Finding Peace When You Can

Perfection

Well, Tucson went from ho-hum, coronavirus, no big deal to OMGBUYALLTHETOILETPAPER!!!! real fast. I knew toilet paper, dried beans, and rice had been sold out everywhere for quite a few days, but I was shocked when I went to the store after work on Monday and saw all the selves that were just wiped out. Every package of pasta - gone. 95% of spaghetti sauces - gone. Soup/stock, gone. Flour, gone. Meat was almost entirely gone. I picked up my usual prescription at CVS, and almost all their first aid supplies had been gone for days, according to the pharmacist. It was a sobering, and chilling afternoon. 

I was feeling unsettled and worried so I went to visit Truby. Trubys are good comforters. She had had quite the drama-llama weekend (more later), but I was relieved to see she was walking sound and straight, and seemed totally recovered. It was a little cool, but comfortable in my tee shirt. The sun had dropped enough to be golden, but not blinding. I slipped on Truby's sidepull, gave her a cookie and got on. 

Local pack, they live on the back of the property and are "our" coyotes. 

They know the horses, the horses know them

and they're basically like farm dogs

We rode in the big turnout. Truby was striding out, loose and swingy. Ears up and enjoying herself. I felt a part of her. In tune with her movement. We both breathed deeply and occasionally stopped to close our eyes, face tilted towards the setting sun. 

I felt so relaxed, so connected to our small bit of the world. We watched "our" coyotes coming back from hunting. It's funny, all the horses know our coyotes and have no concerns about them. We've even run into them out on the Loop, and it's no big deal. OTHER coyotes alarm them, which is fine. But ours? Just part of the barn.

I count 4, of the 8 or so that came past

We took one more loop of the turnout out before heading in. Loathe to end such an lovely ride, I walked around the barn one last time, where we met up with Juno. She was also just enjoying the evening, but joined us for a turn around the barn.

Junie blends in, I'm always a little scared we're going to trample her by accident

This face. I love her.

You only get 2 seconds to snap a selfie before she gets bored

I'm so grateful for such a lovely evening with Truby. Horses are always so amazing at grounding us, and helping us put our fears aside. I'm always grateful to have her at such a nice little private barn, but now doubly so. No restrictions on visiting, no worries about sharing/catching anything. I'm often there by myself. 

She's going to protect me from covid19.

As soon as she's done her nap

Husband has started working from home. I guess I'll be working until we're ordered to close. When I left work we were still super busy and making appointments, but who knows what's happened since Monday, everything is changing so fast. We have lots of elderly clients, so I worry for them and hope they'll make good choices. I was lucky and hit the library before they closed. The horses have a great supply of feed, I grabbed some cat litter for Auri, and extra shaving for Truby. We have plenty of toilet paper and snacks to keep us comfortable for awhile. I'm mostly worried about the people panicking and doing dumb shit. As long as I can go to the barn and lay my head on Truby's neck, I'll be okay. 

Peace and luck to everyone out there. Be safe.

A Very Truby Morning

Rocking our Maryland pride browband

Yesterday was a beautiful, Truby-rific day. We went for a ride, and she had opinions. Mare opinions. When did this happen??? We're building fitness, so it was an easyish ride. After a winter of one or both of us being sick, we need to get in shape. Truby slow and sure, and me a little more cardio-intense. We both have ahmazing abs from coughing. (More about Truby's coughing later. Mine is boring 'let's get every head cold going around Tucson' coughing. No one cares about that, even me.)

After ride cuddles

After our ride, Truby got her tail and udders washed and her tail deep conditioned. She's always been a super scrungy horse, so she needs a weekly spa to kept her fresh. It's so dry in Tucson she needs a weekly deep condition to keep her tail from turning brittle and super staticky. 

Since she was an extra good Truby, I gave her a light wetting down and let her roll and roll and roll in the sand. I can tell how good her body feels by how many times (and how easily) she flops from side to side.

Aerodynamic to get snax faster

Since it was her day in, I made sure to put carrots in her hanging toy. She's not really into "toys", but she is really into snax, and is willing to 'play' with her 'toy' to get a carrot. 

It was the Trubyiest morning ever!

Life in Pictures

Me, 24/7

Life's been coming at me recently, nothing exciting, just annoying. Instead of trying to pummel my last few brain cells into telling a story, let's just enjoy some pictures of Truby! 

It rained all morning

Truby enjoyed the results

Winter rain means "grass"

I don't actually know what that green stuff is

but it's not really grass

Cookies????

My favorite view

Me: Look! I found this bone in the desert.
Truby: Cool, I'ma eat it

looks like she should be in a fairy tale

Mares are always so opinionated

Mares are also dramatic

lovely pink sunsets

Heading towards home

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!