YOU GUYS! Guess what I did last week?!

Hint: it probably involves Truby

If you guessed riding Truby in the Tanque Verde wash, you'd be right! I'd also accept Hugging Truby, Giving Truby cookies, Hanging out with Truby, and most things Truby related.

But the thing I'm most excited about is our ride!

It was like this, but I was on her, not in front of her

I went to the barn thinking about how I was going to take Truby for a ride on the Loop. We'd hand walked it the day before, and she was so peaceful, I thought we could handle a solo ride. When I pulled up, M was just getting on Cinco, and I asked if she was headed to the Loop. Nope, she was going to the wash. I asked hopefully if I could tag along. She hesitated, Cinco was being a twit. I assured her if things went badly, we could just go home, no problem.

She agreed, and I rushed to get Truby ready, and she went and schooled a bit in the arena. I decided to tack Truby, just in case! but didn't really get my hopes up. Cinco was a bit more mannerly by the time we were ready, and we headed toward the wash. M riding, me walking. Both of them were behaving well, and when we got to the trailhead, I decided that Truby was being so calm, and the big boulders would make a nice mounting block, and I could almost pretend I was brave...so I checked my girth and hopped on.

Okay, I don't ever do anything as graceful and light as hop, but I got on and down the trail we went! And Truby was great! Relaxed, following Cinco. Not looking for things to spook at, not barging around. Just strolling down the trail like she's done it forever.

NBD

It was really nice.

We reached the wash with absolutely no drama, and headed in. Both horses made a beeline to the water. But while Cinco went right up and started splashing, Truby hesitated when the sand got extra deep and soggy. Sand in the wash is usually fairly deep, but with all the rain and snowmelt, the middle is quite waterlogged. She lost a bit of confidence. She was unsure about the footing. She wanted a drink, but the whole thing was too weird for her, I guess my added weight made her sink and flounder more than usual. Plus I wasn't beside her being reassuring. Cinco was still playing, but I knew I had to move Truby to firmer ground before she lost all confidence. It took a bit to convince her to cross the water, but once we got to the other side, and onto firm footing, she relaxed again. Cinco eventually followed us, but she didn't care! She marched along, content and ready for adventure.

It was SO AMAZING, I don't even have words for it. I was RIDING. MY HORSE. IN THE WILD WASH. ME! TRUBY! OMG! It was happening and it was fantastic! It was like the first time you jump that really high jump for the second or third time. No longer nervous, not worried you won't make it over. But just pure exhilaration. The freedom and oneness with your horse. Everything is perfect. That feeling we all chase, the feeling that drives us to ride horses. To feel a part of them. If you know what I'm trying to say, you know. Unfortunately, if you don't...you don't. Anyone bothering to read this probably knows.

Truby: I got this, let's go!

A few minutes later, a trio of riders approached from the southeast. I stopped Truby, and she watched them intently. But calmly! We waved to each other and exchanged pleasantries and the happiness of riding our horses on such a beautiful day in such a beautiful place. I let them pass before asking Truby to continue. She paused a moment, but then walked on. I was SO PROUD OF HER! She's never been so relaxed with strange horses out on the trail, and this was the first time while i was riding. And she was excellent. I slipped her a cookie and gave her lots of pats and praise. She loved it.

Truby: I...don't...got this?

After a bit, she started to fall apart a little bit. I could sense her losing confidence. I don't know if she was just too far from home, or we'd ridden a bit too long, or if she suddenly realized what was going on, but I felt her change. I asked M if we could turn around, and we did. But it was too late. The hamster was slipping off the wheel. Cinco was starting to really be a twit, and testing M. She rode him into the water, doing serpentines and trying to keep him from getting into trouble.

