Blue and I on the 10am with Kanti

I was all ready to go ride at the 9am, it was in the 30s, and I received a text that Kanti would be late.  I let her know I would go at 10 with her.  This made it a little different, not rush I had another cup of coffee and then left.  Bob was going fishing at the Refuge this morning.  I got my 5 lbs of carrots and took off at about 9am.  When I got there the guy who shoes some of the horses with the Van was in the opening to the barn.  I don't really know him but he seems like he thinks he is special.  He is working on a horse and Sheila needed to help because the horse was worried.  Sheila said it was very difficult so I stayed away from the front of the barn and hung out with Tonto, and Domino.  Sheila was working with the girls in the barn and the man was shoeing the black and white horse.  It added some tension to the area.  Kanti finished up with Bogie and then she left the areas too.
Cathy had Tabu and she was walking her around.  Her wound in the back hind hip looks very painful.  I can see the stitches and there is an open wound getting sun and healing.  Tabu looked happy enough with Cathy walking. I walked around with her and Kanti for a little while.  Tabu needed the exercise to help her heal.  Tonto was in his stall standing and looking around. I gave him some carrots and he was happy too.  Val was working with Sheila and they looked like they were happy.  As I went over to Domino I gave him some carrots.  He was happy to see me. I petting his nice head and mane. Suddenly after I gave him a carrot I leaned over a gain to pet his face and there was a snap and I received a shock.  Both Domino and I received the shot and we both jumped back and away.  Domino was pretty scared and he looked at me like I was responsible.  I let him know I had nothing to do with it and I gave him the rest of the carrots.   I felt bad that I had scared him.  But he did jump back fast and strong.  He must be feeling better.

Andy needed to turn back from11am ride, Kanti brought him.  He had something wrong.   She is worried. He was good here.

Everyone in the corral was starvin today.

There were some socializing with the goats and the sheep.  The little black sheep is trying to make extra friends with the sweet lamb.  Im worried for her.  The other sheep is black and has horns growing in.  I was able to give him some carrots.  The little sheep is much less scared of me and actually approaches me for carrots.  I think that she is sweet and Im excited that she would begin to trust me.
The ride was nice it seemed short because the first ride came back late.  I think we had to cut corners and we didnt go around the lake but  we did take a right at the lake and did a trot on lake edge before doubling back.  I like to go around the lake but its ok.  The leaves were falling quickly today, I imagine that it will show signs of winter soon.  It was nippy in the afternoon.  The wind picked up and we all realized just how cold it could be soon.  It was a nice short ride but I was happy.  There was a big man behind me on Hershey.  He was so happy to be on Hershey he had ridden him another time and he was happy to have him today.  I hope that Hershey isnt getting too much work with Domino having to rest his leg.

Helped out on the farm this week Christine and rode with Duke

Popped out of bed this Saturday and got my self on the road fast.  Kanti had said that the guides were short handed on Saturday and she was going in early to help.  I sent a note to Sheila and asked if I could help too.  She said sure thing.  I was kinda excited. I realize that I am limited in how I can help, I am not experienced in preparing a horse for a trail ride.Raychel was parked behind me, didnt want to wake her, Took My Big Ford.
When I got there I had heard that the rides were full for the day. Sheila and Bob was in the office.  Pretty cool.  Kanti was getting Bogie ready, there were so many people all working at the same time.  Sheila was in the office.  I asked Sheila what would be the best thing for me to help with.  She said that it would be ok if I took the horses over as they were ready and put them in the gate.  When I got back to the barn, Cassie said I may learn more if I work with Kanti to get each horse ready by combing out their fur with the metal spiral rake type of tool and then a soft brush.

This is Shawnee, she is small and needs some fat on her bones but so sweet.

