A Horse Named Pogo Stick

A few years ago I was suffering from severe, almost debilitating, headaches.  When my doctor couldn't find a cause or offer any further medical advice, I decided I had nothing to lose by going to a chiropractor.  What the chiropractor asked me still makes me laugh in a way only a true horseperson can understand.  As he almost immediately determined that the source of my headaches was an old injury to my neck, he asked "Have you ever fallen on your head?".  My only response was "I have horses".  LOL

Over the years I've come off a number of horses, but there's one horse I remember because I didn't even get on her.  In the mid & late '70s I spent a lot of time at rodeos & Buck Outs, which were rodeo practice sessions.   I did a little barrel racing but my real desire was to get on a bareback bronc!  Why you ask?  Because I was young, fearless, & an adrenaline junky I suppose.  I'd ridden a lot of tough horses, including  a lot of TBs & QHs off the race track.  The next step in the thrill rides just seemed to be a bronc.  If only any of the stock contractors would allow females to ride.

Then one day I got my wish.  A stock contractor said why not & a couple of us girls got to get on the broncs.  One even got on a bull but I wasn't THAT crazy.  The next 3 weekends were so much fun even though I never rode to 8 seconds.  I sported some aches & burises, but there was just something exhilarating about the nerves, jitters, & adrenaline rush that went with getting on those horses.  I was pretty upset when, on the 4th weekend, there was a new stock contractor & he said NO to the girls riding anything other than barrel racing.  The draw had already been done & I would have gotten on a chestnut mare named Pogo Stick. 

Totally mad & bummed I hung on the fence as Mike, the cowboy who ended up with MY bronc prepared to ride.  Oh did Pogo Stick come out of the chute.  That mare went straight up, as high as the chute, hit the ground & pogo sticked right back up in the air.  Mike was like a ragdoll for all of 2 seconds, then up he went & head first into the ground.  There he lay motionless.  A collective gasp went up among the cowboys & cowgirls, then dead silence.  Mike was the best rider there & he was unconscious, taken from the arena by stretcher.  We later learned that he was stable but in critical condition with a broken neck. 

If not for the new stock contractor, it would have been me that day.  It would have been me on a horse named Pogo Stick.   

   

Oh The Halloween Horror

What fun it was going to be to go to a Halloween Poker Ride.  Launi loves dressing up in costume almost as much as I love to dress him up.  The hardest part was coming up with a costume to fit my slightly oversized arabian.  After a couple trips to the Dollar Store & rummaging through my closets, we were all set for a fun day on the Halloween poker trail.

I should have known when I went to get Launi that morning that we should have stayed on local trail by ourselves.  First he made me walk all the way to the top of the pasture to get him.  Then, with his ears & lips in their snarly positions, he tried to bump me & walk on top of me as I led him to the barn.  He was in such a cantankerous mood that into the roundpen he went for a warm up, errr attitude adjustment.  If I'd listened to my inner self we would have by-passed the horrors of the Halloween poker ride.

I arrived an hour early & the parking area was already full.  Great, I hadn't expected such a big turn out so was a little worried that the commotion of so many horses would upset the pumpkin cart, so to speak.  Launi can be great in a group sometimes & at others group settings unravel his young, arabian mind.  By the time I had Launi all dressed up & ready to go, he was relaxed & compliant.  Maybe that should have warned me. LOL

Faye went with us as I planned to pony her for experience & exposure.  What a good little mare to just go along with whatever happened.  She was eager to see new sights & walked right out next to Launi.  She only slightly spooked when parts of Launi's costume blew in the wind, flipping from one side of Launi to the other.  Launi on the other hoof could have cared less that his costume was flying all over.  We signed in, got the map, & headed out on the Horror Trail. 

We hadn't gone far when the trail turned into a bog.  A bog as in Faye was in up over her knees.  Launi HATES sucking mud & the bog was very unnerving for him.  He was snorting, twisting, & spooking, all the while going forward only because I asked.  Next was a creek crossing with horses backed up behind one who wouldn't cross.  I knew Launi would cross but didn't know what Faye would think.  It was muddy going in on a slight down slope & quite a few horses were spooking.  I was so proud that both of my arabs went right on across.  I really should have turned back then because I was NOT happy about the bog & the fact that we had to cross it again on the return route.  But on we went, right across open, rocky, did I mention ROCKY? terrain.  Rocky as in baby boulders everywhere.  We were literally walking on them to follow the trail, which went up along a fenceline next to a very active train track.  We circled around & crossed the creek again, only this time at a very boggy spot with ruts from cattle traffic.  UGH!!!  And on to the long stretch of Horror bog we'd already done. 

Going through the bog the second time completely unravelled Launi.  He came out of it in full power mode with me white knuckling the reins to keep him in check.  As we went up a hill I could feel him bunching for trouble.  I didn't know exactly what he was going to do but I could feel the explosion under me.  All of a sudden he slung his head to the left & took off.  Yes, as in trying to run away.  As we shot forward Faye's lead rope was jerked from my hand, along with the right rein.  Faye had NO idea what was happening.  I fumbled to not get tangled in the lead & grabbed the left rein with both hands, hoping to circle & gain control.  Launi had NO intention of listening, he was just going.  There was a group of 5 riders in front of us & I had visions of crashing into someone.  One rider moved out of the way but another moved her horse as if to block our path.  Was she crazy???!!!  It wasn't necessary because Launi slowed to a stop before we got to them.  He'd only run away for about 50-60 feet so fortunately never got a full head of steam.  Then he stood quietly like nothing had happened while Faye came up & I reach for her lead.  Faye was so good, she didn't know what was happening but she didn't panic or run.  And she came right to Launi once he stopped. 

