to all the foliage. The next two pictures, which I have been wanting, are of the old trailer. The Icy Falls is an unusual picture with the falls being almost completely covered with ice.
The GPS did not record at the very beginning of the trail but is better than yesterday. It has been another great ride, but much too short!
We will have a couple visiting tomorrow whom we have never met but are acquainted online. She is training her POA and he has a quarter horse. They are also interested in dog shows and we will find out more about them tomorrow.
I reach our thousand hour goal February 19, 2011 and most of the thousand hours has been logged on Jamie, my Arab mule, with only sixteen hours on a previous mule, Rocky.
I am fairly new to mule riding, if you can call ten years new, but it is new compared to seventy years of riding mostly horses. I can’t even imagine the total hours accumulated in those seventy years, but the hours on Jamie have been very pleasant!
Jamie turns heads where ever we ride receiving comments such as “That sure is a pretty mule”, or “That’s a good lookin’ mule you’re ridin’”. Jamie is a little short on ears causing some riders to take a second look to determine mule or horse.
Jamie is now eleven and finally has her fully developed body with her withers being more prominent and closer to the same height as the loins. She no longer feels downhill or looks low in the front. All the body changes have caused the trying of quite a few different saddles.
Jamie’s success has inspired my niece to try a mule. I hope she will bring her mule to the Ozarks for a rock-shufflin’, hill-climbin’ adventure!
VTP has given me the incentive to log my hours and record in my ride journal, although I’m not a member now, and feel it is unfortunate that the Versatility Trail Program is not as active as it was at one time. The VTP recognition of the trail mule has been a good promotional tool in the past. I still continue to log the hours and write the stories. The stories remind me how far Jamie has come in height, body change, and manners, and just how much I appreciate my Arab mule!
What, an Arab mule…..man, that must be hot! I just smile and think to myself everyone should try one! I love my HalfAssArab!
It was warm but cloudy yesterday and our daughter, son-in-law and I plan to ride the same trail as the last time to hang ribbons on this old trail. This trail has become somewhat over grown and I need ribbons to find my way through. I will later do some trimming. I am naming this trail Cob Trail that connects to the Honda Trail.
Jamie starts a bit frisky as we take the trail to our daughter and son-in-law‘s. They do not have their horses ready, so I ride out to the garden where my husband is watching a brush fire. Our son-in-law has been clearing more trees to get better sunlight to the garden.
I return to our daughter’s and let Jamie graze a little while our son-in-law attached a swivel apparatus on his stirrups.
Now we are ready, and we take the Woods Trail with Jamie acting a bit frisky still. We are on the Knee Knocker Hill when the horses hear or see something off in the woods. Jamie gives me a rough ride down that hill and feels to me as if she would so like to kick up her heels.
We stop at the crick and suddenly Jamie bolts to the right for a short distance. Fortunately she didn’t go under any low hanging branches. This behavior is so unlike her! I am in shock and disbelief, as well as becoming uneasy for the rest of the ride. She didn’t jig but just had a rough stride especially on the down hills. I guess I will have to retract my statement about her being a “granny’s mule”!
We hung ribbons on the Cob Trail and then continued our ride on the Honda Trail with Jamie still jarring my body with every step. Jamie hurried up the long hill on Aren’s Trail. Jamie’s rough stride is doing a number on my back.
We are home and I am glad to see that the GPS battery lasted the entire ride. Jamie has made herself pretty hot and I decided to put a cooler on her and walk her a little. I am unable to walk her as much as I would like due to my back becoming very stiff. I limit her water intake for about 45 minutes, and then feed.
I had to use my strongest pain medication at the end of that ride and needed extra Tylenol this morning.
My friend and I always said our horses didn’t work as well on cloudy days. There was also a big weather change coming today that seems to make behavior change in animals.
Today is beautiful with sun and no wind making a good day for a ride. We have had some really gloomy weather until yesterday. We spent yesterday at Horse Fest where I bought a cell phone pouch to wear on my arm and a colorful scarf. I will try my cell phone on the trail today.
I’m glad I spent this morning attaching the saddle blanket to the saddle. I can’t believe how much time that took and would have cut my ride short this afternoon. It is all I can do to lift the saddle onto Jamie with all that is attached to it.
Jamie is starting to shed some but still has a lot of winter coat which makes her sweaty on a ride during warm weather like today. I think it wears her out more on the trail.
I finally have Jamie ready to go with all the equipment I carry that may be needed or not! My husband and I test the phone for Jamie to listen to the donkey bray ringer. She gets a little tense making soft snorts and Callie stares as if not believing her ears. Well, I guess I will have the phone turned off and only make outgoing calls for now.
Jamie is a little bossy today wanting her pick of trails. This is never much of a discussion
anymore, but she still tries. She stands perfectly at the Blue Motor Trail for me to test my phone which doesn’t get a signal on this low trail. She gets a surprise carrot for standing patiently. I test the phone again at the Old Trailer and get very good reception and again at the pond with good reception again.
