Lost and Found

I had such a wonderful ride today! I met Susie and Terry over in West Bowdoin. Terry was riding Susie's horse Bayzen. We parked on the gas line as we usually do. The weather looked a bit unsettled in the morning so we met at 12:30 pm. It was very nice by then. It was quite warm but not uncomfortable. Susie and Terry were already at our parking spot and tacked up when I arrived. It didn't take me long to get Luke ready. It was the first time Terry has met Luke and she thought he was the most handsome mule she'd ever seen. I'd have to agree with that. We started out by riding down the gas and doing some loop trails off the the left side of the gas line. Then down near the Keay Rd, we crossed over the gas line and and went up the trail that goes by the two gravel pit ponds and took a left on the witch house trail to the Bens Hill Rd.  At this point we decided to try a trail we had not ridden in a long time so we went left down to the Williams Rd. and then right and rode this all the way out to the Maxwell Rd.  and then we took an immediate right onto the trail that used to lead out to a gravel pit on the West Rd. The first part of the trail seems to have not been used in a while but was not hard to follow. Then we came on some very clear trail and this is where we got lost and where the riding really got fun! We followed what looked like the most used trail and passed many nice looking side trails. We rode by the prettiest bog and in the end made a loop. We'd been out for quite a while at this point and I was quite sure of which direction to go to get back to the West Rd. We figured we'd just ride the road back to the trailers. But, before we reached the road we came across two other riders coming towards us. Of course it turned out to be someone that Susie knew. One of the riders, Stephanie, decided to ride with us for a while and show us a trail that went back towards our trailers so we wouldn't have to ride down the paved road. Stephanie turned out to be a wonderful guide and great company. She was riding a nice mare that she had recently purchased from my farrier. Once we were onto a trail we knew, Stephanie headed back for home and we all made promises to meet and ride together again. We rode the trail to the Allen's farm. This is where the other rider lived. Coming through the barnyard there are always spooky equine eating monsters such as a few cows, chickens or dogs. We had passed all this without incident and were just about to the road when Bayzen spooked at something and poor Terry came off and landed hard on her right hip. She was ok but had to sit for a little while to settle down as for a short time she felt a bit sick to her stomach. The Allen's came out and helped us by holding horses and getting Terry water. The Allens offered to trailer our horses back to our trailers but after sitting for a while, Terry said she felt well enough to ride back. It was only a mile or so down the road back. While we were riding down the road, a small dirt bike passed us from behind. It did not slow down at all and buzzed by with that high pitched whiny sound that dirt bikes have. This actually bothered mr. unflappable mule. He did a bit of a dance but nothing too serious. It also spooked Bayzen but Terry handled it fine also. We were soon back at the trailer and all agreed it was a wonderful ride.

