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.

RIP Miles

I got word today that Miles, an unregistered arab gelding, had passed away. Miles was such a nice horse who came to me a few years ago when his long-time owner could no longer keep him. A handsome, bay, 16 year old who loved going on long trail rides. I rode him for months in the hopes he'd one day become an endurance horse. Miles had other ideas as he was happier jogging along, smelling the wildflowers. He was solid, spookless, buckless & a very safe horse to ride. I found the perfect home for him with a lady who liked long, slow, trail rides. They were perfectly suited. After a number of years enjoying the trails together she sent me an email to let me know that Miles died doing what he loved most. Going down the trail smelling the "roses". He had an aneurysm so there was no distress or pain. He was enjoying his ride & then he was crossing the bridge to greener pastures. You will be dearly missed Miles. You brought joy to many people who will always remember you. I enjoyed our summer & thank you for sharing your life with me.

Riding After Dark--Another Wraff Adventure

I had ridden at night many times as a kid. I was used to riding all day. What could be hard about riding ALL night for 100 miles? I asked myself this & decided it couldn't be hard at all so I signed up for my first 100 miler in Nov, 1985. The Camp Pendleton Challenge was held on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base in San Diego County, CA.

It was a gorgeous day, listening to the waves as Wraff & I rode for miles along the beach & seeing the buffalo as we rode through the herd. Ok, that was a little scary because they were, after all, BIG furry horse eaters. At about 40 miles I caught up with a woman, Karen, on a black horse & we started talking. She said it was also her first 100 & she was nervous about riding in the dark. I assured her it would be easy & fun so we decided to ride together for the next 60 miles.

Sometime shortly before dark we ended up riding with endurance legend Robbi Pruitt & her great horse Assoul (I'm sure I'm spelling it wrong but he was my horse idol at the time & the reason I wanted to own & ride a high mileage horse). As we trotted off into the dark I was confident we were going to have a non-eventful, easy ride through the night & I couldn't wait to celebrate the finish of my first 100.

There were glow bars zig-zagging across the field for about 50' & we thought the pattern was because that's where the brush was. We went in a straight line & soon found out the real reason the glow bars hung in a zigzag as Karen's horse slid into a crater. We turned on our flashlights & yes, it was a crater made by the marines during bombing practice. We were riding through a test range!

As we rode along the ridge line we wondered what it was that looked like white gravestones in the moonlight. Surely it was just the moon reflecting off rocks, but it was an eerie feeling. Then out of nowhere, on top that ridge, miles from anywhere, a man walked out from behind one of those rocks. He asked what we were doing. We told him & asked where he'd come from. He just said over there & kept walking. It was very strange & made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Later I learned that it was indeed an old cemetery up on the ridge line & there was nothing around for miles. I still wonder where that man really came from. From under a gravestone maybe?

At about 75 miles I finally decided to eat something. That banana didn't sit well because by 80 miles I was dry heaving over Wraff's shoulder as we trotted through the dark. I'd never gotten motion sick riding in the dark before, why now? Ok, I'll admit I'd never ridden quite that long in the dark before. Not long after I'd lost my banana we were walking through the pitch dark, not able to see our hands before our eyes dark, when a harsh voice shouted "HALT! Who goes there?!" & we heard an alarming number of rifles being snapped into place. YIKES! Someone had forgotten to tell the reserve units that we'd be riding through. Fortunately we were able to clear the matter up without any shots being fired & down the trail we went.

I don't know when Robbi trotted on, leaving Karen & I to fend for ourselves. Probably when she decided riding with 2 rookies at night was just too exciting. Way off in the distance we could hear the songs of Doc Frank Bennett echoing through the night. Somewhere he was back there on his mule Apache. I knew that as long as he was behind us, we were going to be ok & would get to the finish line in time. FINALLY we rode into camp. I don't remember but it was about 2-2:30 & boy was I glad to get off my horse. My crew trotted Wraff out for the final check & the vet said he was a horse who could definitely go back out on the trail. Unfortunately the same couldn't be said for me. I was done for the night. Surely my next 100 would be easier & less exciting. I couldn't wait for Tevis 1986 to get here!

Launi Goes Camping

Launi went to his very first camp over Fri night & camped like a pro. He was so quiet all night. Sat morning I took him to the starting line for the 50 milers so he could see all the commotion. He was so good & just quietly watched all the excitement. Then I rode the 10 mile fun ride, playing leapfrog with a few horses & just having fun. Launi helped me train for next week's mud run by making me go first at the creek crossing. lol He wasn't even concerned when riders came trotting & galloping towards us as we finished & they headed out for more miles. He drank from the strange troughs & from the creek. I even managed to get on a bank, crawl on him, & ride bareback a little after playing in a creek Fri afternoon. My little Moose Baby is growing up. :) xoxoxoxo

WHEW! That Was Close

Launi, Launi, Launi. Went for a short ride this morning on my favorite Moose Baby (ok, he's my ONLY Moose Baby lol). We trotted downhill for the first time, just like the big, er older, horses do. We were having so much fun. Then we slow trotted up a steep hill & when we got to a flat spot, the next thing I knew we were airborne. Catching the shadow of our height out of the corner of my eye was pretty scary. I mean like REALLY scary. Haven't been on a buck that high since my Wraff Days. YIKES! Good thing Launi listened to my mad voice "HEY!" & stopped 'cause if he'd added any other naughty movement I'd still be laying out there among the poison oak. Whew, that was close. First time he's bucked & I hope it's the ONLY time. What a BRAT!!!  But not only did I not lose my stirrups, I didn't even lose my shoes.

RIP Sun

Oh Mr. Sun Sun, little did I know that my penchant for rescuing the unwanted horses would someday cause such pain. You were such a gentle soul who gave the greatest gift of all. You offered me your trust. You enriched my life, & that of my dear friend. We will both miss you & hold a place in our hearts for you always.

I will now always regret the day I brought that quarter horse gelding home from the auction. At the time it seemed the right thing to do. A young, healthy horse whose future was in danger. Everyone knows low end auctions are just a step away from the slaughter bound trucks. I just couldn't let a horse with so much potential travel that road. Justin had all the physical attributes to be a good athlete. I had visions of him going down the endurance trail with his effortless trot. Who could have guessed that powerful hindend would someday wreck havoc on one of the sweetest horses I have ever known.

On August 24th, 2011, 2 1/2 years after being saved at auction, Justin cornered Sun, kicking repeatedly & shattering Sun's knee. There was nothing the vet could do but end Mr. Sun Sun's pain. I know it's not rational to blame one horse for kicking another as that's what horses do. But right now I'm not rational & I DO blame Justin. While I hope he makes a great cattle horse for his new owner, I hope to never hear of him again.

Rest in peace sweet Sun. And thank you for sharing your life with me.

I LOVE Launi!

I LOVE Launi! Rode him on the dirt roads behind my dad's place. Had to lead him through the property with all the mares going crazy cause he was leaving. He was sky high & I thought "it's a good day to die". YIKES! Once I got on he was almost an angel. Rode on pavement, vehicles passed us, rode passed cattle, passed a tarp covered boat, & passed a horse who made Launi's eye's big. The first horse (a draft) he's met who was bigger. Poor Launi just realized he's NOT the biggest horse in the universe. LOL