....Trail Riding in Texas...

Hot Ride

2012-05-21T22:31:00.002-05:00

Kellie came to PNR today to try on saddles. I pulled up The Biscuit and tacked him up. He was a good boy today about being saddled up. Kellie tried the Steele saddle and really loved it. We went down the ranch road and Biscuit was listening to Kellie when she kissed up Elan - I had to put his brakes on and tell him to listen to me not her!! Sarge came blowing up to the fence but Biscuit behaved. For two cents he'd have been galloping but he listens. We went out towards the back and saw two coyotes! I have never seen them out there. We rode to the WindMill and OMG it was SCORCHING HOT. My face was on fire and I had my cool vest, cool hat and Frogg Togg neck towel on and I was still burning up.

Kellie then tried to Sharon Saare but she liked the Steele Saddle best. We visited with The Lee Ann's and Lee Ann's pretty daughter Devin. It was so nice to see my barn buddies - I haven't been out there much due to working on the cake kitchen. I MISS riding. I am going to try to go this week by myself and ride Saturday and Sunday with Lee Ann and hopefully Kellie too. The cake kitchen has taken up quiet a bit of my time this week but it is what pays for the horses and I am so glad to be getting my own space!

Riding Solo

2012-05-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

I made my first SUCCESSFUL solo ride at Tyrrell Park today. I have rode the trails solo, once on Red and twice on Biscuit, but this was the first time I hauled him out to the park and rode a complete circuit. I had taken him out once when I first got him and he refused to move forward after about a 8 minute walk!!

I didn't get to the park until 6:00 PM. I waited until it had cooled off. I went to tack him up and he always spazzes out I saddle him up. He moves towards me trying to evade the saddle and he pushed into me with his shoulder and I stumbled backwards, dropped the saddle and fell backwards. Gaaa!!! I got up, told him sternly to HOLD STILL, got him saddled and mounted up. He stood like a champ to be saddled. We took off and he was a good boy. He moved slowly through the woods and wasn't inclined to trot which was ok. We went all the way around and I was so proud of him and of me. We got to the end and he turned his face into the woods like I made him do last year and turned to go out. He had some foam under his saddle when I dismounted. We rode 1.8 miles. I washed him off and he is getting better about accepting water spray to the face.

I gave him some treats and then hauled him back home.

It was a red letter day for me and for The Biscuit.

Visiting The Biscuit

2012-05-12T23:12:00.000-05:00

I hadn't seen my horses in a couple of days - bad weather and working on cakes kept me away. I went out there today and they came up from the back of the paddock. Biscuit is just such a sweetie. Barry and I pulled some clover and fed it to them.

Kellie and I are going to try to get in a ride tomorrow afternoon. Can't wait. Going to Ebenezer next weekend to ride. I have to deliver a wedding cake around 11:30 Saturday in Vidor, return home, get the Brenderup and Biscuit and head up to Ebenezer. I am going to get Barry to put the A/C in it early along with the cot. I will bring home tack and load the trailer on Thursday. Randy is going to help me get the A/C into the door God Bless him.

Here is some pictures of Biscuit in his new Aussie Saddle and him rolling in the pasture. Look at that tongue hanging out!!!

Biscuit The Pill

2012-05-10T00:38:00.001-05:00

I went out to the barn today and pulled Biscuit up. He was a good boy while I brushed him and tacked him up. Couldn't have asked him to be better. I put his new Aussie Saddle on and stepped up and on quickly. The stirrups were too short so I got off and lengthened them. I remounted with no problem and we started off. He went along just fine when we were walking but she I asked for a jog he was rushing. When I asked him to slow down he stuck out his neck and tossed his head somewhat and kept trying to take the bit.

Ugh...we went round and round and walked. Walked. Tried to jog - he'd try to take off. I would ask him to slow down and he would stop. I finally got a semi decent round out of him. I only rode 15 minutes and he was not a fun ride. He wasn't horrible but he wasn't a pleasure either.

I found Allison's medical bracelet in the arena and gave it to Lee-Ann to put in their locker. I called Allison to let her know I found it - she was so glad! I told her Biscuit had been a pill and for her too work his butt off the next time she rides him.

I am going to try to go out and ride him in the morning. It may be more of the same but I am going to work him anyway. I think I am going to lounge him first and then get on. I don't want Biscuit to be a pill!!! I don't know if it was because of the new saddle or just because he was just being a pill because he wants to GO!!! Doesn't really matter. He needs to do what I say when I ask. We will work on those skills.

Ordered the new Allegany

2012-05-07T21:21:00.002-05:00

I talked to Staci this morning about the saddle. This is what I decided on:

A Renegade Endurance saddle withe the slim endurance pommel. It will be the medium oil chestnut. I like that color! It will have bob wire stamping on the saddle and stirrups. It will not have drop rigging though. I am not a fan of that. Slim curved fenders. Horse Shoe hardware and 8 latigo ties. I told Staci to feel free to carve a horse in the fenders! She tried her hand a leather carving and I thought it looked great.

Here are some examples of Renegades

Fender like this

Tooling somewhat like this

Color like this

I traded my Skito pad to her in exchange for an Equipedic pad in purple. It will be like this Biscuit will be stylin'. It will match his bridle. I certainly hope this saddle fits. I don't want Biscuit to have any problems at all. I took the fit kit to the post office and mailed it. I put the Skito pad inside and it fit.

I went out to the barn and talked with The Lee Ann's and Allison. Allison rode Biscuit last week and she said he did a good job. She is working on his cantering. I will have to get her to coach me soon so that I can feel comfortable cantering in the arena. That is where I feel least comfortable!

I went down the road to see the boys and gave Biscuit a snack on the sly and gave them both handfuls of clover. They are both looking fantastic. Biscuit was a little dirty. I may have to go wash him off tomorrow.

I got home and UPS delivered the new girth and new saddle pad for the Aussie. I will try to go out to the barn tomorrow and ride Biscuit in the new stuff. I won't be getting the new saddle for 7-8 weeks or so. I am not expecting it until the middle of July. May get it earlier and I will consider that a bonus!

Clod Hopping in Tyrrell Park

2012-05-06T22:54:00.002-05:00

Lee Ann B and I met Kellie out at Tyrrell Park at 10:30 this morning. I went to saddle up Biscuit and when I put the blankets on he started to move. I spoke very sternly to him and told him to STAND STILL and bless his heart, he did. He always tries to evade the saddle.