Phippsburg with Joanie and Nancy

 I had a great ride today with Nancy and Joanie. Nancy picked me, Luke and Marie up and we joined Joanie for a ride in Phippsburg. One of my favorite places to ride. It was a lovely day today. Warm but not too hot or humid with a nice breeze as well as clear and sunny. Perfect summer day in Maine. We parked on the Basin Rd. by Devil's Hwy. We followed the basin Rd. to Decker Hill Rd. and then to the Harrington Rd. and did the little loop on that road. The followed Decker Hill Rd. out to the four corner where Harris cemetery is and the little pond. The pond was very low and stagnant. The equines thought it tasted fine though. Yuck! We then rode Hedgehog Rd. to Dance Hall Rd. and Stonewall Rd. that looped us back to the four corner by Harris cemetery. At this point I suggested we ride up Fuller Mountain. I was pretty sure I could find the fun trail up to the summit. It is a steep but fun climb and neither Nancy or Joanie had been up this trail. So we went back along Decker Hill Rd. Back to the Basin Rd. and back to the turn onto Meadowbrook Rd. Down this road, right where the dirt road turns to pavement is the trail to the summit of Fuller Mountain. The first part is a short steep rocky climb. Just as I was nearing the top, I look ahead of me and there is a BIG spiderweb across the trail with a BIG spider sitting right in the middle of it I'm heading straight for the center if it and we are almost right on it!!!! AAAGGGGGHHHHHHH. I start wildly slashing at it with my fly whisk and mange to swipe it down before planting my face in it! Of course now there is a very large and very agitated spider on the end of my fly whisk! So I'm trying for all I'm worth to fling the large agitated spider off the end of the whisk so I'm slashing the air like a Samurai warrior. Though all this Luke is just chugging along up the trail as if nothing is going on on top of his back. There is something to be said for a good mule......... I did manage to fling the spider off the whisk and just prayed it wasn't onto Luke's  back where the spider could crawl up and extract his revenge on me! After the first short climb, the trail levels out and follows a stream. This is a very pretty trail but not much used and so there is a lot of low branches to duck, especially when riding a 16.1H mule. Then the trail turns and goes up a very steep rocky assent up the mountain (mountain being a relative term as the summit is only 277') Some of those I ride with don't like this trail because of this steep rocky section. I think it's fun and I thought that both Nancy and Joanie would enjoy it. We all made it up with no problems and Joanie and Nancy both said they enjoyed the trail. There is a lovely view from the summit of Winnegance bay. We went back by way of Fuller Mountain Rd. I knew there was a way to go from Fuller Mountain Rd. to Devil's Hwy without going all the way out the the Meadowbrook Rd. and going down the pavement. So, we too the first road we came to which was Mountain Crossing Rd. We took one wrong turn onto Echo Lane which is a dead end. So, we turned around and got back on Mountain Crossing Road and sure enough it did bring us right onto Devil's Hwy. From there it was not far back to the trailers and we'd avoided riding down the paved road. It was such a nice ride. Luke just keeps getting fitter and is doing so well on the hills now. He and Frannie took turns leading  with Marie making an occasional appearance at the front. Though when we got back Luke managed to give me another scare (as if the spider scare was not enough...) as soon as I turned him loose in the paddock he immideately dropped for a good roll and somewho managed to stick his whole back leg in an overturned plastic barrel. This spooked him and he got thrashing around. He managed to kick it off and jump up without hurting himself as I was having visions of broken legs......ACK!

The mules always have to be bugging someone. Below you see Louie bugging Marie (who completely ignores him) and then Luke bugging Louie. And you can see Louie's tail wrapped around Luke's nose.

It's a tough and tiring job being a mule..........

A picture of the barn today

Ride with Tracy

Today was much nicer then it has been. The heat and humidity let up a bit and there was a very nice breeze. Luke and Marie got new shoes yesterday so are both ready to put on some miles. Tracy came over to ride with me today with her lovely mare Fanny. She arrived at 10:00 am. She came out for a tour of the new barn (still a work in progress) and then went back out front to unload Fanny. I got Luke and brought him out and tied him to my trailer. When Fanny came off Tracy's trailer, she was startled by the guinea hens and did a bit of snorting. Luke heard this but could not see what was going on. He has never met Fanny either. Well, Luke had a bit of a melt down. I didn't think he had it in him! He danced and pranced around doing great big belly snorts........ as I was trying to saddle him. He was puffing up so big to do the big belly snorts that I couldn't even begin to cinch the saddle (English saddle, English billets...) He swung around once and slammed his right rear leg into the running board on my trailer and took off a hunk of hair! AGH! Nothing serious still........  As soon as Tracy led Fanny around where he could see her, he settled down a bit.  Luke was still on high alert though when we mounted up and headed out.

As soon as we entered the woods we were swarmed by the deer fly. Horrible things! Luke settled down quickly and was his usual wonderful self. We had a lovely ride but for the stupid deer fly. When we went by the alpaca farm, Luke snugged up to Fanny. He is so funny when we go by there. Thankfully Fanny was fine about the Alpaca. I was surprised to see all the water drying up on the trail. Guess we need some rain.

Visitor from Germany and Tarr's Mill Ride

Today was another hot and muggy day so we decided to ride fairly early. Susie came over with a young woman, Johanna, from Germany who is here visiting relatives. Johanna rode Marie. Luke had lost a front shoe on our last ride so I put an Old Mac boot on him for the ride. I finally found my old one (when I'd stopped looking for it) and it was big enough to fit Luke. Susie and Joanna arrived at 8:30 am. We were soon tacked up and ready to go. We decided to ride the Tarr's Mill loop. As soon as we entered the woods we were completely swarmed by deer fly. And not just the lead horse as is common, but all of us were swarmed by them. They were HORRIBLE. Once again I really appreciated Luke's tolerance of them. And once again I was happy to have the mask for him and my handy fly whisk. Despite the deer fly, we still had a great ride. Luke continues to get stronger. He's soooooo much fun to ride.