The BIG BRAT knew exactly what he was doing & I have no doubt he thoroughly enjoyed himself.  He wasn't spooked or panicked, he just didn't want to behave & walk any more.  I was going to continue with the poker ride but after walking a short way, Launi started to act up again.  He just wasn't in a walking, slow ride kind of mood so I ended the ride & returned to the trailer.  I'm still pissed at his behavior because it was deliberate & ornery.  Although it shouldn't surprise me because Launi excels at being ornery when it suits him.  He just doesn't realize how much I wished I'd had a gun.  Next Halloween I'm dressing as a gunslinger, just in case I need a gun.  LOL    

What A Ride! Camp Far West 2012

In July Launi & I did his first Limited Distance 30 mile ride at Gold Country.  It was my first AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) ride in 5 years & it felt so good to be back on the trail competing.  I had so much fun & Launi did so well that I immediately started looking for another AERC ride.

After a lot of thought I signed us up for the LD 30 miler at Camp Far West over Labor Day weekend.  We were going to ride on Sat & I was looking forward to another good ride.  But in the back of my mind was a niggling little thought that maybe, just maybe we could do a 50 mile endurance ride.  I hadn't done a 50 miler in 7 years so that niggling little thought was a giant leap from our LD.  When ride management emailed the list of entries, my heart quickened when I saw that only 10 people were signed up for Sun's LD.  That meant IF I signed up for the 50 I'd only have to worry about controlling Launi for 10 riders to pass us.  Controlling Launi can be a bit of a challenge so my ride decisions have to be based on my safety.  Well after emailing with the ride secretary a few times, she told me that the LDs on Sun do a different trail so never pass the 50s.  That information sealed our fate.  I changed our entry to the 50 miler on Sunday.  Launi was about to grow up.

On Friday a friend stopped by & helped me glue Easyboot Glue-Ons onto Launi's feet.  I didn't want to risk any gaiter rubs from his Gloves since Sun was going to be a long riding day.  We had a little trouble getting the glue to set up on one of his hooves, but at last he was bathed & booted, ready to begin our next big adventure.

The 44 mile drive to ridecamp was uneventful.  I saw a lot of friends & had fun visiting.  I was asked a number of times about what breed of horse Launi is & no one could believe he's a purebred arab.  I suppose I better get use to this as it also happened at the Gold Country 30.  I even had a bearded man ask if he was for sale.  Uh NO!  Launi vetted in fine & we were set to go the next morning.  It was a beautiful morning on Sun with the remains of the blue moon still looking over the valley when I got up to feed.   All through the hustle & bustle of tacking up Launi was calm.  Could I really be so lucky as to have a quiet ride start?  I got on & we rode around camp for a few minutes before he started to get excited.  Up went his hind end while he violently shook his head.  I was in for a wild ride if I didn't get him focused.  Back to the trailer we in the hopes he'd eat & relax.  About 12 minutes after the ride started, Launi & I hit the trail.  With no other horses in sight he calmly did his dog-trot down the road.  He was out for a Sunday ride & had no clue what we were really doing.

It wasn't long before we caught up with other horses but at least we had reached the hills.  While Launi got strong & tried to keep up, or catch up, with other horses, he was very controllable & never offered to buck.  Whew...I lucked out BIG TIME!  We leap-frogged with a few riders and I was so proud that Launi never lost his cool.  Somewhere around 12 miles we met another rider who joined us for the rest of the day.  Her horse & Launi were well suited & we had a great day riding with our new friends.  

Shara, our savior of the day, met us at mile 15 with water, wet hay, & mashes.  While our horses replenished Shara gave me the sad news that Launi's sire, Rabu Farwa aka Pip, had died Friday night.  He'd passed on the blue moon, a giant of a little horse who meant so much to his owner & me.  I was so fortunate to have leased him because without Pip I'd never have had Launi or Launi's 2 daughters.  It was with a heavy heart that Launi & I dedicated his first endurance ride in the memory of his sire.  Not finishing was now NOT an option.

Shara met us half a dozen times along the trail, offering water & feed to our horses, & a diet pepsi to me.  I know that without her we might have had a different day.  It was the refreshing breaks that kept us perked up & going down the trail.  There were times when I whispered to Launi about other rides I'd done on this trail.  He was following in the footprints of an awesome horse, my dearly missed Farwraff.  It was so emotional to be riding the same trails with a horse I'd not only raised, but a preemie that I'd bottle fed.  A horse who so many thought wouldn't live through the first few days of foalhood.  There were a number of times as I rode that tears filled my eyes.  Tears of sadness, tears of joy, & tears of love for the horse Launi was becoming.

In the morning I'd had trouble with my stirrups & my left ankle was weakening & sore.  Some adjustments were made at lunch that helped but the ankle remained sore.  Not everything about the day went as planned.  My netheryeah was chafing so I grabbed the baby powder.  Only after sprinkling it liberally, I noticed that I'd grabbed Launi's FOOT powder.  Oh shit!!  After dancing around, shaking out powder, I hoped it wouldn't burn when I got back in the saddle.  Actually though, the menthol proved to be cooling & it didn't burn.  Whew!  That was close!  With about 6 miles left to ride, it popped twice, buckled,  & I could hardly stand the pain.  I don't know what happened but it sure felt bad.  We walked the downhill & uphill while trying to trot a little on the flat.  My thighs & calfs sure got a work out since I wasn't using my ankle or feet.  I even rode with my left foot out of the stirrup as we trotted on down the trail.  As we passed the firing range, complete with what sounded like cannons, for the 2nd time, I knew we were almost done.  Just 3 more miles.  Shara met us 1 1/2 miles from the finish for one more refreshment.  While the horses ate & drank, my ankle rested & didn't feel as bad that last mile or so.