Truby started to panic, just a bit, and dove towards her security blanket, aka Cinco. Despite my pony club kicking and enthusiastic pulling on the reins, I had no hope of changing her direction. While I didn't feel unsafe, I definitely no longer had control. And Tru was about five minutes away from completely falling apart. So I got off. No biggie. I waved M off to school some manners into Cinco, gave Truby a minute to recover her thoughts, and then headed back down the wash on foot. After a minute, she stopped, shook all over like a wet dog, and let out a huge sigh. Then she perked her ears up, and I could see her confidence return. She was relaxed and happy again. I laughed and gave her a huge hug. She had lost herself for a minute, but what a fast recovery! Yay Truby!

"I could eat this"

We continued down the wash, and she was completely unconcerned with Cinco being so far ahead of us. I realized though, that we were on the wrong side of the water, and would have to wade across. 3 times. Now, I hate having things not perfect with my feet. A hole in my sock is intolerable and will ruin my life. The only thing worse than having wet shoes and socks, is taking off my shoes and socks, and then putting them back on when my feet are still damp and kinda gritty. I cannot deal. But I didn't want to test Truby's recovery by getting back on, so I bravely forged ahead. My boots held! Maybe they were waterproof?!

We crossed the next stretch, and water flooded in. Boots not waterproof. The water was cold and up to my calves. My socks were instantly soaked. I decided to call it "refreshing!" and laugh it off. That's how good I felt! After one more invigorating splash through the water we were ready to leave the wash. I wished M good luck (she stayed behind to school Cinco) and walked Truby to a lush patch of grass out of sight of the wash.

...Did...did my friend leave???

We took a leisurely walk back, stopping to snack at all the best stops. My feet were soaked, but I had worn thicker socks than usual, so at least I didn't get blisters. We finally made it home and Truby got a good rub down, followed by a liniment rub. She was totally relaxed and happy on the way back, and quite pleased with herself. M and Cinco finally returned home, looking tired, but accomplished.

It took 3 days for my boots to fully dry, but it was worth it

It was allll worth it

Truby's Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was pretty nice. Quiet, relaxing, full of Truby. Pretty much all I want in life.

We got a bunch of rain for Christmas, which is fantastic! The horses spent Christmas Eve day in their stalls, avoiding the morning downpour. But the afternoon was warm and sunny, so I let Truby have an early Christmas present - I took off her rain sheet and let her roll in the wet sand.

Now carrying about 10 square yards of arena dirt on herself, we let her and Cinco out in the big field. Usually Cinco runs around and plays, but today Truby was feeling feisty and joined in the fun!

While they were out being wild, I spread an extra bag of fluffy shavings in Truby's stall, scrubbed her water tub and put some carrots in her hanging toy. We got even more rain that night, and it was nice to think of Truby sleeping in a big pile of fresh shavings.

Christmas day was lazy over at my house. But I managed to make it out to give Truby her presents. I don't believe in spoiling my animals on Christmas. I make sure to spoil them ALL year long. But, somehow there's always something extra on Christmas!

COOKIES!!

Thursday was bright, sunny, and warm. Knowing more (!!!!) rain was on the way, I took Truby for a nice walk on the Loop. They recently put down new footing (they spread the used bedding from the barn and it's surprising nice) and it was kinda fluffy and springy. Truby was totally chill and we had a nice afternoon walk. She declined rolling afterward, which was nice - the sheet went back on for the rain that would arrive in the night.

Today (Friday) is chilly and rainy. The mountains have lots of snow, and are just beginning to emerge from the clouds. It's in the 40s, but I'm still hoping we get some snow down in the valley!

Successfully Building Success

Super Scary trail marker

After seeing the gorgeous pictures of our last adventure, Barn Owner asked if she and her horse, Primo, could join us next time we went. This is a great idea, because (1) everything is more fun with friends! and (2) Primo is such a chill babysitter type horse. I knew he'd be a reassuring influence for Truby, and help her to relax and enjoy herself.

 Grazing before entering the wash

Unfortunately, life interrupted our plans, and Barn Owner couldn't go. But it was a beautiful day, and I had the plans in my head, so I filled my pockets with treats and off we went!

This time we met the scary delivery vans on the way down home road. This driver was much more considerate, but Truby still panicked a bit. BUT, by the time the came back past us, she was totally fine and barely reacted at all. Thank you, FedEx driver! You are awesome, and I appreciate it! Also props to the local USPS driver. He wasn't scary to Truby, but he must have seen her spook at the FedEx van, since he was extra slow as well. 