We take Cob’s Trail to Penny’s Trail and then by the garden to our daughter’s where they are burning some leaves. Jamie passes hurriedly. I visit with a short time and take the Fence Trail to our barn.
Jamie was too interested in the hay bale, or too tired, to finish her carrots. She did act a little beat and I think it is her winter coat causing this.
It was a great ride in the woods today; just peaceful and quiet. My back is really fussy after this ride, partly from all the walking at Horse Fest yesterday and then the ride today.
We have an exciting new comer to our extended family of equine with Easter, a molly, arriving at our daughter and son-in-law’s last evening. She is just a youngster at four and with only thirty days of training under her belt (o-o-p-s, under her girth). She is still a little gangly, but has a beautiful head that is short with big eyes and, of course, great ears. She is bay with black points, four white stockings, and the dorsal stripe. She will be even more beautiful after shedding her winter hair. Jamie definitely has competition.
We will ride this afternoon to test Easter’s trail skills. The weather is staying suitable for a nice ride, but this time Daisy will have to stay home for safety, and since my husband, her sitter, is going to ride with us.
I have stopped taking the statin medication and it is making a difference in walking and handling the saddle.
We are ready and mount to meet our daughter and son-in-law on our driveway. Our son-in-law and Easter take the lead on the Home Trail, to the Lower Trail. Easter checks each water crossing and gets a sip of water at each. She likes to pick her spot to walk across. I get a good picture of them at a crick crossing. We continue on Cob’s Trail to Penny’s Trail where my husband and I continue on Penny’s Trail. Our daughter and son-in-law finish their ride on Honda’s Trail and then Aren’s Trail to our barn.
I share some of Jamie’s carrots with Easter which she smells and gingerly takes. She lets me scratch her ears and stroke the inside of her ears. Yeah, she’s okay!
I finish grooming Jamie and give her the rest of the carrots, and then put her in her stall. She immediately rolled in the stall. It has been a great ride!
Yesterday and today have been the most perfect days for a ride, but unfortunately I had an appointment with a podiatrist yesterday. The appointment made my day not only getting the calluses removed, but getting an ego boost as well. The doctor asks if I am still active to which I answered, “Well, I’m not a fan of walking or running, but I get most of my exercise riding.” His expressionless face brightens, “Horseback riding?” Then with surprise, “You can still get on…at 79…..from the ground?”
I snickered under my breath and nodded my head to both exclamations. I then told him my mule is just a little short of being fifteen hands. (Of course, I didn’t tell him where I live and ride; there is always an uphill side for a mount!) He shook his head and then ask, “Why a mule”? I explain that I believe my Arab mule has been sturdier and more sure-footed then my Arabian horses. He told me his uncle had jumping mules and wanted to know if we did that kind of riding. “No, I haven’t done that,” I answered.
Well, so much for that! Today was absolutely beautiful with the dogwood now in full bloom and the rest of the woods getting their spring leaves. Jamie is anxious to start. We take the Home Trail to the Lower Trail and then The Lone Pine Trail. Our neighbor has been cleaning this trail to perfection. Jamie rests several times on that “booger of an uphill”.
The day is so perfect; I just have to explore the Blue Trail again. There has been a lot of ATV traffic on this trail last fall and also this spring. I took three pictures of one crick crossing that has more water than usual. I just wish I had someone with me enjoying this beauty, too!
It is almost noon when we get back, and my husband meets me in the driveway concerned that I have been gone a long time and didn’t answer my phone. I don’t turn on my phone, because Jamie is not too sure of the donkey’s bray coming from out of the blue.
We played it for her again today, but she was too tired to even snort or wiggle her ears. She has some winter coat left, and she gets pretty sweaty and tired on a warm day. I had to remove my jacket during the ride even though it felt pretty good when we started our ride. I wish I could have ridden all day!
Storms are predicted today, but this morning looks clear. I have been waiting for a chance to saddle up Jamie for just too long! She will just have to wait for the new pasture across the driveway this morning.
I am on the trail and notice I have forgotten my watch and phone, but I’m not turning back now. We stop by our daughter’s for good wishes on their trip to Falling Waters Equestrian Camp. We meet my husband by the garden and he has to show me how the plants are growing.
We continue on Penny’s Trail onto the Walker Trail and by that ol’ eerie house, and then the Pond Trail to the Middle Trail. Penny’s Trail needs some trail clearing next time. Jamie is moving out really well today without stumbling or feeling sensitive. The change in trimming and shoeing has definitely helped.
We travel on the Lower Trail and finish on the Home Trail. There are some days when I just cannot ride enough and today is one of those. I wish I knew what time it is but without my watch or phone, I don’t know how much time there is left before lunch.
Jamie gets her usual grooming and then I use the ATV to take her to the pasture across the driveway. I can only take one at a time, and Callie waited patiently for me to get her.
Daisy is wet and muddy and is going to get a flea and tick shampoo. There was a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on after her bath. She shakes and then comes for a towel rub down several times!
