Life at the ranch

Well life hasn't been dull here at the ranch. No creative things done but I have made a tiny bit of progress.

Molly got out of the pasture last week as Jim had left the gate unlocked. His being gone most of the time doesn't help as he hasn't registered that in his brain. Any way I was doing dishes when I heard him screaming for me to help. There was Molly calmly crunching grass and Jim in a panic as every time he went for her she ran. Sigh! I (having had to round up before had a clue) I went and got food and then went and got Lady out with a lead. Molly is still in love with her and seeing her started to pay a bit of attention. Still wouldn't come to me so I headed for the small pasture jiggling food and lead Lady in leaving the gate open sure enough Molly ambled over and into our "lair". Jim slammed the gate and we went and opened the lower gate to the main pasture and both came over. I just glared at Jim not believing he had done this. Alas, it can happen to anyone.

I think it was either Mon or Tues we saddled Cody and Lady and rode around the house three or four times. I then quit while I was having success. She still didn't like her new bit. So we are trying another with more leverage. 6:30 AM Thursday we saddled again and this time went down the road through the neighbors pasture and thru the woods to her house. We spent an hour riding around her yard and her arena. About all I could handle for the first time really out. We headed home and I had Jim "Pony" Lady and me. (lead us on a lead rope) I did this for safety as I didn't know how she would act. I have found she is very interested in all around her and she wants to "move out" She wants the lead every where we go. Cody on the other hand "plods" along. We didn't know quite what Lady was mixed with we knew Quarter Horse but I am thinking she has Paso Fino in her as she is a very fast walker and I have noticed about three different jogs also a mane like one very long. I could use a plodder for sure but maybe with more of this I will manage it. So much for being over 16 yrs old she thinks she is 8. I am thinking she and I have a lot in common. Neither admits or acts their age and each has "Attitude" both of us impatient. Anyway it was a successful ride Lady acted up and I corrected and she listened. All with out the tranquilizer or a drink I have to admit though thinking about it afterward  I get very apprehensive and wonder if I am "nuts" Heck I know I am.

So two successful attempts after two years of owning her and finding ways to ride with my handicapped bum hip. The major thing is I got on. After three unsuccessful attempts with another horse and her and ready to give up I feel better.

Jim is out now fixing the electric fence before Molly figures it isn't working. She has already had her head under it more and more in grass searching and boy is she in for a rude awakening.

We are planning on taking the horses out into the woods between Tracy's and our house either tonight or tomorrow AM. Hopefully soon this will be routine...feed, coffee, then a short ride every AM and evening.

Hugs, Doreen