Moonlight ride

I went out to feed tonight around 9:30. I had some shoveling I still wanted to do and tonight was a better time as the sun this afternoon was warm enough to make the snow stick to the shovel. It was such a calm and lovely night. It was a bit cloudy but the clouds were just a thin layer blanketing the night sky and the nearly full moon was shining through quite brightly onto the fresh layer of snow. After feeding, and doing some shoveling, I just could not resist the urge to go for a quick ride in the snow. I grabbed my saddle and bridle from the trailer and saddled up Luke. It is so nice to have the center aisle barn to groom and saddle in. I hopped on Luke and at first just rode him in his paddock to see what his mood was. As if it is EVER anything but good. We did some lateral work with side passing and backing and he was completely attentive and did perfect. I then decided to ride out in the pasture. I was easily able to open the gate from Luke's back. He was perfect about lining up to the gate and then turning on the forehand to let me swing the gate open. We went out into the pasture and I was suddenly filled with anxiety. I have not ridden in my pasture since the day I came off and got hurt over 2 1/2 years ago. Strange that after all this time, it would bother me still. I know Luke could sense my anxiety but being the solid, wonderful, dependable mule he is, he took care of me, he calmed me, took my fears away and in it's place he put a big smile on my face as he calmly carried me around the pasture. That's the special kind of mule that Luke is.

Ride in Bowdoinham

I was scheduled to work this Friday but work volumes being lower then forecast, the shift was cancelled. So, when Susie mentioned to me that she and Linda were riding today, I was able to join them. We decided to ride on the trails in Topsham at Murder Rd. I was a few minutes late leaving my house and called Susie to let her know. She asked me to stop by her house as she was having trouble loading her new horse. When I got there, Linda had driven over to help also. Unfortunately, we were not able to load the horse and Linda ran out of time to go to Topsham. So, she decided to go home and just do a quick ride from her house and Susie and I rode from her house. We had a very nice ride. We did some trails by the river near her house. Because the trails are so flat in Topsham, I'd brought my mule saddle for Luke so I could ride wearing my lined jeans. The mule saddle is not a great fit on Luke but he doesn't seem to be bothered as long as we stay on flat ground. But, going downhill, it pinches his shoulders. We didn't do much for hills in Bowdoinham either but we did go through a few short but steep gullies. Luke did shake his head in protest a few times but that was it. I felt bad and I'm grateful that he's such a good boy. I promised him that I would not be so lazy in the future and will dress appropriately to use my English saddle. Before going back to Susie's we took a spin around town. Luke and Dixie were both very good and it was a nice ride.

First Beach Ride of the Season

Most people look forward to summer so they can go to the beach. We equestrians here in Maine look forward to winter........ so we can go to the beach! We are allowed to ride on the beach from October 15th to May 1st. There are two good riding beaches less then an hour drive from where I live. We decided to go to Scarborough. There is a 6 miles stretch of beach there that is split between the towns of Scarborough and Old Orchard.

Vicki Austin on her wonderful pony Baby

Cindy on Luke and Susie on Bayzen.....and Baby's ear

My friend Susie and I had planned to ride but made the last minute decision to go to the beach. The weather was good and the tide was right. In December here in Maine you have to grab every good opportunity you get. I picked up Susie at 9:45 am and after a stop for gas and a quick stop at the Scarborough town office to purchase a season permit to ride at the beach, we got to the beach around 11:00 am. This was the first time I'd taken Luke to the beach but I do know he's been before with his owner, Kyle. So I knew he'd be fine. Another friend of mine was already there and out riding when we arrived. There was one other horse trailer in the parking lot. It was a harness racing horse and driver just coming off the beach. We often see harness racing horses out on the beach as it's such a good place for conditioning them. We quickly tacked up. Being the Christmas season, I left the silly elf hat I had put on my helmet for the Christmas parade I rode in last week. And I put Luke's elf hat on him. I didn't want to be the only one looking silly.

When you first get on the beach, above the high tide line, the sand if very soft. This worried Luke a little bit but he followed Susie's horse, Bayzen with just a little bit of snorting at the sand. Once below the high tide line, the sand is nice and firm. We headed down toward the Old Orchard Beach pier. Luke usually takes the lead when with Bayzen but he decided to let Bayzen go first today. BIG CHICKEN! And he really wanted to keep Bayzen between him and the ocean. About 1/2 way to the pier, we met up with our friend Vicki on her wonderful Appy pony, Baby. Luke was really keeping an eye on all the Sea Gulls. He was quite suspicious of them but only kept a close eye on them. As a mule that lives with guinea hens, I was surprised he even noticed them. We stopped to take a few pictures of Vicki and Baby riding in the surf. Then Vicki and her brave pony led the way under the pier. We did a lovely long trot and canter down to the river and crossed that and kept doing down towards the Camp Ellis jetty. There was a short stretch of soft sand that we walked through then nice going again down to the jetty. The equines showed us how well their brakes worked a few times as we trotted up on some scary, equine eating, water filled dent in the beach sand or ribbon of  running water. And once as we were passing some rocks that Luke was intently staring at, a wave snuck up behind us and attacked us. Luke spun around and showed us how well a mule can run backwards. It was funny!

