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.