It was a good thing the smoke from the northern fires had started filling the air.  Everyone's eyes were watering & stinging.  I say it was good because when I crossed that finish line in tears, no one noticed.  What a high!

Launi vetted out good, bright & alert, even trotting freely in hand, which is something he usually refuses to do.  He sees no reason to trot when he can walk as fast as I run.  But maybe because Shara trotted him for the vet he thought he'd be a good boy. 

This morning when I went out to check on Launi it was hard to believe we'd ridden 50 miles just yesterday.  He was bright, perky, & quite demanding in wanting breakfast.  His legs look good & I don't think he even lost any weight.  There was no signs that he'd just graduated to being an ENDURANCE HORSE.   

ps:  I on the other hand should probably stick with being an LD rider.  My ankle's in a soft brace & a few body parts don't feel quite right.  Maybe I'm too old to relive my youth??  Well, there's not much I can do about that because if Launi's an endurance horse, then I guess I have to get back to being an endurance rider.  And NO, he's NOT for sale. LOL 

    

 

Once In A Blue Moon

The blue moon is a rare event that has marked significant events throughout history.  Once in a blue moon a special horse will come to you & fill a space in your heart.  For me that horse was Rabu Farwa, affectionately known as Pip.

A grandson of two greats, Abu Farwa & Aurab, he had a wonderful old pedigree that most people will never have the opportunity to behold.  While short in stature he was a giant of a horse.  I had long looked for an Abu Farwa grandson (all the Ab sons were gone) to breed to my CMK mares.  After 8 long years of looking, I met Pip's owner Pat on-line.  What a wealth of knowledge Pat has proven to be, as well as a mentor & friend.  In 2004 Pip came to live me on a lease.  My hopes & expectations were high.

No matter the planning, things don't always go as planned.  With 4 mares in foal to Pip for 2005, I was excited & anxiously awaiting for spring.  In an unfortunate turn of events, the senior Pip had gone infertile so his 2005 foals would be his legacy.  When it came time for spring vaccinations, the mares were given West Nile Virus shots.  Within hours tragedy struck.  Three of the mares, the least far along in pregnancy, lost their foals.  The 4th mare was FV Farrubi who was 9 months pregnant.  Within hours she too showed signs of aborting her foal.  With the help of many knowledgeable breeders & my wonderful vet, we managed to get Rubi to hang onto her foal for another 30 days.  She was still a whole month early when she presented me with a premature colt.

Rabu Farwa's son, DreamCatcher Rabulaun aka Launi, was huge even though he was a preemie.  Born with no suckle reflex & a number of other preemie problems, I was determined not to lose Pip's legacy.  All the work & vet bills that went into Pip's son was more than worth it.  Seven years later I have the horse love of my life.  I also have 2 Pip granddaughters from before Launi was gelded.  Pip's legacy will carry on.

On August 31st 2012, on the night of the blue moon, a giant of a horse passed.  Pip's passing has left a hole in a few hearts that will never be filled.  I'm so blessed to have shared a short time in Pip's life.  Once in a blue moon a special horse came into my life.  Once in a blue moon Rabu Farwa ran free.        

A Love Affair

For those who've never had a love affair with a horse, I'm here to tell you it's a wonderful thing.  I'm sure a true love affair with a horse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for only a few of those lucky enough to love horses.  I must be extremely lucky because I've had love affairs with THREE horses.  I've loved a lot of horses throughout my life, but I've only been "in love" with three.

The first was Reno Hancock, a registered quarter horse mare.  I grew up with Reno.  We were as one & she filled my every thought.  There wasn't a day that we weren't together.  She was there through my teen years & it was she who kept me from being another teenaged statistic.  I literally lived for Reno.  I married & moved to Texas with my husband & Reno.  It was Reno who came home to CA with me.  Actually, she was there for me through two divorces.  Ever strong with her shoulder to cry on, Reno was my rock through 9 1/2 difficult years.  When I lost her to colic my entire world collapsed.  I was inconsolable & not sure how I'd go on without her.  I knew there'd never be another horse who filled my heart so completely so I sold most of my tack & swore off horses.  Since I do love horses, I actually ended up bringing home a new horse within a couple of weeks.  But life just wasn't the same without Reno.  

In the 3 1/2 years following Reno's death I had a number of really nice horses.  I loved them all but none captured my heart.  Then one day I saw a bay gelding who made me pause.  I knew as I looked at him that he'd one day be mine.  He wasn't for sale but I kept an eye on him.  A few months later he was headed to auction as crazy & unridable.  I never hesitated as I wrote that check.  Farwraff was mine.  For 16 years we were partners.  I was in love with Wraff.  He made my heart smile.  We shared a lot of fun times, as well as those love & hate times that come along with being in any love affair.  Throughout our years together there was no other horse who could come close to Wraff., and I rode a lot of really nice horses.  Wraff filled my heart with warmth & joy.  I loved everything about him, even his crazy & sometimes dangerous antics.  He was my life.  Whenever I hear the song lyrics "I will always love you", Wraff is there in my mind & heart.  Even 12 years after losing him, he continues to hold a very special place in my heart.

