My Cousin Died

 Verla was only 63.

Planning ANOTHER Trip

On April 8, 2024, there will be another total eclipse of the sun.

we're going to be there, in its totality, just as we were for the one in Idaho in 2017.

This is a map we might take

This is the map of totality and it will last over 4 minutes along the blue line.

We plan on being north of San Antonio.

This is a map of the Mighty 5 in Utah, the 5 big National Parks; 

I'd like to go to each and every one of them 

but sadly we won't have enough time.

Anyway, we've been planning on being in Texas on April 8 for 5 years, ever since we saw this in Idaho and I can't wait to see it again.

 

And Now, Shes 2.5 Years Old

Black Orchid Ambleside is 2.5 years old.

She’s 14.3hh at her withers/ 15.2 at her butt

and weighs about 1,571 lbs.

Today I did a measurement for saddle size, length anyway. Previously it was 16” but now it’s about 17” and I’m hoping my Bates saddle will be able to fit her but don’t know if it will be wide enough for her.

Joey is 27.5 years old

A friend at the Atlantic ocean did this for me, Lan + Denise with horse hoof tracks

Our new kittens, Cami and Sali

 

Looking For A Trainer

 Ambleside is 2.25 years old now and its time for her to start learning new things

So today we had Nina come out to give us a lesson

We learned how to move forward without stepping into my bubble and I learned how to make her move.

It was $45 for about a one hour lesson, which is longer than I've ever worked with her before but a good price. 

I've got a few things I will be working on:

leading without walking into me

lunging, not a lot

changing directions

standing tied

Amble wearing a surcingle and a bit

I'll be purchasing a few things for her in the next couple weeks:

5.25" copper loose ring bit

Cob bridle

The bridle I have will fit her but I'd like her to have her own. 

Joey has his own and Wifi has we own.

I've done this all before with Joey & Wifi but had assistance, this is my first horse without help.

Ambleside weighs about 1600 IF my calculations are correct but it seems a little heavy.

Others Peoples Bullshit

 I've been interested in Endurance Riding on horseback for a long time, for as long as I've had my own horses, half my life, but I've never done it. I've been on long rides, a few long poker rides that were 20=25+ miles long.

At our old farm Sarah did it with her mare and got Top 10 at her very first ride, a 50 mile ride. 

People at the ride were NOT encouraging, 

they totally told her it was beginners luck and not due to her knowledge and skill. I know she had that mare fully in condition, she trainer her up well. Went out riding 3-4 times each week to build stamina and trust.

So the point I'm getting at is that the 4,400 members of the group don't want there to be stand alone 25-35 mile races, they say its not endurance. I call bullshit on that, those are the people who are working toward the 50-100 mile races. 

those bitches need to pull their heads out of their asses.

I have Amble and I want to try it with her in about 5 years and of course I'll go shorter distances first and spend years getting her fit. 

Gypsys have great endurance but she might not personally enjoy it but no matter what, I want to do trail riding with her. I also want to train her to drive.

Camping

We loaded up the camper & sxs and headed out for the cousin reunion 

Stopped at Hyak to explore the old train tunnel

Soren thought that was pretty cool

Camped at Liberty for the night

It was about 97* so the guys had fun panning for gold in the creek

Arrived at Conconnully at 2:30pm Friday

Went out for a night ride with cousin Kyle, Brooke & their son Blake

Friday morning went up to China Wall

Then explored the old Gold mine above the wall

I picked up CUTE new PJs for the trip

 

Horses This Week

I love my horses!

Wifi is used to the fact that she will spend most of her day inside the round pen, not eating all the pasture grass. We let her out for an hour each morning and then she will walk into the pen from wherever she is in the pasture. Then she lets us put the fly mask onto her head.

Joey lets me put the fly mask on him as well.

Ambleside doesn't like the fly mask, she doesn't like fly spray & she doesn't like dewormer either.