Nice man. Nice dog.

Otherwise the journey to the wash was uneventful. Truby was cheerful and willing, and less tense than our first trip.

She was happy to walk into the wash, but a bit excited and energetic. She was mannerly though. We passed an older man walking his dog. At first I was worried, as the dog was clearly off leash, but the good pup stayed right next to her owner. We exchanged pleasantries as we walked past each other, but didn't stop. Truby was disappointed, I think she wanted to meet the dog!

Would she even BE a mare if she didn't throw some side eye?

We walked a little bit farther down the wash than we did the first time, but not by too much. The sand is still deep and loose near the water. No wading in either, it was much colder than last week!

Checking out some yard work on the other side

Best pony takes a drink

I had to be aware of time, since I needed to be home, showered, and ready for an appointment that afternoon, so we didn't stay in the wash quite as long as we would have wanted. I needed to have plenty of time to take a leisurely stroll back, and hopefully undo any damage that our hasty exit last time had caused. 

Lots of time for snacks

Our relaxed trip back was entirely successful! There was lots of fresh green grass, and I let Truby stop at all the especially lush spots. She stayed totally relaxed, and even approached the trailhead rocks and decided maybe they didn't eat Trubys after all.

When we got past them, she gave the little head toss she does when she's proud of herself. I laughed, patted her neck, and she tossed her head again. It's super cute! Then she strutted all the way home. I have to admit, I was so proud of the both of us, I strutted too!

Getting another drink, because Best Desert Pony

We returned home, happy and relaxed. After picking her hooves and a little rubdown, I turned her back out with Cinco. They got back to the important business of eating hay. She wasn't upset about our adventure at all. What a perfect confidence building afternoon! 

This week it's been cold (low 30s at night, 50s during the day) and extremely windy, so no off farm adventures. Next week we should have some fun!

Cutest Christmas Pony!

An Unplanned Adventure

Heading down home road

Last Thursday I decided to take Truby for a nice long walk to stretch her legs. While riding in the arena is fine, hand walking in the arena is the WORST. She had a bit of a cough, so I didn't want to ride her two days in a row. I opted for the good ol' Loop. But when I was walking her there, she was really dragging her feet and soooo slow. I did not want to have to keep whacking her with the lead rope all the way around the Loop. So I thought...what if we come someplace new???? And kept walking down the road. We'd done this once before, many months ago, and it was Very Exciting! While she definitely perked up, she was still calm so...we turned down the main road. Since Truby lives in an equestrian estate neighborhood, 'main road' is a bit misleading. The speed limit is low, traffic is usually only for the neighborhood and most people are used to horses being ridden or led on the road.

On main road

This was a whole new road we were going down, and Truby was really enjoying it! She was striding along nicely, interested, but not tense. I knew the trail to the wash was not far...could we make it all the way there?

I love this picture

We turned down the trail, which was Scary, because there was a couple of large rocks across the entrance in an effort to keep ATVs off the path. But, we made it past with just a little snort and a whole lot of side-eye. I actually had no idea how far it was to the wash, but there was new winter grasses for nomming, pretty scenery for looking, and a beautiful afternoon for enjoying.

She was super suspicious of this couple,

even though they said she was beautiful

It wasn't super far, but a nice stroll. I was super excited to see water reflecting the afternoon sun, and let Truby graze for a few minutes before heading down.

Being in the wash blew Truby's mind, but not in a bad way. This horse *loves* being in the washes. She likes wide, open spaces, and being able to see everything. She was definitely 'up' and super excited, but very in control.

And then the horses came. A large group of trail riders came jogging down a trail. They slowed to a walk when they saw us, and we all waved and Truby tried not to lose her mind because, omg, HORSES. They splashed through the wash behind us and we continued the other direction.

