....Trail Riding in Texas...

Contour Camera Video

2012-01-24T23:23:00.001-06:00

I have taken some good natured ribbing about my little Contour Roam Helmet Cam but I really like to see the videos! I am still learning to use it - the camera itself is easy - but I did have a bit of a problem editing it for uploading. This is what I got today: click here to view video

Sarge's Eye

2012-01-23T19:10:00.002-06:00


Crusty Eye on Sarge

Got back to the barn and went down to check on Sarge as Kellie said his eye was full of sand. Poor baby. His eye was running and somewhat swollen. I walked him up to the barn. He was not his generally peppy self. I started out with a wet rag soaking his eye. It was full of snot. I called Barry and he came out. He had washed his eye Saturday but it was nasty on Sunday afternoon. I went over to the main barn and got a bottle full of warm water and cupped my hand under his eye and poured water over and over it to flush the sand out. I then put the eye drops I got from Dr. Schneiter in his eye. I also put the meds for his summer sore that Lee Ann ordered me from Dr. Sherwood. We took him down to his paddock with hugs and kisses.

Barry and I went back at 5:45 PM with a bottle of warm water and reflushed the eye again and added more drops.

I went to the barn Monday around noon and his eye was almost 100% better. A little snot but not running or weak looking. Thank God!!!

Navigating to the Waterfall

2012-01-23T19:02:00.003-06:00

I got up Friday morning to get ready to go to Ebenezer. I got my stuff out - it takes a bunch to go horse camping! Got out to the barn and pulled Biscuit up. I loaded my stuff in the trailer. I forgot a hat so ran home and got that. Lee Ann P arrived around 10:00 or so and we loaded up the horses and off we went. Had to stop to get a new plug for the lights - had a bad connector and the truck kept saying we didn't have lights!

We got up to Ebenezer and started setting up camp. I put Rogue in the pen and Legato went in the other. I tied Biscuit to a high tie pole and Lee Ann and I took the panels off of the trailer and put 4 together into a little pen for Biscuit. He at least had a little grass - not much but some. Lee-Ann B arrived an hour or so after we did. The wind was blowing so hard we decided not to ride. The park was FULL of gaited horses. We ended up going to see the lady who used to ride competitive trail (she has 5,000 accredited competitive miles) and she had the maps this time! Yay!!! We really enjoyed our visit and she told me exactly how to ride a trot...turns out I am doing it RIGHT!!! Yay!!

Saturday we got up and were waiting on Robin to join us and Margaret arrived! I was thrilled to see her. She had Cub. Then Ray showed up and he came over and talked to us. He had to put Knothead down in October - how sad. He now has Snippy at his barn and Lee Ann P was asking how he was doing - Ray is training him now and he is doing just fine. He just needed to be handled.

Legato was in heat and a little undone by Ray's little stud colt even though he was extremely well behaved. So we didn't go with Ray and Robin went with him.

Took awhile for Legato to slow her motor down...she was right behind The Biscuit and he finally picked up his butt at her. Lee Ann told me she was misbehaving and actually pushing Biscuit. She calmed down just fine before we got to the Beaver Pond. I stopped and put Biscuit's hoof boots on. He seemed a little tender footed but I did trim him this week. We got to the Beaver Pond and went behind it and The Lee Ann's were in front of me and Margaret. Their horses went through just fine and Biscuit and Cub sunk some and Biscuit handled it fine. Once I let him go pretty fast through it and gave him his head. He did clonk my knee on a tree by the Beaver Pond so he didn't have to step in a puddle. OMG he goes through water without hesitation on a stream yet wants to side step puddles. We went over the trams and stopped at the big creek for water. Biscuit stood in the water quiet and calm as could be. We started trotting and trotted quiet a way going around 5 to 7 mph. Heart rate was good. We got to where we had been the last time Lee Ann and I were there and then set a waypoint for the waterfall.

Biscuit and me by the Waterfall

Lee-Ann and Rogue by the Waterfall

Lee Ann and Legato at the Waterfall

Denise & Biscuit at the Waterfall

Margaret and Cub at the Waterfall

Biscuit and Legato in their Taylored Tack at the Waterfall

The Waterfall

Biscuit at the Waterfall in his Taylored Tack and Allegany Mountain Trail Saddle

The Waterfall

Denise, Lee Ann P and Lee-Ann B with Rogue stopping for lunch


Biscuit, Cub and Margaret at Lunch in the Woods

Biscuit, Cub, Margaret, Lee Ann P, Rogue, Lee-Ann B and Legato's hinny

Legato in her functional Taylored Tack tied to a tree at lunch

Margaret, Lee Ann P and Lee-Ann B

Biscuit tied to a tree with his Taylored Tack

Chicken Pot Pie in the Dutch Oven

Are they ready yet?

Not quiet ready...a little longer

Brownies in the Dutch Oven for dessert

Are they done yet?

The right amount of coals gets the job done!

We went bushwhacking them through the forest. Some trails petered out and we were just going by the headings the Garmins were giving. We went in some sweeping arcs that are obviously to get around boggy creeks. We went down a ravine and found a place to cross a little creek - had a incline the horses had to go up and a low tree. I now have tree burn on the right side of my neck along with 5 scratches from thorns on my left elbow area. I told Lee Ann I was attacked by a cougar, bit on the neck, clawed on the arm and Biscuit then stomped it to death. LOL felt like that anyway.

Biscuit was calm and collected on the ride no matter what. Forward when asked. We stopped to eat our Lunchables and Biscuit ate some of the crackers. I took his reins off and clipped them to his halter ring and tied him to a tree. The Taylored Tack is amazing. We kept going sometime opposite of the direction we needed but always moving towards the waterfall. Some on trails some on no trail. We crossed a little slough and into trees - the helmet helps but we crossed another little one that Biscuit drank out of and I was standing up in the saddle leaning far back to keep upright and I guess my knee opened the clip of my pink water holder that held my Garmin, camera, compass, toilet paper and stuff. It came off when Biscuit crossed the water and fell. Lee Ann saw it fall and I got off and got it. I would have had a fit if I had lost my Garmin!

We took off again going across a road and zig zagging around...getting closer and closer to the waterfall waypoint. We were standing on the side of a hill with lots of downed trees and we could see the water of the lake. I looked to my left and saw a sand bar and I said "there it is - there is the waterfall!!!" Lee Ann P and Margaret could hear it - we had to zig and zag across trees and up a little way then down a steep hill, around a very tight corner around a tree that bordered a little water crossing and then up the hill and look back on the waterfall!!! Wow!!! We found it with our Garmins and marked the waypoint.

The GPS coordinates for the waterfall is N 31 degrees 05.097 W094 degrees 09.096

We took pictures and just marveled that we found it using the Garmins - woot! We are pumped!!! We took off again and passed the Pet Cemetery and up onto the road. Down the road and then into the woods. We went down and then got off the trail to bushwhack. It was boggy and Margaret made it across and we were looking for a place to cross and found one and got to go a little further but had to stop. We found another place to return back to but not the one we had come over on. It was too mushy after 3 horses went over. I got off and led Biscuit across in case he bogged down. We walked up to a trail and I straddled Biscuit over a log and mounted. He backed up over the log and turned around to go like a good boy. Margaret was still on the other side and we went down the trail until we crossed a creek and there she was. We continued on the trail crossing little sloughs and puddles. We got back to Ebenezer after riding 14 miles. Woot!!! What a ride. The horses were doing terrific. Biscuit was sweaty and dirty but he was relaxed. I took his tack off and gave him alfalfa which he was thrilled to get. We gave Cub alfalfa for being our lead horse for quit a bit of the ride and he was a happy camper.

