Sunday, April 6, 2008

Josie came most of the way today. I thought for sure she would put two and two together - me out early means we are going to the sorting league. After loading our gear in the trailer. I put my tall muck boots on thinking I would have to walk through the quagmire left behind by a river runs through it. Half the herd was up and half were in the back. Josie would wander to the lane but one of the horses was blocking her so she would wander back. I would call and she would try again. The other horse lost interest in keeping her back or she just showed how determined she was and managed to get by. I love it when she nickers at me. I have to catch a picture of her expression.

Insert one and a half hours of driving time here.

She had a lot of mud on her lower legs but wasn't too bad over the rest of her body. I at least wanted to put her SMBoots on. She did a slow load into the trailer, not sure if she thought I was in the way or what the deal was.

After trying to mount three times I finally got on to ride her from the trailer to the arena. I dismounted, just then a border collie came running out to greet us and Josie got upset. Thank goodness he waited until I was off. Borders are extremely intense dogs, Josie was very curious and these dogs have no fear of horses or cattle. They had put more footing (dirt with rocks) in the arena, Josie tripped just walking. I waited for the yahoos to get it packed down again and warmed her up. The picture gal was there again. Hopefully she got us this time to so I have more pictures to choose from.

We sucked today but Josie did turn one calf off trying to cross the line out of order. The BIG deal was she cantered out of the working area when I asked her. Previously she would kind of hop but continue trotting. This time we did at least three canter strides - YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

After my ride on Thursday and Friday I know it isn't a training issue - the arena there is too small and the footing is not good. She is one smart cookie!

Insert one and a half hours of driving time here.

It was wonderful that the rain waited until we were loaded up and heading for home. All week I had visions of getting ready in the pouring rain.

Josie knows when the work is done she should eat. She didn't want to touch her hay - GIVE ME GRAIN! She looks a little gaunt in the blank area but her weight is pretty good. She now gets two weeks off before we make the trip one last time. Neither her or I would do well making constant show campaigns.