Kellie got a new saddle - her flextree saddle is what was hurting his back. She has tried several on him including my new Aussie and Barry's, LeeAnn P's Sharon Saare. She bought one at Liberty Tack and it is a hard seat ranch saddle. It is a nice looking saddle. We tacked up and I turned Kellie's stirrup so she could get her foot into it. It needs to be turned.

We rode into the woods...Biscuit was leading - after a little pop on the shoulder with a crop. He was a good boy today. The trails were dry but where horses had gone through the mud it was hardened into clods that were difficult to navigate. We went out and down the bayou to the bridge. It was hot as all get out. On the way back just before we went into the woods again Biscuit got a little goofy and a pop with the crop settled him down. We went to the right had side of the woods and walked around. We walked out of it near the road so we could get out of the clods. We went to the trailers and Kellie opted not to ride around again. Lee Ann and I went back into the woods and around again. We came to where we had gone out and Biscuit wanted to go out of the woods instead of following Rogue! LOL he kept trying at each exit to go out so he didn't have to walk on the clods! We got to the top of the trail head and Biscuit remembered that I make him go back and forth and NOT just head out and then I would make him go to the area across from the trail head and stand with his head facing the woods. LOL He headed right for that spot....stopped...faced the woods....then turned himself around to go! I cracked up laughing at him - he is just way too funny...and smart too boot.

I took his tack off - we had gone 6.2 miles. He got several treats and then I rinsed him off. I sprayed the water in the air to wash his face. He is still a little reluctant about that but he is getting better.

One the way back to the barn and idiot pulled out in front of me in my lane and then went down the middle of the two lanes. I had to slam on my brakes OMG I nearly had a cow.

I can say that my Brenderup behaved so wonderfully...I slowed quickly and so did the B'up!!!

Catching up

2012-05-06T22:14:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in awhile! Sarge is looking fabulous - thank God. Still has a yukky spot where the skin was kind of burned by the Capsan. He looks like he has a little bit of a summer sore. I treated it with the potion that Dr. Sherwood made for me. Biscuit looks like he has gained weight since we haven't rode very much!

I did Biscuit's feet last week. I had his front left foot on the stand and Edgar shot a pigeon and Ginger ran into the arena! Biscuit can off the stand and kinda had a little hissy. LOL I told Edgar to give me warning before shooting pigeons!! Biscuit's feet looked like the pits after our trip to Kitsatchie. Looks like some bruising. I gave Biscuit a bath and scrubbed his mane and tail. I have been giving them alfalfa on a regular basis and they are both shiny and slick looking now.

Going to Kisatchie with The Lee Anns

2012-04-24T09:56:00.000-05:00

Kisachie with The Lee Anns 1st Ride

Went too far trail

Gorgeous Star Trail


Are you back there Legato?

Thursday was a busy day getting ready to go to Kisatchie. I had to go to banks and cash checks, run to the grocery store, run home and make a casserole, pack and get out the door. I pulled up The Biscuit, loaded my stuff into the 3 horse slant and we took off. What a fun ride - The Lee Anns are always so much fun.

We got to Kisatchie after a little snaffoo in directions. We unloaded the horses and put them in the stalls and unloaded our stuff. Lee Ann B had made us a terrific broccoli chicken casserole so we never starve! We had to jack a microwave from another cabin as ours didn't have the micro and fridge they were supposed to have.

We got up Friday morning and puttered around, fed the horses and I took Biscuit down to the round pen and let him walk around and stretch his legs. We met some of the other guests - Denise and Troy, Justine and her husband - darn, can't remember his name! that are originally from York, England, and Cathy and her husband that live there during the winter months.

We finally tacked up and headed out with maps. We went down the Wind Chime Trail. Biscuit was a little frisky but not much considering the horse has barely been rode in the last month. He got tangled up in some vines like Tony's horse did there last year. He didn't panic though and backed up-went forward-backed up til he was free. I sat as still as I could while he got himself out of it and considered where I would have to bale off!!! He freed himself and that was it. Good Boy. Lee Ann P said the map we were using was dead on and I left the navigating the map to her as I was pretty sure of where I was as we had rode this trail with Mr. Weber last year. Also, without my glasses it is hard to see the map!!! The new little Cashel Trail Kit really comes in handy!!! I did stop and put on my glasses so I could see the map and my memory was pretty good about where I was at.

We stopped to go around a culvert and I remembered that is where we took pictures going through the little creek. We stopped and got off for a little rest. I went over to the place where we had gone through and made sure the horses wouldn't bog down. It was solid so it was no problem. I went back to where Biscuit was and was standing there and then stepped back and into a tree hole. Down I went on my butt. I am sure Biscuit was cracked up laughing on the inside!

I went to mount up and did a go over AGAIN. He stepped towards me and then forward and I pitched over the top, same thing as last time and was afraid my foot would hang in Barry's stirrup and whop!!! I fell flat on my back when Biscuit moved around - I was just glad he didn't step on me and the stump I hit was rotten. I took him over to a tree that was down and it was maybe 3" off the ground and it helped. I mounted with no problem and held his reins tighter. We went through the little creek without a hitch. We traveled the same route I had before down by the horses that came running up to us. We got off and walked the horses. Biscuit was ok with it last time but you never know. Better safe than sorry. We did some trotting which was fun. We rode 7.1 miles and just had a blast.

Bad weather was on its way and Kellie texted that it started raining in Jasper at 2:00 PM and rained for 12 hours over there. Ugh. We had gorgeous weather Friday - clear skies, LOW humidity, mild temperatures. What could have been better than that?

I gave Biscuit a huge bag of hay which he promptly devoured. I had moved him to a middle stall as the other was to wet for me. I didn't mind the smaller stalls but I didn't like them being wet. We tacked up later for another ride - Biscuit was an ass about being saddled and I dropped my saddle. We only rode about a mile or so and came back due to threatening weather.

We ate my Mexican Casserole I had made and it was pretty good. It started raining that evening but it wasn't a heavy rain.