I rubbed Biscuit down with my little purple towel - his hair was standing on end!!! I cleaned out his pen and gave him regular hay after he ate. Lee Ann P made chicken and dumplin's in the Dutch Oven and they were terrific. We had mango daiquiris in the little foil pouch that I bought from HEB. We sat around the camp fire and visited. It was a so relaxing.

I spoke to Barry and found out he had fallen on Sarge. I am glad I wasn't there to see it - I would have had a cow.

Sunday we decided not to ride as it was threatening rain. We tore down our camp and packed up. It takes a little while but is so worth it. We ate at The Stump and headed home.

I rinsed Biscuit off when I got him home...he was filthy and OMG he had a HUGE tick on his neck under his mane. It wasn't there Tuesday when I did his feet - I groomed him all over. I pulled it off and stepped on it. Gag. I hate ticks.

My purple cantle bag Dev and Kristen gave me busted the zipper again and I couldn't get it back together. I called the company on Monday and they are replacing it! Woot!!!

Sarge and Barry

2012-01-23T09:59:00.002-06:00

Barry and Sarge went to Pundt Park with The Rockin' R Riders while I went to Ebenezer with The Lee-Ann's. I get this information Saturday night around a campfire. Barry and Sarge fell at Pundt when he was helping Kellie get Elan across a little slough that had a red firehose in the bottom. Barry had already crossed and gone up an incline. He came back to encourage Elan. Sarge headed for the steep slope and Barry reined him to the easier slope. Sarge lost his footing and scrabbled to catch purchase there and he went up and almost over on Barry but then fell on his side in the water. Barry said he knew he was going over and took his feet out of the stirrups. Sarge landed on Barry's leg. Kellie said Sarge just laid there not moving and she thought he was really hurt or broke his leg. She scrabbled off of Elan and fell herself. Randy jumped off of Reagan to help Barry. Barry couldn't get his leg out from under Sarge and then he told Sarge to get up. Sarge was rocking to get up and his legs were up against the embankment. It was enough movement Barry was able to get his leg out and then Sarge got up.

Barry was soaking wet, full of mud and sand and so was Sarge. But they were ok. Sarge did have sand in his eye. Kellie looked at him in the trailer and wiped more off of his face. Barry took a shower in Jim's trailer - clothes and all. He was dry before they left the park as it was a very warm January day...thank God!

I am glad I didn't see it. I would have had a stroke. Barry had brain surgery 3 years ago to the day this happened. More in the next post.

Trimming Sarge

2012-01-18T23:47:00.000-06:00

Today was Sarge's turn. I went out in the pasture and he was laying down. I put his halter on and he got up and I took him up to the wash rack. He had a nasty little red spot on his neck. Lee Ann thinks it is a summer sore so she called Dr. Sherwood to make me a compound for it. I forgot my money at home so will get it tomorrow.

I started by cleaning his hooves. He was better than last time but not as good as Biscuit. I had to pop him once. He doesn't like that too much! I got all of his feet done and then groomed him. He was dirty and his hair was swirly. After much brushing he looked pretty good!

What is up with my Saddle FIt?

2012-01-18T23:42:00.000-06:00

I have noticed a few weeks ago that the hair on Biscuit's withers was ruffled after taking the saddle off. Hummmmm...what is up with that?

Then I noticed that when I took the saddle off on subsequent rides that there were dry spots. Last Sunday the entire bar area was dry.

I talked to Stacy today at Allegany and told her what was going on. Biscuit has changed shape as he has been getting in shape. She suggested a thinner pad and take pictures of the sweat pattern.

I was telling Lee Ann P about it and she suggested I try her extra oval shaped pad that is cut in at the withers. I think that might be the ticket. I am going to take that one, my SMX Air Ride and my black wool pad with the purple blanket. I am going to take pics of the sweat marks and sdee what will work better for the Biscuit.

Trimming The Biscuit

2012-01-18T02:22:00.001-06:00

I paid the board for February today. That is one thing I don't have to worry about now! Lee Ann printed the forms for me to fill out for the ride and I called and paid for the ride in advance. That is done.

I pulled up Biscuit and he was a PIG. He had rolled in the wet muddy water out there and his coat was filthy. We got up to the barn and I got my farrier tools out and my bucket of treats. I cleaned his hooves out. They were filthy. I got the circular knife and started cleaning up the frogs, just trimming flaps and making the notches. I cleaned the upper part to see how much heel could come off. I did each foot in turn. Then I moved to the nippers and took off the long parts. I think I am pretty close to getting rid of all the yukky parts that are left overs from old abscesses he had before I got him. He was a very very good boy today. A treat for each hoof, for each process added up to loads of treats for The Biscuit. I rasped him feet from the bottom and then pulled them forward. He did just terrific. Not perfect - but terrific. I was so proud of him.

His feet are getting more concavity but still has a way to go. He is still a little tender footed over rocks. After I finished with his feet I got out the curry combs and curried his coat. It was caked in mud. Then I used a body brush on him and then the vent brushes to do his mane and tail. I cleaned his face where the Furazone and Triple Ointment ran down his nose - I used a wipee. A few more treats and a handful of alfalfa completed our spa day.

Getting ready for our trip

2012-01-16T23:37:00.003-06:00

I went out to the barn in the afternoon and took the boys some alfalfa. They were more than happy to get a flake of their favorite food! They both looked good. Biscuit's nose is healing but isn't closed yet.

I talked to Kellie and Nugget is better. She is going to try and get him to get him minerals down! He will be taking some shots for a few weeks to build him back up. Hopefully, he will gain strength and get healthy!

The Lee Ann's and I discussed our trip this weekend to Ebenezer. We are going to load the trailer Thursday with tack/bedding. Lee Ann P and I are going to haul the horses up and Lee Ann B is going to meet us up there by 3:00 PM. We are going to set up panels for one of the horses as we will have two pens. That will work out just fine. We are planning on Dutch Oven cooking chicken and dumplin's and chicken pot pie. Woot!!!! And brownies. We will not starve!

We are planning an all day ride Saturday. Hopefully will get in around 25 miles or more for the weekend. We will see.

Tyrrell Park Ride

2012-01-15T22:32:00.002-06:00

Barry and I hauled out to the barn to get the horses. I walked out to the pasture and put the halters on the boys and walked them up. Sarge was kinda crusty looking - Biscuit was almost clean. We loaded up the boys and hauled to the park. I pulled into the right side of the parking lot and we unloaded the horses. I brushed Biscuit and cleaned his hooves.

Kellie, Randy and Chase arrived and I walked over and took a chocolate fudge round I had made. We finished tacking up and mounted up. Barry and Randy were just howling at my helmet and camera - hahaha I don't care. We went through the woods to the big giant mushroom. Good grief...it has grown since yesterday! I took pictures but left my darn camera at the barn this afternoon.

We went out on the bayou and went across the bridge. We dismounted and cleaned hooves. When I mounted back up Biscuit started walking before I threw my leg over...OMG he never does that and it was hard putting my butt in the saddle. Gaaaaa! We went over the little land bridge and towards the back. We went all around and to the other side and stopped by the bayou. We took pictures.