The pier at Old Orchard Beach as seen through Luke's ears

Just after we'd crossed the river again and were back on the Old Orchard section of beach, we had two German Shepherds approach us and they did not look friendly. The circled around Susie's horse with hackles raised and were growling. At first we didn't see anyone that seemed to be with the dogs. The dogs got behind Susie's horse and were sniffing his legs. Bayzen was not happy about it but he stood still and stayed quiet. We then noticed, quite a way down the beach, someone hurrying in our direction and yelling for the dogs. The dogs were not paying ANY attention. The owner finally got to where we were but she was unable to catch and restrain either dog. Dogs are NOT supposed to be off leash on this beach. The dogs did get away from the horses in their attempt to evade their owner and we rode off. The dogs did follow us for a short distance but when we picked up a trot, they gave up. Dogs don't normally worry me but these two dogs made me nervous as they really looked like then might go after Susie's horse.

We did another nice long trot most of the way back then walked then the last 1/2 mile or so to let Luke and the horses cool down. Luke, Bayzen and Baby were all so good and we had a wonderful ride. And only 3 people asked me if I was riding a donkey.   On the way home we stopped for a quick bite to eat and coffee. We dropped the windows on my trailer so Luke and Bayzen could stick their head out. From where we were sitting in the restaurant, we could see the trailer and it was funny watching the two of them playing around with each other.

First Dressage Lesson with Luke

Today was my first dressage lesson with Luke. I was so excited! I rode Luke at Upper Pond on Tuesday after work. And we had a great ride in the arena. I rode inside for about 30 minutes. Luke and I are working together better and better each time. Though I'm riding "English" I haven't been messing with Luke's head set, which is quite low from his Western Pleasure training. I wanted to wait and switch him over to a regular snaffle bit before asking him to pick his head up for dressage work as I've been riding him with a shanked bit. A short shank but a shank nonetheless. I don't want to confuse Luke or mess up any of Kyle's good training. And I think the difference in the feel of rein cues from a shanked bit to a snaffle will help with that. And Luke has previous dressage training.

Anyway, after riding in the ring on Tuesday, I took him out for a short trail ride. Last week when I did this, he was a bit balky about leaving the barn area. This is not like him but he seems to really enjoy being around so many other horses. So, I grabbed a crop to help with persuading him that trail riding was good, hanging around the barn was bad. At the first sign of hesitation, I only had to give him one light tap on the rump to let him know I had a crop and that was the end of his silliness and he was his good old trail riding self again.

So today, I tested Luke's patience by trying to get my English bridle to fit him. I punched more holes in it and took off the brow band and replaced it with a larger one off a mule bridle but it was still just a little bit too snug on him. About the 5th time I put it on him he was starting to give me some major mulie stink eye but Luke being Luke, he sucked it up and put up with it all.

When Mary, the instructor arrived and met Luke, she was very impressed with him. We had a wonderful lesson. Luke is so willing to do what you ask of him and he truly is a lovely mover. Mary was impressed with this also. She was not convinced his mother was a Percheron, she thinks he looks and moves like a Thoroughbred. I agree with her about his looks and movement. But, he really has a classic wonderful draft horse disposition.

I'm very much looking forward to my 2nd lesson next week.

Bowdoinham Christmas Festival Pony Parade 2012

Today was the day of the Bowdoinham Christmas Festival Pony Parade. I did have to work today but had time before work to make it to this event. Yesterday, I went out shopping for things I could use to decorate Luke, Marie and myself with. I hate to shop but if I'm shopping for an equine, I can tolerate it. I happened to run into Pam and Cierra at Wal-Mart and they were also shopping for decorations for the event. Cierra was riding my horse Marie. When I got home last night, I did go out in the barn and put some of the decorations on Luke to make sure he would tolerate them. he was fine with it all as I suspected he would be.

It was cold today, only in the high 20's. But, not much wind so dressed properly, it was tolerable. I arrived at Susie's house, where we were all meeting, at 10:00 am. Pam and Cierra arrived just after I did. I took my riding boots into Susie's house to keep them warm. Cierra, Pam and I groomed Luke and Marie and had a lot of fun decorating them. Though Luke did clamp his tail down pretty hard when I put the big bow and garland in his tail. David went around with a cattle marker and put numbers on all our equines hindquarters. This would be for the costume judging at the Town Landing. Luke did NOT like David drawing on his butt and danced around a bit before submitting to this further indignity. Joanie had dropped off gifts for some of us for this event. They were Santa hats made for horses!!! They were fabulous. I had customized a hat for Luke already but Marie didn't have one so she was now all set.

Just before heading out, many of us went into the house for a quick warm up and then we were ready to ride. Marie made a point of sniffing and squealing at each of the gelding so they would undersand their place in this world. There were 7 of us to start with Maura and Meri coming as soon as they could.

Cindy dressing up Luke

Pam and Cierra dressing up Marie

Marie saying, "you aren't really taking me in public looking like this are you?"