Saturday it was overcast and chilly. I was able to get on line and see that it would clear around 3:00. Lee Ann P decided not to ride but Lee Ann B and I tacked up and rode out at 1:00 PM. We went down to one that I had rode part of before. It was now marked as a double red dot trail. Biscuit was being pretty darn frisky and wanting to MOVE out. They were a little explosive I think due to being too long in a stall and cool weather. I wanted to stop and look at the map and he kept moving around - I slapped his neck and growled at him. Still wanting to move out - I put him in the lead - we switched back and forth on that - and he settled down. We kept going at an 8 mile loop marker and later my Garmin went out...the batteries died. I knew we had to go west but trails do loop around. Anyway we followed one trail and kept going til we hit a Louisiana Camp Site that was closed. We rode up to the road and the gate was locked. Thank God some kids turned in that were looking for a place to 4 wheel. Lee Ann kicked down the boards because there was wire fences. We let the horses out and Troy and Sarah went to tell Lee Ann P to come get us. What sweet kids!!! We rode about 11 miles and Lee Ann and Cathy came and picked us up.

Little Creek

What a cute bridge

Biscuit looks to Rogue to get his opinion on the crossing of a bridge!!

Sister, I do NOT want to go over that bridge first....let Rogue go!!

Super Rogue - he was a trooper!!!

Look at Rogue Go!!!

Piece of Cake Biscuit...just follow Rogue

Biscuit followed like a good boy

The sweet couple that helped us!!! Their momma's raised them right!!!

Rogue by Hwy 112

Biscuit waiting for his transport

Thought we were going to have to eat berries for dinner!!!

Pretty Black Berries

Lee Ann with our ride!!!!

Ooops!!! Had to get out somehow!!!

Another horsey friend stopped to make sure we were ok

Kisatchie Forest

Biscuit did seem to get a little tired on this ride or maybe it was just being tenderfooted. He did knock a little chunk out of his coronet band, probably on a root or something like that. Tons of roots out there. We got back to the 4B and I put Biscuit in his stall and made sure he had his water, hay and feed. He was a happy camper.

I did realize that no matter how short you think a ride is - take the phone. We, thank God, weren't lost. I could have turned around and got back the way I came but it would have been dark when we got back. We ran into a band of 14 hogs - a couple of big ones and mostly little ones. Who wants to run into that at night and spook your horse? Not me!!!

I also realized that I will ride now with extra fresh batteries in the Cashet Trail Kit. I am going to get new batteries for my little square flashlight and keep fresh batteries for that in the kit too. It has a nice strong beam. Matches to start a fire if needed. I will get some and put the little waterproof first aid container that I have. Hummm...I am going to make a post on what to take no matter what!!!

Sarge is Ok!!!! Ava meets the horses

2012-04-19T06:01:00.001-05:00

I called Doc Wednesday morning and Cassie set me up with a 9:30 appointment. I hitched the Brenderup to the Rav (thank God it hitched up just fine...that is another story about what happened to my hitch at Modica Brothers!) and was going down Central Blvd when Cassie called. She said that Doc had a call out on colic and could be change the appointment to 6:00 PM.

I put up the trailer and didn't have trouble with it at all. What happened was when I went to get it last week it was in the front of Modica's instead of the back where I left it. I wondered how they moved it because it had the lock in the ball. I thought they would just use a jack to take the tire off. I went in to pay and they said no charge. Hummm...that is odd. Why no charge I wondered. I backed up to it and couldn't get the key in the lock. I tried several times. I went inside and asked if something had happened to my trailer. They put it on a ball of a truck or something and had to take their receiver hitch off to get it off the ball. He came outside with me to look at the key/lock issue and asked I had the right key. I said the very ones I used yesterday. Ugghghghghghghghghgh....I went home and got the original key. Came back - it doesn't fit either and looks like the lock has been squished so the key won't go in. I called Kay at Leibe and Lucas where I bought the trailer. She said to try to tap the key in or I'd have to have a keysmith drill it out. OMG. The guy was able to tap the key in and turn it with pliers. He apologized for my inconvenience. OMG my lock is toast. I wouldn't trust it at all now. I did tell him I thought they would just jack up my trailer and take the tire off. I said I would have preferred that they called me and said they couldn't repair the tire unless I removed the lock. When I hauled the trailer Sunday I had a little trouble get it on the ball and take it off.

So back to my vet story. I went out to the barn to give Sarge a medicated bath. I pulled him up out of the pasture and he was such a good boy. I took him to the main barn. Dr. Sherwood, Ms. Jean and Lee Ann were working on Jabarre in the clinic. He was getting his eye sewed up, his teeth floated and his sheath cleaned. Poor guy!!!

Lee Ann had looked at Sarge earlier and said she thought that patch would slough off. Ms. Jean wasn't so sure. She said she has had huge parts slough off. Gaaaa!!!!

I used warm water to give Sarge a good bath - I used my curry comb to scrub him down and was pulling tons of hair out. He was a little nervous hearing the drill they were using on Jabarre. He didn't like it so much when Doc Sherwood did his teeth a few years ago. I made sure to really rinse him off good. I took him outside and he was pretty darn shiny on most of his body. Even the long hair.

Shiny Sarge


Hummm...I will be riding you before you know it Sarge!!!!

I took him on the outside washrack and brushed him with the Furminator and pulled off more hair. He seemed a little tender skinned and hollowed his back when I was going down his back. I tried to be very careful so I didn't hurt him. I put Cowboy Magic in his mane and tail and combed them smooth.

I asked Dr. Sherwood to look at Sarge and he said that bay horses sometimes shed out a little differently than other horses - often looking just like Sarge - ratty in the places because literally all of the hair falls out. He said the Capsan blistered his skin in the wrinkly place. (OMG I felt terrible!!) He said to just wash Sarge in Tide - without bleach - when I think that he is getting rain rot. Save myself some money he said. I wanted to pay him but he said no - that way I wouldn't be pissed off if it didn't work!!! LOL He is so funny.

Well, aren't you a cutie patootie

Lee Ann told him I was putting the Captan on full strength and he said he'd never heard of that and perhaps I had misunderstood. Lee Ann said no, she didn't misunderstand because I was there when she called them back and confirmed the method. AAAAACCCKKKK! I felt so bad causing this poor fellow any moment of discomfort, pain or aggravation.

I later gave Sarge his West Nile Shot. Poor baby, he has been through the ringer. His coat is very shiny and soft where he has shed off. I told Barry it is important for him to rinse him off after riding - this horse obviously has sensitive skin. My horse as a teenager, Gal, was a little bay horse much like Sargent. Probably about his size when grown. I don't remember her looking funny shedding out but of course, that doesn't mean EVERY bay horse looks like doody shedding out!

