The Horse I Already Have

 

She's perfect, actually

Sometimes I look at an Arizona horses for sale facebook page and daydream about buying another horse (like you do). It's always the solid citizen QHs that catch my eye...a roan or a bright chestnut...bombproof, trail rides anywhere, load up and horse show, grandma safe, etc etc etc. And it's definitely fun to look and daydream, but of course there's no way I can afford another horse! I started telling myself, if you really want a good, solid trail horse...WHY DON'T YOU DO THAT WITH THE HORSE YOU ALREADY HAVE?!

I've been working on that for several years. Truby's usually good as gold at home, but step over the property line...and nope. Instant anxiety, brain falls out, panic panic panic. So we've been chipping away at it. Lots of small steps, lots of hand walking, lots of carrots, lots and lots of good experiences and tons of carrots. 

It's paying off

As it turns out, Truby is becoming that easy breezy trail horse! The other week M and I finally had a day off at the same time and planned to trailer out for a ride. The weather was perfect. Warm, sunny, a little breeze. The horses were relaxed and lazy. M and I were happy and ready for an adventure. 

We went to a new to me place, still in Saguaro National Park East, but a different area, much busier, but very nice. Truby stepped off the trailer totally chill, and then stuck her face in her haynet and just...hung out. Usually we have to walk off her nervousness, but that day she was content to just stand by the trailer and eat. M is partial to giving Cinco lots of time just hanging out at the trailer and eating, so she was fine to wait and let the ponies relax and munch. 

I don't trust her to be tied, but she didn't move an inch

We hand walked down the road a bit, and then headed into the park. There's a couple large boulders that make perfect mounting blocks, and I hopped on. Truby was calm, but ready to go, so I really should have waited for M to get on first. She was still faffing about, and Truby needed to move, so we walked a large circle...and while Tru couldn't stand, and was Very Interested in everything, she wasn't wild or uncontrollable. A minute later M was on and we hit the trail. 

The first part of the trail wound gently through typical Tucson desert. It was lovely. So peaceful. Birds singing, the warmth of the sun, the fuzzy ponies...it was hard to realize that the outskirts and suburbs of the city aren't that far away! Truby was relaxed and enjoying herself, despite some grumpy looking ears (I don't know why, mares!) I was absolutely enchanted by the scenery. If you like deserts...this is a good place to go!

Took a video for my dad

After a mile or so down the desert path, we cut across to a dirt road. For awhile it was totally clear, and I asked if we could trot a bit. Truby happily picked up a trot, but as we neared a parked car with sun reflecting off the windshield at us, Truby's head got higher, she steps shorter, and her knees higher. Laughing, I brought her back to a walk and we passed the highly sus van. 

Before long we would have several cars pass us on the road, every one driving slowly. At first Truby was concerned, but quickly decided it was no big deal. We also passed some people walking their (leashed) dogs, and that was interesting, but not alarming. At one point we had cars passing in both directions while we waited off in the brush. Truby had a long minute where she was trying to decide if she should freak out, but came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth it, sighed, and that was it. She didn't bat an eye at anything else the rest of the ride. 

Heading toward the wash

We left the road, and headed down toward the wash. The footing is deeper and pretty abrasive (also, filled with hikers!) so we crossed over, and followed the trail that would loop back around to where we started. This part of the trail is interesting, with little hills and steps cut into the trial. By this time Truby was pretty tired, and didn't get to enjoy it as much as she would have. She wasn't exhausted, but it was definitely a bit too long a ride for her. She was tired, but game to keep going.

I had gotten a Christmas saddle pad and matching helmet cover, which were a big hit with the hikers we passed! I got lots of compliments, and also overheard lots of squealing at the cute white horse with her festive saddle pad. I may have ordered MORE Christmas gear...which is backordered, but finally arriving tomorrow. I plan to give M our saddle pad cover and an elf hat of her own. Truby will get a quarter sheet and rein covers. I can't wait! It's super adorable.

We gave the horses a good rest at the trailer, again Truby was happy to hang out and eat hay. She was tired, but quite pleased with herself! It was obvious she enjoyed the ride as much as I did. Basically the entire time I was chattering about how amazing she was, how I couldn't believe how perfect she was, how omg I'm riding my own horse in the desert!!!!!!!!!!! M was almost as thrilled as I was...maybe more, it's hard to say who was the most excited. She's certainly helped us a lot, and put in quite a few hours with us, helping Truby get to this point. Where she loaded up, went to a brand new location, and had a wonderful ride, encountering lots of new and potentially scary things...without fear or dangerous behavior. We had a fun, safe ride together. I haven't really let myself dream that we could have a day like that, because I didn't want to be disappointed. But...it looks like we can have days like this!

