MARCH

March 28, 2007

The best I could describe Sunday would be to call it  heavenly.  The weather was perfect and I finally got to ride!  Lori had scheduled a lesson for later in the day, so, I showed up prepared to head out with Justin on our own.  This would be the first time he'd gone to the new place by himself.  He'd have to step in to the water without anyone braver ahead and he'd have to walk through unfamiliar territory not sure of what might spring out of the woods.  Of course, we humans know no evil really lurks out there but I'm sure while Justin's little ears are perked, he's got an eye out for the most beastly character nature ever created -- whatever that might be. 

We hit what I call 'The Goat Trail' (because it is very narrow and rocky and you have to choose your steps carefully), which leads you down to the creeks.  My favorite part of the goat trail is when he steps carefully between these two rocks.  A horse could hurt himself if he weren't paying attention.  I always feed Justin plenty of rein so he can look down at it and tip toe through.  Another trappy passage is one between two trees.  Between the two trees is a narrow belly where leaves settle and I never know what might be in there.  I suspect there are rocks but he always manages to get through that unscathed. 

On to the path leading into the water.  Now, the easiest path, or so it would seem, is a well worn one that other riders have used then, after walking downstream a bit, they link back up to another goat trail.  I've done that ride before, actually, when Justin and I first came to Lori's place, and I'm not fond of it.  Justin doesn't like that entry into the creek.  The mud is very deep and it is basically a very narrow rut cut into the bank.  The path in to the creek stays wet because it sits well below bank level.  None of us ever like the looks of it.  So, we choose our own path.  One where you have to step over a few logs and step off the bank instead of a slope into the water.  This time, we had to also step carefully around a glass bottle.  There is a lot of debris on the banks -- broken trees, limbs, sticks and leaves, that your path to pass is limited.  Justin navigated this beautifully and when he got to the bank, he stretched his neck out to survey the depth of the water (as if it had changed since the last time), tucked his back feet under himself to anchor his back end and plopped one front foot right off into the water, allowing the other to follow before he brought the back end along with him.  This is always a very interesting feeling from the tack.  You know how you see elephant riders in the circus get on the elephant after he's politely crouched down to let the lady up?  And as he rights himself again, the lady, while holding on to the harness on his head, gets jostled violently until he is back on all fours?  Well, that's kind of what it feels like to me.  Certainly not a movement I'm not expecting but one I've not felt often, since this trail riding thing is new to me. 

Anyway, Justin steps in like a pro and knows EXACTLY which way to go from the last two times we've been.  He hangs a left, heading up stream, walking confidently thru the water while I'm watching for big rocks or submerged cinderblocks (there's one on the other side of the creek).  Walking now, like he's done this a million times, we come upon the fallen tree that you really can't jump, but instead should step thru.  I always marvel at how smart he is at this.  Again, I feed him plenty of line and he walks so quickly through this time that I hear him clunk a hoof or two on the trunk.  We're on a small island at this point and have the last and easiest part of the creek to cross which Justin does with the utmost of confidence.  Next is the cement slab with rushing water over it.  Justin now walks over this as if it weren't there. 

While we're out, I leave it up to Justin to decide what gait we do because I figure if he isn't feeling too loose, why push him.  If he feels good, he'll choose a faster gait, then, I know it wasn't me who pushed him while he dutifully complied.  Up the first hill, we came upon the weird hunting shed that Lori and I laugh and say women are locked in and after passing that and making certain there was nothing coming out of the woods, Justin decided we could canter.  He set off in a little trot and eased comfortably into the canter.  What he didn't know is that we would be taking a right.  So, we cantered past that a bit and doubled back.  We headed down the hill, past the pond, up past the little old collapsed cabin, past the yucca and onto the first perfectly manicured power trail.  It's dirt with new grass coming up and soon, would be a very nice place to take a break and graze.  I'd imagine the deer consider that location 'dessert'.  It isn't part of the sod farm so, I gleefully motor across it. 

There we were, enjoying our lovely Sunday hanging out together when suddenly, some bushes ahead were shaking violently and something inside them was making a lot of movement as if it was stuck.  Justin stood for a moment, then wheeled around wanting no part of what might come out of those bushes.  I, on the other hand, was afraid that it might be a deer hung up in an old wire fence or something.  So, I pulled Justin back around and when I did, I felt the hardest thumping heart in my leg.  Never in my life have I felt a horse's heart beat like this. 