I got Biscuit out of the pasture and washed his mane. The medication had got in the last part of his mane and it was thick black strings from the meds, the sun screen and dirt. It took two scrubbings with shampoo and OxyClean to get it out. I tried his new saddle on him and the girth is a little short I think. I tried Lee Ann's expensive girth on him and took him into the arena and yeah....it's an Aussie. It slipped twice. Had to tighten and finally got on. We went around the arena a few times and I can tell he hasn't been ridden. I can't get another girth before we leave for Kisatchie so I am going to take the Billy Cook.

I lounged Biscuit for 20 minutes. 10 minutes to the right and he went quickly when asked. That is the side he usually gives me trouble and spins around in a circle like he is confused. Not today. 10 minutes at a trot. He finally stopped himself and turned the other way! LOL he is so funny. Jarbarre was racing around the arena and Biscuit did some cantering in that direction. He was barely damp but I rinsed him off anyway.

Barry arrived when I was down at the paddock and we got them horses some alfalfa. Barry got it at Tractor Supply and it is VERY compressed. Sarge pawed his because it is so compact. Barry pulled it apart for him and then he was happy. Barry read Biscuit the riot act last week for getting up in his Kool Aid while giving them alfalfa. Biscuit hadn't forgot and was much better about waiting til Barry gave him his alfalfa.

Julia is moving but will be coming back to see Shalom til she is able to move her. I promised to take pics and put them on the blog. She gave me a hug and we made plans to ride in June.

Barry and I kept the kids and took them to eat at Cracker Barrel and then out to see the horses so Ava could meet the boys. She wasn't afraid and tried to poke Sarge in the eye and grab his ear. LOL Sarge is so sweet. Kayden gave Biscuit and Sarge clover and led Sarge around by his lead rope.

Treating Sarge and Biscuit

2012-04-17T22:36:00.000-05:00

I have been putting the Captan on Sarge and the other meds on Biscuit's back. They have been so patient about it. Sarge's hair is growing back but I am still worried about him.

I went to the barn this afternoon to put Captan on him. Barry was meeting me out there and I had bought a huge bale of alfalfa at the Vinton Feed Store today.

Hey...there is the Alfalfa Girl and hey, she has alfalfa

Got a snack for the Biscuit?


yummmmm. Sarge left a bite

nummmm nummm nummm

wow...Sarge is such a sweet guy...

ok...party is over...Sarge wants his own Texas Trash...

How about a bite for the Biscuit?

Sarge's wrinkle

Sarge is shiny in some places and not in others...Biscuit is Golden

I gave them the alfalfa (I noted that Sarge had left some food in his bucket but returned to it when he saw Biscuit in it!!) and put the meds on Biscuit's back. I was wiping Sarge down with the Clorox wipees and on his left shoulder was a funny wrinkly area. It is odd looking like it is separate from the rest of him. I called the vet and will be taking him in tomorrow. He said it may be trying to slough off. I want Doc to do a blood test on Sargent. I am worried about him. I don't like him looking so sad!!!

Allegany Saddle

2012-04-17T22:11:00.000-05:00

After Doc told me that the new saddle didn't fit in his opinion I had to call Staci. I told her what Doc said and explained that he not only was a terrific vet, but that he was a real cowboy - that he had competed in all kinds of performance disciplines. I asked what she would give me on the saddle and, bless her heart, she said it was a brand new saddle and she would just build me one that fit Biscuit now and take that one and sell it or keep it as a demo. Wow! I never expected that and I was blown away but her dedication to providing top notch service. I shipped the saddle back to her and she is shipping the fit kit back to me. We will refit The Biscuit and build me a new saddle.

I do want a Renegade Endurance saddle with the slim pommel in the lighter color. I want it stamped, I want endurance stirrups, no dropped rigging, slim fenders, the deep pocket seat with the Supracore and 2 latigo's on each corner. Also, my hoof pick pocket!!! I am sure it will be wonderful but it will take 2 months to get it so I won't have it til mid - June.

Hair Issues, Tire & Battery Issues, Sunburn Issues Part 2

2012-04-12T01:22:00.000-05:00

Left Side

Both sides

Add caption

Issues and concerns galore as the day continues. I got the horses back to the barn and pulled the trailer over past the stud pen. I tied them on the wash rack and took pictures of Biscuit's back. I had told Margaret about this yesterday and I think she thought I a slightly hysterical horse owner for taking them to the vet. She said hot scrubby baths and treat at home had worked for her. I texted her a picture of Biscuit's back and the Fungus Amongus message. She CALLED me and said "that is is bad!!! You have to get that treated immediately." hahahahaha I actually do know some things and I am not over reactive but stuff where the saddle goes can't wait.

Doc did say I could still ride him...put Desitin where the patches are till the hair grows back which does grow pretty quick. I probably won't ride til we go to Louisiana next weekend but will lounge him so he doesn't act like an idiot.

I will have to disinfect his saddle pad and all the brushes. Lee Ann came out and asked about what Doc said. I was telling her about it and she recommended some oral stuff that she and Ms. Jean had had luck with. I called Doc about it and Cassie is going to get back with me on it. She did later and Doc said it didn't work in his opinion any better than what I am going to do and it is $170 per horse. Gaaaa. I visited for a few minutes with Ms. Jean and Lee Ann on the patio. OMG the patio is gorgeous.

Hair in clumps

Sarge feeling better with the hair off

A soaking wet Sargent

Lots of hair gone but still more to go

So...back to horses....I got out my Orvis Paste Shampoo and went to work on Sargent. OMG his hair at his flanks was coming out in hunks and he is bare there now after I plucked it out. I hosed him down and got to work with the shampoo and rubber curry comb. Lots of hair coming out. Then I got the Furminator and pulled that all over him...hair coming out by the tons. I rinsed him really well and put Show Sheen in his mane and combed it. Sarge is a horse that is going to take extra grooming. I guess I will have to do it because Barry isn't! Poor guy!!!

Before nipping - omg they are long!!!

After nipping - but before rasping

Back left hoof before nipping

before nipping

After I got him cleaned up I started on his hooves. I nipped them first because they were long! I had to pop him once. Sarge can be hard to trim. I turned him and Biscuit out in the arena so I could go get something to eat. I went to my car and the lights were on. OMG...I had left the car on ... not running but the key to the first turn. Lee Ann came and jumped it for me. I then hauled the trailer to Modica Bro. to have the back tire patched. I went and got lunch and the dust Dr. Schneider told me to get.

