Becca

Sometimes what you need is right in front of you. I need a horse that I can ride that is mine. So, last weekend, I asked Jenny to test ride Becca. She hollered and screamed and had eyes as big as saucers. And she did just fine. There was no buck in her at all but she was resisting the bit big time. So the next day I rode her at home in her old English bridle. She was much happier with the soft bit. And she did everything I asked, albeit not so pretty.

After my disappointing trip to the vet Tuesday I hauled her back to the arena to blow off some steam. She was great. It felt like the good ole days. I am so excited to have her back. I am going to go slow with her because of her age and the nature of her back injury. And, I pray that she stays sound. She is not totally happy to be out of retirement but it will be good for her health and my sanity.

My life is blessed by amazing beasts.

Bec- before. Maybe we can be NOChunkyMonkies???

Heartbreak

I have ridden all 3 of my horses in the last 2 weeks as well as 3 of a friends. I've had more ride time lately than I have in years and it feels great. Granted, Priss and Diesel are restricted to just a walk. It still feels great. However, in life, heartache is never far behind.

Diesel went to back to Bay City to see if we can get him more relief from the navicular. The farrier that works with the vet watched him walk just a few strides and wanted to see his X-rays. After viewing them, he ordered lateral shots. What we found was completely unexpected. In addition to navicular disease, Diesel suffers from bone chips in both of his coffin joints. It's amazing he has been sound at all. This is completely fixable with a costly surgery. How do you justify that kind of money for a horse who will undoubtably be lame the rest of his life? I can't. We did put him in eggbars with wedge pads to see if it would help the navicular pain. I'll give it two tries and if it is not helping we'll pull the shoes and leave him in the pasture until it is time. It kills me to know our time is limited and that the end will have to be my decision. Diesel is such an amazing horse and I already miss him.

Cow Ponies

...make the best pleasure rides. Many thanks to Richard Meyer for allowing me to ride Annie, Kate, and Angel. I haven't had so much fun in a long time. He even let me pick up Annie and haul her to the arena to play. There is nothing as solid as a horse that knows work. It feels great to ride such confident horses.

Annie

Annie

Angel

Richard, Amanda, and Les lead the way.