Back in the saddle again... on Friday the 13th?!

Well, it has been far too long without a good ride. The current boarder I have here is reportedly herd bound to a high degree so I have been reluctant to inflict seperation on her. However, it was too nice not to ride today!

Managed to hook up with my friend, Victoria, today and get out. I locked the mare in the large stall with hay and water and prayed to the horsey gods she would just stay calm!

Victoria took me on some of the new trails in the back 40 (did I mention we have the best, never-ending trails here?) The new trails were built by the district to fulfill a promise when they put in a new subdivision.

A great ride. There are several bridges that are small and wooden with sides, one of which makes a 90 degree turn halfway along then there is an opening along the side to turn off the bridge so as not to continue along to the stairs that are at the end of it. Interesting obstacle!

There was a nice waterditch, with a gaping bridge with no sides or a direct crossing (we chose the bridge, not sure of the sucking mud), open fields, steep hills, large logs to get over, narrow treed trails, a river crossing, and roads through a subdivision -complete with barking dogs, kids waving and yelling, and the ever fearsome manholes! (which were not hungry today apparently?)

Ace was picking up on the energy of his riding partner and did a bit of out of character prancing and jogging. Not his usual lazy self! Even after 1.5 hours he was still raring to go! Not bad for being out of shape!

When we returned his tack was covered in what only I can refer to as a duvet of horse hair. Not just the bottom, but the top and in every crack. I was also covered from top to toe. He is so long and thick still, despite my hours with the shedding blade! He really looks more goat in the winter than horse! Victoria is going to lend me her vacuum, see if that can make a dent in it!

The mare was fine at home, had not broken a sweat and only resumed calling when our hooves were within earshot. She seemed quite content and had been eating. Thanks be to the Horsey gods!!!

In my rush this morning to get out to meet Victoria I left Ace's braids in. Much to his chagrin we encountered a hiker who commented on his "unusual hair-do" Oh brother! Poor boy. Mental note: un-braid before next ride!

All in all a great ride.... despite being Friday the 13th! ;)

Well, in one month Ace will be 13 years old! Where has the time gone! People say time goes so fast and your kids grow up before you know it, the same is true with horses!

I am done my schooling -goal accomplished

I have lost 60lbs, and am lighter now than I have ever been in my remember-able life -goal accomplished

I have a beautiful home/barn, 2 great kids, a supportive husband who loves me. The perfect life. HOWEVER.... I have neglected one very important aspect that is just for ME. ACE.

So, I have made it my mission to finally begin training for Competitive Trail Riding.

This horse and I were born to hit the trail and conquer whatever we may chance across! LOL

So, step one: Find another boarder to keep the big red TB here happy while I go out. Check. No- wait he cancelled :( So still working on that. Is there a way to get out without her injuring herself out of stress. Hhmmmmmm...

Step two: Attend the orientation weekend in Duncan. Yay! Oh, wait, I need to get riding first. Grrrr... always something!

So here is the current dilema. Find boarder, get riding, then get comfortable at the trot (though Ace has an amazing ground covering walk) in a month and a half.

I like the concept of this approach, being competitive, because there are set dates I need to condition us for. Kind of keeps me accountable ;)

So I carry on, but now with goals that involve RIDING. Wish me luck! I will try to post more often and keep a bit of a log as to my progress on my goal.

Happy Trails!