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!

Plodding perfection

Yesterday a friend joined me for a ride on the beach - the first I've enjoyed in a coon's age! Given Russell's stage of rehabilitation, it was out of necessity also the most sedate beach ride I've ever been on; no cantering or galloping allowed. Even so, it was wonderful. The Oregon coast is one of my favorite places to be; to be there on the back of my horse with a good friend along for company made it perfect. We were even spared the ubiquitous ocean "breeze" - that's right; it wasn't windy!

The tide was coming in, so the firmest footing was at - or in - water's edge. Russell acted like he'd never seen waves before; it took persistent coaxing to get his feet wet. Once he did, though, he relaxed and splashed along.

My friend rode Breezy, my son's pony, who is at least three hands shorter than Russell. Fortunately, Wanda is shorter than me and fit Breezy well.

Wanda took the last two photos; I love them!

Scarce rides

Last Sunday's ride through the harvested oat field nearby

This week has seen little riding because we spent two days at the State Fair, which crammed everything else into fewer days. Too bad, too, because it's been deliciously cool this week; next week is supposed to be a scorcher. Still, it will probably cool off in the evenings, and Russell and I most often get our ride in after evening chores.

Looking forward to a beach ride in just a week and a half!