One should post more often but . . .

life keeps coming at you in every direction. Nod and smile? I think not okay, yes. I have been very busy at work which makes me think and why don't you feel you need a me? I am in a happy place. My blood pressure has gone down. Conversation with Chris with her upcoming third year as Race Horse Trainer at Canterbury has given me a position as . . . well yet to be defined. So I will make some extra cake while collecting severance. During our conversation "this will not cover your house payment". You know I really don't care if I lose the pad. Just don't let me lose the kids and I can deal.

Pixie back from her last pack of pups. I really, really want Smudge - the cutest JRT ever! Wyatt has been really snippy at Pix this time. She is currently going through a "skin condition" I am hoping to avoid a vet bill but it isn't looking too good. Another bath today resulted in her being more comfortable. I remember her having a little skin deal last year but nothing like what she is going through this time.

Josie and I have survived two off property trail rides. I do have to say poor site planning Carver. There is the area where the rigs park and you saddle, then you cross a dirt road. No problem you can see a long ways either way. Then you go through an area with huge rocks with brush and trees to your left and right and then boom! There is the bike trail. Each time has resulted in spooks. A little time before encountering drame would be wonderful.

The first ride Rainy leading the way, Josie and I were next to Josie's herd mare Jessie when six bikers whiz by. Jesse startles so does Josie but nothing bad. My first thought is this is going to be a long trail ride. I get into it and relax as we see bikers off in the distance. Josie usually letting me know in advance they are near. P and J are excellent to be with. Michelle is awesome! Josie doesn't want to walk with the others, she loves Jesse. I think she is Jesse's upcoming second. She is an alpha mare in the making. She likes to freeze when spooky stuff comes up. I am okay with this. I do laugh when I think we want to Event. She can't be stopping and looking at what scares her. We will be eliminated or pick up outrageous time penalties.

Our second outing I look forward to - been there done that. Good life likes to toss your a curve just to keep you top in your game. Thanks life! I see through the trees and bushes a bike, a breath and think we will be fine - been there done that! Ya! RIGHT! Lead mare Tuff spooks big time, Josie spins to the left only stopping as there is another horse in her way. The way it happened I hit my head on her greatly muscled neck. Later driving home I have a headache on the right temple - related? I think so. Back to the ride - I think crap! This is going to be another long ride. How will she be when Mr. Donkey starts braying at us this time, hmmmm?

The first ride I rode in my western saddle and dressage bridle, this time I use my dressage bridle with my multi-purpose jumping saddle. MMMMMMMM comfort and good I survived the earlier yahoo.

As I was getting Josie ready I hear jingle, jingle, jingle to the 99th degree. Two riders have a full set of bells and one has a rhythm bell set like mine. Josie perks but not an issue. This is different down the trail later. Fine! Your horses are use to the bells from hell but ours aren't. One should always care about how what they do effects others. Not these chickys.

Trail riding is exhausting. Later rides everything is a canter depart to the Mare. Why? We mostly walked and trotted to catch up. Why?

I took a lesson with H as I was having some difficulties with Uber Mare. I have now watched the video three times.

Tonight's ride - I got it! Brain and muscle melded into feeling - how wonderful. Josie, previously canter impaired, has decided canter is a really good thing. You always have to look back and see where you came from. She use to get so upset about cantering, now it is her choice for evasion. I get my best canter departs then which results is nice canter departs when requested.

After the first trail ride, I decided me, the pups and Josie should go out on the property trail. Hee, hee, hee. I thought this will be so easy after the two hour rides and encountering the unknown. She was iffy and then walking over a bent over thistle caused her to leap in the air with all fours. Just can't get a break when it comes to riding. Thanks for keeping me on my toes Uber Mare. The pups had a wonderful time and Josie and I bonded that little bit more.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for all the horses in my life that have brought me so much joy and pain. It has made me appreciate what I currently have so much more. So many times I feel not worthy of Josie. Sometimes I feel she is a blend of all the horses I have had. Sometimes I see a little Tilly, a little Senda and amazingly a it of PJ so short in my life and even Strawberry my Welsh Pony - that would be the Mare side.

Josie has been on the hoof supplements for a while now. I believe I see a difference in hoof. I ordered her next few months supply and have been very diligent about applying Ernie's concoction. Hooves are slow in growing so time will tell. My next decision is whether to put borium on her shoes. I would like to ride outside on the snow and ice so I am leaning toward it. Being she only wears front shoes - should I. Will ask farrier and vet and see what they say.

Life is AWESOME with a mare like Josie!