Tarr's Mill. Before the dam broke down, the area behind us was a pond

The remains of the old dam is behind us in this picture

Hosing Luke and Marie off after our ride

Vet Appointment and Mt. Pisgah Ride

I had to take Luke up to the vet today to get a coggins draw and his Rhino vaccine as I'm going to Wildwood Stable , that requires the vaccine (I won't go into my opinion on that....) at the end of the month. My appointment was for 8:30 am. I decided I might as well go for a ride since I would already be out and about. I'd been wanting to explore some trails there and it was in the same direction as the vet. So, I loaded up Luke at 8:00 am and headed to the vet clinic. At the clinic I unloaded Luke and as soon as he got off the trailer, someone in the parking lot yells over to me, "what a beautiful animal!". I'd have to agree with that. The vet came out and drew blood for coggins and give the vaccine in the parking lot. Luke was a perfect gentleman. I soon had Luke loaded back up and we were on our way to Mt. Pisgah and the Kennebec Land Trust trails. I parked at the fire station as I usually do. From there it is just a short ride up Mt. Pisgah Rd. to the trails.

Luke headed down the trail eager. It was hot and going to get into the 90's. And the deer fly were out in full force as well as mosquitoes and big horse flies in some spots. I'd purchased Luke a Cashel quiet ride mask . The local tack shop didn't have one in stock with mule ears and I didn't want to wait to order one so I bought a regular one and just unstitched the top of the ears. I'm glad I had the mask for Luke, it helped a lot to protect him from the flies. The first trail I checked out went up a steep hill. It looked quite promising at first but petered out within 1/4 mile. So, back down the hill we went. The 2nd trail we explored was much the same but went closer to 1/2 mile before ending. So, up hill and down hill Luke went. We had to do a little bit of bush whacking but Luke doesn't mind doing this at all. More green stuff to eat off trail. Luke is quite bold about going though anything you point him at. At least as long as there are no pool noodles involved. The 3rd trail I tried did go somewhere, but it just looped back to the main trail. Luke was just fine with all the back and forth riding. And he never fussed a bit each time we came back to the main trail and then headed away from the trailer. At this point I decided to just take a ride to the top of Mt. Pisgah to the fire tower. It's a steep climb to the top. I was impressed with how easily Luke handled it, especially with the heat. He set a steady pace and just chugged along up the the hill without stopping. I stopped him at the little meadow about 3/4 of the way to the top and let him graze for a few minutes. He was not really breathing very hard and enjoyed the snack. There used to be a really pretty view from the meadow but the trees have grown up too much around the edges and now block the view.

Just so I wouldn't have to go back the same way, I decided to ride down the gravel road from the fire tower to the paved road and ride that back to where I parked. The gravel road is nearly as steep as the trail so I decided to give Luke a break and I got off and lead him down to the paved road. I did have some nice views going down. I mounted up in the parking lot and headed down the paved road. This turned out to be a good choice as it is a lovely area. Many very pretty small farms. Every one's gardens are now in full bloom as are many wildflowers along the side of the road. And Luke is as steady as they come on the road and he is as good riding back as heading out. No rushing or getting anxious so it was just a nice relaxing ride back to the trailer. I sponged Luke off back at the trailer, then I loaded him up and headed home. Luke was funny when I got him home. As I was leading him back to the paddock, he had all he could do to stay on his feet. As soon as he came off the trailer his knees kept buckling as he was SOOOOOOO anxious to roll. I had all I could do to get him to wait until he was back in his own paddock and I had his halter off. He just had to replace all the dirt that I had so rudely sponged off him!Luke is just the most wonderful trail partner.

Maine Equine Super Showdeo Versatility Trail Events

Today I took both Marie and Luke to the Maine Equine Super Showdeo. There were two different Versatility Trail Challenges being held. One put on by the MeQHA (Maine Quarter Horse Association) that was held on a course of 25 obstacle around the fairgrounds. The other was put on by the Ellis River Riders and was a course in the arena. It was a hot, humid day but thankfully was overcast and cloudy until later in the afternoon. 