After giving them a chance to get out of sight, I turned Truby back the way we came and headed toward the water. I wasn't sure what she'd think of it, but she charged right in, stopped and took a drink. Best. Desert. Pony. Ever.

splashy-splashy

We splashed around, and for a minute I thought she was going to drop in and roll in the water. It was a bit chilly (and the water was cold!) so I'm glad she didn't. I realized the trail riders were headed back out way, and decided it was time to wrap up.

Found out my boots aren't waterproof

As we left the wash, I heard one of the riders tell the group to cross the wash and head straight. Thinking they were coming towards us, I started to hustle Truby down the path. I wanted to get her to a more open area, so we could get well away when they passed.

Truby was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, and this was just a bit Too Much. She got Super Prancy, and although it was really pretty, I was dismayed to see the tension and nervousness start to take over. And by the time I realized the group wasn't coming our way, Truby was quite wound up. I let her prance to burn off some nerves. She wasn't pulling and staying right next to me, and her racehorse-going-to-the-post prance wasn't getting her more wound up.

And then the bike came.

I pulled her well over, stopped her, and encouraged her to graze. Luckily, the cyclist was very aware I had a potential horse-dragon kite, and slowed down and actually walked his bike past. We chatted while Truby STARED, and once past us, I continued home. Thank you, bike guy! You're the best.

Once we got back to the road and heading home, Truby slowed into a walk. She realized where she was, and where we were going, and I'm so proud of her for being to chill.

And the the Prime Van came.

I don't think the guy was speeding, but he certainly didn't slow down at all as he came up behind us. Luckily, we were at the corner of home road and main road and there was lots of room to get off the road. But Prime Van definitely did NOT slow down as he turned onto home road, and Truby lost her mind.

DUDES. SLOW DOWN FOR LIVING THINGS ALONG THE ROAD. JEEPERS.

Luckily he turned down one of the first driveways and was out of sight by the time Truby got all four feet back on the ground. We headed down the road, into the rapidly setting sun. As we passed the avienda that leads to the Loop, Truby dropped her head and heaved a sigh. She knew exactly where she was. It was so familiar. She was almost home.

I let her loose in the arena for a well deserved roll, and then tucked her into her stall for the night. As I grabbed her haynet and headed to fill it, I realized I hadn't closed the door far enough. I had enough time to think "oops, I need to close that" and then Truby pushed through, and went galloping down to the turnouts where the boys were. Oh Truby.

It was really cute though. She ran right over to Cinco, and thurst her head over the gate, as if she just had to tell him all about her adventures! "She took me someplace new! It was kinda cool, and there was grass, and I got to splash in the water, but then there was a BIKE and this van tried to run me down! And I missed you!!!"

Telling Cinco about her day

Having told her tale, I was easily able to grab her and put her away (again). She grabbed a mouthful of hay, let me rub her face, and was ready for bed. We're both ready to go again. The few mistakes are easy to fix, and she's always better each time. Hooray for new adventures!

If you look carefully, you can see the trail riders

Grand Theft: Doggo

Doggo

Last week was perfect Thanksgiving weather. And by that, I mean the typical weather I grew up with! Gloomy. Bleak. Chilly, but not excitingly cold. Overcast. Dark.

Dark and cloudy

A Tucson Rarity!

I loved it! To me, that's how it should be for Thanksgiving. Dark, bleak, and cloudy. Good weather for soups with crusty bread, snuggly sweaters, and hugging shaggy ponies.

Wednesday, M and I decided to ride the Loop before the rain blew in. The barn dogs were hanging around, and we tried to keep an eye on them, so they didn't get loose. Buuuut...we got distraced by the neighbor dragging their trashcan down their pea gravel driveway, and Juno ran out with us.

I made a half hearted attempt to catch her - I was still on foot, but M usually mounts at the barn. Juno likes to play Catch-Me-If-You-Can games, so when I failed to grab her the first time, I gave up. I knew I wasn't getting a second chance!

Since Barn Owner and I has gone on the Loop with Juno before, I knew she'd stay with us. I thought about texting her just to let her know we had Jun with us, but I rarely have phone service, so I didn't bother.