Whatever was in the bushes didn't come out our way so we could see what it was.  There was a part of both of us, a big part of Justin that really didn't want to know, so, as luck would have it, there was a trail to the left so we took that instead of walking past the unknown shaking bush.  To think that Justin's heart was beating that hard made me feel bad for him so I didn't want to put him through more worry by walking past the bush.  I was proud of him for listening to me though and waiting so bravely while I tried to assess what was in the bush. 

My guess is that we'd startled a deer from its nap and while it tried to spring away from us, it got caught up in the thicket.  It most likely got out the other side and bounded off to safety but we could not see over the brush.  So, on we went down a fairly muddy incline which eventually leveled out to quite nice footing.

This trail eventually lead us to a new stream which Justin also walked thru like a champ.  It finally lead us to a fire trail which I soon discovered was the other side of the trail we couldn't cross before, due to a very rocky, wide ditch.  On this side sat the abandoned card we'd seen before that I continue to be very curious about.  Justin was very taken aback by the car and a nearby stump and thought both were out to get him.  But again, like a good boy, he listened and walked on and realized they weren't threats.  The car is a Ford Fiesta which looked like it was in pretty good condition before it showed up here.  The sleuth in me is going back next time to try to get a VIN number off of it.

I followed the fire trail to its end to the sound of cows mooing in the distance and it ended at what my satellite map tells me is Lightridge Farm Rd.  Justin and I crossed the street to see if the fire trail continued.  It did not, so, we went back.  Horses have an amazing sense of direction.  Justin is not exception, however, I noticed during our ride that each time we made a turn on a new trail, Justin pooped, leaving us a little pop corn trail here and there along the way.  So, when we turned to head home, Justin picked up the pace as if to say, "OK, lady -- I was cool about the bush, brave thru the water, dealt with the flipped over car and the stump that I swore was a crouching tiger or hidden dragon but now, I want to go home!" 

Riding like a cowpoke, I had the reins to the buckle so Justin was able to canter whenever he liked.  He did choose to canter several times and the best part about that was that the Rimadyl clearly had already made a difference.  No bucking! 

Eventually, we were back home and I was thrilled to be able to give Justin a nice warm bath when I returned.  The Hott Wash I'd bought the day before definitely worked!  Justin was so dirty, not having had a bath for most of the winter and looked so pretty when I was done.  It was nice to see a white tail instead of an orange one!

I hand-grazed him until he was dry and admired his pretty coat glistening in the sun. 

Another great weekend -- a gift -- and I can't wait until this one comes!

March 24, 2007

Well, I've just been all over the place today.  Started the day out with a nice long breakfast with Liz.  The last time I saw her, we ran into each other in Lowes, where I tend to spend a lot of time these days, given the stuff we are doing around the house.  It was good to catch up while doing something we've done a lot over the years, eating breakfast.  It was kind of a ritual for us back when we were heading to and from horse shows weekend after weekend.  Our favorite place was Bob Evans but today, we went to a place that is fairly new to the area, Eggspectations.  Neat place -- service can be a bit questionable, but was perfect for Liz and I since we had a lot of chatting to do.  So, when the server didn't show up for eons, it really didn't faze us. 

We shared car shopping and selling stories and news on our horses and I got to see new pix of her adorable grandson.  She caught me up on some of Codi's news, some of which was about her graduating in May.  Just so hard to believe that four years has already gone by!  Just amazing.  Anyway, we had a great time and agreed we need to do it more often.

After that, I headed to the barn to drop off some corn oil and new meds for Justin.  Lori was very, very sick so I sat on her bed to give her what she calls 'Jana-isms', which make her laugh.  Whatever she has, I hope I don't get.  We caught up on news that interests us and she teased me about how I put Justin's new meds in empty gumball machine capsules.  Yes, I ground up all of his meds and carefully measured and scooped it into gumball capsules I ordered online.  I thought it was a brilliant idea but I can assure you, I probably will never use all of them because there were 1000 of them!!!  Whatever.  They amuse me and that's really all that matters.

I decided not to ride because I didn't want Topper to howl for Justin the whole time we were away, which would then disrupt Lori.  So, I was off to my next foray, which was to go to Middleburg Tack Exchange.

At MTE, I consigned three of my shadbellies.  They informed me that they'd sit but whatever.  I will pick them back up in September if they have not sold, then try them on eBay.  I strolled thru the store to see if there was anything I could spend my money on that I really didn't need.  I love that place.  I found a great brand new, quilted jacket -- I'm addicted to horse-related outerwear.  Then, I found a tail strap to replace one that went missing on one of Justin's sheets.  We'd been swapping one from one sheet to another.  Didn't find any sheets -- well, did but it was $150 and I know I can get them for much less thru some catalogs.  Blanket selection was sparse.  I suppose they deeply discounted those and moved them out. 

