So we're on our eight billionth day of over 100 degree temps. Which might be a slight exaggeration, but this year has been stupidly and unbearably hot and dry. Technically, we've had quite a few days in the (upper) 90s, but it's the middle of October, and everything in my body and brain is screaming that it's too hot! It's supposed to be chilly! What is this????
For example, I have a pumpkin, because Halloween is awesome. But I can't put the pumpkin on my porch yet, because we get afternoon sun and the pumpkin would bake and/or explode. So it's in the living room, like you do.
Anyway. Enough of that. Last Sunday I was texting M while at work, and she invited us to go trail riding. Which would have been great! but, work. As luck would have it, less than 20 minutes later, I was done, all the doggie had been picked up, and the salon was clean (the benefit of working alone!) and I was rather surprised. I texted M back, told her I finished early and was headed over to the barn, see her soon?
I was hoping she hadn't left yet, and she hadn't! So I tossed my tack in the trailer, packed a pocket of cookies and we loaded up the horses. We were optimistic enough to drive over together, but still wore masks and kept the windows down.
I was pleased that Truby loaded calmly and easily enough, but thrilled at how quietly she stepped off the trailer. She seemed pleased to be at Saguaro East and soon we were tacked up and ready to ride!
As soon as I got on, Truby pricked her ears and started marching down the trail. Lately, she's been using Cinco as a security blanket and wanting to follow him, so I was a bit surprised but very happy that she happily led the way.
The first part of the trail is hard packed, but after going up and down a couple of rock staircases, the trail drops down into the wash, which is pretty deep, loose sand. There's a narrow trail that's more solid, and we stuck to that. Cinco opted for the deeper sand, and walked either beside us or lead the way. Truby and I were content to let him play leader. M and I love that we can swap positions, and make sure take turns.
The wash was nice and shady, but it was still a toasty afternoon, and Truby has been growing in a winter coat (why????) so we didn't go as far as usual. I could tell Truby was tired as we headed back. At one point a big mule deer went leaping across the trail, but Tru was looking in another direction and didn't even notice! We waited a few minutes in case it doubled back, or more followed, but no. Just a single deer with places to go.
We made it back to the trailer and untacked uneventfully (my favorite way!) and were letting the horses relax and munch some hay when a young couple carefully approached, and asked if they could pet the horses? They were super polite, and masked, so of course we readily agreed. I walked Truby over and she begged them to rub her tired, itchy forehead. After loving on Truby and giggling with delight, they went over to meet Cinco, who was also happy to meet strangers and get pets. Getting to meet the horses made their day, and getting to share our beloved ponies made ours!
It took a few minutes to convince Truby to get back on the trailer, but when we got home, she regally stepped off like a pro. I turned her out in case she wanted to roll, but she just strolled around, checking out the hay tubs, water bucket, and looking for coyotes. After we had the trailer unpacked, cleaned, and everything put away, I brought her in for dinner and a good liniment rubdown. She was definitely tired, but seemed happy. I think she enjoyed our adventure!