The weather predictions have been rain every day for nearly a week but the sun just keeps shining, so I am ignoring the weather man this morning!
I have ridden several days and then yesterday with our daughter and son-in-law. His mule has a little mule shuffle that makes it hard for Rascal and Jamie to keep the same pace. Jamie moved out well but she is not gaited and she is cautious over the rocks.
Yesterday I noticed the trails have become over grown quite a bit with all the rain and my goal this morning is to trim. I get Jamie ready for the trail even though it is cloudy as usual. I am only a few minutes on the trail when I hear a light rain on the leaves. Well Drats! I guess the weather man is correct on his forecast today! So far, this is not a thunderstorm, so I will just stay on the trail for awhile.
Jamie loves to help trim and knows where to stop for trimming. (Of course, there is something there for her to eat, as well.) The leaves have become wet enough, when shaken, to get Jamie and me wet. The pruning shear handles are getting slippery making the trimming more difficult.
I’m now hearing some thunder, so it is time to stop the trimming and hot-foot it to the barn. I am anxious to stay off the open ridge to stay dryer. We are almost to the barn when there is a loud clap of thunder which frightened me, but Jamie didn’t flinch. It is now raining harder, but we have only a little farther to the barn.
There is a gate to open near the barn slowing us some. Jamie and I are both glad to get inside just before a drencher!
Callie is already in the pasture and now I’m debating what I should do for Jamie. Should I find a raincoat and take her to the pasture? I know she will not be content at the barn alone. Hey, I have some luck finding a raincoat and the rain has slacked. I can now lead Jamie with the ATV to the pasture.
I loved this ride though it has been a long time since I have ridden in the rain there is something exhilarating about this kind of ride.
I started a little late, but it still seemed cool. I know it is going to get warm so I will just take the short loop, Penny’s, Walker’s and Aren’s trails. Well maybe just a bit longer on the Pond Trail and then come back on the Home Trail.
The ticks are not bothering Jamie much today, so I take some time to trim through a spot on the Pond Trail. I will wait for cooler days to trim more as all the trails are overgrown.
Jamie is still a little sensitive to the rocks since her last shoeing and is moving slower today. She had a broken hoof at the last shoeing that the farrier had to work around. It has been another good ride!
I have been riding long enough to know when my mule isn’t moving right and I expect my farrier to offer solutions rather than blame my mule. I tend to be very sensitive to any insults to my mule from any farrier.
I thought today would be a cool ride, but even I was sweating by the time we returned. Jamie rested three times on the knee-knocker hill to catch her breath. Yeah, I know she’s a lazy son-of-a-gun, or maybe she’s just spoofin’ me again! Really, or maybe my Half-Ass-Arab is just taking care of herself!
The deer are out in full force today with five near the old trailer and then two more on the home trail. The last one looked almost grown, but still had its baby spots.
We had to stare again at the blue tarp on the pond dam, but this time it wasn’t so scary. Jamie didn’t snort and tip-toe by as before.
It’s been another great ride, and now Jamie gets a cooling bath and grazing in the driveway.
We got an early start and left on the Ridge Trail to the Home Trail where Jamie pointed to several deer. I wouldn’t see anything if it weren’t for Jamie’s awareness! I’m not pushing Jamie over the trails in this heat today. She took a breather break on Aren’s Hill, but otherwise kept a steady pace.
I put Daisy’s bandana on her as a signal to go on the trail with us. She barked excitedly! I know I will need to give her a bath with tick and flea shampoo when we get back. I did spray a little Deep Woods Off on her bandana before leaving to see if that would help keep off ticks.
I got my exercise before the ride walking out to the end of the pens and leading Jamie to the barn over the rocks.
Jamie has to be led in from the end of her pen so it’s almost 9:00 before I am on the trail. Daisy has her bandana to signal she can go, but she is not as excited as yesterday.
We leave on Aren’s Trail and then take a little detour on Honda’s Trail. Jamie seems to like the detour to avoid the rocky downhill. Jamie keeps Daisy within her eyesight and waits on her if she thinks Daisy is too far behind.
Jamie is choosing the Loop Trail (it’s a shortcut toward home). Why not? We haven’t been that way for awhile, and I need to open up this end with some trimming. Jamie and I are starting to feel a little puny from the heat, and I notice that Daisy isn‘t acting very lively either. I believe Jamie made a good choice and we will actually take a short cut to Penny’s Trail, and then on to the barn.
We meet our daughter and Patches on our driveway so we join her to ride to her house. I notice Daisy is really dragging, but she stays with us. Jamie and I take the Fence Trail to our barn.
Jamie gets a bath, and then I lead her and Callie across the driveway for grass and now Daisy gets her bath after hiding from me.
We had a nice shower this morning making the temperature cooler, or so I thought until Jamie and I were on the trail this afternoon. The leaves were still wet from the morning rain getting us slightly wet. We are moving slower today due to the heat.