Then Nugget looked a little funny in the back end like his leg was hurting. Chase got off and walked him and we thought he looked like he was in pain. Then he started trying to lay down. Chase got on the back of Elan and Kellie was holding his reins. We went a little way like that and then I took Nugget's reins. He kept putting his head down and trying to lay down. Poor guy.

Finally Chase walked him and Barry took off to the trailer. He and Sarge trotted, cantered and galloped the 4 miles back. We walked poor old Nugget and kept having to get after him because he wanted to lay down. We got over the big bridge and halfway down the bayou and Randy was leading him then. He did lay down. OMG...Kellie was way behind us walking Reagan and Chase was on Elan. Randy was tugging at the saddle hollering for him to get up and I got off of Biscuit and put his reins on the horn. He just stood there thank God. I got Nuggets reins and was pulling and yelling for him to get up, Randy was pushing his saddle and finally the poor boy got up. We continued on with me and Chase driving behind him to keep him from laying down. Kellie was calling the vet, Barry hauled the Brenderup to Cattail Marsh and Kenny finally gave him a code to open the cantilever gate. Kellie called me and said send Chase back to her with her water before she colicked.

He came down the bog road and when he got close poor old Nugget was nickering like - "stop and let me on!!" We had to turn around and go back to an intersection where Barry turned around the trailer. Randy was pulling off Nugget's saddle and I hopped off of Biscuit. Barry lowered the ramp and took Biscuit and Nugget couldn't get up there fast enough. We put his saddle in the back of my car, Kellie and Chase came with me and Barry mounted up on Biscuit. Randy was on Reagan and ponied Elan. Barry said later Elan pulled away from Randy or something to that effect. He didn't go anywhere though. He is a good boy.

We hauled Nugget to the vet and I was praying he didn't go down in the trailer. We got him there and he was still standing and actually looked somewhat better. Kellie got him in the stocks and Dr. Pope was listening to his gut, taking his heart rate. He gave him a tranquilizer to relax him as he was trying to go down in the stocks and kicking some. Poor guy. Kellie lifted up his upper lip and his gums were yellowy pale looking - not a good healthy pink color. Dr. Pope did a rectal on him and said he was somewhat impacted but didn't think he was really colicking.

I had to leave to go get my horses because they had 4 horses there with just a three horse trailer. I hauled back to the park and Barry had the boys in the round pen. They were as happy as clams eating clover. Randy helped me get my tack in the trailer and we loaded the boys up.

Kellie said later that he was somewhat impacted and was anemic but doing much better. He is staying overnight at Doc's.

I guess 8 miles is too much for the old boy. He used to run endurance but his health too a slide with his former owner. Kellie has done so much to return him to health but I think at this time short rides around the woods will be all he can do for now.

What a day...Biscuit went 8 miles today. He was a good boy as always. Sarge has rode over 16 miles this weekend...Go Sarge!!!

Riding 7 Miles SOLO!!!

2012-01-14T23:54:00.003-06:00

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Beaumont, Texas Barry and I went for a ride today - today marks the 3rd year I have owned horses. I have come a long way in three years. We went out to the barn and loaded up the boys. I took both bridles in case Biscuit's nose cut interfered with his halter/bridle.

I told Barry I wanted to ride by myself so I can work on my "ride by myself" skills. He tacked up Sarge and left about 5 minutes before me. I tacked Biscuit up and gave him a few treats. I put his Taylored Tack on and it didn't interfere with his nose. I mounted up and Biscuit went into the woods with no trouble. Of course he was aware that Sarge had left but he didn't see to be nervous or looking for Sarge.

We walked to start out with - he gave a big stink eye to logs which was kinda funny. We got around to the other side of the woods to the first log crossing and he refused! Started backing up. Oh but NO. I kept urging him forward and popped him with the popper! He went then but he did that 3 times and wanted to turn around. I don't know if he doesn't have confidence in me or himself but we worked through it. We started trotting on the right side of the woods and trotted for 5 miles. His heart rate stayed around 104. Good Boy!!

He did a great job today and went past the trail head willingly. I was thrilled with his forwardness even by himself. He just kept going. I did go down the ride away and then he slowed down to a walk. He even wanted to turn around and go back. I insisted he go forward. He did as he was asked. We are both getting better! He was sweating but cool to the touch.

My last go around I could see Barry ahead of me so I yelled at him and we caught up. I told him I saw people in the parking lot and they came around the corner right then. It was James, Beverly and Kurt. It was so nice to see them! James said he had thought about stealing my steps...hahahahahaha he is so funny. We chatted with them and then took off for the trailer at a pretty fast trot - Garmin said 11.5 mph and when I uploaded it it says 9 mph. That makes me crazy. When we got to the trail head I wouldn't let Biscuit go out and he fussed but got over it QUICKLY. He has discovered it is quicker to do what I want when I want than to wait.

I was thrilled with the ride today. It gives me 29.8 miles for the year. We hauled back to the barn and the boys were fed and put in their pasture. Barry swapped out saddles for our ride tomorrow. We are ready to go.

Biscuit's Cut

2012-01-11T23:11:00.001-06:00

This was taken Tuesday.

I went out to the barn today to check on Biscuit. His cut looks a little better, not as swollen. It is still full of Neosporin so I didn't have to add more.

This was taken Wednesday

Here is a picture of his cut today. Poor baby!!! He came up for hugs. It looks like a puncture in the cut but it doesn't look like it is infected. I will be watching it closely.

Poor Biscuit cut his face

2012-01-10T23:13:00.000-06:00

I wasn't able to go out to the barn yesterday due to it raining cats and dogs and me feeling like the BOTTOM of my shoes. I have misplaced my keys to my RAV and my trailer is attached to it. Woo Hoo....I can't get it off without the keys so I had to wait til Barry came home. We went to the store and then out to see my boys. I like to see them just to make sure they are ok. Everytime I think they aren't...well, they aren't!

Biscuit saw us coming up the ranch road and he was in the middle of the pasture. He started towards the fence and Sarge was at the water barrel. When Biscuit got up close I could see he had cut his face almost halfway up on the right side. Most likely yesterday or Sunday evening as I could see it was healing but looked a little swollen and like it was kinda deep. Not stitches deep but deeper than a little scratch. My poor baby.

Sarge was walked towards us and then trotting then cantering. He is so funny. He got up there and I hugged them both up and checked out Biscuit's face. I put his halter on him and I could see he was anxious about the halter touching his bobo. I told Barry I would go up and get the Triple Ointment out of my cantle bag and he said he would go. OMG he was gone forever and I was FREEZING. Sarge was all up in my Kool-Aid wanting to be loved on and giving Biscuit pissy looks. I made him back up while still rubbing his face and then rubbing Biscuit's face. Biscuit was leaning into me when I was at his shoulder. He has changed so much - he is such a sweet fellow and wants his hugs and kisses now where when I got him it frightened him.

Barry FINALLY came back and said he couldn't find my bag - LOL - it was on my saddle! He said he'd go back and I said no...you have on a better coat and I am freezing and I know EXACTLY where it is! He brought Sarge some alfalfa and Biscuit was going to have to wait. Barry took a picture of his bobo on his phone but I failed to take it off so I could post it. I went up and got the Triple Ointment and some more alfalfa for Biscuit. I put the ointment on his face and gave him his alfalfa. Poor baby - it looks like he cut it on wire. I will go out to the barn and put more ointment on him in the morning.