Julia clipping KaTim

KaTim is much cooler now

I came back and they were body clipping KaTim. I got to help. It was an education!!! It was really fun!!! Hair was going everywhere. I clipped his legs and face plus smoothed out his body clip. So much for that crazy Arabian BS. KaTim was such a sweetie while I was clipping him. Lee Ann folded his ears and I trimmed his ears and the backs of them. Around his eyes, down his forehand and under his jaw. What a total sweetheart. He is an old fellow now but I understand he used to be the cat's meow in the show ring. What a lovely old boy. Wish I had known him in his glory days.

I finished rasping Sarge's feet. I put the medication on Biscuit's back and dusted Sarge like a rose bush. I took them one at a time down to the paddock.

Fungus Amongus and Saddle Fit Issues Part 1

2012-04-11T08:11:00.000-05:00

Busy as a bee on Tuesday. My Brenderup was in front of Morgan's car!!! I attached my Rav and backed up my Brenderup without going off of the driveway on the right side. I am a backing up champion!!!! Look at that watermark....3 years ago backing up was a little hard!!! Trailering has been fun and a challenge.

I got out to the barn and put the boys feed in the trailer and went down to get them. I got out and got near them (they were at the gate) and both of them took off!!! OMG like I had time to chase them down. Went to the other side and easily caught them after their "I'm hard to get" game. They both loaded up quickly and with no problem.

Ohhh ohhhh....tire was low. I hadn't taken it to be plugged. It was fine without the horses though. I pulled up to the main barn and asked Edgar if he thought it was too low. He said he'd fill it for me again. Bless his heart. He is such a sweet darling person. I just love Edgar and Jamie. They are wonderful people. So, I put the Rav in reverse and backed it up down, around the curve and to the feed barn without it fishtailing or swerving around!!!! Edgar filled it for me and I said I would take it as soon as I unloaded the horses after their trip to the vet.

So, I called Cassie to let her know I would be about 10 minutes late due to run away horses and a low tire. Ughhhh and I thought I was going to be early!!! It always takes longer than you think it will to go ANYWHERE with horses.

ummmmm, explain to us again WHY we are here?

The horses were well behaved so I snapped a few pictures of them.

Sarge isn't happy...he is giving me the stink eye...Biscuit is hopeful that it isn't going to involve a hand up somewhere that isn't his idea of a fun time!!

Here, you have dirt on your face, let me get that off for you.

Aren't my boys just gorgeous?

Doc shaved his back

Doc looked them over and said Sarge's was just garden variety fungus amongus of Southeast Texas this time of year. Biscuit's, on the other hand, was not. Deep tissue fungus - damaged tissue. I tied Sarge up and held Biscuit while Doc shaved his back. Poor boy, he was terrified....he had that frozen statue look but he wasn't trembling like he used to do. He stood quietly even though he was scared. Doc shaved both sides of his back. It doesn't have open sores but just short of them.

I told Doc about his having the white bars on his back last year and ordering the custom saddle. I said I had just got it back after Staci rebuilt it but on the same tree. I said that if it fit I would keep it - if it didn't it was going up for sale immediately. He said get it out and we will look at it. So I go the saddle and the Skito out and set it on Biscuit. Doc looked it over and said "Sell it. It doesn't fit him and you are going to hurt his back with this. Too tight at the withers - pressure here and at the back. Also was bridging (he put his hand under and so did I)." I showed him the Skito - he said "no" It won't help. Gaaaa!!!

I asked Doc which saddle bars he thought he needed. He said about 3/4 horse or full bars. I said the Billy Cook had that in it. He said this saddle would have fit Biscuit well last year when he was a rolly polly but that Biscuit was extremely fit now and just exactly as he should be. Biscuit does look terrific.

Doc said to get Capsan powder and dust on Sarge and a medicated shampoo a few times a week. They were out of the shampoo so I will have to go back to get it. Doc said it was flying off the shelf because this is rampant at this time. It was $88 and that included the salve and Biscuit's health certificate. I will have to put this salve on Biscuit two times a day. I loaded the boys back up and headed for Dr. Sherwood's to pay for the summer sore medication.

Biscuit is GOLDEN & the Allegany Saddle arrived

2012-04-10T23:27:00.001-05:00

I went out to the barn yesterday and Biscuit has pretty much all shed out....and he is way more golden than I have ever seen him!!! I lounged him in the area and he did fine going to the left but we had a little snit going to the right. After making him turn turn turn turn turn turn turn in circles he decided that going to the right might be easier. Yay....I was able to get him to do what I needed him to do. I rinsed him off afterwards because he was a little sweaty. I snapped this picture of him with my phone. He looks like such a pretty boy!

The spots on his back are worrying me. I checked out Rain Rot and what to do about it. He has lost hair in several patches and Sarge looks positively moth eaten. I called Cassie at Dr. Schneiter's and made an appointment for Tuesday morning.

When I got home the Down Under Saddle box was on the porch. That box has done some traveling!!! It has been shipped to me from Colorado. I shipped the Allegany to Ohio to have the rigging changed and it was shipped back to Texas. It took a cake to Houston. I shipped the saddle to New York and they shipped it back!!! That box has some MILES on it!!!

The saddle was dark and rich looking...the seat was way softer than the other one and WOW...the workmanship was way better as Staci promised. The roll on the cantle was flawless - I know why Staci fired the other saddle maker. He didn't come close to the skill of this saddle maker. I liked the no horn too!!!!

I will try it on Biscuit Tuesday when I get to the barn. I can't wait to sit in it.

Lee Ann gave me a set of map/trail drawings of Kisatchie. We are so excited about going. I looked at my trails for Kisatchie and some are the same as on the drawing. There are GPS coordinates on the back of one of the drawings!!!

Captain W. C. Tyrrell - Thanks for your generous gift!!!

2012-04-03T00:55:00.000-05:00

I love riding in Tyrrell Park. It is a beautiful place...wide open spaces for picnics, games of basket ball, a circle road to ride bikes on, a beautiful golf course, bucolic scenes of horses grazing in the paddocks at the stable, gorgeous gardens and community room and a conservatory. There is an old community building in the middle of the park that once was a social whirl of dances and parties. The woods border the road and stable. Cattail Marsh is on one side and Willow and Hildebrandt Bayous border the park on two sides.

Even though it is in the city it is like being way out in the country...and it was a gift to Beaumont from Captain W. C. Tyrrell. He donated 500 acres for the park on May 22, 1920. He was born in Iowa and moved to Texas were he was instrumental in the building of Port Arthur and Beaumont.