Then, there it was, an item I've fantasized about often, while thumbing through the catalogs.  Hott Wash!!  It was there for $99!  I could not pass it up.  Jo Motion, the owner, said the consignors swore it worked.  I was thrilled with my find.  My last stop in the store was a pair of spurs -- they're like bits, you just can't have too many different kinds.  And, after handing over my cash, I was off to surprise Lori with my new find!

I went back to the barn and handed it to Lori's husband, Paul, and said, "Figure it out."  It came with no instructions but it seems pretty easy to figure out.  He's an engineer, so I trust him to figure stuff out.  He's great at building stuff too.  There is some information on the unit and I did find some info on the web.  So, I think tomorrow, we will know how (and if) it works!  Yay! 

Next stop, Haymarket Vet Clinic, to pick up my spring shots.  Quick chats with everyone there and as I was pulling out, I ran into an old friend, Lynn Nelms.  Lynn is one of my favorite people.  I have known Lynn since I was 16 (26 years!)!  I remember meeting her for the first time when I was showing my mare, Tabbie  at a show at Frying Pan Park.  Back then, I always showed by myself.  Which is so hard for me to believe now.  At 16, I loaded my nutty mare by myself, packed everything myself, drove myself and showed all by myself.  Mind you, it wasn't because my parents didn't want to come, I made them stay home because they made me nervous. 

Lynn first befriended me in the line up in the ring.  She was so nice and made such an impression on me then and I have always enjoyed seeing her at the shows from time to time throughout the years.  So, it was a neat surprise to run into her on my way out of the clinic.  We sat in the driveway and chatted for some time until I realized I was keeping her from getting to work.  Anyway, she's such a neat person and I loved talking with her and seeing her again.

Next, on to get my favorite beverage, sweet tea, at McDonald's.  I shoved a burger in my mouth and savored my tea and made my almost last stop at Dover Saddlery (I just can't drive by without stopping).  I picked up three new saddle pads there (I better like them) and will try one out tomorrow. 

Finally, I was out of my horse world which was a stop at the cleaners to pick up and drop off some 'real world' clothes. Once at home, I did some projects so that I wouldn't feel guilty about being out of the house all day tomorrow.  I organized my closet and bagged up some stuff to give away (I'm constantly culling that closet).  And now, Bob just got home from Reserves so I must go and pay attention to him.

THAT was my exciting day.  Tomorrow, I ride no matter what!

March 11, 2007

Well, it seems like for the most part, we've survived the 'Mini Y2K' with the new Daylight Savings Time.  I guess I'll find out how bad it is when I get to work.  Last Friday, things were moving around here and there but they were actually moving an hour back and I think I even had one move two hours later.  We'll see what goes but I'm sure I'll spend the good part of the next few weeks unsnagging things.

If every day is a gift, this past weekend was the lottery.  For some time, Lori and I were trying to figure out how to get to some land nearby that appeared to take you for miles without seeing any civilization.  I had found the entrance on Google's satellite imagery (that stuff rocks) but the easiest way to get into that area was by riding on the edge of a neighbor's yard.  We'd heard that neighbor wasn't the most accommodating.  Yesterday, we went out on foot and got to see the bridge to get across up close.  It is a cement slab built to allow the water to pass over it and was designed for vehicles to get thru.  Only thing is, though, the vehicle then could not go anywhere but into this man's back yard.  Just so odd that it was ever built and it was clearly built years ago before his house was.  Google confirmed that.  The picture shows the bridge but no house. 

The man's response to our asking him if we could ride on the edge of his property was, "Well, I can show you how Mrs. X gets there."  He took us to a trail we were pretty familiar with -- one that leads you to a pretty difficult entry into the creek over to a little island.  Once you are on that island, the easiest way off it and back thru the other side of the creek has been blocked by a newly fallen tree.  Whatever the scenario, we realized going the easy way thru his yard was not going to happen. 

We returned with our horses and surprisingly, the boys stepped off the bank and into the water quite nicely.  Those group trail rides in Middleburg and hunting definitely paid off.  We were on the island.  We realized at this point that getting over that tree was not going to be easy.  Describing why, here, would be too difficult so I will skip it.  But, I ended up having to get off of Justin and clearing a lot of thorny brush and saplings away and breaking some tree limbs here and there, clearing a path to allow the horses to step over the tree more easily.   They would be stepping thru a fork with one side of the fork being higher than the other.  You could not jump it because the path to it was bi-level -- the easiest path being the highest.  If you were not careful, you'd end up on the lower side, straddling this big tree.  Justin was such a good boy and stepped slowly and carefully thru the fork of the tree.  I was so proud of him.  Topper decided to put both of his front feet on the tree.  He managed to get across, though. 