By the time we were on the Home Trail, even I was sweating and I’m glad I didn’t wear the raincoat I had considered. Jamie rested several times on the up hills in the Home Trail. We were hot son-of-a-guns when we arrived at the barn.
Jamie gets a bath to cool her and then she gets to graze in the driveway. I get my sweet tea and a wet head band to cool myself.
It’s almost a decent morning temperature wise but is hot in the barn which changes my mind about riding. I will just take Jamie out along the driveway for grazing. I find it is not too uncomfortable outside, so I change my mind again. Jamie wasn’t too pleased with my decision. I just want a short ride and this will test the spot-on treatment against ticks that I applied this morning. Daisy is so noisy with excitement of the trail ride that I have to put her in the house while I get Jamie ready.
Jamie starts briskly, but is moving at a crawl by the end of the ride. I just couldn’t resist a longer ride and am not pushing Jamie for a faster pace, and she gets to grab snacks along the trail. I did explore a different trail today, but was disappointed to find it dead-ended. I thought it would connect with the Crick Trail.
We saw three deer this morning two which were near the nearly dry pond. It is so hot and dry that even the mule-eating predators have dried to non-existent.
I am anxious to get on the trail to see how much wind damage has been done from the recent storms. I’m prepared to trim in this somewhat cooler weather. I soon find my trimming job on Penny’s Trail. It takes about thirty minutes to cut our way around a huge downed tree. I also find it is not as cool as I first thought, but at least I can still breathe. Jamie is very patient and helpful with this trimming.
We travel on to the Walker Trail past the spooky house and then the trailer and soon find Aren’s Trail blocked today. We were able to wiggle through two days ago. This takes about twenty minutes with Jamie getting impatient before I am quite finished.
The only good place to mount would have to be an off-side mount. I kinda’ dragged my foot over the saddle; I guess I need to practice. Jamie stood patiently for the off-side mount but didn’t wait for her usual treat. We went back to stand and then get the treat. Jamie gets a bath and then gets to graze in the yard. I can’t wait to get out again doing more trimming!
The weather is cooler but humid today, and I am out on the trail by 8:30 A.M. to beat the forecasted rain this afternoon. I am planning trimming on the Loop Trail, but find it to be mostly clear. Jamie tries a shortcut getting me confused. I back track to trim some and hang several ribbons to keep myself oriented.
Now I will check on the Crick Trail. Wow, this trail needs trimming; unfortunately, I cannot finish the trail this morning. I will need a couple more hours to finish, and I’m sure Jamie will be just as helpful the next time. Jamie and Callie get to go to the pasture after our trail-working ride.
Jamie doesn’t want to be caught even for the treat my husband has ready. She comes to the barn without being led. It will be an easy ride for her since we will spend most of our time trimming and she will be eating trimmings along the way.
The Gate Trail really needs cleared so we will start there and work until it gets too hot. We almost reached the crick, but will have to get it another day. We back track to the Walker Trail, and then onto Penny’s Trail until we reach the Garden Trail. We meet my husband and son-in-law on their ATV’s with Daisy who decides to come with Jamie and me to the barn.
Jamie is very helpful with all the trimming and now closing the gate. She will get to graze in the driveway.
The morning is cool and will be good for a working trail ride. We will ride Aren’s Trail to the Gate Trail to trim as much as we can. I dismount several times to trim growing brush in the middle of the trail. Jamie is really enjoying the grazing as we move slowly along.
Unfortunately, I do not accomplish as much as hoped and only getting to the Crick Trail. We will take a break from trimming and just enjoy the trail. We take the Loop Trail on our way home for a little variety.
We take the horses to the pasture in the afternoon for grazing. My husband and I use the rest of the afternoon for grocery shopping.
Jamie and I are taking a break from the working ride and will just enjoy the sights. We start on the Home Trail and it seems the GPS really doesn’t get a good signal here.
I want to explore on the Blue Trail today to check on the needed trimming. Jamie is enjoying today’s different route. I dismount to saw down a small tree that now we can step over. There are a lot of face-slappers and a few head-duckers but the trail is otherwise open. There is a lot of work to be done on the end of the Gate Trail with one blocked area to cut our way through.
I fry chicken and make mashed potatoes and gravy for a welcome lunch change. We then take Jamie and Callie to the corner for forty-five minutes of lush grazing. Jamie gives us a big oh-a-oh-squeak at feeding time. I don’t know if it is a thank you or a hurry-up-give-me-my grain.
The morning is threatening rain with thunder rumbling in these hills preventing my working trail ride. Jamie and I get out at noon after my quick lunch. We will work on the Gate Trail, but I doubt I will get to finish due to the warmer day. I find that our son-in-law has trimmed out a tree on Aren’s Trail.
Jamie does not help as much this time as she has her own agenda on trimming. I will need to rig up some equipment to keep her from pulling on me as I try to trim. As I thought, we didn’t accomplish as much as I had hoped.