I have my trail horse,

and she is perfect <3

We Got Spooky

Intrigued by the permission to be spooky,

would like to hear more

The last few weeks have been exciting in Truby Land. We had a sudden, and huge temperature drop. The day it started we had a short, but heavy downpour (!!!!) which was amazing, as it's barely rained at all this year. It was windy and wild the rest of the day. I took Truby out for a handwalk on the Loop, to let her stretch out and hopefully keep her from getting too sore. Tucson can see big swings in temperatures day to night, and that makes a Truby rather painful, especially her legs/joints.

Despite the temperature drop and the wind, Truby was pretty well behaved, and only a little spooky. She was definitely grumpy and short strided at the start! It took almost a full third of the Loop before she warmed up enough to step out and enjoy herself. To be honest, it took me about that long as well!

She thinks it's overkill, but in the morning she doesn't 

want to get undressed :)

I was amused to see she dragged her hay outside

I guess she wanted to eat under the stars

After a couple days, it warmed right back up and we were in the 90s again, which made for a rather warm Halloween. We had a small outdoor party, which was a ton of fun. I took Truby for a little ride between setting up and putting out all the snacks. 

Parties are held by Truby's run so she can hang out

Since Truby is generally friendly and easy going, I bought some clown make up sticks and we had fun drawing on her. I did all of the work below (except the Cinco Loves Truby, that was M). She had more added throughout the evening, but I forgot to get pics. 

 

Boo!

SpoOOooky Spiders

Haunted House

M and I went for a post election ride, which was absolutely amazing. So relaxed and peaceful. We really needed something to take the edge off.

I'm always telling people that the coyotes around the barn are super chill. They're well fed, not mangy, and used to horses and people. We have "our" pack at the barn, but there's also a group at the Loop. 

They like to hang out by the turnout pens, and sometimes it can be hard to wake them up from their naps and convince them to get off the trail. They're literally like the old, fat farm dogs that are dopey and affable, and their worst trait is sleeping in the barn aisle. 

Her friend was a few feet away in the creosote bushes, just after I stopped filming. Kudos to Truby for being super calm and brave! Of course, she knows these guys, so again...just kinda like pushing barn dogs around. 

I've been self isolating the last few days, since one of my coworkers has been super sick. My covid test has come back negative, but it still meant a few days home while I waited. Luckily it was already my weekend, so not too bad as far as life disruption. Today I get to go to the barn again! We also have another weather change coming through, so hopefully some RAIN!!!!!

Those things, combined with the excellent news about Biden/Harris claiming the election (and AZ defeating McSally!!!) have me feeling calm and happy. Really looking forward to getting to hug Truby this afternoon <3 

Likes hugs, parties, but not pumpkin spice muffins

Surprise Trail Ride!

 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????

Livin' for the melon

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?

At least the weather has been good for dust baths

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! 

She's not trustworthy to tie yet, but this is a good step in the right direction

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. 

Okay, let's go!

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!

the best Truby being the best Truby

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!  

M put this cute lil unicorn sticker on her trailer

Adverting Disaster

 A couple weeks ago we said a sad farewell to the barn owner's horse, Primo. Primo was just a great horse. One of those golden horses that are always amazing at whatever they do. His passing was sudden, but not unexpected - he had been riding the laminitis roller coaster for several years, and it's a relief his suffering is over. 

I spent most of his last day with him

so he wouldn't be alone 

The next day was understandably somber. His buddy Turbo was looking lost and rather sad. Truby was subdued, as befitting the situation. Cinco was a little confused, as the 'baby' of the group. Barn owner J was staying with her sister for a few days, and I had volunteered to feed and water that evening. 

Sleepy Truby

It was hot, as expected in Tucson in early September. I was absolutely drained from the emotional support given the day before, and physically tired from a long day of work. It was nice though. Quiet. The smell of mesquite smoke in the air. Which was kinda weird. It was WAY too hot to be using fireplaces at night (it was 105 in the day and low 90s at night) and far too dry to be burning outdoors. But whatever, people are weird. I turned the horses out, cleaned the stalls, set up dinner...I took Truby and Turbo, one at a time, to visit Primo's grave. Truby was uninterested, but Turbo gave the area a thorough inspection before spinning around and adamantly leaving. 

