We're in thaw mode.

From frozen to thawing in the course of a couple of days. Ankle deep or more in mud now. Not much that can be done except a little ground work. Improvements made over yesterday's groundwork. That's all I can ask for. I'm satisfied with that. Riding would be nice, but conditions are far from favorable. Maybe next weekend. Where's Butch? Oh, he's hanging out with the ladies! He does love them so.

New Approach

I have decided that my "Fun Over Fifty" blog should also include things I do that do that are not horsey. In that light, above are photos of Buddy and Moe romping in Veterans Park last weekend. They do enjoy their off leash time. I apologize for the blurry picture of Buddy (I so wish it were clear), but I had to post it because it captures that pure boxer joy for life! While squashy, Moe officially weighs more than half of Buddy's 80 pounds and I sincerely think he believes he is also a boxer, just shorter in statue.

Working the Program.

I can't, in fact, remember the last day that I rode. With the snowfalls we have had, it has remained muddy, snowy or icy. Footing is poor and Jake and Butch have both slipped and fallen while doing groundwork. So we just try to spend time with them and are working on desentizing and other things that don't require much in the way of foot movement. *Sigh*

I don't require particularly warm weather in order to ride, but I do like good footing. It could possibly be a very long winter.

Jake

Yuma is sweet and dear but, she needed someone to own her who has much more time and energy than I have to work with her four to six times a week. I hopefully found that match in Lauren, her new owner, who happens to be another nurse. She will continue to be boarded where I am at and I will be able to watch their progress.

This BIG guy is her replacement. Meet Jake; a six year old Percheron/Quarter horse cross that is a kind and gentle spirit. He stands at least 16.2 hands at the withers and will be a great compliment to Butch. He is currently out of condition as he has not been being worked or ridden. I will get current pictures of him when I bring him "home" and will document his progress on this blog. Should be lots of fun. Looking forward to many years of enjoyment with Jake and, of course, my #1, BUTCH.

BTW - a hand is four inches and is how horses are measured. The measurement is taken at the highest point of their withers. So, given that, Jake is at least 66" at his withers. His feet are pretty big, too!

Clinton Anderson Clinic

Butch and I spent three of the most intense days of instruction with Clinton Anderson and staff in Colorado Springs this past weekend. The transformation of each horse, twenty in all, and owner from Friday to Sunday was something you would only believe if you were there to witness it. His training methods are motivating, inspiring, and most of all effective for gaining respect from your horse and building confidence on the ground and in the saddle.

I was indeed lucky to have gotten a chance to participate. I was only notified two weeks prior that there had been a cancellation, opening a spot for me. What to do now? Work, work, work on everything we learned so we can get better and better. What's coming up next year? A ten day clinic with Clinton at his facility in Stephenville, TX. See you there!

Bear Creek Lake Park

It was a cool fall day today with the sun coming and going from behind the clouds. A slight breeze stirred at times, tempting me to put my fleece on, but then it would stop and the sun would warm me. I rode Butch, and along with a new friend who was mounted on Yuma, we rode from the stable to Bear Creek Lake Park. We followed the Mount Carbon loop trail around the park for a total distance of 12.6 miles. It was a very nice day and a very nice ride, but truthfully, my knees and butt hurt!

Bear Creek Trail

Jane, Cat, and I hit the Bear Creek Trail heading west from the stable. The leaves are just beginning to change. It was a warm and sunny day. I love where I'm boarding! Yes, I do!