I am going to have to ride him in his leather bridle because his biothane one will put the halter part right over his cut. I need to get another bit so I don't have to change from one bridle to the other!

Biscuit is coming along in his training

2012-01-08T23:07:00.000-06:00

Kellie took this picture! I am taking a picture of the mushroom. That is Heath with me.

Cheeky Mushroom

In the back of the park

Back by Hildebrandt Bayou

Can you see Hildebrandt Bayou?

Kellie and Elan

Lee Ann B met me at the barn to go riding with Kellie and her neighbor, Heath. Lisa was out at the barn loading up Cash Kitty - she was going riding at the park with Helen. Biscuit and Sarge ran off when I opened the ramp - I had to go out in the field to get him but he walked up towards me. He is such a good boy.

Lee Ann and I loaded the trailer and took off. We got to the park and tacked up. Kellie suggested we ride in a different place as Elan seemed a little bored with it. I told Elan he needed to suck up - we all have to work at jobs we'd rather not...I still have to wash clothes, grocery shop, cook dinner, etc. His job was to haul Kellie where ever she wanted to go. He is such a funny fellow. He was hoping I had a treat but I am fresh out of treats.

We went into the woods and around to the bayou. Elan took my talk to heart and was moving out. We went down and across the bayou bridge and rode to the back. We saw a turtle that was moving fast. Who would have thought a turtle could go that fast? Biscuit was pretty darn sweaty. Poor guy...it was hot today. Like 79 degrees. There was a breeze blowing thank God. It seemed like spring time today. Lots of green out...didn't seem like the dead of winter!

We came around to the bayou bridge again and stayed on the south side and went up the bayou there. Just a different ride than the other side. Lots of ups and downs. We saw a little armadillo piddling along. We came out on the road and walked across the bridge and Elan spooked at something but it was a little spook...more like a startle. We went down the ditch and back into the park...Biscuit was lower than some branches but I wasn't! Back into the woods and to the right. We rode around and through one of the entry places we could see Lisa, Helen and Laureen. We stopped to look at the funniest mushroom. It looked like someone's backside! We walked over to the center of the park where we used to park. Biscuit and I trotted over to them at a fast pace. We visited with them and then headed back to the stable. Biscuit and Elan were cantering beside each other - Biscuit was going a little faster than I want him to go but he was doing a great job.

We slowed and stepped on the road and my horse was LAME. OMG a few more steps LAME as he could be. I got off in the road and picked up his front left hoof. OMG huge rocks in the frog area and in the right hoof too. I tried to mount there but he was wanting to walk off after Elan. I walked him over to the stable road and then mounted. I don't want him to ever walk off and think that is ok. I had 8.9 miles on the Garmin when I got there.

I wanted to work on the "walk off from other horses" skills and ask him to walk towards the woods. He started out ok and stopped at the water dept driveway. We did some backing up and he went forward. Got to the edge of the house and he turned out and was backing up. We backed up quiet a bit and turned around and a little forward...backing up and going forward. We got into the trails and he stopped again and it was circles and backing. He finally went and we did the back and forth thing. He did well and finally walked over to the brush area where I have made him go at the end of the training session!! LOL He was telling me "I did my job - can we go now?" hahahah He is so funny.

I took his tack off and rinsed him. He was filthy. I didn't have a scraper with me - darn! At the barn he dropped and rolled - he was again - FILTHY.

Riding with my Barn Peeps

2012-01-06T08:10:00.001-06:00

Wednesday I went out to the barn with my new helmet. Lee Ann B helped me adjust it with the little pads on the inside so it fit snugly like it should. Lee Ann P and I were going riding and convinced Lee Ann B she needed to go with us. We pulled up the horses and loaded the 3 horse slant and took off to Tyrrell Park.

I took Biscuit out of the trailer and stood him at the end of the bed of the truck. The trailer only has 2 ties on the right side and Biscuit, bless his heart, will just stand there. I put his lead rope in the back of the truck at the corner and he just stayed right there. Good boy! I got him tacked up and mounted up first which is a miracle in itself.

Ricky_Venable was there at the Water Department and I talked to him. I grew up with Ricky - he lived in our neighborhood on Earle Street. I told him he was laying down on the job because of the downed trees. He said he'd get on it and I told him we actually liked the trees because we had to step over them and it was good training but I did ask him to move the Bobcat Metal Track off the trail as it is dangerous for man or beast. He said he would do that. I hope so.

We took off and Biscuit led the way - we went to the left because Biscuit anticipates we are going right. He was being a good boy. Lee Ann P had tacked Legato up in her new Taylored Tack and she was a little unsettled by the breast collar as she had never worn one.

We tried a little jog for a short while but Legato was not wanting to settle down so we slowed. We walked out onto the bayou and all the way down Willow Bayou to the bridge. We crossed the bridge and walked straight and down the south side of the park. We went about 1/2 way to Hildebrandt and turned around. On the way up Willow Bayou near the trees we hit a jog and kept at it for a while. Biscuit did a great job. He was wanting to go faster but was able to get him finally in a collected jog. We went into the woods and went to the left as we had already been down the other way. When we got to the trail head I let the Lee Ann's go out and Biscuit and I worked on our "we go where Denise says go, not where the other horses or Biscuit wants to go" maneuvers. He was resistant and going sideways then backing up. He back up while I was urging him forward. I turned him in circles but that only lasted 15 seconds and the went forward. We walked about 10 yards and turned around and did the same at the trail head again. Back and forth. Once he gave me a little flack to the left of the trail head of not wanting to go forward but I pushed him through it and he did just fine. I ended it by getting him to stand still with his nose in the bush and his butt pointed to the trail head. When he finally stood still the lesson was over. That took a minute or two with him wanting to turn his head or step to the side. Once he stood still that was it.

I rode 7 miles Wednesday so I have a total of 13.8 miles for 2011.

My Tipperary Helmet Arrived

2012-01-03T23:54:00.001-06:00

I was so excited that it came in and it FITS!!! I also got the curb strap in. I put the camera mount on the helmet as it has to "cure" for 24 hours.

I went to the barn today and pulled Biscuit up and looked at his hooves. I cut some of the frog off that was flapping. Tomorrow I will do his hooves. They have really grown which was surprising - it is winter time!

Lee Ann and I discussed our upcoming trip and the Airport Express ride. I can't wait!

1st Ride of the Year and a Solo Ride - A Red Letter Day!!

2012-01-02T22:34:00.000-06:00

Kellie and I went on our first ride of the year today. It was a red letter day for Biscuit and for me. I went out to the pasture and put his biothane halter on and loaded him up - had to get the whip out but didn't have to use it. The trailer bumping really bothered him - I have sprayed it with WD40 3 times now.

I hauled out to Tyrrell Park arriving exactly at the same time as Kellie - she turned in and opened the gate and I pulled in and closed the gate. Perfect timing! The wind was blowing hard but it was a beautiful clear blue sky and it was about 55 degrees and the wind was blowing about 19 mph and gusting to 24 mph. Thank God it settled down just before we walked into the woods. We tacked up and were on our way. We walked down to past the second ride away and there was a huge tree down laying in the road like a middle barrier. We trotted some and I filmed a little with my Roam Camera I bought. I love it! Such clear pictures! We came all the way around and kept going. Biscuit wanted to go out to the trailer and we had a little skirmish but nothing big. We went down and turned left at a ride away. Elan stopped about 30 yards in to look around and I was able to keep Biscuit moving. That is a good thing. He always wants to stop and turn and he and I worked on that Saturday and today. We turned right on the trail and kept going. Elan stopped to checked things out and again, I was able to keep Biscuit moving for the most part. I was thrilled with him. Such a good boy!