We had a great ride, both ponies were a little tense, but we rode through it just fine. A bit of a sticky point when the neighbor just-out-of-sight-but-not-quite was unloading their car. Lots of children squealing, small yappy dog yapping, doors slamming, and stuff being moved around. The horses could juuuust see the commotion through the mesquite, and they certainly could hear it!

Truby thought this was a good time to wig out. But I stayed calm, talked to her, and asked M circle back and get right in front of us.

It worked great!

Once we got past that, it was a pretty chill ride. Juno stayed (mostly) with us, and was good practice for the ponies. Jun's not the best with horses, she happy, and playful, but annoying. Still, everyone got along...even when she ran right behind Cinco (seriously, she had his tail drape over her for a second) and then darted past him. Good ponies! No spooking or kicking out.

The couple times Truby started to get tense and think about panicking, I just asked M to circle Cinco back. He walks much faster than Trubs, and by coming back and circling right in front of her, he kinda "hooked up" and it made her feel secure. Plus I think his momentum took her along! It worked a treat.

Just heading toward the road, nbd

Today was also the FIRST TIME we've walked 110% of the Loop. Usually I hop off right before we come around the last corner. That's the ranch's yard, and it can be quite hectic. Horses being ridden, horses playing in turnout, barnworkers working...and sometimes lazy coyotes sleeping on the trail. But all was quiet, so we just kept going.

I say 110% because when we got back to the start of the Loop, I nonchalantly just kept going. We rode through the gate and even down the little avenue! I opted to dismount when we hit the real road, but only because it was trash day and most of the cans were still out. I think Truby would have been fine, but no need to press our luck.

Home is at the end of this road and a bit to the right

We walked up to the gate, and waited for Juno. M lagged behind to make sure she came back with us. Junie was really dragging her paws...she didn't want to fun to be over! Barn Owner saw me by the gate and called "Have you seen my dog???" I yelled back "Yup! We stole her!'

Hanging out in the driveway

When we were all back on the farm, we clustered in the driveway chatting and laughing about the adventure. BO didn't mind Juno going with us, she knew we'd take care of her! A nice way to end a fabulous ride.

The Snowbirds Are Back, and So Am I!

Ohmergerd! Whetermehlons!

You guys. What a summer. I had stopped blogging because I was so tired, so unbelievably tired...all the time. Mind, I'm never super energetic, but this level of constant fatigue was unbearable. Add in another bout of sky high anxiety, and you have a recipe for noping out of most of life. Many days I could barely get myself to the barn, say hi to Truby, and leave. She didn't mind, she just wants pats and cookies. Turns out I had a rather significant vitamin D deficiency. Combine that with my body's usual inability to Do Things Right, and it mostly explains my very difficult time.

Grooming friends

Anyway, I've clawed my way back, as I always do, and am ready to start sharing more Truby adventures! Let's start with the best one. Just a couple weeks ago we did THIS:

Dream I barely dared to dream?

ACHIEVED! 

That's right! We hauled Truby and Cinco over to Saguaro National Forest East, and RODE OUR PONIES!!!!!!!!

Perfect trail buddies

It was amazing. It was magical. It was...calm. Relaxed. Safe. All the prep work of teaching Little Miss Social Anxiety (almost her show name!) paid off, and our first ride was a success! Truby loves this place, and we had a wonderful hour long ride. Truby led, Truby followed. Truby rode side by side. I'm so proud of her!

I was SO HAPPY!

I wasn't sure if Truby could handle these steps 

carved into the hills and rimmed with stone

But she LOVES them!

She thinks so hard about where to put her feet, it's adorable

The scenery is okay..I guess

She was so tired by the time we got back to the trailhead.

. And after a few more trips here, we'll try new places. I think she can handle it! In fact, our first "new place" will simply be heading left instead of right when we get to the wash. I think she'd be fine now, but I'd like to get a bit more experience at a known successful area. Luckily, M, Cinco's owner, has the same viewpoint I do, and is more than happy to help us build our confidence.

Drinking buddies