His very generous gift has given me hours of recreational pleasure. Right in the city I can be in another world...riding through the woods where I have seen opposums, racoons, rabbits, hogs, coyotees, an owl, otters, turtles of various sizes, snakes of all kinds, alligators from the very small to the very large, ducks of all kinds, hawks, eagles, water birds with pretty pink foliage, birds of all kinds, fish jumping out of the water, muskrats and I am sure I am forgetting some species!! Gorgeous flowers, fragrant vines like honeysuckle, and good grief, HUGE spiders!!!

Here are some excepts I found about Tyrrell Park:

"Jun. 25--BEAUMONT -- The Tyrrell Park recreation building, still out of commission after Hurricane Rita's destruction, stands silent, dark and a little ragged around the edges. But the building is steeped in the history of Beaumont. It's been the site of weddings, anniversaries and class reunions for thousands of Beaumont residents. And, for a brief period, it was home to about 200 German soldiers. During World War II, the facility was converted to a prisoner of war camp to house the overflow of prisoners of war. Here the German POWs slept on cots, tasted the Cajun-laced cuisine of Southeast Texas and endured the onslaught of vicious hordes of swamp mosquitoes. Here they rested at the end of a long day of farm labor. The prisoners provided much-needed agricultural support during years when the region's young men were busy in jobs supporting the war effort or fighting overseas, according to The Enterprise archives. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the recreation center between 1935 and..."

From Beaumont Enterprise:

"During the Great Depression, Schaumburg, an Army reserve officer, led the Civilian Conservation Corps' effort to develop Tyrrell Park. "

I will look around and see if I can find some old pictures of the community center. I am sure it was a magical place in its heyday!!!

I have done a number of weddings at Tyrrell Park and the gardens are perfect for a wedding....and perfect for me to go riding in. Thanks to Captain Tyrrell's generous gift, paradise is just 8 miles from the barn.

Riding where water is not available - Bring your own!!!

2012-04-03T00:01:00.002-05:00

I was asked about riding where there is no water available and what we do about it. I certainly didn't come up with the idea of taking water for the horses in coolers - Lee Ann P showed me when we went to Big Sandy last year. It is a easy way to haul water if you don't have a water tank in your trailer. Pundt Park doesn't have water at the trail head and neither does Big Sandy. There wasn't water at Brazos Bend's campsites but does have water in the front of the park but you have to haul it to your site.

We throw a few coolers in the back of the truck and run a hose to it and fill it up. We used a bucket small enough to put in the cooler to dip out water into a water bucket for the horses. Easy Peasy.

When we went to Brazos Bend there is a 100 gal water trough with a really neat water pump. We took the buckets over there and filled them up and hauled them back to the camp. Ok...that is REALLY hard!!! I looked at my cooler on wheels and took the food and drinks out and stuffed them in the other coolers and then pulled my cooler over to the trough. We filled it up and pulled it (still was not a picnic pulling it!) over to our site. It was not as hard as buckets but it wasn't a walk in the park - pun intended.

If there is a will, there is a way!!! Be prepared no matter where you ride and you won't be caught up short!!

Horses have great memories

2012-04-02T23:51:00.002-05:00

Some people think horses "live in the moment" and don't remember or associate with something that happened before. I just read this article The Equine Mind : Top Ten Things to Know

It states that their memory and learning ability are incredibly sharp. I know that Biscuit learns quickly and he very smart.

Rasping Biscuit's Hooves

2012-04-02T23:51:00.001-05:00

Barry and I went to the barn yesterday. He walked the horses up to the barn. I got out my brushes and groomed Biscuit. He has some spots of thin hair on his back where the saddle goes. I am concerned about it. Will keep an eye on that.

Barry saddled up Sarge and worked him in the little and big arena's. His backside looks like he has scalded the hair off !!! It isn't raw or have open sores but it looks like the hair is nonexistent. Going to keep an eye on it.

I got out my rasp and hoof knife and did Biscuit's front feet. He was pretty good about it. He still has some yukky places but they are almost gone. I didn't have time to do the back feet but I will get to them sometime this week.

Julia and I made plans to ride on Monday. Of course it rained so we had to cancel.

I washed Sarge off when Barry was through riding. I rinsed out his sheath - he had "bits of yuk" poking out of it. He was good about having it rinsed. I put Cowboy Magic in his mane and brushed his mane out. He is such a sweet horse. I just love him. Biscuit got plenty of hugs and kisses today too. He is looking like a million bucks but he is thinner than last year that is for sure.

Bluing to whiten the Biscuit's Tail and a trip to the ER

2012-03-27T22:44:00.000-06:00

I went out to trim Biscuit's hooves today. Realized when I got there that all of my grooming/farrier tools were in the Brenderup. I decided to just give Biscuit a bath and whiten his mane and tail.

I put him on the washrack and got my Mrs. Stewart's Blueing, purple shampoo and OxyClean spot remover. I filled up the green bucket with water and added blueing. I soaked Biscuit down and scrubbed him and then stuck his tail in a bucket of blueing.

I got a water bottle and poured the blueing on his mane and scrubbed it in. After that, I sprayed OxyClean into his man and tail and rubbed that in as well. I finally rinsed him off and sprayed Show Sheen on the mane and tail and combed it out. I curried and brushed him and checked his hooves.

He was such a good boy the entire time. I led him into the center and let him graze a little and took some pictures.

His under jaw was full of long hair so I wanted to trim him up with the electric trimmers. I led him over to the tack area and turned on the clippers. At first he was a little reluctant, just like last year, but when he saw they weren't going to hurt him he was fine with it. I was carefully shaving the long hairs on his left side and he was standing there like a total sweetheart.

Suddenly I heard tires crunch on the rocks and Biscuit startled and jumped on my right foot - GAAAAAAA - I shoved him off of my foot and Lisa's white truck crunched on by. OMG I looked down and my foot was puffing up like a marshmallow and turning blue. I managed to hang up the clippers. I took a picture and texted it to Kellie and tried to call her. I thought my foot was broke! I called Barry and he was taking Morgan's car to have a battery put in it as it had died at Don's house.

He said he couldn't come right then as Mog's car had to have a battery and he wasn't in his truck. I said ok...I was going to the ER. I got Biscuit and managed to get into the RAV and took him down the road and turned him out. I had my camera and snapped some pics of them.

I went back up the road, picked up my stuff off of the washrack and dumped out the blueing to clean off the wash rack. I can't remember where I put the green bucket at this moment. I guess somewhere in the tack room. I talked to Kellie and she said to have it xrayed so I headed to Baptist. I parked and got inside and Randy was there. LOL I got a blessing out for not wearing boots.