The MeQHA event was to start at 8:00 am. I had to work Friday so didn't get home and to bed until 2:00 am. I had to be up at 5:00 am. Both Luke and Marie got a quick bath before heading out at 6:30 am. I arrived at the Topsham fairgrounds by 7:00 am. I unloaded Luke and Marie and got them settled tied to the trailer with plenty of hay and both were content. The event was a bit late starting as they had to wait for all the judges to show up. I decided to ride Marie first. Well, she was quite the naughty girl about leaving Luke. She fussed and called and fidgeted and was just very upset. Sigh. My friend Joanie had come to help me as and to watch and take pictures. Not long after another friend, Nancy showed and and later Bonnie came. Such good friends to come watch and support me! 

On the first obstacle Marie and I did, she had a bit of a melt down. We had to pick up a bucket that was sitting on the end of some concrete barriers and move it. It was a bright shiny stainless steel bucket with some rocks in it. This would not normally bother her but she was so upset about leaving Luke she just would not pay attention. When I picked up the bucket and the rocks rattled around, she freaked out. When I pulled her up to stop her from dancing around, she reared up! ACK, Marie NEVER rears! It was just a little one but still. I hung into the bucket and managed to finish the obstacle. After that, Marie got her head back together and she did well with the rest of the course. 

Then, it was a quick change with Joanie's help to settle Marie back at the trailer and to tack up Luke. When I left the trailer, Luke called quite a bit for Marie but he was a good boy and didn't make any fuss about it. Our first obstacle was to mount. Luke was good and stood nicely. Our 2nd obstacle was a "gate" made from jump standards and a rope. Luke was very good about this. 

Our next series of obstacles were to walk over some pool noodles, a bridge, some piece of reflective material and then through a box with plastic bottles and such in it. Luke was perfect with all this. 

Our next set of obstacles started out with the shiny metal bucket on the concrete barriers that we had to move. Luke went up to it, sniffed it, it rattled with the rocks and he was then all snorky about it. I was not able to get him to turn his side to the bucket so I could pick it up so I was not able to complete this obstacle. 

We then had to walk over a red tarp. Next was to walk over two boards stacked on top of each other. We had to stop after stepping over then and back up back over them. Luke did both great. The judge said Luke was the only equine all day that did not knock the boards over when stepping backwards over them. Then we had to walk through an inner tube. Luke walked through perfect. We then had to trot though some cones set in a row and then back though them. Luke did very well. I didn't do the best job of cuing him to back up but we managed . We then finished with another tarp. A blue one but this one had water on it. Luke was a little snorky with the water but he did cross the tarp after a few tries. 

Our next series of obstacles started with stepping over a plastic culvert pipe and side passing along it. Luke did this nicely. We then had to drag a bag. Luke wasn't thrilled with this but he did it. Then we had to do a "pulley" obstacle where we had to pick up a rope that was attached to some plastic jugs and pull it up and let it back down. Luke did great. Then backing through some poles, walking over a brush pile, and then go over a dirt bank. Luke handled all easily. 

Sidepassing over plastic culvert

Dragging garbage bag

                                   

                                     

Pulley obstacle

The last set of obstacles started with dragging a tarp. Luke was a bit worried about this and I ended up dropping the rope. We then had to walk through a tarp alley, between poles with hoses laying on the ground, over some car mats and by some pie plates and other glittery things hanging on a line. The last obstacle was a jump over half barrels.  Luke did this all just fine. There were quite a few riders in this event. I placed 4th with Marie and 5th with Luke. I was very pleased