Jamie is moving well where we are not trimming and on the Walker Trail. I needed the little extra trail to relax, and there is a cool breeze blowing on us as we travel home. When we get home, my husband is ready for us to take Jamie and Callie to the corner for the good grazing. I take my camp stool, Jamie’s hobbles and the catalogs that came in the mail today. Looking through the catalogs makes the forty-five minutes seem to go much faster.
My daughter is riding Callie with Jamie and me this morning to trim on the Gate Trail. She is dismounted to trim in the middle of the trail even though I thought we could do that kind of trimming on a cooler day. I finally dismount to help trim in the middle since it seems to be the most overgrown. We finish the Gate Trail today, Hooray!
We take the Walker Trail with Callie dancing in the lead with Jamie moving at a fast walk about three horse lengths behind. We stop on the Walker Trail to trim a face-slapping pine branch. Jamie takes the lead to help Callie keep a slower pace in this heat, and then we change to let Callie lead up Penny’s Hill.
This has been a good working ride and now Jamie gets a bath and grazes in the yard.
My husband and I haul in about thirty bales of hay before breakfast finishing before 8:30 and the expected rain which doesn’t occur! I have a piece of cheesecake and then catch up Jamie for a working trail ride.
I want to work on the Crick Trail which is really over grown. I decide to let Daisy go on the trail ride since she has been in the hay field and may already have picked up ticks. Daisy is excitedly barking loudly making Jamie frown.
Jamie is much more helpful with the trimming this morning than the last time. The extra reins tied to the saddle are keeping her from pulling so much on me.
The middle of the trail is so over grown that I dismount to trim. Daisy comes to me with a questioning look on her face since she has never seen me walking and leading Jamie on the trail. I saw down the small tree which was more of chore than first thought since there were sticker vines wrapped in the tree. We are almost to the Duck-Under-Tree where there is a lot of trimming to be done in the middle of the trail, but I am finished for today. We take the Walker Trail home to relax and slow down Jamie.
Jamie gets a bath and then is hobbled to graze, but something scares her causing her to canter past the barn to a stumbling halt. I decide to put her in the barn for her newly cut hay.
It’s a bit warmer this morning, but I will just take a non-working trail ride. I ask my husband to lift the saddle for me this morning since my right arm is weak from using the long handle pruning shears.
Jamie is loafing and stopping whenever a horsefly buzzes even though it has not landed. I believe she is expecting me to trim and stops where she thinks we need to clear some brush.
We start on Penny’s Trail onto the Walker Trail, and then we turn at the old house to go to the Middle Trail. We continue on the Lower Trail to the Home Trail. There is a small down tree at the bottom of the Knee-Knocker Hill. This down tree will have to wait for cooler weather for me to trim.
I am sweatier than Jamie when we get to the barn. I give her a bath and she gets a drink from the hose. My husband and I then take Jamie and Callie to the pasture.
I try to get on the trail a little earlier with not much gain. Jamie is reluctant to come into the barn today. I guess she is still feeling a little tired from yesterday’s ride.
We start on Aren’s Trail and onto the Crick Trail. Jamie is expecting a working trail ride and stops for things she thinks need trimming such as rose bushes in the middle of the trail. I dismount to trim one that has the trail blocked, which seems to make Jamie happy.
Jamie gets a bit speedy on the end of the Crick Trail, so I decide this will be a good day to go to Blue Crick from the opposite direction than usual. The Rocky Road has been graded for easier travel. It looks so different that I’m not sure I’m on the right trail, but Jamie appreciates the better footing. The Blue Trail needs a lot of trimming on a cooler day. Daisy meets us on the Ridge Trail and I believe I hear thunder. Jamie gets a bath and we take Jamie and Callie to the pasture
The weather is ideal for a morning ride, and I want to spend some time trimming on the Crick Trail.
First I will change from the leather britchen to the biothane britchen which takes more adjusting than first thought. The side straps don’t seem to match so I get the tape measure, and sure enough they don’t.
I’m finally out on the trail at 9:15 a little later than planned. Jamie stops several times as if she wants to urinate, but doesn’t. She may have a horse fly on her back leg that she is trying to tell me “Get off, and get that fly”.
There is so much brush on the Crick Trail that I dismount to get some out of the middle again. One cedar tree is too big to get with the clippers, but I will have to saw it the next time. Jamie is very helpful by moving slowly behind me while I’m trimming on the ground and instinctively knowing where we need to stop. I fine the reins in the clippers, and luckily I didn’t pull the trigger!
We get to the point of the downhill and I to quit for the day. Jamie is moving smartly on the way home hoping I will not take the long way. Jamie gets a bath, and then I clean the bridle, breast collar and the britchen.
It’s a bit cloudy this morning so I hope Jamie and I won’t get wet on this ride. Jamie and I will trim on the Lone Pine Trail behind our neighbor and hopefully, we won’t see any copperheads as the last time.