Seven years ago a colt was born.  He was everything I'd hoped for when I bred his parents.  After a very rough start, including bottle feedings & surgeries on his underdeveloped legs, DreamCatcher Rabulaun began inching his way into my heart.  While I loved him, he was a very difficult colt to handle & he was always a challenge.  He was very time consuming because he had to be handled daily or he was unmanageable.  Very intelligent & self-confident, Launi was always finding ways to "push my buttons".  Finally I decided he was too much work as a stallion so I had him gelded.  Two years later we're going down the trail as partners.  Launi is becoming a great trail horse who both challenges me & occasionally gives me a good ride.  To say that I love Launi today is an understatement.  I'm totally & completely IN love with Launi.  He's becoming the horse of my dreams.  He's the horse light of my life.  There are times when he makes my heart swell like the Grinch's heart.  I love just spending time with him, breathing in his breath as he exhales, laying my head on his shoulder.  No matter how bad the day is, it just gets better when I'm with Launi.  He's The Wind Beneath My Wings.  

For those who've never had a love affair with a horse, I can only explain the feeling as that of a full heart; a heart that's bursting with joy; a heart that's filled with the love of a very special horse.  I am truly lucky to have had 3 heart filling horses share my life.  

Patience Isn't Launi's Virtue

Yesterday was quite an adventure.  A friend had talked me into taking Launi to a Competitively Judged Trail Trial.  WHY I agreed to go I'm not quite sure.  I'd convinced myself it'd be such a great, calm environment for Launi to learn patients & the art of walking in group rides.  Yeah right!

 Kim & I arrived at base camp around 1pm.  Her horse, Boo, & Launi travelled well together.  We set up our area & then I went for a short ride.  Launi was a bit "on his toes" but nothing too unsettling.  It was another hour before our ride started & in the mean time Launi hung out at the trailer.  He was quite fascinated by the mule next to him.  His ears perked every time the mule HEE HAWed.  And when the mule rode off, he called for him to come back.  Maybe it was because the mule was Launi's size, or maybe his voice was deep like Launi's.  Whatever it was, Launi likes mules.

Riders were put into groups by start time.  Kim & I were with 3 other people, 1 of which she knew.  I wasn't exactly happy about the groupings because I had expected to ride individually.  Launi & I were riding in the NON-judged category.  Why pay to be judged when Launi has NO experience with obstacles?  Obstacle #1 was the Birthday Party:  a narrow path between balloons, toys, packages, umbrellas, & the judge sitting in a canopied chair.  Very slowly, one step at a time, Launi negotiated through the Birthday Party.  Woohoooooo!  Awesome!  Obstacle #2 was a series of step-over logs into a downhill facing "box" of logs.  The object was to back uphill out of the box.  Again very slowly & carefully, Launi completed the obstacle.  I was pretty pleased.  Obstacle #3 was a log drag around a pair of porta-potties.  I screwed this one up by taking the rope in my right hand & approaching the porta-potties going to the left.  No way were we getting around without tangling in the rope so I made a right turn & just drug the log in a circle to prove that Launi could drag a log.  SOOOO proud of Launi.  The bridge obstacle was a no-brainer since we have bridges on our local trails.  We didn't attempt the gate obstacle but we did ride up & stop facing parallel to it.  There was a lot of wait time & standing around while everyone in the group worked an obstacle.  Up until now Launi'd been very good, but he was losing patience.  He started to fidget & refused stand, tossing his head & pulling to go.  We were also dealing with a very novice rider who couldn't keep his horse from galloping up behind us.  Grrrrr.....  Next we started up hill & I told our group we were walking, just as one rider took off with a few lope strides & then trotting.  The novice rider's horse loped into Kim's mare, setting her into a frenzy, &  Launi started throwing a temper tantrum.  He almost launched me & I could feel my butt leaving the saddle.  How I landed back in the saddle I'll never know.  A little further he bucked again & all I could do was turn him tightly, spinning downhill.  I'd had enough & was NOT going to continue in our group.  We were off course & I was all for just heading to the trailer.  We met up with the first group & found our way again, heading to the next obstacle in reverse.  It almost turned into a disaster.  It was a steep downhill into a little ravine & immediately up a steep hill.  Launi had NO focus & reared as he started uphill, hitting me in the face.  Another tight circle gave me some control.  Circling facing downhill is a "pit of the stomach" kind of feeling.  Finally we were at the last obstacle & back in camp.  Launi & I managed to complete 9 of the 10 obstacles to my satisfaction.  I modified a couple of them to Launi's level & he did as I asked.

While the experience & exposure were great for Launi, remind me to NEVER go to another event put on by this organization.  The trail wasn't marked & it was mostly just cutting cross country with no trails.  It was hours before dinner was served.  The awards were long & drawn out with the announcer centering everything around herself.  How can an event manager, who decides the obstacles, compete in her own event?  The organization, or lack thereof, left me shaking my head.

After dropping Kim & Boo off, we got home at 11pm.  A VERY long day.  All in all I'm very proud of Launi, with the exception of the bucking & rearing incidents.  There's more homework to be done before his next public outing.   

If It Hadn't Been For Horses

Horses touch our lives in ways we can't fathom.  I've had horses forever & they've brought many people into my life.  In fact, I really can't think of any friends who didn't come to me through horses.  Looking back over the years, other than a couple of school friends, I don't think I've ever had a non-horsey friend.  Or they might have been non-horsey until they met me.   I truly am a bad influence.  LOL

In 2007 I was at my first endurance ride in a few years.  I heard someone call my name & when I turned, I saw someone who I'd known from endurance in the 1990s.  Jan & I talked a bit & even rode the last 4-5 miles together that day.  It was fun seeing an old endurance friend.  She was riding the daughter of the mare she'd ridden when I rode my Wraff.  We shared a lot of memories & had a lot of laughs in those few miles that day.

I think it was in 2009 that I got an email from a guy in CO asking about my family research.  We discovered that our paternal great-grandparents were one & the same.  We were COUSINS!  It was so fun because other than seeing our great-uncle once as a kid, I'd never met any of my Chapek relatives.  As we corresponded back & forth, it came out that I had horses & was an endurance rider.  Lo & behold, Chuck's sister also had horses & used to ride endurance.  He asked if he could connect us & it was an easy YES for me.  Not only did I have a new cousin, we both loved horses & endurance.