The crew, Cindy with Luke, Pam, Ann on Corazon, Cierra on Marie, Susie H on Ollie, Diana on Dixie, Kate, Susie R. on Bayzen, Mary Ann on Suri with Callie (dog) and Cody in background.

Susie H. on Ollie

Mary Ann Wilson on Suri

Cindy on Luke and Susie on Bayzen ready to go!

We headed out for our first stop which was the Bowdoinham Library.  From Susie's house we headed down Main St. with David, Kate and Pam following in a car with flashers for our safety. It had started to snow lightly adding to the Christmas feel for the day. As we passed a small open field, Susie led it into it to keep us off the road for a short distance. The open field got a few of the horses excited and we had a brief and minor rodeo. Luke was quite excited to start with and the sight of glittering, jingling, antlered horses leaping and jumping near him cause him some concern. But, he didn't seem to know if he ought to get outta' Dodge or join in the fun. He settled for a bit of dancing in place. We got out of the field and back on the road and all equines settled down.

First stop the Library. Diana on Dixie, Cindy on Luke, Ann on Corazon, Susie H on Ollie and Kate passing out gifts

Diana on Dixie, Cindy on Like, Ann on Corazon, Susie H on Ollie

Susie R. on Bayzen, Cierra on Marie. Joanie and Kate passing out gifts

Our second stop was at the Long Branch School and general store . Luke was a bit fidgety but nothing serious. He just was not sure what this was all about and was still a bit excited. Marie was looking for grass to eat. We sang Christmas carols at all of our stops.

Our 2nd stop, Long Branch General Store and school.

Susie R. on Bayzen, Diana on Dixie, Cindy on Luke, Mary Ann on Suri and Cierra on Marie

Cindy on Luke, Susie R. on Bayzen, Diana on Dixie, Cierra on Marie, Kate, Susie H. on Ollie and Ann on  Corazon

Cindy on Luke, Susie R. on Bayzen and Cierra on Marie

Our 3rd stop was at the Town Landing Restaurant. It was here that the restaurant owner came out to judge our costumes. My brother Dennis and his wife were here just leaving the restaurant. Marie was disappointed there was no grass here. From the Town Landing, we rode to the Bowdoinham Country Store. Just as we were leaving the store, a wagon with a team of horses, giving rides between the store and the school, was coming down the hill towards us. Luke and Marie payed no attention to the wagon. Marie was still wondering where the grass was..... but then I heard a commotion behind me. Susie's new horse Dixie, who was being ridden by her friend Diana, came unglued at the sight of the wagon. Dixie bolted out of my line of vision towards the back of the store with Susie following. Susie yelled for us to all keep going fearing that the other horses might get upset at Dixie's antics. So, we kept going and went around the corner towards the elementary school. Then, we heard Susie calling for us all to come back. Diana had Dixie under control (and a fine bit of riding she did I must say) but Bayzen came unglued over all the other horses leaving him. Susie then got to show off her riding skills as we came back to get her. No one made any involuntary dismounts so all was well and we then headed for the school.

Our 3rd Stop was the Town Landing Restaurant and store.

On the way to the school, we made a quick stop at the house of a friend of Susie's. Unfortunately her friend wasn't home but a neighbor came over and enjoyed our visit. Susie H and her friend Ann left us at this point as they were getting very cold. Marie snuck a few bites of grass on the lawn.  Maura and her daughter Meri caught up with us here.


5th stop at a friends home. Cierra on Marie, Susie R. on Bayzen and Cindy on Luke

Pam Young with gift bag helping to pass out gifts

Our last stop was at the Bowdoinham elementary school. There were some festival activities going on here and quite a few people to enjoy the sight of our pony parade. The wagon came by here also so we retreated to the playground until it left and all was well. Marie just wanted some grass.......... From the school we rode back to Susie's house where we took care of the horses and mule and then went into the house to sit by the fire and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. Susie called the Town Landing to find out the results of the costume judging. Cierra and Marie won funniest costume. Susie and Bayzen got best Santa. Mary Ann and Suri won most elegant. Luke and I won most embodied the Christmas spirit. Ummmmmm, I can't remember any of the others. Anyway, a very good day was had by all! It was so much fun having Cierra along riding Marie and her mother, Pam, was such a big help on the ground passing out gifts and helping with keeping kids safe around the equines. And I am so blessed to have such a wonderful horse that I can trust to take care of Cierrra on her first Christmas parade. And grateful also to Kyle, Luke's owner, for sharing his wonderful mule with me.

Our final stop was at the Bowdoinham Elementary School

Cierra on Marie and Merri on Cisco

Happy Surprise

Susie and I decided to ride today. I was going to be cold but we just had to get out. There was a bit of discussion on where to ride. We didn't want to go where there would be water to cross as it is all starting to freeze now. And when I rode the other day at Upper Pond Stable, the frozen grassy trails were slippery for Luke who still have regular shoes on. We decided on West Bowdoin. But then at the last minute I thought of riding in Topsham. I have not been there in a long time but remember the trails as being quite sandy. Susie thought it was a good idea so I picked her up and that is where we went.

