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!

Butch and Yuma's new digs.

I moved Butch and Yuma today to a new stable. It's in Lakewood, just west of Wadsworth and south of Morrison Road. Nine miles one way vs. 23 miles one way. Bear Creek Trail 50 feet off property. On this you can ride to Bear Creek Lake Park and beyond.........to Evergreen I'm told.

It's hard to make a change, even though I never really liked where I was boarding since April 2008. So, we'll see. The horses appeared to be content. I'll keep you posted.

Centennial Cone Open Space

My last visit to this open space park, was June 21st. As summer comes to a close, the flowers have all but gone and the grasses are now dry and brown. Soon, there will be golden aspen and cottonwoods dotting the landscape among the evergreens here. This transition from summer to early fall makes it seem like you are riding in a different park. How green and lush those photos were two and a half months ago.

Kenosha Pass and the Colorado Trail coming up in the next week or two. Gotta catch those golden aspen at their peak.

Reynolds Park.

These pictures aren't good, by any measurement, but it's all I have to show for our ride today. Yuma and Jessica made quick work out of the six mile loop with an elevation gain of 1000' in three miles. Steep up, steep down, and 1 1/2 hours later, we were done.

Very hot in Denver today and yesterday.

Did you know we have had no temperatures all summer that reached triple digits?

I need a new camera. Sigh. These photos do not improve by enlarging them.