Biscuit trotting in Tyrrell Park
Check out this video of us trotting in the park on my Contour Roam Video Camera!

We went out on the bayou and Biscuit still hasn't forgotten the day that he tangled his left hoof in branches. He is always suspicious of that area - moving carefully and very alert. Kellie and I laughed about it because he simply hasn't gotten over it!

We went down a little ways and Elan stopped and Biscuit wanted to stop and I kept after him to keep moving forward and he did...going s-l-o-w-l-y and skewing to the left but he was moving forward. I was so proud of him. I was singing to him and Kellie come trotting up behind me saying Elan was a little startled by the singing.....that was funny and I don't blame him. I can't carry a tune in a bucket!!

We went down a ride away and back up the overgrown on. We headed back for the woods and my Garmin died about .5 miles from the trailer. Ugh....I left it on accidentally this weekend so I ran down the batteries. I may look at getting rechargeable batteries. I am sick of buying batteries for it.

Kellie had stuff to do so I told her I was going to ride a round solo. We got to the trail head and Kellie went out and Biscuit wanted to follow. He and I had a test of wills...backing up...circling, urging forward...refusing to go forward, more backing up until he decided the old girl wasn't giving up and he moved forward to the right side of the park. He settled down and walked on. I got around the first corner and then urged him into a trot. It took a bit to convince him but once he started he was rearing to go. Good boy!!! We kept up the trot around the woods which is 1.8 miles. He was trotting at about 7.5 mph and heart rate topped at 118. We got up to the trail head and he wanted to go out. Kellie was still there so I wasn't going to go around again. Biscuit and I had another skirmish...backing up, circling, urging forward while he was going backwards but I won. Forward he went for about 20 yards and turned him around to go past trail head again. Another skirmish that I eventually won. We went back and forth about 5 times and ended with his butt pointing to the trail head and his nose in the rough. I want him to totally disregard the trail head unless I ask him to find it. He did a fantastic job today. I was so proud of him!

I took his tack off and gave him two treats and took two to Elan. He was in the trailer so I asked Kellie to give them to him and he dropped his head below the divider to let me know he could still have treats. He is such a funny guy!!! Such a funny personality!

Kellie headed out and I was pulling up to the gate when Kenny drove up. I got out to speak to him and give him a New Years hug. I told him about Biscuit laying down on the trail and he said he had never known him to do that. We talked about when he laid in the water but this was different. Kenny was as surprised as I was. I hauled Biscuit back to the ranch and he rolled in the dirt and took off for a drink.

Today was a red letter day. I was able to get Biscuit to keep going even when other horses stop. I was able to make him go even when the other horse was going towards the trailers. And best of all, I rode the trail by myself. I did once with Red but the last time I tried with Biscuit I had to walk him out as he flat our refused to go. Woo Hoo...I may turn into Annie Oakley!

Barry rode Sarge Thursday for several hours. He went all over Tyrrell Park and seemed to have had a great time. I know Sarge likes to GO!!

Biscuit Lays Down on a Ride and final miles of 530.4

2012-01-02T21:10:00.000-06:00

I actually made more miles than I thought I had and made a last ride of the year on New Year's Eve. So I actually got 530.4 miles for the year. Wow wee...I had originally hoped to get 400 miles. I have set a new goal of 600 miles for 2012. God willing and the creek don't rise, I will make that goal.

Kellie and I went riding on New Year's Eve. I went to the barn to get Biscuit and he didn't want to load up. I had to get the buggy whip and I backed him up snapping it on the ground. He decided that yes...by golly...he would GET in that trailer.

I got him tacked up and realized I didn't have his bridle. I had taken it out to wrap it up for Christmas. I tried Sarge's on him and it fit and the bit is literally the same. Sue had joined us and off we went. My saddle was a little loose but ok. We went down Willow Bayou and Sue stopped at the gravel road and Kellie and I kept going. Elan would stop and Biscuit was wanting to stop and do his back up baloney. I flopped the reins around his shoulders, put my heels into him, used the rein to keep him from turning and growled at him. He moved forward. We did this about 3 times and he finally just kept going in spite of Elan stopping. Good boy!!! I heaped praises on him. We went over the Willow Bayou Bridge and stopped to clean hooves. I tightened Biscuit's girth a bunch. I couldn't believe it was so loose. We mounted back up and Sue headed back because she can only ride Dulce so far. Kellie and I went straight to go the right side of the trails. Biscuit was walking slow and steady. I told Kellie he'd be alot more forward when he perceived we were on the way back. He trotted a little but not much...slow and steady and he was wet when we got back to Hildebrandt Bayou. His hair is long and it was wet...not dripping wet but wet all the same. We came up the other side and the hog's damage was so apparent. We got to the front part and turned left where the canal picks up.

Biscuit started "peanut rolling" which was kind of strange for him. When we got into the hairpin turn he shook from head to tail - I told Kellie he was so sweaty I was sure he was itchy. We went over the land bridge and he started rolling the peanut and then stopped and laid down. OMG that was so odd. I felt him going down and I stepped off of him pretty as you please. He was calm and I told him not to roll in his saddle but that didn't to seem to be his intention. He laid there for a while and then stood up and shook his head. His bridle came off his head and I put it back on. He shook his head again and off it came again. Kellie and I were surprised and confused at why he would lay down. His heart rate was perfect, I put my ear to his sweaty coat and he had gut sounds. I called Lee Ann P to ask her opinion. I reported everything - good gut sounds, calm, clear eye, good heart rate. She thought perhaps his girth had been a little tight. I walked him to the bridge and over and then girthed him up loosely and mounted up.

We mounted up and passed up some people riding which was strange to see people we didn't know out there. That is a rarity! We got down by the woods and Sue was out on the canal. Biscuit really perked up when he saw her and was moving very forward. I asked for a small trot and immediately got it and he slowed when I asked him to. We walked into the woods and to the right. I walked Biscuit all the way back to the trailer. I had tried to call Barry and he called me back when we were in the woods. I told him about Biscuit. When we came out of the woods I saw Barry driving down the road - he stopped, backed up and joined us. He petted Biscuit and asked me and Kellie what happened.

I loaded Biscuit up and headed back to the barn. I unloaded him and watched him closely. He rolled around a little and his back right leg looked a little stiff. I hung around and watched him for a while and then had to go deliver a wedding cake. We delivered the cake and then went out to eat with Kellie and Randy. I was concerned about Biscuit and Barry and I drove out to the ranch so I could check up on him. He and Sarge were in the middle of the pasture but they came over. Biscuit looked a little nervous - I would imagine the lights and us appearing in the dark was a little disconcerting to them.

I got up New Year's Day and went out around 10:00 AM and checked on him. He was just fine. I really think the girth was a little snug and making him uncomfortable. He didn't buck or act like an idiot...he just let me know the only way he knew how - he laid down!!! What a sweetie.

Doing the math - Biscuit and I logged 522.1 Miles!

