Zen Has Returned

There's no better way to lift my spirits than to go for a horseback ride.

After getting all worked up about what's going on with my friend's horse, I decided I would spend some quality time with my herd. I initially opened the gate to let Brego out so he could have some mud free time. Unfortunately he decided against it and stood in the middle of the muddy pen, the little bugger.

It was then time to feed Bob his daily grain. I think for him the world revolves around his evening meal of grain and alfalfa. There's this excited look on his face when I come out to do evening chores. When I opened the door to let Bob in, Rain decided to sneak in right behind.

Rain must have thought he could snitch some of Bob's alfalfa. I took it as an invitation to pull him out of the pens and mess with him. If he sees a halter he disappears normally.

I decided that instead of lugging out my western saddle, that I would try my hand at the english saddle. hahaha There's so little leather to that saddle. I always forget when I switch to english that there's really not much there. I guess that's why I stay in my western saddle 99% of the time.

My theory is that if I start riding english on Rain that 1) I'll focus more on my riding so that I can be more balanced and centered and 2) I won't try to work Rain as hard so he'll want to go on more rides. If we just stay at a walk, I have a better chance of not falling off and maybe being able to coax Rain into another ride later on in the week. He's such an onery guy; he doesn't always let me catch him. I'm also hoping that if we both start working together we'll both be in shape for the riding season. As it is, we are both overweight and out of shape. :-)

Once I was done futzing around on Rain, I gave him a thorough grooming, including braiding his mane. I apparently have a thing for braids right now. It's more quality time with my horses.

I decided after putting Rain back to pull Dude out. He was covered in mud and had darn cockleburs and dreadlocks in his mane. It was really starting to bug me. So I gave him a thorough grooming and deshedding. He'll need more work in shedding out but at least it's a start. He was more interested in the ponies than getting a good grooming. Once I was done getting rid of the dirt and loose hair I tackled his mane and braided it up too. I need to get a pic of him. He looks so cute all braided up. It's hard to tell he's a thug.

This morning I enjoyed the "PreDawn" show. For the last three mornings I've enjoyed watching the golden moon set over the horizon. While I drive to work, I get to watch the sky change hues every so many minutes. And to top it off, as I'm pulling in to work, the sun rose above the horizon. So all in all, I've had an enjoyable evening and morning.

Maybe this evening I'll get to go for another ride to help keep me in my "zen" mood.