Luke was a bit keyed up as I was tacking him up. But, stood like a good boy for me to mount. We headed down Murder Rd. and Luke was walking out like he was on a mission making poor Bayzen trot to keep up. Not far down the road, a truck came up behind us and stopped. We turned and looked and to our delight it was Andrea, who bought Louie from me. We invited her to ride with us and she was able to for a little while. So, we rode down to her place and she was quickly saddled up and ready to go. It was great to see Louie. He looks great. He and Luke were very excited to see each other.

Andrea and Louie quickly took the lead and led us around on some trails that were new to Susie and I. Andrea was only able to ride with us for about an hour. We dropped her off at her house then Susie and I went back out and rode another loop for another hour or so. By the time we got back to the trailer, we both had chilly toes but it was such a nice ride it was WELL worth the chilly toes!

Now, to get ready for the Bowdoinham Festival Christmas Pony Parade tomorrow!

Luke's First Day at Work

I got home from work this morning at 12:30 am. I quickly fed the equines and grabbed a snack and was in bed by 1:30 am. I set my alarm clock for 6:00 as I had to be at work at Upper Pond Stable by 7:00 am. My alarm went off and I looked at the clock feeling way to tired to get up. I lay there for a bit, looked at my clock again and it said 6:09 am. I was taking Luke to work with me so I had to get going so I'd have time to hitch up the trailer. I crawled out of bed, made some coffee which I felt I was going to desperately need, dressed, fed the dog and was loading the dishwasher when I looked at the kitchen clock. ????? It said 3:15 am! WHAT! I looked at my watch......3:15 am. I went into the bedroom and looked at my alarm clock. 6:20 am. I looked at Fred's alarm clock.....3:15 am! NO WONDER I felt like I hadn't gotten any sleep! And certainly the dog had not mentioned it was not time to feed him when I was filling his bowl. Thanks Zephyr! I quickly reset my alarm clock to the right time and jumped back into bed for a few more hours of much needed sleep.

I was back up at 6:00 am. And it really was 6:00 am this time! I had a quick bite to eat and some of the coffee I made at 3:15 am.... and went out to get Luke. I tossed a little hay to Marie and Dolly to keep them quiet. Luke came right to me when he saw me with his halter, he's such a sweetie. I loaded him up at 6:45 am and he seemed eager to be on an adventure. When I got to Upper Pond I put him out in the outdoor arena with some hay and a snack of hay stretcher pellets. He, of course, thought the sandy arena was mule rolling paradise. He was quiet, relaxed and curious. He thoroughly investigated every inch of the arena and then when the 2 horses were turned out in the cross country field adjacent to the arena Luke had fun visiting over the fence with them. And they quietly and curiously checked him out but there was no concern on any ones part. 

After I was done with work, I got Luke, who looked quite content but was very willing to be caught, and groomed him. I think he had 1/2 of the sand footing of the entire arena on his body! I rode him in the outdoor arena. It was too nice a day to ride in the indoor arena. I put down some ground poles and we practiced both English, with contact on the reins and a more head up position for Luke and more forward movement, and western with little rein contact and the slower gaits. Luke has had good training both English and Western. Luke's owner, Kyle, trained him western. Luke will very willingly go right into a very low western headset. Such a low headset feels weird to me but it's what he's been trained to do. So, I neither encourage nor discourage it and just let him carry his head as he has been trained and he is very willing to do it. Luke can really collect himself and move at any speed you ask. His walk, trot and canter transitions are nearly faultless. His lateral work is quite good but could use some work. He did quite well with his half pass when going English. He will sidepass to the left quite well but he is a little sticky to the right. And he had a little trouble with turning on the forehand and haunches. He backs very well but I have a little trouble with direction. He goes back nice and straight. But trying to back... say an "L" I can't get quite right. I don't know for sure if it's me or him. Well, of course it's me... but I mean I don't know if he's had much training backing in any patterns or if I'm just not cuing him correctly for how he's trained. I've already discovered he backs best with leg cues and no rein contact from his western pleasure training. I'm not used to that. Mostly I just have to remember to keep my cues, when he is not sure what I want, as light as possible. Like all the mules I've ridden, when he is confused, he will brace up hard. So I have to soften, soften, soften! When I soften up and break down what I'm asking into smaller steps, then Luke will soften also and try very hard to figure out what I want. I can't wait for my first lesson with Mary O'Rourke next Thursday. Hhaving someone watching me helps me with my response times a lot. Timing is everything! There was a lot going on at the stable this morning and Luke was a little distracted by it but mostly he did fabulous at keeping his mind on his work. He's such a pleasure to ride as he is such a willing boy. And when he understands what you want of him, he is so light and responsive.

After riding in the arena, I went out of the arena and rode Luke around the stable grounds just to let him relax and unwind. I rode over to the paddock where the horse is that is scared of mules. As soon as he spotted me and Luke, his head popped up and he started blowing. But, when I rode over to the paddock gate, he came over to check Luke out. He stood at the gate a moment sniffing hard but not looking too freaked out. So, I let Luke go right up to the gate. The horse stretched out his head over the gate, so I let Luke stretch his head out also........ their noses touched.......... and WOW, apparently Luke's nose is the equivalent of a cattle prod! As soon as their noses touched, the horse completely freaked out! He lept backwards, spun and ran back and forth across his paddock, blowing and snorting. He even fell down once when he tried to make a turn at the fence line. And he would NOT come back near the gate. Luke just stood there quietly looking at him like he was saying, "What a dork..."