2011-12-30T12:36:00.000-06:00

OK....I did the math for our rides. All but one was recorded on my GPS and the one I didn't have a GPS for was a ride I had made many times so the mileage was easy to come up with. I actually rode biscuit 522.1 miles on the trails for the year 2011. Amazing. I made the goal actually when we were riding at Brazos Bend. I met my first goal of 400 miles and surpassed it by 122 miles. I actually couldn't ride for nearly 4 weeks. I did one short 1 mile ride at the 3rd week - it is when I had knee surgery. Imagine the miles I could have racked up!!!

I made 74 trail rides this year..the shortest being .8 miles and the longest 13.6. It does show on this log a 15 mile ride but that was actually two rides in one day combined. The average for the months was 43.5 miles. I rode more miles in the last half of the year but that was because I went on 4 overnight trips during the last half of the year.

I did ride Biscuit in the arena quiet a bit when I first got him and have continued to do some riding there but not much. I am much for comfortable out on the trails.

I am looking forward to more riding in the year 2012. I do have a camping trip for training planned with Lee Ann up at Ebenezer the third week of January. The first weekend of February is our 25 mile limited distance ride. I also have an overnight trip to Ebenezer planned in February and March. April is up in the air as to where we will go to ride. For Memorial Day I do want to go riding somewhere - hopefully in Mississippi. I am setting a goal of 600 miles for 2012. I won't have a surgery leave to deal with and there are trips planned and I plan on RIDING.

It was so much fun to keep the log, make the trails on the Garmin and track everything. I will continue to do...all of my nerdiness is just bubbling to the surface!

I made my 500 mile goal with Biscuit!!!!

2011-12-25T20:30:00.001-06:00

Barry and I went for a Christmas Eve ride at Tyrrell Park. We loaded up the horses, Biscuit was a little reluctant to get in the trailer but he did anyway. We hauled out, parked on the grass to the far right so we wouldn't get stuck again and and saddled up. I forgot my steps and so I went over to the picnic table to mount up. I can mount from the ground - I did yesterday out on the bayou when we cleaned their hooves, but it is just easier from a mount. We went into the woods and I told Barry to go slow as it could be slippery. We went through the woods and out onto the bayou. It was overcast and 45 degrees but I wasn't cold. I had some serious layers on....Cuddl Duds, a short sleeve teeshirt, my L.L. Bean fleece plaid shirt and a red lined wind breaker and my purple gloves. We went down the bayou and Sarge was wanting to go up on the marsh levee. Biscuit stops dead in his tracks and refuses to go forward. I am turning him in circles and he would go a few steps and that was it. Backing up like a Chevy which I find annoying. Barry said to make him go...ok...easier said than done. I am still a whimpy rider!

Otter on Willow Bayou

I was turning him around and saw back towards the woods was an otter playing up on the top of the levee!!! He was about 150 yards away but we could see him plain as day. Barry wanted to go up to him to see him better but as soon as we got closer he headed for the water.

We headed back for the back and crossed the bridge. We got off and cleaned hooves. We crossed over the little land bridge and went around towards the back. We got around the turn and were about 1/3 of the way to the back and I felt it start to sprinkle just a little bit. We kept going and it started sprinkling more. Not raining but certainly sprinkling enough that my windbreaker was totally wet and the horses got total wet. We went through back by the bayou and it looked really pretty - even in winter the bayou is pretty. We came out at the other side, taking the narrow trail to the left and got wet from the trees. We walked down to the bayou and then turned back. We hadn't been trotting as I didn't want Barry bouncing around because of his recent eye surgery. Sarge was busting a gut to go and Biscuit had been having one of his kick him down the trails days like at the beach last week. But as soon as he knew we were heading back he was ready to go. We were trotting fast and Sarge was loping. That stretch is nice and smooth with very few cracks. Biscuit covered ground pretty fast but he didn't like getting too far ahead of Sarge. He will lead other horses well now but not Sarge. Sarge is in charge and Biscuit doesn't try to lead him!! We trotted quiet a ways and then walked. It was sprinkling and my hair was wet but neither Barry or I were cold. I love that kind of weather so I was happy as a clam. Barry is not too much on riding in the rain and Sarge thought it sucked. Biscuit didn't care. We crossed the bridge and we trotted going back up the bayou. I was watching out for cracks. I finally got a little tired standing up and we slowed. We went to the left in the woods because it is a shorter ride. Sarge slipped a little in the mud so we were going at a fast walk but nothing too quick as I didn't want a bowed tendon or any other issue. Barry had asked why I was standing at his fast trot and I said you can sore their backs sitting a fast trot. I had a blast riding in the rain. It felt wonderful. I got to the trailer and pulled his tack off quickly and put it in the trailer. We loaded the horses up and pulled out the poop. We headed back to the barn and the truck temp said 45 degrees.

Jaimie had already fed the horses and had gone - it was around 3:30 so I went into the barn and got their Safe Choice to give them. We unloaded them and cleaned poop again. Better to clean right then than later. We left the tack in and headed home to a warm bath.

I uploaded my Garmin track and it was 7.8 miles so I made 501.2 miles on Biscuit for the year. Biscuit actually has probably 16 miles more than I do as Robin and Kenny have both rode him on trail rides at Ebenezer when I had cakes to do. He has turned into a great trail horse. We are still working on issues - making him stay on the rein and keeping collected, jogging at a very slow pace, cantering instead of galloping - and he is doing a great job. He isn't perfect but he is willing, sweet natured and just a pleasure to be around. He got several little treats from me after the ride and some alfalfa in the trailer. What more could horses want?

Short Christmas Ride with Kellie

2011-12-23T23:33:00.000-06:00

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Texas

Elan and Biscuit in the Brenderup.

Cattail Marsh on a winter's day

We got stuck in the mud

Kellie and I rode out at Tyrrell Park yesterday. I picked her up and it was an adventure getting Elan in the Brenderup. We made it though and had a good time. It was a short ride, but fun. We came out of the woods onto the road and I was going to go back into the woods to work with Biscuit's reluctance to go away from horses. There were two men in the woods - a black man and a white man. I left the woods. I didn't want to run into is the unsavory types of people that frequent the park. Several prominent men have be arrested for unsavory behavior (that is as delicately as I can put it on this blog!) in the park. Never saw them on the trails though. Ugh. Kellie asked whether we should call the police but I didn't see them doing anything that was wrong. I just wasn't going down the trail with them in the woods by myself.

We untacked the horses - we rode 3.6 miles. We tried loading the horses and Elan wasn't wanting to load up. We ended up putting him on the left hand side. Biscuit on the right. Got in the Rav, turned the key and NOTHING. No juice. OMG. The battery was put in Tueday brand new! I tried again. Nothing. Pulled the key out and opened the door. The alarm/horn went off...Kellie was calling Barry on my phone. I got the alarm/horn to shut up and put the key in again and the lights flickered. I did it again and it fired up. I started to pull out and my RAV was just spinning. Gaaaaaa!!!!!! I backed it up and then tried to go forward. I didn't go forward! Back again, tried to go forward. No go. I finally just backed it up to get out. We turned left at the barn to go back to Kellie's. I was going to turn on LeBelle Road and it went BumpBumpBumpBump like it did when Biscuit turned sideways in the trailer. OMG I didn't want to scare Biscuit or Elan. I stopped and checked the tires to make sure it wasn't a blow out or something like that. I flipped on the flashers and we went slow all the way to Kellie's house. When we turned left is when we got the bumps...just like last time.

