Hubby and I had lots of fun at the ‘Welcome Social’ last night… maybe too much fun! We met with all the people we haven’t seen since last year – and picked up right where we left off. We also learned all about the few new people. I could totally feel their pain as I had been the ‘new person’ a few years back… It seems like everyone else knows the shorthand and you, the newbie, is watching everything so very closely for clues to how it all works. Luckily, everyone here seems to actively engage with the new guests. Very nice.
Hubby with Angel last year…
MONDAY MORNING MEET AND GREET!
Hubby and I walked out to the corrals at the designated time – only to be cutenabbed by the three new mini donkeys!
–The difficult part of this is knowing that Angel, the ranch mascot for 38 years, passed this winter. The great part is knowing that Angel paved the way for 3 new donks to come live at the ranch.
For those of you who don’t know… donkeys are insanely entertaining, loving easy keepers. It is no mystery why the R Lazy S would adopt 3 more.
We got cute-nabbed by the three new mini donks!
Isn’t he adorable?! His name is ‘Moe’… I heard that he was just gelded a few weeks ago. And, that he is very possessive of his two ladies.
Here is Hubby, playing with the new ladies. Mother and daughter. I need to learn their names tomorrow.
OK, back to the morning ride… The first ride always starts with the Safety Orientation. The same longtime wrangler, Susan, gives this speech and I love it because she speaks from the horses’ perspective. She instructs how it isn’t necessary to yank on the reins or kick… that these horses are trained and we humans should make it easy and on ourselves and learn that training. Then they watch us all ride in the arena to make sure we are comfortable with our horse and gear. If not, they easily change out or fix whatever is needed.
First day safety orientation from the horses’ point of view.
LOVEY DOVEY
I chose to ride Dove again, and I’m so glad!
Actually, I was a bit sad when I first stood next to her because she was very tuned out to the new humans. I’m sure, as a string horse, she is more interested in figuring out the job this week than meeting the human atop her.
But, I made myself a pest so that she had to engage with me, and she did – begrudgingly. I kissed her and talked to her… she didn’t listen. I kept it up. Finally, she looked at me, “My Gawd Human, what ARE you doing?!”
So, at least I got her attention… then, once on board, I continued to chat with her and be present, riding with my attention on her and what we were doing together. After a while, I could see her ears starting to listen to me… she probably thought I was nuts and decided she’d better keep an ear pricked towards me… and by the end of the morning ride, she was my girl again! Happy Happy, Dove has the best trot, ever.
I find myself forgetting to take photos… but here is one as we headed out into the Park. Gorgeous.
I remembered to take a pic as we were returning.
MUSTANG
The head Wrangler, Dan, came over while I was first getting aboard Dove this morning and he said, “I’ve got to tell you… we didn’t realize it last year, but look! (as he brushed aside her mane), She’s a Mustang!” And sure enough, a very, very faint brand was visible in her white coat.
I knew I liked her! ;)
Dove… Yuck, a rider… but, she came around!
THE AFTERNOON RIDE – THUNDER, LIGHTENING AND RAIN! OH MY!
I kept telling myself that I had to take photos… but I didn’t remember until we are almost home…
The afternoon ride we very pretty. We rode along a beautiful canal. Gorgeous! Towards the end, the thunder and lightening started… but it wasn’t until we were back at the ranch that it started raining. Perfect timing.
Another wonderful ride!
The view as we were leaving for our afternoon ride… the donks knew a storm was brewing.
Coming back. It had just started raining. Perfect timing.
You can see the raindrops on Hubby’s gloves and my saddlebags and knees. MMMMMM…. Loving the rain!
EXTENDING THE END OF THE MONTH BUCKET FUND FOR THE SKYROS HORSES! DVDs still available! Read the stories here!
We can help the nearly extinct Skyros horses! Click image!
Good Morning! Couldn’t wait until I saw your first day blog with Dove. I had the same feeling about her. She wasn’t into her rider at first and just tuned out. But I persisted too and in my mind, I felt she started to listen to the “human blabber/jabber” telling her how pretty she was and what a good girl she was and how much fun we were going to have, etc…. etc… possibly carrot treats that I observed other long time riders feeding at the end of the afternoon ride. ( I checked with Susan and asked if I could and she said “NO” so as a newbie I did follow her orders. After all she knows what is best, but I sure felt bad for Dovey. I am sad to hear that Angel has passed but she had a lovely 38 years and was such a sweetheart. I remember thinking, I hope she makes it through the winter . She was moving pretty slowly, so rest in peace sweet-angel. Three new rescues are there because of you. Thanks Dawn, and are you wearing your riding helmet? I am going to purchase one. Even if I’m the only person with one, I think it is a prudent purchase. Hope you are having a wonderful breakfast and ride as I write this note. Cool that she is a Mustang!!! It would be great to know from what area but that is probably too much to ask. I wonder if they own her now rather than lease her from someone in Az.
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