We take the Home Trail to the Lower Trail, but before we get to the Lower Trail Jamie wants a rose bush trimmed out of the trail. I dismount and find it’s a good size bush and Jamie is happy to have that part of the trail open.
My daughter and son-in-law have worked on the Lone Pine Trail so the first part is open. Jamie and I clear until we get to the long-steep hill and find the trail open to the Fort Trail where we find a tree across the trail which we can go around. It would be helpful to have this small tree cut and I believe I can saw it down the next time.
It is now too hot to trim, so we will just meander on home traveling back on the Home Trail, enjoying the rest of the ride. Daisy welcomes us home on the Ridge Trail. Jamie gets a bath and grazes in the yard a short time.
We take a very short ride on September 1, 2011 on the driveway to Penny’s Trail and then back track to the barn.
Our oldest daughter is visiting us and joins Jamie and me to ride for an hour. She took this picture of Jamie and me.
I seem to be somewhat over my sinus infection, so I will try a non-working ride. I am anxious to see if the equi-spot will keep off the ticks for Jamie.
We find a small branch blocking Aren’s Trail, and Jamie side passes to help me pull it out of the trail. We check on the Loop Trail, which is staying pretty clear.
I haven’t been on the Crick Trail since all the trimming. Jamie stops at the first tree removal and acts as if she wants to follow the trail around even though the tree is now gone! The Duck-Under Tree is on the ground in pieces which makes Jamie look at each with wonder! Jamie stops, looks, and listens as two deer scamper away through the underbrush.
We continue on the Walker Trail and then to the Middle Trail. We finish on the Lower Trail to the Home Trail.
Jamie doesn’t seem to be bothered by any ticks, so the equi-spot is working, and now we will see if it will last the two weeks as advertised!
My daughter and son-in-law invited me to go to Falling Waters Equestrian Park with them to see the trails there. The trails were even better than I expected with less rock than our trails.
Jamie was quite a site with her padded chest blanket to prevent rubbing and I am pleased to say it worked. She did get sweaty and rolled in the dirt as soon as she was on the picket line, so it will be uncomfortable for her during hotter weather.
I never quite got into their routine and seemed to be behind all the time, but they were patient. The sinus pressure made me very forgetful (at least that is what I’m going to blame). They had to help me remember where I laid things.
September 29, 2011
The first saddling was sort of a disaster since I didn’t cross tie Jamie and she moved causing me to drop the saddle. The rest of tacking was done with her cross tied.
We arrived just before lunch and then took about a five hour afternoon ride. The afternoon warmed up a bit but was not too uncomfortable. It is supposed to be cooler tomorrow.
September 30, 2011
Today’s ride started about 9:45 with us taking lunch for an all day trip. Jamie had a misstep on a rocky downhill and limped a few steps. I thought she may have picked up a rock, but her feet were clean. She was fine the rest of the day.
We came to the longest, rockiest hill that Jamie and I have ever seen. It went on forever so it seemed, but we were not disappointed at the top. There we found huge rock formations called Pedestal Rock with a huge cave. My daughter and son-in-law dismounted and explored inside, but I didn’t attempt the climb. They took pictures for me which are amazing.
We then rode along the ridge and came to a hiking trail. We found the only way out was to backtrack down the way we came. We were off and on a trail while riding to the top not realizing we would have to go down the steep inclines that we were comfortable climbing to the top. Jamie asks me twice if I was sure about going down one. The long, rocky hill didn’t seem as bad going down and I was so pleased with Jamie’s carefulness in picking each step. Yep, she’s a keeper!
Jamie is the most conditioned of the three and was able to keep a steady pace. Poor Easter, who is young and less conditioned, began asking for a break. I thought she was going to give up right on the trail. Bob was patient and let her go at a slower pace.
I had been concerned if Jamie’s shoes would last through these rides, and when checkinghooves at the end of this ride, I found the right front shoe had slipped quite a lot causing the hoof to start cracking. Drats! Well, there is a farrier in camp, so I will see if he will put shoes on the front. I have shoes that seem to be the same size as the ones on, but are lighter. The farrier agrees, but is skeptical of how the mule will act, but he comes to take a look and will shoe her early next morning.
October 1, 2011
I thought the farrier would come to the camp to shoe, but instead he led her to his shop. He acted as if he didn’t plan to cross tie Jamie until I told him she would. Jamie was a lady during the procedure! The farrier talked all the time about mules and that shoeing a mule was a lost art, and he made a lot of sense. I not only got my mule shod but a free lesson that I could understand.
We didn’t get on the trail until 10:45 and then wondered if we should even be working the animals since all were cinchy. Jamie didn’t have fill, but she had slight heat in her fetlocks. There was some edema in her girth area in front of the cinch with some scabbiness. I really couldn’t determine if this was from sweat or ticks. We won’t take such a long trip today, and give them more breaks.