I was puttering around, too worn out to really do much, but not really ready to leave. I was debating whether or not to dump the Gator. It wasn't full...it wasn't my job...but there were quite a few flies buzzing around...and the Gator is super fun to drive...so why not?

I'm really glad I did, because when I drove out I discovered the source of the "wood smoke". The Backyard Trail I ride Truby on all the time was smoldering. There was a huge black patch in the center of the trail that was literally smoking. I figured that was bad. But Tucson is weird, so...???

Looked bigger in person

I knew J wasn't home, but I was pretty sure her husband was. I dragged myself toward the house, passing M, who was just driving up. I told her my finding, and she agreed that it was probably a bad thing, and we should do something about it. She had actually smelled the smoke that morning, but didn't investigate. I wasn't able to get a hold of BOHusband. I really didn't want to bother J, but property on fire is probably an acceptable reason to intrude on her grief. 

I wasn't able to get ahold of her either. So M and I decided the best plan of action was to load up the Gator with water and go soak the ground. Halfway through filling up the tubs, I got a message from J...they knew about the smoldering ground and would deal with it later, we didn't have to do anything unless we really wanted to. Uhhhh....

ilu, Gator

M and I decided that neither of us could just walk away from a potential wildfire, and you know, the fact that our horses LIVE there, so we kept on with our plan. (M wanted to call the firefighters in hopes of scoring some eye candy, but decided we weren't dressed nearly nice enough, lol.) By this point we were a little giddy, and pretty excited to be temporary firefighters.

But first, a selfie!

...was I driving the Gator at the time? Maybe.

Of course, we had no idea what we were doing. We were pretty sure that fire=bad, water=good, but we were worried about screwing it up and spreading the fire. Or not doing enough. The ground was scorched, but the fire was starting several inches below the surface. Spreading out manure/shavings/ hay/tree debris/etc into a path is pretty common out here. Our Loop Trail is regularly supplemented with old bedding and manure spread from the host stable. It appears our Backyard Trail got packed down too much, a little rain a few weeks ago probably jumpstarted some decomposition, and then the following super hot weeks allowed some combustion to spontaneously start. Or something like that. I'm a pet groomer, not a fire expert. 

So anyway, we were doing our best to soak the ground, prevent the burnt top layer to spread further, and generally not fuck things up. We both love dealing with random disasters like this, so we were bright eyed, bushy tailed, and mildly hysterical. After dumping our first load of water, we stood around trying to decide what to do next. And then I realized that some of the fire ants swarming around the area where climbing up my leg. 

So there was a lot of slapping myself and screaming and more slapping. Since I had come directly from work I was wearing wide legged yoga pants and paddock boots, giving the ants easy access to my bare skin. It was great!

To be safe, we drove the rest of the trail, looking for any more burn spots. I knew there were some huge piles of leaves and mesquite beans, etc. I was feeling kinda wild and started just plowing through them inside of trying to squeeze around. Now, I'm a super wuss, but I was pumped up and since I was driving (therefor in control) was having a blast. Had I been the passenger, I would was been freaking out, holding on my with fingers and toes, hands, legs, my hair...or jumping out of the Gator. M just sat, perfectly relaxed, unconcerned that I might flip the thing at any moment. She's badass, you guys. 

I was so sure we were going to explode this somehow...

and this video would end up titled "Tucson Housewives Set State on Fire by Being Dumb"

We decided to dump one more load of water and call it a day. It was less exciting this time, but we were finally getting the ground soaked down below the burn layer, and got the perimeter of the area soaked pretty well. We figured we had done about as much as we could do (M thought about getting the tractor and dragging the ground, but we weren't sure if that would set off an inferno or something. I mean, it's 2020, let's be careful!) and...I was picking up even more fire ants.

Which was great! Because I didn't really notice them until they started biting (ouch). And they didn't start biting me until they got all the way up to my upper thighs. Which is great. Knowing that ants were perfectly ok with my legs, but reaching my crouch and going OMG WTF NO DIE DIE DIE!!!! And let me tell you, there is nothing dignified about getting ants in your pants. I was slapping myself, grinding my palms against my body, stamping around, desperately trying to kill the ants. M was laughing her ass off at me, which is better than her being horrified by me sticking my hands down my pants trying to find ants!

Thank god I can laugh at myself in these situations, because otherwise it would have been insanely embarrassing! 

I sent pics to J, just to show her what we had done, and decided to go home, make my husband pick up the best pizza AZ has to offer (it's pretty good, but Tucson has terrible pizza. Like, pizza here is just bad.) and take some Benedryl. 

