Wet and worth it

A couple hours ago it looked like it had stopped raining, so I grabbed a jacket and headed to the barn. Before I could get Russell saddled up it started raining again, but after seeing that his rear fetlocks were slightly stocked up and determining that it was really only sprinkling, I decided a short ride was in order. I whisked off his head and saddle area, threw on my old Wintec all-purpose sport saddle, and off we went to get the mail. It was only a 15-minute walk, but it got rid of the swelling in his hind legs and seemed to perk him up. And we didn't get that wet. Yep, totally worth it. (-:

I waited too long

After our strenuous-for-us trail ride yesterday, I thought it would be good to take Russell for a short ride today to loosen up any sore muscles. Rick came home for lunch and took Brian with him when he left, giving me the perfect opportunity to ride off-property. I thought we'd play Pony Express and go get the mail that arrives in the afternoon. Well, I waited too long. The day has gone from overcast but dry to gloomy-grey and very wet, and neither of us like to be out in the rain. Obviously, the early bird gets the ride. )-:

Over the hills and through the woods

What a wonderful ride we had today! Rain threatened, but held off until we got back, put up our horses, and went to the covered arena for a potluck picnic and meeting of the Chehalem Mountain Chapter of the Oregon Dressage Society. My husband and son even came along for the ride and picnic, so it couldn't have been any better. All three of our horses worked up a sweat going up and down the hills, but we took it easy and weren't out much more than an hour. Sigh; it was just perfect.

(That's poison oak, easy to see - and avoid - in its autumnal colors.)

Another outing planned

This Sunday, my local chapter of the Oregon Dressage Society is meeting for a trail ride, picnic and officer elections at a member's acreage. With Russell out of commission for so much of the last few years I've been feeling "on the fringe" even though I go to meetings when I can; I am really looking forward to riding Russell with the group. Rick and Brian might even come along on their mounts! Hopefully we won't get rained out . . . .

Almost normal

Who knew that getting turned out into the arena could be so momentous? The last time Russell had this much freedom to move was the night of May 1, when he escaped his stall during chores and fractured a pelvic bone. And before that, it had been since February 20, when Russell came up lame and Rick diagnosed the worst torn suspensory he'd ever seen.

Today Rick gave the go-ahead to turn Russell into the arena, where he has been happily hangin' near the other horses and nibbling on stray bits of hay from the rams' feeder and weeds that have taken advantage of the reduced foot traffic. In other words, he has enjoyed just being a horse, instead of a patient.

Amen!