Kellie thought it was ugly too!!! They took me back to a room and then answered questions for a nice young man and then I had some x-rays. My blood pressure was high - LOL I guess it was the trauma! Another young man came to tell me that I was a real cowgirl as I had huge spurs on my heels. Kellie later showed me the x-rays and yeah...the huge spur on the right foot is still there. Seems to me the one of the left was the huge one so they don't hurt as bad as they used to but they are still there. Randy continued to give me the razz and Tracy came in and visited.

They are very nice there and very professional. X-Ray man said there was a possible crack in one of the top bones but not a sure thing...saying it is a sprain...I like that better than a break. They wrapped it in a wrap thingy and I hobbled out with Kellie.

I got home and Barry went and got us dinner and I took a hot bath. It is still swollen and will probably be bright colors tomorrow. Lesson learned DUH.....WEAR YOUR BOOTS!!!

Big Alligator Spotted and Trick Dismount

2012-03-26T12:13:00.001-06:00

Kellie and I hauled out to Tyrrell to ride. We met up with Kurt and James. Kurt was on a new horse that is only 4 years old and on her first trail ride. We went out Cattail Marsh and Jennie, the new horse, was leading. She seems to be a brave little girl!

There was a turtle up on the bridge and Kurt picked it up and set it on the other side. He walked Jennie over for the first time which is wise. We got on the other side and were just past the water shoot and she spooked hard to the right. Something slid in the water!

James and Kurt saving the turtle!

Huge alligator swimming across the bayou

Pink Spoonbills

We crossed the land bridge and went around to the back. We saw a huge alligator crossing Hildebrandt Bayou. We kept going and had a terrific ride. We crossed the bridge and I dismounted to clean Biscuit's hooves. I went to remount and put my foot in and grabbed mane and pulled up and over right when he stepped to the left towards me and then forward. I pitched over his shoulder, foot still hung in left stirrup and hanging on to his mane looking extremely uncoordinated I am sure. I managed to kick the stirrup off and I knew I was coming off of him! I landed on my fee looking backwards at his butt. Yoooo HAAAAAA!! Thank God I didn't bust my butt!!! James said "Good Save!!!" LOL

I led him over to a slight incline and remounted and pulled him up short when he kept trying to walk off. We walked up the gravel road and Biscuit suddenly was on high alert. There was someone in the woods and 3 people on horses popped out - omg it is so muddy in there! James knew the man and one of the women was the lady that went "water skiing" on her horse at Ebenezer and got knocked out on the beach. I didn't know that til we moved off. She was riding a nice paint and I said "your horse is gorgeous" and she said in a tight voice "it's a stud". LOL I said well, this is a gelding - he won't be interested. Geez...some people are just not friendly or even cordial!

We went along a little ways and Biscuit spooked HARD to the right - thank God I kept my seat. James said I had improved!!! LOL

Some birds few up from the bog and they were PINK!!! James said Flamingos and I said he was pulling my leg - I could see they weren't flamingo's - they were spoonbills. So pretty!!!!

Kellie and I had a coke and visited and talked about her new trailer she is getting. Had a great time. Biscuit and I rode 36.9 miles in one week. He was a good boy this week.

Riding up at Ebenezer

2012-03-26T11:48:00.001-06:00

I hauled up to Ebenezer Saturday morning to ride with Margaret. I got up there and my spot was gone! Someone was in it! I talked to Loretta and she put me in another spot with no charge! Yay Loretta. I called Sunday and got the refund FINALLY on the days I didn't use it - what annoyed me is they re rented it!!

Anyway, I tacked Biscuit up and we decided to find the waterfall from that side of the park which is not far. We took off down the road and came on some riders that took up the entire road but we passed with no problems. Biscuit was really tenderfooted today. We kept going around the road, crossed roads, down trails we recognized and I was stopping to make way points. I named the way points so that took a little time to do that.

We went down a trail and hit a wonderful canter! Biscuit was doing great and then my hat flew off and I also saw where my water bottle came off. Darn!!!!

We were getting close and went down a trail that would have let us make a loop. We got aways down and Cub bogged down bad and Biscuit said no...Denise said no. We went back to the road and down to the trail that comes up from the Water Fall. We went down a little ways and it was too wet. We decided to not go the other .10 mile but it is marked and we will be going back next time with Kellie and Randy.

We shared chicken fried deer meat and a peanut butter sandwich. We got off the horses to check hooves and then started back. Most of the trails were dry as a bone - we crossed some water but not much. That is amazing considering how much rain they got.

We got back to the trailer and had a coke. It was a terrific ride and can't wait to go back.

Riding Friday with Kellie and Julia

2012-03-26T11:22:00.000-06:00

Julia and I hauled to Tyrrell Park last Friday to ride with Kellie. We rode out to the back and saw a HUGE alligator and hogs!!! Biscuit and Elan had to consult with each other on whether to proceed toward the hogs! Shalom was a terrific gal that day.

It was not a long ride but it was a nice ride. Lots of wild life everywhere - we saw a raccoon near the bog on the left side.

Huge Alligator to the right side of the park across the little canal

Suuuu Weeeeeeee here piggy piggy piggy!!!

We came around the corner and there were the hogs. Two large ones: one black and one reddish colors. Then there were 4 smaller ones. This is near where Julia and I saw them last time. We watched them for a bit and then moved towards them. They moved into the woods to the left.

Biscuit and Elen had to confer with each other on whether it was safe to proceed further. They kept stopping and looking around. Shalom would have moved out - she wasn't afraid!

Biscuit back at the trailer - they were all glad they weren't a French Delicacy for an Alligator!! Biscuit is shedding out and looking like a cutie patootie.

Elan and Shalom standing by the trailer. They were all very good today. Terrific ride and I am ready to go again.

Mudding with The Biscuit and Sarge

2012-03-21T22:50:00.001-06:00

Barry and I went up to Ebenezer on Sunday. He got there before me because I had to go load up at the barn. Devin helped me load up hay and feed. I got the horses in the trailer and took off. I drove at 50-55 mph - got pretty good gas mileage going up there. It is easier to haul both horses as the load is balanced.

I was pretty darn tired from doing wedding cakes when I got there. We visited with Kent, Melody, Kellie and Randy. We did go look at the Double Heart Ranch - I want to go ride from there. The trails are pretty nice from that area.