It wasn't long before I got the first email from Chuck's sister.  We "chatted" about our horses & she mentioned that her last ride was Washoe Valley in 2007.  WHAT?  I was at that ride.  I didn't say anything but I KNEW.  I asked for a picture & could only grin & smile when I saw it.  Chuck's sister was my old endurance friend Jan.  After a few more emails I finally told Jan that we actually knew each other.  What a small world!

Today Jan & I have rekindled an old friendship into a new, AWESOME friendship.  We've both gotten back in the saddle to RIDE...Really Ride.  It's so much fun having someone to share old endurance stories with while we're making new stories.  Her Angell & my Launi do very well together & we've had some great rides on my favorite trails, the WST (aka Tevis trail).  We've shared some breathtaking views, splashing in the American River, traversing some of the narrowest trails I'd want to be on, lots of laughs, a few remembrance tears, telling family stories, and some down right FUN times on the trails.  Bringing us even closer is the fact that we share a gorgeous black filly.

A highlight that's actually even better in some ways than Jan & I as riding partners, is the fact that we've reconnected her mother &  my father after 75 years.  It's so much fun when we all get together to see & hear our parents chatting about their childhoods & their family.  They're so cute together.  It's just so heartwarming that they've found family in their elder years. 

To think none of this would have happened if it hadn't been for horses.     

Reflections on a Rescue

Cleaning pastures is a great time to reflect on things around us.  Our minds are free to wander as our bodies toil.  While I was scooping poop & being mauled by a couple of my little grey mares this morning, I got to thinking about the local rescue.

The local rescue has grown quite large with a following of people who are not only willing to donate, but to believe everything they're told by the rescue.  Why people are so willing to give money to a cause they haven't thoroughly researched is beyond me.  Why someone will blindly believe everything they're told without looking into matters themselves is also beyond me.  It never ceases to amaze me that people will defend this rescue but they've never been there, looked into its policies, followed its dealings, questioned its truthfulness, nor wondered where all the un-named horses have gone.  It's not hard to figure out that this is a high kill rescue that puts down horses for a variety of reasons, not just that they're ill or injured.  They've been known to murder (yes, I think of them as murderers) horses for no other reason than it's male & has testicles; a high number of arabs have been murdered; young horses are high on the kill list; horses deemed dangerous or having behavioral issues are sometimes never even unloaded from their trailers.  It's not known how many horses have been murdered by the rescue's own hands, but we do know from their own postings that they have killed animals by lethal injection.  And no, they aren't vets.  Hmmmm, makes you wonder doesn't it?

So while I was scooping poop I got to wondering about my own herd.  What would happen if this rescue had access to my horses (OVER MY DEAD BODY, well not even then)?  I do know that ALL of my horses would be high on "the" list just because they're arabs & part-arabs.  

My 21 year old mare would most likely be instantly murdered because they'd deem her dangerous.  She almost never perks her ears forward & pins them at anyone approaching her.  She's been this way since a baby & has NEVER done anything but have a snarly face.  Still, I'm sure that face would scare the rescue into erasing it from this earth.  This little mare was a dynamite endurance horse & is still a fun ride.  Of course with her previous, freak accident injuries, I'm sure she wouldn't stand a chance even though she is sound.  Sorry Wraini, the rescue sure wouldn't rescue you.

My 3 & 2 year old fillies might fare a little better, but I doubt it.  The 2 year old is growing fast & needs her feet trimmed every 2 weeks.  If she isn't trimmed properly she has issues with her stifles.  This is something she'll outgrow as she matures & it'll be a non-issue.  But not only does this rescue not provide hoof care for the horses, I consider them too ignorant to be able to realize this gorgeous filly has no issue other than rapid growth.  She's a feisty filly who likes to dance & flag her tail so I'm sure she'd be too much for them to handle.  My spirited Spring would probably be deemed as being unmanageable.  Maybe my 3 year old would have a better chance.  She's quite, even lazy & loves her face held.  But could they get beyond her pinned ears.  She's just another of those horses who seldom perks her ears.  She has a bit of a stubborn streak & can have a temper.  Adding her temperament to the fact that she's an arab I'm sure would sentence my sweet Carli to her death.

Looking across the pasture at the horse love of my life, I realize that Launi would have no chance.  He's big, he's arab, he's a bossy type horse who loves to challenge people.  He can be a handful under saddle because he has so much energy, youthfulness & life to him.  He's so very smart & I fear that alone would have him deemed dangerous.  You know it's not good to have a horse who's intelligence is higher than your own.

By virtue of his testicles my stallion would never even get unloaded from the trailer.  He'd go straight to their killing vet.  What a horrific shame!  While never started under saddle because of a broken back leg as a 2 year old, Shain has more than proven his worth to all who have met him.  He loves visitors, loves to be pampered, & is one of the sweetest stallions I've known.  He has a wonderful old pedigree that should be preserved & his offspring have been a credit to the breed.  Did I mention he's an arab?  So even if he would get unloaded from the trailer I'm sure he wouldn't last long.    To prove how ignorant this rescue is, you have to know that Shain is the 2007, Region III, Reserve Champion Sport Horse In Hand Stallion.