And, there has been an unfortunate consequence to me from letting Luke play going in and out of the gate by the manure pile. Luke has always pooped right in front of this gate. This is nice for me as I don't have to pick it up with the wheelbarrow. I just open the gate and pitch the manure right onto the pile. Well, now that Luke has discovered that this is a magic portal into the land of good foot (grass) and play (room to run) he will no longer make his deposits in front of the gate. He has moved his manure pile down the fence line towards the barn where I now have to pick it up with the wheelbarrow. I should have known Luke, being a mule, would think about the whole gate episode.........Silly mule!

The Great Escape

Mules are such a never ending source of entertainment. This afternoon when I was taking care of the animals, after feeding I'd opened up the gate for Luke to go out into the pasture. He wandered out right away. Now Luke, being the polite boy that he is,  poops right in front of another gate that goes from his paddock into the same pasture I'd just let him out in but that is near the manure pile. So, I just open the gate and fork the manure right onto the pile. I was over by that gate forking the manure through when I notice that Luke had wandered back into the paddock and was standing watching me. I was so pleased that this sweet boy wanted to spend some time with me! What a nice mule ........ well, it seems I over estimated the power of my charms because though Luke did put up with my attentions, I quickly noticed that his eye was really on the gate. Silly boy! It leads to the same pasture he already had access to. But,  apparently the lure of an open gate is hard to resist. I stepped back to see what he would do. He took a quick glance at me to see what I was going to do, then out through the gate he went. He just looked so pleased with himself. he turned and came back into the paddock, turned again and went through the gate yet again into the pasture. All the while looking as happy as a pig in poo. I'm not sure what it was all about but watching him was hysterical. After his final trip out the gate, he then did a victory lap around the pasture alternating between a canter and a moose trot with a few tiny bucks thrown in.

Night Time Play

This evening when I was out in the barn at around 10:00 PM, I was just in a mood to hang out and play with the ponies. Dolly was bopping around looking for something to do so I decided to lunge her. She is easy to catch so I soon had her ready to go. I know she has been taught to lunge but had no idea what her feelings were about doing it. She did great. She was very obedient and quick to respond to my cues. Her mind was not engaged in what we were doing though. Her attention was really focused on something she thought was out in the woods in the direction of the river. I didn't see or hear anything and no one else was reacting but maybe it was her turn for guard duty tonight.

While I was working with Dolly, Luke had wandered over and was hanging out along the fence line near use. He was watching us quite intensely as if to say, "hey, I though I was the #1 mule around here! What are you doing with her?" His expression was quite funny. Marie was hiding in her stall hoping to go unnoticed until feeding time. When I finished with Dolly, I went over and stood at Luke's gate. He came trotting right over. I held out the halter and he stuck his head right in. He was quite determined to not go unnoticed. I lunged him also. The only problem I had with him was that he was being over eager in his efforts to do what I wanted. It seemed he was not going to be out done by that "other" mule! So, I had to keep softening my cues to get quiet, smooth responses. I had all I could do not to laugh at him. One has to be careful about that. Mules know if you are laughing at them and they have sensitive feelings. I swear they do............

Diamonds

Tonight when I went outside there was a crispness to the air. The frost on the lawn in the beam of my lamp looked like a million diamonds had been scattered across the landscape. The half moon was low in the sky hiding yet behind the trees. It seemed to be reluctant to cast it's light as if trying to hide the jewels on the ground. My breath formed a misty wall of fog that embraced my head making it hard to see. So, for a moment I held my breath and it seemed to fit with the stillness of the night.

I looked towards the pasture and there in my light was caught three pairs of shining eyes. Their breath also was coalescing into a band around their bodies like smoke. As if they were three guardian dragons protecting their keep. And it seemed that I must be the master of that keep as when I came among them, they quietly parted to let me though. Each giving me a quick gentle touch with their soft muzzles as if to affirm their allegiance to me.

The lights of the barn partially dispelled the magic feeling of the night. I stood, listened and took a deep breath. The sounds of horses and mules contentedly chewing and the familiar smell of their equine bodies has a magic all of it's own. Something to be savored every time I am with them. I am blessed to have these creatures in my care.

Bradbury Mountain

And so hunting season begins. November can be such a good riding month here in Maine but hunting season keeps us mostly out of the woods. Linda and I decided to ride today at Bradbury Mountain State Park. There is no hunting allowed on the west side of the park so offers some measure of safety, along with wearing lots of blaze orange.

