Happy Trails

 Someone asked me what Truby looked like, and I said "a unicorn"
they replied, 'no really, what does she look like"

I showed them this picture, and they said "OH, she does look like a unicorn!"

Last week was...interesting. Huge drama, but thankfully nothing actually important. I might have to write  a post about it, but not today. I need a break! The good news is that Truby is happy and healthy, and drama didn't involve her, or our barn, or anything of real importance, although it was the backdrop for it. 

I was telling Cinco's owner, M, all the gory details Friday afternoon while she was brushing Cinco. It was a beautiful afternoon, and she decided to tack him up and go for a ride on the Loop before heading off to a weekend clinic. 

I asked if Truby and I could join, and of course she said yes! As I pulled Truby out of her stall, I made a snap decision to tack her up. I figured if she was calm I could ride, and if she was silly I would just walk, and she could just be saddled.

Spoiler Alert!

She seemed pretty calm and content on the walk over, so I hopped on. The first stretch of trail, she seemed determined to try and spook at a big flock of Gambril's Quails that like to hang out on the right side of the path. I made sure to breathe, relax my thighs and my buttcheeks and feel confident. And it worked!

Truby led Cinco and M on the first bit, but once we turned the corner (where it backs up to our barn) and started to walk directly away from home, she got squirrelly and tried to spin back around. We ended up looping drunkenly back and forth across the trail, but I kept my leg on, and her nose pointed North. Cinco pulled ahead of us (mainly not to get sideswiped) and before too long, Truby gave in and we followed Cinco.

Heading away from the barn, grumpy, but no longer fighting

 One of my most favorite cactus ever.

Yup, I have a favorite cactus!

It didn't take too much longer for Truby to get over her snit and put her cute little ears up and enjoy herself. I was pretty pleased with myself, for being brave and handling her well, and Truby, for being brave, and getting over herself. ONCE I rode her the short stretch and turned around at the end by the barn. ONCE. She believes that we should turn around there every time. Sigh.

Two good ponies enjoying themselves

Leading again

I did opt to dismount about two thirds of the way around. Things were going so well, that I didn't want to ruin it by trying to ride into the little mesquite thicket and past the stables. I think she probably would have been okay, but the thicket can be spooky, and the stable yard can be hectic. That day there was a horse galloping around in one of the turnouts, so it was probably better to have gotten off early. She was unconcerned and calm with me on foot, but I think she would have gotten overexcited if I stayed on. 

All in all, a wonderful ride! We've put in some time and miles to be able to be calm and confident on the Loop, and it's really starting to pay off!

I've also been taking her on short little rides on the Backyard Trail. She's been excellent about that, and I'm starting to incorporate that into the end of our arena rides as a nice reward.

I love the path leading from the gate, it's so inviting

'Go on an adventure!' it practically begs us

Neighbors put up a Super Scary windmill, but she's almost used to it

This is her other reward for being a great Truby

Two wonderful trail rides were just what I needed to end a stupid-crazy week. Truby has gotten so steady and brave (although I think warmer temps and more sunshine help keep the spookies at bay!) and I'm really enjoying being able to ride her outside the arena. We're slowly making opening the arena gate from her back and walking out around the barn a new normal for her. The first bunch of times she got prance-y and silly, but today she walked out and back to the Backyard trail flat footed and relaxed. I'm so proud of her, and so happy to see all our hard work paying off! 

The best desert unicorn!

Spring is Springing

Just a quick post because I've gotten quite behind! After the fun of the snow all those weeks ago, I've mostly just been trying to get back into some sort of rhythm. My ankle is finally back to "normal", which now includes a new patch of puffiness, but I can use it and it no longer hurts, so yay?

 Yay!

I also spent almost two weeks being sick. And not interestingly sick, just boring sick. I caught the cold going around,  and while I was lucky not to be Super Sick, I was Super Exhausted All the Damn Time, which was way worse.

I still found some energy to ride, and Truby and I have had some very pleasant times. Mostly bareback to keep any strain off my ankle. We're up to 45 minutes of mostly walking, and even added in some trotting! The most exciting part is that we can even trot bareback!!! We can only hold it together for about a quarter way around the arena, but it's really exciting to start having back the ability to ride. I took way too many years off of serious riding, and to be able to start rediscovering those skills is thrilling!

Truby is staying sound, comfortable and happy. So in general, life is pretty good! She also has a new friend, a little Arabian named Annie. They're getting along well, and are so relaxed together. I love watching them explore the turnouts together. Spring has come to Tucson, and the property is covered in a knee high weed, but it's super pretty. The horses won't eat it, but the bees seem to enjoy it.

Enjoying a beautiful afternoon