Maybe my little grey mares, ages 5 & 9, would have a chance.  Both are loving & literally maul me while working in their pasture.  Maybe their overly friendly attitudes would deem them dangerous?  Surely even this rescue isn't that demented.  The 5 year old has been started under saddle, although she's baby green.  Dippi is going to be a goer under saddle with a bold, forward personality.  Would that be too much for "them"?  I'd like to think not & that she might be safe.  She is after all only a part-arab.  My 9 year old, Faye, is the sweetest mare who loves her ears scratched.  But she's very sensitive & you can't raise your voice around her.  So I'm sure she wouldn't stand a chance with their lack of skills.  I know that Faye would make the cutest little girl's horse with the right, gentle, experience hand finishing her training.  All something that she couldn't possibly get at that rescue.

It's really a good thing the heat ended my day of cleaning the pastures.  I'm not sure my head (about to explode) or heart (about to break) could take much more reflecting on this rescue.  It's a very cold feeling to know their history & to know that so many horses are NOT safe with them.  If only the horse gods could protect the horses from them.

PS:  I hope my reflections have given you pause as to the future of your horse/s should something happen to you.  My horses all have their own "godparents" to look after their safety.  That's the best thing I can do for my horses.  I hope you make it the best you do for yours.

Launi Graduates Kindergarten

After 16 months of slow, mostly controlled, sane riding, Launi graduated from kindergarten this weekend.  He's now moved up to AERC Limited Distance rides by completing his first 30 miler.  What a thrill!  My goal for the ride was to hopefully get the entire 30 miles done, even if we were over time.  I honestly didn't think we could get the mileage done in time, but didn't really care.  I was riding to get conditioning, exposure, & training on my horse with the hopes of riding endurance in the not too distant future.

We pulled out of the drive at 7am Fri, heading to get fuel & ice.  Once at the gas station a guy mentioned that my truck was leaking freon.  OH NO!  Not a good way to start out for our first ride.  I assessed the situation & discovered a hose clamp that was loose.  Out came my tool box (thanks Daddy for teaching me the importance of having tools & knowing how to use them) & the leak was soon fixed.  We were off & driving.

Heading down Hwy 49 between Auburn & Cool is never an easy drive with it's winding, 8% grade, but driving into the smoke of the Foresthill & Colfax fire did nothing to set my mind at ease.  Luckily the Cool side of the canyon was smoke free & gorgeous.  On to the Dru Barner Equestrian Staging Area.  We arrived early enough that Launi was lucky to get a stall.  What a gorgeous campground.  Not long after we got there Blaze arrived with his mom & dad so Launi had a neighbor.  They quickly became BFFs. 

Vetting in was anything but smooth.  Launi had a sore & swollen spot on his back from his rambunctious, yearling pasture mate.  He also sported 2 cuts on his hips from the colt practicing for the stallion games.  Vet's suggestion, no more pasturing with the colt. Poor Launi.  Of course it didn't end there.  When I trotted him out he was so lethargic that TWO vets thought he might be off but couldn't say which, if any, leg.  Was it his sore back?  Was he sick?  I tried to explain that he wastes no energy except to give me a hard time.  Launi got a C for impulsion, attitude & gait at the PRE-ride vetting.  Thank you Aurora for going back to the vet & trotting him out again.  Your legs are a much better match. lol

Launi started the ride really well.  At least for the first 100 yards or so.  Then all his energy came out & my ride was on!  Three times I had to get a long way off the trail to let horses go by because he was getting out of control.  And believe me, as big as he is he can get out of control quick.  I'm happy to say he never bucked, but I had my hands full just trying to keep him from running away.  By the time we'd gone 5 miles I was ready to call his Godfather to come get him.  lol  For the next 25 miles we played leapfrog with a gal on her pinto.  While nice to know we weren't on the trail alone, it was hard at times because we paced differently.  I was trying to keep a steady trot while she was racing ahead & then walking.  Launi stayed wound & pulling on me but at least he NEVER bucked.  Finally we made it to our 22.5 miles lunch stop.  Boy was I glad.  I needed that break more than Launi.  Only 7 1/5 miles to go so I tried to slow down a little.  We started walking most of the uphill & tried to keep a 5mph dog-trot on the downhill & flat.  Crossing the finish line I still had a lot of horse.  Launi was still pulling to trot, with ears pricked forward.  I have no doubt we could have continued on down the trail.  Of course Aurora was there to trot him for the final vet check because I had no doubt he'd walk to my run.  And the vet's final comment:  He sure doesn't waste energy does he? 

What an amazing day!  Launi far exceeded my expectations.  He ate & drank like a pro; he kept moving forward even if a bit too fast sometimes; & he finished with time to spare.  Launi learned that he LOVES to trot downhill.  Not sure this is a good thing for me.  He also learned that he LOVES to trot.  Now that's a good thing.  I learned that I have a horse who has the potential to be incredible on the trail.  I also learned that I have a horse who's too big & powerful for short, old me.  Guess we'll just have to make do though 'cause I LOVE my graduate.  And NO he's not for sale!  LOL  

Happy 4th of July from the BIG BRAT & I

What better way to spend July 4th than enjoying the freedom of riding a section of my favorite trail with my bestest horse Launi & wonderful cousin, Jan. 

It's been so hot the last couple of nights that I haven't slept much so 5am found me groggy & stumbling around trying to get ready to ride.  By 6:30 Launi & I were on the road to Auburn.  Surprisingly the streets & highways were pretty empty for a holiday.  We arrived at the Auburn Staging Area/Overlook at 8:15.  I always arrive early because it takes me so long to get Launi dressed.  After brushing him his mane is braided; then he's tacked up; next comes his EasyBoot Gloves; heart monitor is put in place & girth is adjusted a couple notches; crupper goes on; girth adjusted again; Glove gaiters snugged; my water & his cookies are packed onto the saddle; helmet goes on my head; bridle goes on Launi's head; one more girth adjustment; & FINALLY we're ready to ride.

