9am with Duke it was 1st Nov ride

I wasn't sure Id make it in time for the 9am because I couldnt find my phone.  I was late at leaving the house.  Although it said it was cold on the thermometer it was starting to look like a nice day was in store.  I dress warm but layers, LS shirt, tshirt, new hoodie and fleece vest,  in the case I could wear a tshirt later.  The sun was shining strong.
Kanti had texted me that she was with her Mom for the last day and wont make it this weekend at all.  I know that is tough for her.  Thank goodness she comes all the time so she can come more than one ride when she is there.I called into Bob and he sounded great on the phone. I told him I was about 2min away and would like to be on the 9am if it was possible.  He said hurry and you'll make it.  I was perfect timing.  The lady with the daughter Lexie was there to ride, the dark haired girl with the black riding helmut, and a lady with her son that was tethered to Sarah.

We headed out together, Christine was at he water barrels.  Sheila was working this morning and she asked me "Blue or Duke today".  I responded, Duke.  I would like Blue as a horse to keep because of his wonderful character but for the ride this morning I was choosing Duke.  He looked peppy.  As Danny put my length on the stirrups as she adjusted it Duke didnt stop walking.  I think  he may have been a little fresh today.  As we waited in line at the barrels he strayed over into the grass. I had to yank him back to behind the group.  I thought he was a little fresh today.
 He was behind Tulsa and I was worried that he was going to tailgate. I was pulling him back but he was on her butt.  We went into the woods at the farm and right away you could see a sweet deer watching us in the path ahead.  When she ran you could really see the white tail up as she ran so fast.    Sheila was up front with Sarah with the tethered boy on Belle.
We split off from the path and Sheila lead the ride with us.  I was feeling good about the ride because we were all advanced.  Many people favor Sheila for the ride lead.  I noticed that the ride today was one of those rides.  The two women mother and daughter prefer Sheila and the girl in black on Midnight was seemed irritated.  I was worried about her because she was kinda unhappy.

The ride progressed and we split at the sand.  Our first trot was nice.  Duke wanted to go faster than the ride was going.  Tulsa moved up to lead the ride with Lexie's Mom on her.  I think it made the girl in dark jealous of the status.  I didnt care at all because I dont care what the other people are doing so long as I am happy riding with Duke (or the horse that goes out with me for the ride). I was excited because we were going around the lake.  Sarah was a little behind me with the little boy and his mom.  As we trotted past the great part of the lake with the dip and the corner Sarah had a quick radio to Sheila.  I guess Belle wasnt doing too good on the tether and had to be taken off because ehs was trying to trot.  Maybe were should have been out of sight when we started to trot.  I know that Duke likes Belle maybe Belle likes Duke and tried to catch him.  That would be kinda cool.
Well about the straight away around the Lake we had to wait for Sarah, Sheila went back to help out.  The little boy seemed fresh.  We had the rest of the ride walking.  The boy was talking to Sarah and he thought he was funny and that he made Belle trot.  Im not sure what happened but the little boy was not behaving (I think).  The rest of the ride was beautiful but I would have loved to trot more.  I love the pics.  The girl in black was talking to midnight I think but I was worried she was sad.

Later Sheila confirmed it.  Getting back to the barn was nice. I spent some time with giving carrots to Hershey and Duke, walked over to Winston, Bogie and Sargant and shared some carrots.  Christine was scrubbing the water barrels so clean.

Bobby was helping Val get the tractor to clean up in teh barn.  Domino was with Tango in the Barn.  He was a little worried after last week's shock we both got from standing too close to the cord in the barn to separate the horses.  I was able to get some carrots to Domino and he trusts me again but hes caustious poor boy.  I missed seeing Kanti.

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.