Kanti began to teach me some little things about getting the horses ready. She let me know many ways that help the horse feel calm as you brush them down.  She said that some are sensitive at their body and its ok to use you hand and then the rake.  She also said that the mud needs to be broken up carefully and then the soft brush.  There is an underside that you need careful with your brushing.  I tried to keep the brushing soft.  It was fun to  work with the horses but as far as getting the horses loaded I do not have the skills. We got a couple horses ready and most of the riders were at the water barrels ready to go.  Kanti asked if I was riding and I said maybe later.  Kanti said Sheila said if I was going to ride Id better jump on Duke now, later there may not be horses.  Wow I had to get going.  We had a big ride and it was totally advanced.  I was on Duke, and the remainder of the riders were advanced.  Cassie lead and said, "are we all up for a canter ride?" I was up front and I thought wow this is great!  We did quite a bit of fast trots and took the trails I love the most around the beautiful lake.  It was great.  I think I love when Sarah takes us out but she had to take the slower walk ride.  The girls worked hard.
Bobby said that a place I could really help would be if I helped with the line up at the water barrel.  I worked with this 16 year old girl named Christine that helps get the horses together with the families.  Christine is a very nice girl.  I worked later with her to clean out the boarder barn.  We worked hard. I know she is working but I was just learning to help out.  So I had said I could help out from 8:30 to 12.  It was fun because I was able to help with 3 rides and shovel out the boarder barn with Christine.  It was the first time that I was able to help.  I did love it.  I think that if I go early with Kanti she can help me learn more about the saddle etc.  Before I left for the day Kanti was helping with some of the horses, Chiquita and Shawnee to get them ready for the upcoming rides.  She had just bought a new harness for Bogie it was nice.  Red with little horses on it.  She loves that horse so much.  She went out to help with the second and third ride and I was helping with the little stuff around the barn.  I was able to share some carrots and then I got to say hi to Bob.  Gave him a big hug and a kiss with the card I had for him.  He looked amazing. He was there for a few hours.
When Christine asked Bobby if the boarder barn was in good shape, Bobby said "no" it was a mess.  Christine jumped in the ATV and started to go over to the barn.  I asked if she wanted help Id go over with her.  We went into each stall and figured how much needed to be cleaned and we did about 7 or so wheelbarrows of manure to the side of the barn in a big pile.  We finished up together each of us turns scraping up a stall and together we shoveled into the wheelbarrel.  Christine said she loved music and put her songs on so we could hear there as we shoveled.  She seemed like a nice person.  She said she had a horse of her own and she has been coming to Bobby's since she was a young child.  She had her horse at Westford Stables.   It was nice to talk with her has we worked.  We finished up, and headed back to the corral so we would be able to help with the next ride.   I enjoyed working hard.
 I stayed until 12:30 took some pics and headed home.  It was a beautiful morning that I worked.

Sneak to the Farm on Columbus day with Duke

Jumped out of bed and rushed to make it.  Had to take a shower and it was 37 degrees out.  I knew Id need some coats today.  Got out the door with coffee and didnt have time to get carrots . . . again.
Next Sunday Im going to have a huge bag for everyone to eat.
I phoned Sheila answered, she was in a great mood.  She said plenty of room fo me o the 9am.  I drove fast and got there on the nose.  I had a 50 dollar bill Raych had paid me back but Sheila said dont worry its no charge for helping.  I was awfully nice to be there.  Danny was getting Duke ready.  There were lots of women there iwth special boots all chatting together.  I ignored them and waited to see if I could get Duke he was lead up and the women thought they were next and Danny said "Jules".  I was happy.  She said that my stirrups are 4 from the bottom.  I hope I remember.  We got on and went to the water.  I was pretty excited.  It wasnt long at all and Cassie was heading into the woods. Duke and I were right behind her and Cheyenne (I think beautiful big girl).  I love her.  Anyway at the split we were all discussing Canter ride.   Yeah we were having a morning ride with advanced riders and we were going to go fast.  I was on Duke and ready.  Cassie did the quick test to see if all of the six guest riders were comfortable.  It was a positive sign.  I had not cantered with Cassie ever so its a new thing. I love to ride with Sarah, Sheila, Enja and all the guilds.  Sarah and Anja are Kanit and I's favs.
It was wonderful.  We were finally going to ride fast and around the lake.  The whole time Cassie and I were talking about children horses everything.  I had an amazing ride!.

Beautiful morning and still was able to go get apples, and even got some fresh apple cider doughnuts at Nagog Orchard Hill Farm.
Im still smiling. The little lamb was trapped in the outside ring and Danny was working iwth the newere Mustang. I checked in with Domino and he was doing good much better.  Tabu was standing in the barn side stall next to Tonto.  I pray there will be feeling better soon.

Saturday there was no 9am ride, I went at 10 with Tulsa

I called while driving and Cassie said there was no 9am.  There must have been low on guides.  I had to kill some time before going there but it was ok.  I asked for the 10am instead.  I sped with my carrots from the refrigerator.  There was no parking.  Many people were at the farm.  It was hopping. I could see the farrier (sp) was parked in front of the barn.  Tonto was getting his feet fitted.  When I spoke with Valerie later, she said that he needed special shoes to help with his condition.  Tonto has been suffering with a sickness and then a condtion on his legs.  Poor Valerie.  Well I went over to the line up There were still getting horse ready. I could see tons of men so I may not get my Duke.  But its ok.  I was set up with Sheila, she put me on Tulsa and said that she has been sensitive to horses behind her.  I would make sure he had nothing to worry about.  I had some carrots in my pocket but Tulsa was all business.  The ride was huge and the mist was starting to come down.  There was a little girl named Evylyn I belive with her mom and dad.  I remember she went on another ride and was talking and enjoying herself the whole time.  Well the ride was big and they were short guilds.  Sheila asked me if I minded working while we were at the split. The trot ride with Cassie, Sarah and Amanda was huge.   I said no problem and took the end of the walk ride with her.  I felt pretty good.  The family with the special needs girl and the woman and her Dad were infront of me. The dad was on Hershey and the lady, Susan was on Andy.  They were all happy.  Tulsa wanted to trot today she has a peppy step.  I felt like I was helping.  I saw that Kanti was NOT on the ride.  Bogie was with another rider.  I was a little concerned.