The trails were busy today with a lot of riders, runners, & hikers.  Passing traffic coming & going was such a great experience for both Launi & Angell, Jan's lovely mare.  Launi was quite happy to lead the way with Angell within touching distance of his tail.  We trotted the uphills, most of the flat, & even some of the slight downhills.  Woohoo the BIG BRAT is growing up.  Over rocks, through water, tip-toeing between well-worn ruts, happily spending the day on the WST, aka TEVIS trail.  Jan & I had a great time chatting, remembering the good ol' days of endurance.  At Paige Harper Springs Launi scrambled through the rock, trying to stay away from the many, many, many bees buzzing around.  Uh oh, off went a hind boot.  Well, the boot went off but the gaiter held it to him.  Good boy Launi didn't panic.  I hopped off, more like slumped to the far distant ground  LOL.  The old, fishing line repaired gaiter was torn.  DARN!  But luckily I had a boot packed on the saddle, albeit a 1/2 size too big.  Never fear, I had athletic tape & with 1/2 a roll holding the boot on we were on our way.  Oh & surprise, surprise, I managed to get on Launi from almost ground level when he stepped away from the mounting rock after my left foot was in the stirrup.  At 15.3 that was quite a feat for this not so young, not so slim, not so limber rider. :)

At one point early in our ride we heard a roar coming through the canyon at us.  I first thought it was a helicopter flying low, which means about as high as we were on the trail.  That's scary unless your horse is used to looking into a helicopter pilot's eyes. Ha!  As the roar neared we looked up & saw an incredible four jet formation flying above us.  So fitting for a 4th of July fly over.

We rode to Cool & took a break at a wonderful water tank.  Launi enjoyed a ziplock baggie of grain with electrolytes while I guzzled a water bottle.  We even hosed Launi & Angell off before heading back to Auburn.  Part of our route back to Auburn was different trail that allowed a little more trotting.  Launi gave me a few fits & head slings to speed up but then settled back down.  He's really starting to like being allowed to slow trot some of the downhill.  After crossing No Hands Bridge, AWESOME by the way, we had a lot of flat that allowed for some nice trotting.  On a slightly relaxed rein there were times when I knew we were at 7mph, & even faster a couple of times.  I could tell when Launi stepped his speed up when I felt his trot suspend.  FABULOUS feeling but not one that we're really ready for just yet.  But it's there to look forward to in the not too distant future. 

Coming up off the road & onto single track we were stopped by EMTs tending to a downed hiker.  Luckily we were by the spring so the horse got to enjoy a nice long water stop.  It was 20-30 minutes before they were able to stabalize the hiker (who had hiked 5-6 miles in & out of the canyon with NO water) & begin carrying him up the hill.  We slowly followed at a safe distance, both horses behaving like pros.  When we got to the top we had to walk between emergency vehicles & about a dozen firemen & EMTs.  Launi & Angell sure impressed me with their quiet, calm manners.  Two miles later we were back at the Auburn Staging Area with two horses sucking in more water, grazing on a little grass, & chilling under the trees.

It was such an AWESOME day!  The only thing to make the day better was a big ol' smooch from Launi.     

Launi & The Big Boy Trail

A friend & I took our horses camping for the opportunity to ride two days on the Western States Trail, aka Tevis trail.  I knew the trail would be challenging, but had no idea it would be quite so challenging.  I knew I'd have to trust Launi on narrow, somewhat dangerous trail but had no idea just how much I'd have to trust him.  I wasn't even sure if Launi was mature enough to be safe on an extremely challenging trail.  But the WST is some of my favorite trails to ride & I was looking forward to hopefully having a great weekend of riding.  Hopefully Mr Too Big For His Britches would put on his big boy pants.

After a 2 1/2 hour drive we arrived at Foresthill at 8am Friday.  We saddled up & hit the trail by 9, heading up trail towards Michigan Bluff.  I knew there was a good sized creek crossing at the bottom of the canyon & had planned on leading Launi across.  It'd been years since I'd ridden this section of trail but I remembered the creek as being very rocky with boulders & the water could be deep & rushing.  It was actually worse after years of erosion & to get into the creek we had to clamor down rock to an 18" wide ditch that went into the water.  I crossed the creek, barely keeping my feet on the slippery rock.  Slowly Launi followed, all the while listening to me telling him it was ok.  I let Launi walk a few feet up trail while we waited for my friend & her horse.  The trail was slick & Launi fell, smashing my left stirrup.  Fortunately I wasn't on him, he didn't panic or get hurt, & the stirrup still had enough room for my toes.  My friends horse scrambled through the creek & ended up plunging up the side of the mountain.  After crawling through some brush they made it up to the switchback & we were on our way.  It was a nice ride into Michigan Bluff.  For years I'd crewed for friends riding Tevis & Michigan Bluff was my favorite vet check.  I have wonderful memories of riding into Michigan Bluff on my successful 1986 Tevis.  I whispered into Launi's ears, asking him if he & I could ever ride into Michigan Bluff while riding Tevis.  Talk about goose bumps.

My friend & I got our exercise as we led the horses down the canyon on our way back to Foresthill.  It was an uneventful, beautiful walk until we once again reached the dreaded creek.  Launi was a trooper & trusted me to keep him safe as he followed me across.  Unfortunately my friends horse fell, scraping his legs.  We tailed for a ways up hill until I found a rock tall enough to let me get back in the saddle.  It's not easy being a short person riding a very big horse.  We rode 12 tough miles on Friday & I was very impressed with Launi.