I spent the next few days taking antihistamines for the ant bites, but since the barn didn't catch on fire, I think it was worth it. It turns out, J and her husband had gone out earlier that day, looking for the source of the smoke. They had found some tiny little burn spots and snuffed them out. J had no idea it had continued and gotten as big as it had. That made me feel a little less concerned about the "yeah, we know" comment! That evening her husband went out and dug up the trail, so everything has a chance to breathe and is no longer compressed.

It's been two weeks smoldering earth free. But I think any time we smell smoke, we're going to go out and check, just in case.

Celebratory roll

CSI: Truby

 

The desert is a harsh place. Hot, dry, relentless. Survival of the fittest is key here, and the less-fit don't fare well. Truby and I have come across the remains of quite a few that haven't made it. 

Me: Truby, look!  A bone.

Truby: Cool, I'ma eat it.

I often pause and wonder at the life and death of whatever creature I've come across. Was it old, young, weak, unlucky? Did it leave behind defenseless babies? A gap in the pack? Provide more resources for those left behind? Was it afraid? Did it suffer? I always hope not. And I always dread the day I might come across human remains.

Survival of the fab-u-lous

Recently I took Truby for a little trail ride. It was midmorning and already far too hot, but a short little ride among the shady mesquite trees wouldn't be too bad. 

Truby perked up when we left the ring and headed into the 'field' leading to the back of the property. But when we approached the back she stopped, staring hard into the brush. I let her stand and look, urging her forward only after she released her breath with a huff. 

She tiptoed along the beginning of the trail. Quite a few piles of leaf litter and other debris was dumped along the path, waiting to be spread. Once we got past all that, she pricked her ears again and strode forward. We enjoyed the ride and circled back at the edge of the property. 

But nearing home, we couldn't ignore the scene ahead of us. It showed the violent stuggle. Entrails strew around. The gutted remains face down. 

I was so proud of Truby, as she quitetly observed the scene. She lowered her head to inspect the corpse. She stood bravely, perhaps knowing it was now safe. The killer was gone.

We silently took in the scene together. Reflecting on how hard life in the desert can be. How little spares us each from the same fate. This was clearly no accidental death. 

I knew the killer. But I will never tell. My silence will protect Truby and myself. I hope. 

Because although they she looks so sweet, the Golden is a vicious killer.

Juno: Cold Blooded Killer

And We're Back!

I ended up taking a bit of a life break. I've been working hard, which is often physically hard, but with Covid Life, it's also mentally and emotionally draining. Some weeks are much worse than others, depending on how frustrated the local populace is. Sometimes it's been all I can do to make it through the day, hug Truby, and then blankly stare at whatever on Netflix until it's time for bed. Often that also leads to 4 or 5 hour naps on my days off, because dear god, I'm exhausted! 

ohmergherdMELONS!!!!

Knock on wood, things are slowly getting easier. Last week, after a draining day, I realized that other than my coworkers (who I'm friendly with, but not friends), everyone I talk to on a regular basis works from home. Somehow, just realizing that the people I talk with the most have no idea what life is like for me actually made me feel better? The mind is weird, and if that realization relieves some of my burden, I'm just gonna go with it.

We've gotten in a few Loop rides

It's also been hot with a capital HOT. I suppose that shouldn't be a surprise, as Arizona is known for its dry heat. But yeah. It can also sap your will to live. Between work, Covid Life, and the heat, Truby's mostly been enjoying the summer off. She and Cinco are still BFFs. 

Frens

We have had a couple of adventures that I want to share! Truby seems to have finally overcome her coughing, which I haven't blogged about yet because I kept wanting "a resolution" and kept not getting one and as time went on it was weirder and weirder to just jump into it. 

We also had our first saddle fitting experience, which was awesome!

She's getting so relaxed and comfortable on the Loop

makes me swoon a little

Truby doesn't seem to mind the heat, which is fantastic and a relief! She's still wrapped up in her fly PPE, which also provides some UV protection. She enjoys sunbathing, even when the boys are standing in the shade, under their fans. 

Monsoon is finally, finally upon us. We've gotten a couple of good storms, but it does mean  it's far more humid than usual. Which...is extremely unpleasant. Is it not enough to be over 100 degrees? Does it need to be humid too?! Actually...it does, to enable to monsoons to monsoon, but still! 

Will mug for cookies

Anyway, Truby and I are doing just fine. Tomorrow morning she gets her little hooveses trimmed and then maybe a little stroll around the property before it gets too hot. Then she gets some watermelon snacks and to relax and do Truby things for the rest of the day. 

I'll probably share some watermelon with her <3