I sprayed the hitch thingy with WD40 that Randy loaned me. What a darling. I put Biscuit on the left hand side of the trailer and Randy guided me to back up the trailer down their driveway. I put some Furazone on Biscuit's boo boo's. Poor Baby. He was a good boy and I used my new Taylor Made tack today. I liked it.

Biothane Tack for Christmas

2011-12-22T11:10:00.000-06:00

I asked Barry for Taylored Biothane Tack for Christmas and he said I could order it for my present. I called Amanda at Taylored Tack and discussed with her which bridle would be best. For looks, I liked the Comanche but the Pawnee's bit would remove faster and easier and since Biscuit often has head/mouth issues I chose the Pawnee. I ordered the closed rein and popper. All with the Purple Maise overlay over Purple Biothane.

It came in Monday and I thought it was actually cake items I ordered from Jennifer. I set the box aside and opened it a little later and I just squealed! It was my tack!!! I loved it. I went out to the barn Tuesday and was going to try it on Biscuit but it had rained cats and dogs and their pasture had a lake in front of the gate with Sarge planted firmly in front so Biscuit wouldn't come up close. I wasn't getting my boots wet and anyway, Biscuit was covered in mud. Lee Ann P had received hers in so we were up on the wash rack trying Legato's hon her. She looked fantastic in it. Lee Ann adjusted some of the straps and fiddled with the bit strap and the cavasson. I gave Legato some treats for being such a good girl while we played dress up.

I went out there yesterday and pulled up Biscuit. He wasn't as dirty as he was yesterday! I pulled him up on the wash rack and brushed him off. I put the halter bridle on him and it looked gorgeous. I am not a fan of bridle with halter but I bought this for function not looks. I may later buy just a bridle but I am thinking I have way too much tack!!!! I took some pictures with my phone of Biscuit in his tack.

Brazos Bend Ride

2011-12-20T16:19:00.000-06:00

Friday's Ride

Saturday's Ride

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Sunday's Ride

Friday finally got here and I was at the barn at 7:00 AM in the freaking rain. Lee Ann P and I had been watching the weather and decided to go no matter what. I brought Biscuit up and got him fed. The others arrived and we got the last things loaded up and then loaded the horses. We took off for Brazos. We had a good trip down but it was raining and overcast. We arrived and registered at the park and then had to make our way to the equestrian park. We went down a lumpy bumpy road that lasted forever!!!

When we got to the equestrian area, we had to set up camp. We had 7 panels. I bought 3, Lee Ann P bought 2 and the ranch had 2. We were able to use the fence that was there and the entry gate. It went up faster than I thought it would. We unloaded the horses and Biscuit was a little nervous but he was ok.

The new air mattress

We got the camp all set up - I slept in the back with an air mattress - and I had made soup in advance
so we were set. We hauled water in buckets from the water trough....omg that was hard and there has to be an easier way. We saddled up and went for a ride. All of the horses were a little jittery...Biscuit was but he settled down after going down the trail. We sang Christmas songs - which may account for Biscuit settling down. I am sure he thought if I would just shut up he'd behave! We went down Sawmill Road Trail and it loops into a gravel road. Biscuit wasn't too excited about the gravel and rocks. He wanted to walk on the side that was very soft. I believe they had laid a little water line and he sunk into it probably fetlock deep but he never got in a flap...he just kept going.

Saw Dust Road Trail

Huge Oak Tree makes a great back drop!

I wonder how old this tree is?

Water tank for a quick drink

The horses were a little nervous about this tank for a little bit. They finally all drank out of it though. This was near the river side trail and it was cooler over there and I was sorry I didn't have my gloves!! It was a nice ride and we all had a good time.

I heated up the soup in the hot pot but it took a while. The generator kept kicking it off and I would have to turn it off and turn it back on. We finally unplugged the halogen light and we were then "cookin' with gas". The soup was good except I forgot the noodles. What an idiot. It was rough going building the fire because it was so freaking damp!

Singing around the campfire!!

Biscuit and Legato

Biscuit followed Legato around like a puppy - he was stuck to her like glue. There were a few little squeals and dust ups with horses but nothing bad.

It was cold but we were just fine by the fire. When we went to bed I kept slipping out of the sleeping bag and I was cold!! LOL I asked Lee Ann P to help me zip it up. OMG I was laughing so hard that I almost had asthma!! We kept hearing something running over the top of the trailer and Lee P said something was scratching the window up where the bed was....AAACCCKKK!!

We all woke up alive though. We got up before the crack of dawn. We tossed out more hay for the horses and just kicked back and enjoyed the fire we restarted. Later I made us Egg McMuffins.

When we fed the horses we had a real dust up. Lee Ann P had salted the food and I think Legato wanted to check out Biscuit's - I am sure to let him know whether it was edible or not. He thought his food was just fine and got really upset - swung around, ears back, her ears were back and he fired off with both back feet and kicked the snot out of Legato. Poor girl. She was limping a little but seemed ok.

I put Biscuit's hoof boots on so that when we went down the gravel rode he would not be ouchie on his feet. We went along at a walk and it was a gorgeous sunshiny day. We came upon a couple with a stroller. Biscuit was walking towards them and I reined him to the far right and when we came abreast of them he got really excited, butt moving around and side passing. I think he didn't understand what the little creature was in the stroller. He was fine when we got past it but he was a little worried about it for a minute!! We went around to the 3 mile trail that dead ends. It was the prettiest trail of the system.

Saturday's ride

Saturday's Ride

The colors were pretty and we were under a canopy of trees quiet a bit of the time. Some up and down and winding around trees. We did some trotting and it was just a blast! Biscuit took off just before we got to another trail and he was galloping but listened when I asked him to slow down. He is a good boy. I couldn't ask for better.

We rode 12.9 miles Saturday. We trotted coming back but then we slowed to a walk and walked all the way down the trail by the road. Legato wasn't feeling her best after getting the snot kicked out of her. She was giving Biscuit the evil eye all day. She was not a happy camper with him.

We got back to the camp and Legato was sucking up her gut and then she lifted up her back left leg and was trying to bite under her stomach. Lee Ann P gave her 10cc of Banamine. We watched her to make sure she wouldn't colic as she wasn't eating. She passed some stool that was so hard it bounced. Yes-bounced. She passed several more stools that were very hard but she was passing them.

We needed to go get more water so I emptied my ice chest and Lee Ann P and I rolled it over to the water trough (about 125 yards or so) and filled up the ice chest and rolled it back. OMG way way way easier than hauling water in buckets. We filled up the water buckets in the pen and that was so much easier on the back!!

We got the camp fire going again and Lee Ann P was prepared to do the Dutch Oven cooking. She started with the briquets in the fire can and then put the peach cobbler together. Then the chicken dish - we had a big laugh because she forgot the rice so we decided to have it over English muffins.

Peach Cobbler

preparing the coals

Delicious chicken dinner

I can truly say we ate like royalty. Great food and it was hot!!!! After riding in the cold weather something hot to eat was nice. Hot showers in the LQ weren't too bad either!!!

We heard coyote's howling all around us Saturday night and they didn't sound too far away. It was kinda neat to hear in person and not on TV!!! It wasn't as cold Saturday night as it had been Friday night. A cat had appeared that we made friends with ... he was a very pretty tom cat.

Sunday morning we sat around the campfire and watched the sunrise. We decided to pack up camp before we rode. I took down my air mattress and we were all packing, cleaning and sorting. Then we moved into putting the panels back on the trailer. We tied up the horses and the panels weren't too hard to get back on the trailer. We did learn a few things about it and next time it will be easier than this time.