Saturday morning we set off on a 20 mile trek from Foresthill to Drivers Flat.  We'd moved one of rigs to Drivers Flat & the ride organizers shuttled riders back to Foresthill.  We had to ride along Foresthill Rd for a couple miles, passing a town wide yard sale.  Down California St & onto what's known as The California Loop.  At Tevis most riders will be riding this extremely technical trail in the dark.  It might actually be better to ride it in the dark because what you can't see can't scare you.  LOL  

Launi started the day with the best walk he's ever had.  We were flying at a brilliant walk down into the canyon, riding behind someone I'd met a few years earlier.  I was so proud of Launi when the other rider trotted on because he didn't fight to keep up.  He just kept up his wonderful walk.  My friend & I got off to cross the first larger creek we came to because our horses were nervous after Friday's dreaded creek.  My friend's horse, a stallion, was quite excited & the other horses coming from behind & passing him on narrow trails was setting him on edge.  We did our best to keep our horses calm & moving forward.  They even got good at crossing all the little streams on the trail.  After 5 or 6 miles a couple of riders passed my friend & got between us.  The trail was too narrow for them to pass Launi & I.  As we got further ahead of my friend I could hear her stallion throwing a fit.  I called back to her but heard no answer.  I couldn't find a spot on the trail wide enough for the other riders to pass.  It was turning into a very scary situation as my friend was losing control of her horse.  She'd been off walking & he was coming over the top of her.  Finally the woman behind me got off her horse & on a ledge no wider than 8", she & her horse squeezed passed.  I slowly slid off Launi, hoping not to fall over the edge of the cliff.  I handed Launi to the woman so she could keep the horses walking, looking for a safe spot to stop.  I crawl passed her husbands horse & made my way back to my friend.  She was frazzled & frightened & her horse was almost totally out of control.  His eyes were glazed over & he would have gone over the edge in another minute.  I took the reins, balled my first, & hit him in the cheek as hard as I could.  Much like slapping a hysterical person, it worked because his eyes cleared & he stopped while I made bridle adjustments.  I lead him a short way until we found a spot where my friend could get on.  About that time the woman came back with Launi in tow.  I had no idea what she was thinking because they trail was too narrow to get him turned back around, or so I thought.  Launi, who'd been my Moose Baby, & was now my BIG BRAT, very slowly lifted his front feet up the side of the hill & pivoted on his hind feet as I held my breath.  I still can't believe he managed to turn around without going over the edge, many 100s of feet down the canyon.

With Launi acting as brakes for my friends horse we went on down the trail.  It was such a gorgeous day weaving along the switchbacks under tree cover.  At times we could see the American River far below, at others we could only hear it.  Where the trail was flat I let Launi trot & he moved nicely on a loose rein.  He was so much fun.  At times I wished we could just keep on trotting at the nice pace, about 7 - 7/12 mph (maybe a tad faster a couple times).  We spent 25 minutes at a nice creek crossing, letting the horses eat grass & the little bit of grain that I carried.  Launi stuffed his head into the zip lock bad & I had to laugh at his attempt to suffocate just to get some oats.  Launi truly did trot for oats that day.

The last 3 miles were uphill, along Drivers Flat Rd.  It was literally a dirt highway for white water tour buses.  Other than a 360* turn when Launi saw the first bus stacked with rafts go by, it was an uneventful trip up the road & to the waiting rig.  While I doubt I'll ever talk my friend into riding this trail with me again, I had a fabulous day riding my most wonderful horse.  This was Launi's growing up weekend & he really did grow up.  He was solid & sane & safe & I'm so very proud of him.  I can't wait 'til we ride again.              

Trust is a Beautiful Thing

It was such a gorgeous morning out riding the equine love of my life. Launi (officially known as DreamCatcher Rabulaun) was on his best behavior, which was quite a treat. Usually the big BRAT is constantly looking for ways to challenge me. I'm sure his mission in life is to keep me on my toes. Ha! Today we rode my favorite local trail, which includes quite a bit of hillwork. Trotting to the top of Sycamore Hill I was happy to be able to ride on a semi-loose rein (a totally loose rein on a young horse, especially Launi, is NOT a smart thing). On our last ride Launi was a handful & my shoulders felt it for days. Up & over Sycamore Hill we went, enjoying the nice weather & great trail. Launi was being so good I decided to risk trotting him on the flat. Until today I've avoided flat trotting because a certain big BRAT likes to blow up, shake his head (almost pulling me off), & recently he's added bucking to his arsenal. What a glorious day. We trotted at an easy pace for 1-2 miles, only walking through the mud & puddles. We trotted along the old railroad grade, just above the river. A fisherman waved as he went by in his boat. Hawks were soaring above us. Finally we came to the railroad tunnel, used years ago in the construction of the dam. There are lights if you push the button. After a few attempts at getting Launi close enough to the button, I realized he was too tall even if we got close enough. Instead of getting off & pushing the button, I decided to see what would happen if we just rode into the dark. Once we were 1/2 way through the tunnel I couldn't have seen my hand even if I'd been touching my nose. It was very disorienting. At one point I couldn't tell if we were going forward, backing up, or turning around. It took a moment to realize I couldn't hear hoof beats so knew we were standing still. I asked Launi to move forward & he cautiously walked on. I knew there were ditches on either side of the road/tunnel but couldn't tell if we were centered on the trail or not. I just kept hoping Launi wouldn't slip off & spook. Slowly we walked through the dark. Then finally a small spot of light became visible. Then I could see Launi's ears focused on the light. He walked faster & at last we exited the tunnel. I was so proud of my Launi. He had total trust in me to get him through safely, & I was trusting him to take care of me. I made Launi a promise today. I promised him that I would never betray his trust in me & that I will keep him safe. Trust is a beautiful thing between horse & rider.