Linda picked me up around 9:30 am. Luke, as usual, seemed eager to be off on an adventure. When we arrived at the park, I asked Luke to get off the trailer first. He is more accustomed to a step up trailer so always come off Linda's ramp load trailer very carefully and on his toes just waiting for a drop. It's kind of funny to watch. And as usual, Luke started backing out slowly and carefully. Half way out, he stops, stands for a moment then walks back into the trailer. He's never done that before so I asked him to back out again. And again he starts backing slowly and carefully on his tip toes, stops, and walks back in. Hummmmm. I decided I'd just have to go up front and back him out so I hopped into the front of the trailer and ......... see that he is still tied..... DUH!!! I rarely ever tie him and only did because he and Gus were messing around with each other. Luke was looking at me like I was an idiot. Mules are smart...........I have him a hug and apologized to him. Mules understand apologies. And I sure do appreciate what a calm easy going boy he is.

It took a little bit of work to get Luke cleaned up. I've never know any equine that so delights in being completely covered in mud all the time. All mules like to roll but Luke takes it to a whole new level. Linda was getting out her helmet and grumbling about wearing it. She doesn't like to wear a helmet but she told her that her husband had made a point of asking her to bring her helmet and wear it today. We hoped he had not had a premonition of something bad that was going to happen to Linda.......! ACK! But after some serious grooming, tacking up and quick trips to the ladies rooms we were ready to head out. Though I was having some trouble with Luke's breast collar. Something was just not right about it and it was bugging me. But, I had it on and we were ready to go. Linda does not have a mounting block so I was looking around for a good place to mount. I found a nice rock and hopped on Luke and we were off. But, something  was still not right with Luke's breast collar and it was even more obvious from his back. It was making me nuts as I hadn't done anything with it. I have not made any adjustments to it. I kept looking at it and fooling around with it as we were strolling across the parking lot and finally I came to the conclusion that two of the straps were in the wrong place. I have no idea how they could have gotten swapped but they had. We stopped so I could get off and fix it which didn't take me long once I realized what the problem was. Then, the search for another good mounting spot. I found a little ditch along the driveway that looked like it would do.

The slope of the ditch put me a little further from Luke then is ideal but I figured I could manage it. I grabbed the far side of the breast collar to pull up as I ride in an English saddle so there is no horn to grab and Luke has a roached mane so there is nothing there to grab either. I made a launch for his back giving a good pull on the breast collar. This caused Luke to move a few step towards me to keep his balance. And apparently I  was a bit over ambitious in my launch as I suddenly found my self hanging over Luke's back and still going... Luke took a couple more steps up onto the pavement as I did a complete somersault over his back  landing on my back under his head. My head snapped back and hit the pavement HARD! Well, to say the least I was mortified as Linda is watching me with grave concern and Luke is again looking at me like I'm an idiot. To his credit though, he just stood there quietly waiting to see what my next stupid move was going to be. I quickly jumped up assuring Linda I was fine. And for the most part I was. Linda's husband was right, one of us DID need a helmet today! It had surely saved me from a trip to the emergency room.

I then found a better place to mount up and finally we were off. We rode first to the top of the mountain. It's not that far or that high at only around 450' but there is a wonderful view. I didn't have my camera so only got one poor picture taken with my phone. We headed down and took the perimeter trail. This trail is pretty rugged. I enjoy this kind of riding and so does Linda. There is one spot we got off to lead Luke and Gus down a steep decline. We had to cross multiple bridges and I got off and checked each one out before taking the equines across. The bridges were all in good shape. Once we did the perimeter trail, we headed back around on the tote rode loop. From this trail there is a new trail called Krista's trail. It is a narrow single track trail that is very windy. It was a a little hard to follow in places but really fun riding. This took us back to the Tote Road trail which we took back to the parking lot. We were back to the trailer a little before 2:00 pm. It was a wonderful ride and we decided that Gus deserved to be made an honorary mule for the day for doing so well on the rough trails.

First Grandmother, Granddaughter Trail Ride

Today we did our first official grandmother, granddaughter trail ride! Wooohoooo! Madison, who is 8 years old, has been doing very will with riding Marie in the paddock. She has pretty good control of Marie and understands all the basic cues. So, I figured it was finally time to try ponying her out on a trail ride. I've been nervous about it because............ well, because I'm a worry wart I guess. But, Madison is a still small and my horse, while extremely gentle, is 15H so quite big for Madison. I've used Marie a lot to pony other equines but I've never ponied her. And I did not know how Luke would handle it though I do know that he has been used at least a few times to pony other horses.

Madison and I groomed and saddled Marie first (so nice to have the new barn with center aisle to cross tie in!!!) Then we both groomed Luke. I put Madison on Marie in the paddock and let her ride under the watch of her grandfather while I saddled Luke. I first led Madison on Marie with Luke right in the paddock to see how it went. Luke tucked his butt the first couple times the lead rope went around his butt but then seemed to know what was up and ignored it. Phew! After going around paddock in each direction a few time with no problem, I had my husband open the gate and off we went. The trail from my house is single track so I had to give out enough lead so that Marie could follow behind Luke. And right at first Luke wanted to walk out fast as usual. But, he soon realized I really wanted him to slow down and seemed to realize it was important and he geared right down and went nice and easy on a loose rein. We only went about 2 miles but we did do one long down hill and crossed a stream which Madison thought was quite exciting. When we turned for home Luke didn't speed up at all and carefully led Marie and Madison home. Luke could not have been a better boy and I was soooo proud of him. I feel fortunate to have two such fine equines in my barn as Luke and Marie. And such a wonderful granddaughter of course! It was so exciting to do a trail ride together. 