We were done and Luke had done wonderful!!! I was very pleased with how we had managed being a new team together and all. When I was done with the course, I took a quick ride over to where Luke's owner, Kyle, was judging the pleasure show and gave him a shout. Then rode back to see when my division in the next event started and what the riding order was. I had entered the open division with both Luke and Marie. The novice division was going first so I had some time. I settled Luke back in with Marie at the trailer with hay and water and both were happy to be back together again. By this time Kyle had finished with his judging and came over to watch me ride Luke in the next event. Pressure was on! ACK! Bonnie went and got us something to eat and drink wonderful friend that she is. When it was time for my division to ride, we had a walk through of the course. It didn't seem too hard to remember the pattern and I felt I was as ready as I could be. I was fifth in the riding order with Luke and last with Marie. So, I got Luke tacked up and headed to the arena to wait my turn. Luke was really feeling the need to roll. After all, it had been nearly 9 hrs. at this point since he had last rolled. This is a long time to go without rolling for a mule! hahah. When I entered the event, I filled out the paper work the just "Luke" for Luke's name. When it was close to my time to ride, the announcer called my name but said she did not have the name of the horse I was riding. Hummmm, Anyway, Kyle quickly took the opportunity to run over to the announcer's booth to let them know that the horse I was riding was a mule and his name is Lukeatmyass. The announcer thought he was joking at first. It seems Kyle is well known for his keen sense of humor. 

Cindy on Luke with Kyle Smith

Unfortunately, my ride on Luke in the arena event did not go so well. The first obstacle was to release a rolled up banner along the fence line. I could not get Luke to turn sideways so I could release the rope. Then we had to back though some logs. Luke backs up very well and I'm not sure where I went so wrong other then I got nervous, started over doing my cues and pulling too much when I didn't need to pull at all and I messed up the backing. It was definitely my fault, not Luke. From there we had to take a proper lead canter depart and go  3/4 of the way around the arena. This Luke did just fine but I directed him the wrong way around a cone! RATS! Then we had to stop in a box marked out with 4 cones, I had to dismount, ground tie and check a back foot. He stopped and stood quiet while I dismounted but when I touched his back leg, he jumped like I'd given him a shock and went out of the box. Darn! I then had to lead him to a mounting block and mount from the wrong side. That was fine. From there it was on to two jump standards with pool noodles sticking out of them to be walked though. Luke wouldn't do it. Close but not quite. Then we had to pick up a rain coat hanging off a jump standard and side pass to another standard and place the coat there then on through a tarp alley. No problem with either of these obstacles. Then we had to drag a rope that had a string of coffee container on it, pull this to a cone, then let go of the rope and circle around and hop them over the line of containers. Luke boogered at pulling this and I dropped the rope. At this point I really lost my head and skipped two obstacles entirely. A small blue container that you had to get them to put both front feet in and stand for 5 seconds and a gate. I went right to the curtain which Luke hesitated at but did go through. Then there were two barrels with a plank between them with a rope loop on one end of the plank. You had to pick up one end of the plank and do a complete circle keeping the other end on a barrel. Luke was not bad about this but I cut in too close to the barrel and pushed the plank off. Then we had to trot though a wagon wheel formation of ground poles. This was fine and then there was a narrow weird bridge with bushes and a deer decoy. Luke stepped up on but then hopped off over the side. So, this course was less then a success and I was disqualified since I'd skipped two obstacles. I felt bad that I made so many mistakes with Kyle watching. I wanted to make him proud of our efforts. I wish he had been able to see Luke and I do the other course as that one went so well. 

A good photo of Luke and I cantering on the WRONG side of that orange cone! And you can see the small blue container that we had to get them to put two front feet into. This was one of the obstacles I missed with Luke. DUH! But my Marie did it. 

Luke was having no part of walking through the pool noodles. 

The coffee container drag, Luke and I just before he realized we were dragging something. 

The curtain. He went through this with just a moment of hesitation

The pivot. 

Once done, I brought Luke back to the trailer, gave him some water and settled him in with more hay. I tacked up Marie and headed back to the arena. Marie was once again not happy about leaving Luke but not bad about it like she had been in the morning. My ride on Marie went quite well. We released the banner and backed though the poles well. she took the correct lead for the canter, did the ground tie and mounting on the off side fine. She did not care for the pool noodles but I got her though before my 30 second time limit was up. Tarp alley was no problem and the coffee container drag went fine and I got her to put both feet in the blue container and stand. We did the gate but went just a split second over our 30 seconds. The curtain was no problem but the plank pivot on the barrels spooked her and the board got knocked off. Then the trot around the wagon wheel pattern ground poles was ok but she too stepped off the side of the last bridge. Overall it was a good ride. By this point I was very tired and hot so I did not stay for awards for this event. I quickly packed up with the help of Joanie and Nancy and headed home. Other than wishing I had not so badly messed up on my 2nd ride on Luke, it was a good day and both Luke and Marie were wonderful.