We then tacked up and took a little ride. Down the pink trails that went to no where!!! We enjoyed the ride and then came back, loaded up and hauled home.

We are already planning our ride in January in Ebenezer. Woot! Can't wait. The reservation is made for January 21 and 22.

Working on Sarge's feet

2011-12-14T22:09:00.002-06:00

I went out to the barn today and Lee Ann P and Allison were on the wash rack with some of the horses. They had already put drops in Biscuit's eyes...what a great group of people that I hang around with!!! They said that Sarge was all up in their Kool Aid wanting to be petted and loved on.

Crimson Dancer was on the wash rack and her feet look so different than this past February...this is what barefoot trimming can accomplish....

Crimson Dancer's left front hoof in February 2011

Crimson Dancer's feet December 14, 2011

Wow. What a difference. Crimson has for months actually, been able to gallop around her pasture and was able to stand on the wash rack in total comfort. In February she was standing on a cushion. Lee Ann P has worked with her all year long to bring her back to normal looking hooves and comfort for the horse. She has made a believer out of all of us at the barn.

I went down to see Biscuit and Sarge. Biscuit is looking just fine. His chest has a slight puffiness but that is all. His eye looks totally normal.

Sarge followed me up to the front and I put his halter on and led him up to the wash rack. I got my trimming tools out and started on his feet. He has such good feet...he walked over the rocks coming up the road with total ease.

Some of his soles were flaking out and his bars were prominent. I cleaned up the frogs and trimmed and rasped his hooves with a mustang roll. He was a bit of a pill about it. He isn't mean - just thinks he is in charge. I was some kind of tired when I got through with his feet. He would sometimes just refuse to pick up that foot. LOL I won though - and he had his feet done and was hugged up a zillion times...with some alfalfa thrown in.

Before I started front left hoof

Cleaned out flaking sole and trimmed bars and frog

Front hooves after trim

Front hooves

Back Hooves after trim

I brushed Sarge's tail out. It was full of hard, stiff grass. I cleared out his mane and tail with Show Sheen and sprayed his body with SS and brushed his coat. He looked so pretty!!! He is such a gorgeous boy!

I walked him down to the pasture later. After that I put up the sleeping bags and bed linens I brought into the trailer. We are getting so excited about going!

Lee Ann P was riding Mi Tigh in the arena and Julia was working with Shalom. I left and came back later with Barry and we gave the horses some alfalfa.

Biscuit is better

2011-12-13T23:37:00.002-06:00

I went out to the barn and pulled up Biscuit. His eye is better. There is still a very small amount of swelling on his upper eye lid.

Looking so much better!!!

Warm compress to his eye

Drops for his eye

Another view

I put him on the wash rack and went to get hot water. I put hot compresses on his eye. He was a little antsy about it but settled down and let me put the hot rag on his eye. I put the drops in without too much flak...just little. I figured out the shot needle and pulled up 10cc of bannamine and injected it into his left neck area. Poor guy...a drop of blood came out. I got the rag to wash it off.

Lee Ann and I looked at his eye closely. I dreamed last night it was getting cloudy. Ugh...it was PERFECT. I noticed that he has a slight swelling in his right chest area. I think he was aggravating Sarge and Sarge let him have it. Biscuit probably whapped his head on something getting away from Sarge. Sigh...when will he ever learn to leave Sarge alone?

Slight Swelling

Another picture

I later put more drops and Allison put the last batch in and put him in his paddock. God Bless Allison. She is a total sweetheart and I think I am going to adopt her!

I decided it was time to put the new girth on my saddle while waiting to put in more drops. I took the old girth off...oh my goodness - it stinks. Biscuit can be a smelly boy!!! I took the guards off this time ONE AT A TIME!! I put them back on carefully. It fits but I think a 30" one might have been better but I am happy with it.

I brought out the air mattress and fan and put them in the trailer. Lee Ann and I discussed weather and we are hoping for no rain. Overcast we can do...rain will bite! Her hubby made the braces for the panels to go on the trailer.

4 panels attached to the side of the trailer

Braces that Doug P. made and Edgar and Jaime put on!!! Wow!

Portable Corral on the side of the Featherlite

We filled up the water tank and loaded tack. I cleaned my bit off and attached my new AMTS reins that I got in about 6 weeks ago! I put my saddle, bridle, pad and pommel bags in the back compartment. I also put my rasp, nippers and a bottle of fly spray in the door compartment. I emptied both the grooming and farrier bag to take just what is needed. I put in hoof boots, brush, little heart curry comb and mane brush. I took the fuchsia colored closed reins just in case something happens to my reins. Lee Ann and I both took our "long" ropes. I took some Ickthamol and Silvadene in case of galls. I always have a hoof pick in the water bottle carrier. Heart monitor and Garmin are in the bag.

We are both so excited and I know Lee Ann B and Esther are too. We filled up the water container in the trailer so we have water!! We have an Astroturf mat to put down in the back of the trailer where Esther and I will be. That will work for me...I was coughing in the front of the trailer the other day. I will be better off in the back.

Still got to put my food in, clothes and bed linen. We are leaving around 7:30 or so from the barn. We will stop in Winnie to pick up Esther and Hershey and then off to Brazos Bend Park. We will have to set up camp when we get there - wash out the trailer and let it dry. Set up the corral panels for the horses to stay in. I am hoping we can get in a ride around 2:00. That will give us a few hours to ride.

Biscuit has a black eye!

2011-12-13T21:52:00.001-06:00

I went out to the barn and paid my board. Everyone was visiting with Mr. Gus and Ms. Jean. They are so funny!! The Lee Anns and I went and checked out the trailer for our trip, moved some stuff out, made the bed...well, I tucked in the corner of the sheets. My Coggins for The Biscuit is in the trailer. We are all hoping for good weather.

I went down to get Biscuit and Lee Ann B and I were going to ride around the back. When I got to his paddock and he walked up, I saw that his eye was draining and swollen. Poor guy. I took him up front and Allison and Lee Ann P looked at it. Lee Ann had some drops for it but I decided to take him to the vet because I need my own drops and I wanted to make sure he hadn't cut his cornea. I called Dr. Schneider's office and they said to bring him in. I had to go home and get my trailer and come back and load him up.

I hauled him to Doc's and we put him in the stock and Doc looked at his eye. He said it was swollen and had some inflammation. He put the dye in Biscuit's eye to check to see if it had an abrasion on his cornea. Thank God there was no abrasion. He gave him a shot of Bannamine and put drops in his eyes. He said to put a hot compress on it when I put the drops in it. By the time I had got to Doc's it had improved from when I first saw it.

He got the meds for me and it was $114. I led him to the trailer and he gave me some flak getting in but he finally did. I hauled Biscuit back to the barn and he ate on the way. I put a warm compress on his eye and he was good about it. I think it felt good so he didn't fight me over it. I put him back in his paddock. I will be back tomorrow to put drops in.

Biscuit's black eye

Swollen and draining

Checking for abrasions

In the stock

I don't want to be in the stock...I'll close my eyes.

I am still in the stocks...ugh

My eye is fat

It is fat and draining...this was taken at Plum Nearly

Biscuit Black Eye

Gee, that horse is the same color as me...and look...it has purple on too...but I am cuter!!

After the compress

Wet from the compress

another view

It is still swollen

Back in my paddock!! Sarge is blowing raspberries!