It was beautiful and we didnt get wet.  The temp was about 55 or so.  Had to wear a sweatshirt but it worked out.  The whole ride I was happy to talk with the woman and man infront of me.  Susan had beatiful long red colored hair.  Almost the color of Andy's.  She said that she loved riding iwth Malaki who also had matching hair.  She was lovely.  When she got off Andy I noticed she had a light green cross tatoo on her forehead.
Bob had just gotten home from the hospital that week. Domino has an absys on his leg and is limping.  There are some other horses limping too.  Then I went to give Kanti a hug, she said that something terrible had happened to Tabu and she need medicine and to be cared for that morning. I could see her standing up in the barn stall.  Tonto was in the stall next to her.  Far away from their friends.  Tonto was drugged up and had new shoes,  and sweeit little Tabu was standing looking away.  The barn had a wire fence so that the other horses would not get too close to those two.  Domino clearly didnt like being kept back.  I talked with Bobby and he told me some stories about Bob not listening to the drs and walking around and going out when he is suppose to be mending and then not being able to get up.  Poor young Bob so much going on.  I asked if I could give Domino a carrot, Bobby said, that I would not matter what anyone said.  domino was happy to get the love.  He limped over to me and I was feeling for him.  He totally loved the love. Good Boy.
Out in the corral I was able to give Duke some carrots before he took off on his next ride.  He knows Im going to spoil him each week now.  He knows I want to hang out with him on a ride and give him some love with carrots.  Sheila said he was so naughty this week on a ride,  he wouldnt go with a rider oh his back.   Sheila switching horses during the ride then taught him to listen by doing guide tricks with the reins.  He was sorry she didnt listne and we great for the rest of the ride.  Sheila sound so happy.  She was so dam busy with the day.  I think they had a long day.  I left worried about Tango, Tabo and Domino plus there was another little horse there.  Kanti said that Cathy was having a tough time and was very sad.  Tonto was so groggy, I hope they are feeling better.  Valerie and with her sweet Tonto 3 times a day to make sure that he is going to be ok.  I had to rush back I wanted to help more.  I was able to get off Tulsa on my own and talk with the nice people from the ride. I wish I would see them again sometime.

OverSlept til 9:10 but got there for the 10am with Duke

Last night I had to do the best I could on my paper.  It was not as clear to me as the past papers on Modern Art.  I was up until 2:15 or so.  9:15 I jumped out of bed, dressed, made coffee and took off.  Didnt even have carrots (only a 1 lb bag).  It felt weird not being able to see Bob to check me in.  As I drove I phoned Sheila and she said 10am was available.  I was so happy.  It had been raining and I had a sweatshirt on, didnt seem like it was going to get nice out.
I didnt have as much traffic on 495 and got to the farm about 5min early.  I was able to grab cash from the ATM Bank on the way. Paid Cassie Cash.  The girls were in the office and they looked happy to tell some stories about how good Bob was doing after the triple bi-pas this Tuesday.
I ran over and Kanti was parked next to me.  Gave her a hug, noticed the woman who comes with her daughter was there too. It was a huge ride but I saw that we would have an advanced ride.
Amanda was leading and when we split off then Danny took the trot ride.  Oh Dike was in great form.  He loved to be behind Datara.  I think he liked her and wanted to keep up.  It was nice.  Kanti was behind me and I couldnt have been happier.  We didnt go on a long ride.  We didnt go around lake.  I think when we have these huge rides the guides keep the horses and themselves safe by taking a nice path that doubles back on the right side of the lake.  Honestly I miss the ride around the lake so much.

So the ride was great and Kanti and I spoke for a while.  I missed her.  Danny is very cool.  I like riding with her.  I miss Sarah she is my favorite in the mornings. Duke rode so perfectly when we trotted.  He is so professional to ride. When I am on him I feel as good as he rides.  He helps me feel as wonderful as I think he is just by being with him.
I havent seen Cathy in a while and I hope things are going good with Tabu.
Im going to try to go tomorrow even though I should get in early.  :)

Oh yeah as I was reluctantly was getting ready to leave as the group for the next ride, as I was watching the next ride get saddled, Sheila asked me to help with getting the riders organized on the ride.  It was a huge ride and I helped.  It was so fun. I had carrots in my pocket and Duchess had a nice man on her and she was hugging me as I was helping the horses get with their families.  It was so fun.  I know I helped some.  I stayed with Kanti and gave a little boy some carrots so he coud feed the goats.  He was a emotionally disabled with his dad who seemed very nice.  When the ride came back I left for the day. I had only 1 lb of carrots for the horses.