Once over the tree, all we had to do was walk thru another section of the creek, up a bank and across the bridge and we'd be on our way.  The first part was easy and when we got to the bridge, I wasn't sure how Justin would handle it.  Amazingly, and out in front, Justin tip toed across while the water rushed over it.  I was so pleased!!  We were on our way!

We rode for what seemed to be miles.  All of these beautiful open fields turned out to be sod plots so we could only ride on the dirt track that was on the perimeter of them.  Things were a little sloggy here and there but we managed.  We came to a T intersection, hung a left and followed the drive all the way to the back side of a house we always pass on our other trail ride.  They too have a cement bridge to get across from one of their back paddocks but the water was much deeper and was still.  I'd been back there from the other side before and the water level does tend to go down.  But that house no longer has horses so we're pretty sure cutting through there would also be a 'no'. 

We turned around, went back to the T and back the way we came.  At another intersection, we took a left and that took us down to a little pond that had a little old collapsed house near it.  It was strange to think someone might have lived back there at one time.  I'm thinking it might have just been a little cabin for fishing and hunting though.  We'd been out for quite a while so we decided to turn back from there and go back today for more investigating.

Today, we went back to the little pond and continued in a direction that, according to the satellite images, would give us better riding, not muddy tracks on the edge of fields we couldn't touch.  Today's find was awesome.  Some of the riding was very good footing where trucks and ATVs had been through.  All well mowed, clear paths.  Apparently, people hunted on this land for quite some time (deer stands were every where) and they only recently lost their lease to developers (what a surprise).  We followed one of many paths offered to us down to Bull Run where we ended up near the back side of  Lori's neighbor's property.  This neighbor is thru the woods on the other side of the creek and is nearest Lori's ring.  We can only see her place during the winter.  But my, oh my does she have land. 

We could not see an easy path across the creek.  It was too high for us to try it today and without a plan for how to navigate once on the other side, we decided that was an adventure for another day.  But this riding is just supreme.  It will be wonderful when the leaves come in.  The mowed, well-cleared paths are fabulous and it is clear no other riders go out there.  We're not even sure if anyone else knows about it.  If they did, I'd think they'd be out there like crazy. 

Some of the trails are different now than from when the satellite pictures were taken.  I am going to study what is there and figure out some new places to go.  Funny thing is, as I was driving home, I saw some people riding in a ring.  I found myself for the first time thinking, "Why?"  I used to never get the trail riding thing and now I totally do.  I love all the hills and creeks and logs you encounter along the way.  I love seeing the deer, fox, turkeys and rabbits.  I like coming across odd things like old collapsed houses or abandoned cars or old stone wells that look like something out of The Ring (the movie).  My horse gets such a great work out and I love staring between his little pricked ears while I hold on to just the buckle and let him pick the safest way through all the obstacles.   I don't feel so pressured to find a job for him to do anymore.  He has turned into trail horse extraordinaire!  Now, I think, what a crappy duty for a horse -- to have to go around and around a ring. 

March 2, 2007

Today was so gorgeous.  It got up to over 60 today.  And on a Friday, of course, everyone wanted to get out of the office early to go and do what winter has kept them from doing these past handful of weeks.  I managed what started out as a ride at dusk and ended up as a moonlit ride.  By the time I got on Justin, it was nearly 6:00 p.m..  We walked along our usual route, passing deer and neighboring horses.  The ground was both frozen and soggy in spots -- really not ideal -- so, we walked as daylight quickly slipped away.

It was such a peaceful evening.  I only saw one car my entire ride so until then, I enjoyed just hearing a little breeze sneaking through the trees and hearing just my horse's footsteps.  There really is nothing like it.  By the time we headed back to the barn, I could completely see the moon and I could tell Justin was a little apprehensive with things so dark and eerily quiet so I talked to him the rest of the way home and sang a little. 

He's such a good natured horse.  I love to watch his ears as we do our ride - - always bright, always alert, always on watch but always willing to go forward when I ask and he's not quite sure.  That is the partnership that you form with your horse and that is why we spend the time we do with our horses.  I trust my horse when he tells me he thinks something is ahead.  He's always right.  He trusts me to tell him it's OK to continue on.  So far, I've been right.  My horse and I got each other back to the barn, in the dark, safe and sound.  Dogs give you unconditional love, horses give you absolute faith.