We cooked out Sunday night and shared a meal together which was nice. I brought chicken wings and seasoned rice, Randy made jerk chicken and grilled pineapples. It was just good!!!!

We all got together in the travel trailer and visited. Lol we had a blast.

Sunday morning we ate breakfast and visited and then saddled up. I could tell when I first started out that I was tired. We headed for the beaver pond and got about a mile and a half and Kellie and Randy turned back. They had been riding all weekend and Elan's back had been a little sore.

We kept going. We went around the beaver pond and Biscuit wouldn't walk in the water the same as in January. Barry had gone around into the trees and it was mushy. Biscuit was spazzing out and I had to get after him and pull him to a stop and turn him to keep him from knocking my knees off on the trees. Gaaa! We got behind the beaver pond and it was mush in places. When Sarge sunk down to his fetlocks in one place Biscuit quickly moved to the other side. He is a smart cookie. He didn't spazz too bad over the mushy places.

He powered through the mud in a few places....he walks through streams like a pro and acts like a little water puddle is an ocean and mud is quick sand.

We went down the little road and crossed onto the other side and away we went. Gorgeous dogwoods were in bloom and we saw a huge turkey running across the trail - he was fat as could be and colorful as all get out.

We went through water and Biscuit was a pro - he did a great job. We came upon some kind of weird looking trap that we still haven't figured out what they were going after!!!

Biscuit drank well on the trail which is always a good thing. He was alert and forward moving. We got to the 4 way trail and went to the right because Barry wanted to circle back and not go on the same trail...ugh... We went along the top line with no problem...Biscuit hit a 2 stride canter and I pulled him up...no cantering in a place I am not familiar with.

We stayed up fairly high but came to a part where Biscuit and Sarge bogged down. Kent did some but he was lower than us and didn't hit the bog - go figure!! Good gracious - Biscuit was galloping in place but he didn't freak out. Neither did I - I just grabbed hold of his mane and tried to stay centered in the saddle. We hit some smaller soft spots but nothing to horrible. It did give them a work out though. We crossed some streams and had to turn back several times. We were using the compass to get back to the trail. We went back down the trail and got back to the road and went another way and then decided that didn't work. Went back to the high line and followed it literally to a lake and I know we were just south of the beaver pond according to the Garmin. That is the place that Ray had said to be careful of that you would be swimming in a flash. We tried a trail to the right but it got boggy and we turned back. Down the road to find the original trail but Kent turned on one before that. I thought it looked different but it is the different looking at this time of the year. It wasn't the right one. Biscuit had just followed Scout. We got back to the road and kept going and I was behind Kent. I should have been leading. I looked at the Garmin and Barry wanted to go further and I said no...it is south of here. I turned Biscuit around and he found the trail and willingly went down it and he wouldn't have had it not been the right trail home. LOL and my Garmin beeped as it found a waypoint. Biscuit and I went a ways and Barry and Kent were still on the road. I hollered for them to follow me.

Biscuit and I waited for them to follow. They caught up with us and we led for a while and then Biscuit pulled himself off the trail so Sarge could pass!!! He is so funny. Sarge is his "leader". We hit some soft ankle deep places but that was it.

We got on the other side of the beaver pond and there was the spot across the "lake" that we had been standing at!!! Will try to go that way in the summer if it is dry. We saw deer on the way back.

We got to the curve of the road where we can see the little road coming in from Hwy 225. Kent and Barry decided to go by the road...I was staying on the trail. Biscuit fussed a little but he kept going. Later I heard Barry behind me. He said he knew I was tired and my horse was tired. LOL I said "News for you...neither I nor my horse are tired." I put Biscuit in a jog and jogged all the way back to the camp.

Kellie and Randy had packed up and left. Kent got in and said he'd talked to them and bad weather was coming. I washed Biscuit off - he was a mudpie. I tied him to the trailer and gave him his hay bag. Sarge was washed and given his hay while they both dried.

I started dinner. It was nice to look out the window and see the horses. Barry had to run to WalMart. I fed the horses but Sarge only ate half of his dinner. He was so tired...poor guy!! I got dinner cooked but not tender when Margaret called and said high winds for the next day.

Long and short of it...we packed up and left. I was worried about Sarge but he was fine when we got home.

Every time I try to get a weeks riding in something comes up! Bummer.

Riding with Julia and Shalome

2012-03-20T22:35:00.003-06:00

After the Stirlingshire Saddle Fitter's left the barn, Julia and I headed out for a ride at Tyrrell Park. It was wet out in the back. We saw big turtles and wow! Hogs! in the back. We rode a little more than 6 miles and Biscuit was a total doll. I really enjoyed my ride.

Stirlingshire Saddle Fitters are back!

2012-03-14T22:09:00.003-06:00

Alene and Louise returned to Plum Nearly Ranch on Tuesday to adjust Julia's saddle. They had Julia call me to let me know when they would be there and Face Booked me to say they needed cake. I had made a bunch of vanilla/strawberry cake balls so I took those out to the barn. They got lost and called and I talked them in to getting to the barn.

Louise took apart the saddle so fast it was amazing! It is the same one I helped sew last year. She readjusted the stuffing and sewed it back up. Makes me want an English Saddle.

Look how pretty it is!!! Love the SSF

The Dressage is on the left - I love that one! Love the color!!!

Two SSF and the one Louise just sewed up!!!

Could be my future saddle!!

Alene and Lee Ann P discussing leather

Then Alene gets out their new saddles - WOW!! It had a SSF logo on the side. She showed us two - one dressage and I am not sure what the other was as I am not an English rider. We were talking about Alene's training classes and she agreed to give us a class in English riding in October - then we are going to go on a trail ride at Tyrrell Park. Hahahaha...Alene is afraid of Spiders and we discussed Spider Polo - I will lead if there are any spiders but in October we should be safe.

We are going to each have a 30 minutes lesson, break for lunch and then head for the trails for a fun ride to put in to use the lesson we just had. I am going to give English riding a go. I loved my Aussie non horn saddle so I am kinda there now. Lee Ann said I will love it.

Julia got on her newly adjust saddle and they discussed leg angles. Alene said you shouldn't be able to see your toe when riding. That feet out in the front doesn't give you proper balance and why it doesn't. Heck - I learned a ton just listening to her.

Alene and Louise in "a really nice truck!!!"

It was great seeing them and I am looking forward to them coming back. I gave them the cake balls so I hope they enjoy them.