Day Trip to Acadia

I had a wonderful crazy day today. Susie, Mary Ann and I decided to make a day trip to Acadia National Park to ride. We had originally thought to make an overnight trip but that didn't work out. But, we were not going to let that stop us from going. Mary Ann has never ridden there before and we knew she would just love it there.

I was up early to feed Marie and Luke. I had packed up what I needed the previous night so just had to make a lunch to take with me. I loaded Luke up at 7:30 am. I met Susie and Mary Ann at Exit 43 Quick Stop in Richmond. We transferred Luke and my stuff to Susie's trailer, I ran in a got a cup of coffee and we were on our way. Susie has a 3 horse trailer so we decided to go up together and that way we could split the gas money 3 ways. It was really foggy out when we left. We went via Rt. 3 out of Augusta. It's a 3 hr. drive to Acadia and by the time we got there the fog had lifted and it was a clear sunny day. It was also unseasonably warm but not uncomfortably so. We parked along Rt. 3 near Seal Harbor. We quickly tacked up and were on the trail around 11:30 am. It was really nice to ride the trails at this time of the year. It was very quiet as tourist season is over. We did see some bikers and hikers and at one point spotted 3 others out on horses. While many leaves are now off the trees there were still enough left to be very pretty. And the carriage roads looked so different all covered in the fallen leaves. We rode to the Jordan Stream Trail, then out by the landslide and out to Bubble pond and around that loop and then around and up Day mountain and went back by way of Long Pond and through Seal Harbor. Out on the trail we took turns leading and worked with getting Susie's horse Bayzen used to having horses pass him. It is a good place to do this as the roads are wide enough to do this safely. Luke is such a good boy about taking any position in a group. And he makes no fuss when a horse canters by him. And he has such a steady even rhythm to his trot that is so nice to ride and helped steady the other equines. We did some nice long trots and we trotted the mile road up to the top of Day Mountain. Luke did this easily. It is so neat to see the change in Luke's fitness and stamina from when I got him in May to now.  At the top of Day Mountain there were a couple hikers that we chatted with for a while and who took some pictures for us.

We got back to the trailer at 4:00 pm and figured we did around 20 miles. We fed Luke and the horses at the trailer before loading them back on. Surprise, surprise but don't you know as we were waiting for the equines to eat, someone pulls over on the other side of the road because they knew Susie. We ALWAYS meet people who know Susie no matter where we go! It's the funniest thing. Luke took a good drink of water we offered him. Mary Ann's horse had drank a lot on trail out of puddles and streams. All the of them happily hopped right on the trailer and we headed out. We decided to go home via Bangor and stopped at Dysarts for supper. When we stopped, we offered the equines water again and they all drank and then went to quietly munching hay. We had a wonderful supper. When we went back out, we gave Luke and the horses more hay and left Dysarts at 7:15 pm. We got back to Exit 43 Quick Stop in Richmond at 8:45 pm. We transferred my thing to my trailer, then unloaded Luke and loaded him onto my trailer. I wondered what he would think of all the loading and unloading from one trailer to the other but he didn't seem to care at all. He hopped right on my trailer with no protest at all. Good boy! I got home just a little after 9:00 pm. Luke was so happy to be home where he could finally get in a good roll!

To West Bowdoin

Today Linda and her cousin Nancy came over and we rode from my house. Nancy rode my horse and we headed out around 10:00 am. It was a lovely day, sunny and cool. We went down Dead River Rd. to the Starbird Corner Rd. Luke was on a mission and was walking out fast enough so the others had to trot to keep up with him. At the end of the dirt section of this road we took a left and rode some trails in there. They are very pretty trails and make a nice little lollipop. We did explore some side trails hoping something might connect though further down Starbird Corner Rd. but all were dead ends. So, we continued down Starbird Corner Rd. to the end and crossed over the Litchfield Rd. and took the trail that comes out at the Wheeler Farm on the West Rd. We took a right on the West Rd. and rode up to the Allen Farm and went back into the trails there. We came back out on the West Rd. by the Jim Rideout Rd. and took that trail back to the Litchfield Rd. Then went left up the Litchfield Rd. and home on the Dead River Rd. It's so nice having equines that can be trusted to ride anywhere either on road or on trail. Marie, Gus and Luke were all very good today.

This evening I picked up a round bale of hay for Luke. I rolled it into a corner of his stall so it would be under cover and I won't have to worry about it going bad out in the weather. Luke thought he had hit the jackpot when he saw that big bale in there. My friend Tracy gave me a Big Bale Buddy hay bag so Fred, Madison and I went to her house to pick it up. When I got home I went out and put the bale into the bad. Luke didn't think there was any need of this as he thought the bale was fine just the way it was. He was a bit worried about the big green wrapper it was in. He didn't mind being in the stall with it as it's a big stall but he wasn't sure he wanted to actually eat from it. I'm pretty sure he'll sort it out pretty quickly. Poor Marie thinks that life is so unfair. She gets 3 lousy flakes and Luke gets 700 lbs all wrapped up in a pretty wrapper.......