We found a great place for lunch with plenty of grass for our animals. They all chowed down on the grass while we had our lunch. I do allow Jamie to grab snacks along the trail even though it is sort of a nuisance, but it will keep the gut functioning and encourages her to drink on the trail. I never thought I would use spurs on Jamie, but it encourages quicker snacks and discourages dinning.
Jamie had quite a lot of edema in front of the girth area after today’s ride and I notice her right back hoof is starting to crack away from the shoe. Jamie and I won’t go on the trail tomorrow.
October 2, 2011
My daughter and son-in-law decide not to take a short ride today and break up camp to head home. It has been great four days with wonderful trails that are all ready cleared. There was no trimming equipment on my saddle for these trails. This was a welcome break.
I have never seen Jamie and Callie show any affection to each other until arriving home with Jamie siding up to Callie, and then Callie licking Jamie on the shoulder!
It’s going to be a great day for a ride with my friend, Bonnie, bringing her mule to ride with Jamie and me! We pack our lunch and are on the trail at 11:00 A.M. We will start on the Ridge Trail and then the Home Trail. I like this trail since it’s not such a steep downhill to start our ride. Our mules are staying paced about the same which makes an enjoyable ride. There’s no holding our mounts back or playing catch-up today!
We took a couple of pictures on the Blue Loop with her mule standing for the shot, but Jamie wiggled the whole time! We took lunch shortly after 1:00 P.M. and spent some time visiting about family, neighbors, politics and our health issues. You know how old people like to talk about their health, although I don’t consider her in the “old people” group.
We mount up for the rest of the nine mile ride arriving home around 4:00 P.M. She and I take care of our mules and then have a diet coke with some more visiting. It’s been a great ride!
Today is cloudy but doesn’t look like rain, so I will saddle up ol’ Jamie for a short ride. I decide to pack my raincoat, just in case! The temperature is pleasant, but these days will not last much longer. The trees have a lot of color now and enough have fallen to show the surrounding landscape.
Jamie and I take my favorite trail to the Lower Trail. We are approaching the Knee Knocker Trail when I hear a rumble of thunder. I will put on my slicker before going out on the Lower Trail. I have to smile when I see the pink ribbons have been removed from the hunting stand. It is here that Jamie pointed to a nearby deer!
Jamie stands at attention as I put on my slicker while mounted. This is the first time we have done this and Jamie is watching closely! There is only a short distance without rock on the Lower Trail for us to move at a trot which we do to beat the oncoming rain. We make it to the Middle Trail before the shower which doesn’t last long.
Daisy seems to be looking for shelter, but decides to brave the wetness. I am glad to have my slicker even though it is not totally water proof letting me get a few wet spots. It is a pleasant ride even in the rain.
We are taking our company, our daughter and niece for a trail ride on the Penny Trail and past the old Trailer and the old house where they posed for pictures. We continued on by the pond and onto the Lower Trail. We completed our ride on the Home Trail and then the Ridge Trail.
This is going to be a last day ride for the company with our daughter leading on Easter and Jamie and me following!
We decide to take the Home Trail and then to the Lone Pine Trail past the boats and onto the Fort Trail. We all have to give our animals a rest break on the steep hill. Our daughter is keeping Easter at a steady pace even with the horses crowding her some. We continue to Cob’s Trail and keep a sharp eye out for the wire we found last time. The wire is marked with ribbon, but we never see hide or hair of the ribbons or the wire. We were lucky this time with the animals stepping over the wire.
Our daughter decides to ride Callie behind Jamie to slow down Callie and prevent crowding Patches. Callie still continues to waste energy through the trail. We go on to Honda’s Trail and then home on Aren’s Trail. It has been another great ride and I will miss my riding partners when they leave for home.
The cooler weather calls for a light jacket and a vest today which is perfect for riding. I catch Jamie about 10:15 A.M. with Daisy’s help. Daisy is so excited to be going that she shoves her head into the bandana she wears on the trail.
I want to back track on the trail to Blue Crick to look for the glove I lost a couple of days ago. Jamie is moving at a comfortable speed for looking, but I don’t find the glove.
Jamie freezes when she sees cows along the road and Daisy barks making all the cows move away from the fence. This excites Jamie a little but she manages to stay in control. Two deer got Jamie’s attention at the end of the Ridge Trail. Today has been such a good ride.
Jamie and Me Taken by Our Niece
The weather is a little bit dreary, but in the 50’s so I will take advantage of the temperature and take a ride. It’s just been too long a stretch since the last ride.
Jamie got new shoes on her back feet this morning, and for some reason, her way of going seems to be a waddle, even though she was perky.
I’m going to chance that the hunters will not be out in the middle of the day and take the Ridge Trail and the Home Trail to the Lower Trail. I find that the hunter’s stand is now gone and they must have gotten a dear and dressed it on the trail since there was a heart and some remains in the crick. I was thankful that Jamie didn’t notice the remains.
It looked as if there had been a dually vehicle on the Lower Trail to the Middle Trail and then up the hill to the old house. We stayed on the Middle Trail passing the old trailer and then home on Aren’s Trail. Jamie gave me a great ride as usual!