Good Ride, Good Food, Good Friend...

I'm hijacking this blog for this story as it has nothing to do with Luke. But, I don't think he will mind. This vacation adventure was two days of riding with my good friend Margaret. She lives in East Waterboro and I have not ridden with her in several years. For this adventure, I would take Marie. Luke was due a few days rest after riding at home and then two days in Dixfield with Mindy. And, Margaret and I have ridden many CTR and endurance ride together on Marie and Promise so it just seemed right to take Marie for this adventure.

The weather forecast was for absolutely perfect weather. It was going to be cold at night but in the 60's during the day.  I left my house around 8:30 am on Tuesday. When I got to the end of Dead River Rd. (The road I live on) I turned the wrong way. DUH! I turned around and headed in the right direction. I got off I-95 in Gray onto Rt. 202 and turned the wrong way off the exit. WHAT THE HECK! I realized right away and again turned around. Then after a while, when I passed Sebago Lake, I realized I was no longer on Rt. 202. Oh, for crying out loud!!! I was on Rt. 35. I stopped and looked at the map and realized that this was fine as Rt. 35 when right where I wanted to go anyway. It actually turned out to be a better route as I didn't have to go through Windam and Gorham and the 4 stupid rotaries. It was less then a mile longer and a pretty drive. Then I drove past Margaret's road but I wasn't surprised at that as I have not been to her house in a few years and was not sure I remembered the way. I didn't go far past before calling her and was soon at her house. I even managed to arrive on time!

When I got to Margaret's house, she loaded up her Morgan gelding, Promise, and we headed off to ride at the old Hollis Armory. I've never ridden here before and was looking forward to it.  Margaret's Promise is 31 years old and still going strong. He is awesome and is a real testament to the good care he gets. Margaret has had him since birth. We saddled up and were soon on the trail. We took a few wrong turns, seemed to be the theme of the day, but soon were on the right trail. I had decided not to bring my camera because I didn't have my saddle bags on my saddle. I was soon to regret this as the landscape here was absolutely lovely. I did take a few pictures with my phone. We've always joked that Promise loves the look of Marie's butt as he has always liked to follow her. And he not a horse that normally likes to follow. And apparently Promise remembered how much he admired Marie's derriere as he was quite determined to keep his eye on it. We had a great ride.

Once back to Margaret's house, we settled Marie into a paddock and Margaret turned Promise out in a separate pasture. Marie was very happy to find some hay in a stall she had access to. Promise stayed near the fence line of the paddock she was in. Marie would come out of the stall and they would sniff over the fence line then she'd go back in to eat more hay, then come out to see Promise and go in again. It was funny watching them. Margaret had made a nice soup for our lunch.  We relaxed a while then before it got dark, poured a couple glasses of wine and took a walk through Margaret's apple orchards. I was pretty with the fall colors. A lot of leaves are already off the trees but there are still enough to look nice. We then brought Promise and Marie into the barn and fed them.

For dinner Margaret made an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms as well as veggies and dip and crackers and cheese. The main course was chicken pumpkin stew. It was absolutely delicious! Much of the ingredients came right from Margaret's garden. And this was followed up with some dark chocolate candy. I was in heaven! We watched a bit of TV (and munched chocolate) and then we checked on the horses one last time. I brought in my air mattress from the trailer and set up my bed in Margaret's living room. Margaret's cat, Curio was sure it was a new bed just for him and immediately made himself comfortable on it. He was very insulted when I moved him when I went to bed and stalked off to Margaret's room. Sorry Curio.

I woke up around 8:00 am I think. Margaret was already up. I had slept like a log! We went out and fed the horses. Then Margaret made a lovely breakfast starting with cantaloupe grown in her garden, scrambled eggs with sauteed peppers, onions, and mushrooms, bacon and hash browns and herbal tea. This was already starting out to be a great day! We went out to get the horses ready to ride. While Margaret tacked up Promise, I cleaned out Marie's stall. She had done her usual job of blending the entire stall like a big mixing bowl so it was a bit of work to get the stall clean. PIG! When Margaret was ready, we took both horses out to my trailer, I tacked up Marie and soon we were on our way. We had a second great ride from Margaret's house. She has some really nice trails around her house. And again Promise was quite determined to keep his eye on Marie's backside. When we got back from our ride, we turned Marie and Promise out together. They both got down and rolled several times. It's amazing to watch Promise. You would never know he was 31 watching how he moves. He gets up and down as well as any horse 1/4 his age.  We watched the two of them for a while to make sure they'd be ok with each other. Marie was in heat and this got Promise a little excited. Again, I was pretty impressed considering Promise's age. They were both fine though after a little bit of squealing and settled down to munch on hay. We went in the house and had lunch from the previous day's leftovers. And I confess I huffed down two bowls of the chicken pumpkin stew. Promise was not happy when I took Marie away from him. We felt bad for him. I had an uneventful drive home managing to not make a single wrong turn. Luke was VERY happy to see Marie when I got home. This has been such a nice vacation being able to ride with such good friends in so many wonderful places here in Maine.