It’s a gray day and only 33° today, but I’m only thirty hours from my goal of 1250 hours, so I’m goin’ to brave some colder weather. I will wear my insulated riding pants and goggles. Daisy is so excited to be going that she helps put on her trail bandana.
Jamie is not standing well at all for brushing or saddling so I hobble her to finish the tacking. She is upset that Callie has left the barn.
I’m ready to mount, but the insulated pants are a bit restrictive, and now I remember why I don’t care for riding in the colder weather. Jamie is rather slow today, maybe bored with the same trail as our last ride, otherwise the ride is uneventful.
The ride has not been all that uncomfortable with only my toes and a couple of fingers on my right hand getting a bit cold. It’s been another great ride!
I want to get in some hours riding, even though the weather is cooler, to meet my goal of 1250 hours. I am just short 27.5 hours and would like to complete those hours by the end of the year if my allergies will just allow!
We are on our way to the Gate Trail when we disturbed some turkeys across the crick. Daisy and Jamie stop to listen to their flight. The sound of their flight makes Jamie walk as if she were on eggs for a short distance on the trail!
Opening the gate was easier than I expected since I am still dizzy due to the sinus congestion. Blue Crick has flooded the driveway again washing away all the work and grading that was done earlier in the year to make a travelable road. Jamie feels her way through the deeper water. Otherwise, the ride is uneventful with Jamie giving me another great ride
The day is beautiful but may get windy in the afternoon, but we are anxious to pull our new trailer to Bar K Ranch. I did get my saddle on the saddle rack with considerable effort, and my daughter shoved her saddle on the top rack with less effort. She agrees to follow in her car to see if everything works for us.
She will then ride Callie with Jamie and me for a short time and I am glad to have her along for her knowledge of the trails. We ride for a little over an hour and then have lunch while the hobbled horses graze. Callie wasn’t happy with being hobbled and looked to us for relief, but decided she could graze even with hobbles.
I find the camp chairs difficult to remove from the trailer tack department, so I will have to come up with a different plan.
My husband agrees to wait and take care of Daisy while we take another short ride. We wade belly deep down Swan Crick to pick up the trail. The horse and mule drank heartily and Callie splashed and buried her head in the water.
Jamie enjoys the sandy trail which unfortunately becomes rocky, and she mule jumps over a log with her front feet, but walks over with her hind feet! She is such a joy to ride! The rest of the ride is uneventful and over much too soon. I want to come back tomorrow!
We load our saddles in the cramped tack compartment and my husband decides I can drive after getting to H highway…. The trailer pulls like a dream, but it has been so long since I have pulled a trailer that I have lost my skill to back into a parking spot. Well, I will just have to practice some more! It has been a great day and I so appreciate his waiting with Daisy at the camp site, and also grateful to have my daughter’s company.
Jamie in her winter coat and I in my shirt sleeves were on the trail this afternoon only after Jamie and Callie decided it was safe to come to the barn. They saw me go to the trailer and probably thought we were going to Bar K again.
I did get a nice winter (even though it doesn’t seem like winter) picture on the Lower Trail. The picture makes me want to try my painting again. Well, I have been sayin’ “I’m savin’ that project for my rockin’ chair days and I ain’t in my rockin’ chair yet”!
Jamie was a bit uncomfortable in her winter clothes due to the warm temperature, but I had just the right amount of clothing. It was such a great ride and over much too soon!
The weather is sunny and warm enough for a ride that will complete my goal of 1250 hours.
Jamie is moving well in her new shoes except for picking up rock twice within the first ten minutes. I begin to wonder how many times I would need to dismount to remove a rock from her foot.
Daisy is not being very trail wise today making me pull up Jamie on several occasions today. I wish Jamie would reach down and give Daisy a gentle nip.
We are just past the pond when a rabbit races across the trail with Daisy in hot pursuit causing Jamie to stop to watch the chase. As we reached the spot where the race began, Jamie slowed her pace to take a peek. Well, you never know, there just may be another rabbit waiting to shoot across our path.
We completed our goal with a half hour to spare! That half hour will start our next two fifty.
I have so much to learn even though I’ve been around horses all my life and mules some. I have to admit I would like to know a lot more about trimming and shoeing, but I rely on my farrier to set my mule for the best results.
I know when Jamie’s way of going doesn’t feel right and I do know the difference between spoofin’ and tender, and lazy and stumbling!
You know, I have been mullin’ over the lazy comment and I started thinking about the horses I have ridden in comparison to Jamie. I‘ve spent some time teaching my horses not to charge up hills, or do the roller coaster through ditches, and then dealing with the horse’s catch-up trot, or constant jigging, to be nose to tail. Jamie caught on to that training quickly and just seems to instinctively know how to conserve energy! Call it lazy if you want, but I call it smart!
Well, I have been riding all my life; the rest I just wasted, but the hours spent on the back of my Half Ass Arab, Jamie, have been most rewarding!