Sunday, October 20, 2013

Finally, Some Horse Time

 
Autumn Colors



It’s been very demanding around here lately so I haven’t had any time to ride until today.  Dusty surprised me, yet again, by standing like a statue at the mounting block not even twitching a muscle.  As you all know she has been less than accommodating during her whole career at the mounting block.  I don’t know the reason for the sudden change in her attitude but I have a few ideas. 

I’m most likely overthinking this but it could be that she’s simply tired because the entire herd has refused to come in lately.  They seem to be enjoying the cooler weather and choose to stay out overnight.  Or perhaps she has decided to behave herself because it’s time she started acting like the mature horse she is.  I’ve also been trying out my “just get on with it” attitude. Having a positive no nonsense approach at the mounting block might be helping both Dusty and myself.  Or could it be that we’ve been riding in the outdoor arena instead of the indoor.  It’s possible she feels more confident outside.  After all, who wouldn’t rather be outside enjoying this gorgeous weather.  Then there’s the big “what if” as in “what if” she’s just setting me up for a big fall?  Like I said I’m probably overthinking this new behavior of hers but whatever her reasoning is I’ll take it!

We had a short but good ride.  The temperature started out in the high 50’s then warmed up to about 65 by the time we were done.  She exceled at walking with a picture-perfect bend.  Her transition to trot was spot on.  We only worked for a short time on circles and figure eights.  For the first time in her life Dusty was actually sucking wind and seemed tired.  Not her usual ball of fire and hell bent on getting where she was going in a rush. I attributed it to her having a full winter coat with the warmer temperature and possibly
being tired.  She did have a sweat mark under her saddle. Luckily, I had her favorite treat, an apple, to reward her for having to cart me around for a few minutes.

All in all a very nice ride with a lovely horse!

Until next time
Quote for Today
Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.

35 comments:

  1. This weather has been glorious! Think we deserve it after this summer. Out on a long trail ride yesterday myself. The fall colors are quite striking, and your farm earns top honors for beauty.

    Hope Dusty continues her reformation. It certainly adds points to her "good horse" status when she is so accommodating for mounting and then does such good work. *S*

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    1. Hi Jean,

      Love this weather too. I do hope she continues to be a model citizen this week. I should get a few more rides in .

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  2. Love your gorgeous fall colors, including Dusty!!

    And glad she was so helpful for your ride. It makes all the difference when things go well.

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    1. Hi Billie,

      It does make all the difference when it all goes so well. I could get used to this!

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  3. It's a fine time of year to be riding outside with the gorgeous colors you are showing here. Dusty fits right in to the color scheme! Good riding days ahead but hopefully, we will get some rain soon.

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    1. Hi D.J.,

      Thanks, she is a pretty girl. I think we might be in for some rain by Wednesday or Thursday.

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  4. Glad she's decided standing for mounting is the thing to do! You do live in a beautiful place - thanks for sharing the pictures with us.

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  5. Hi Kate,

    I hope she's decided it's easier to do the right thing than the wrong thing.

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  6. Beautiful fall foliage! I miss that a lot.

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    1. Thanks! The colors are so pretty right now it's a Shane the trees will be bare soon.

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  7. Oh my gosh! That first photo is really spectacular! I think all the training you did with her is finally paying off. It finally "clicked" so to speak. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. She's a smart girl, or she's lazy and figured out that standing still by the mounting block was really the path of least resistance :) I also think your attitude of just "getting on with it" is a big part of it too.

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    1. Hi Mary,

      I don't know what she's thinking but so far so good!

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  8. I always look forward to your pictures of the fall colors in your area.

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  9. Thanks! It really is pretty here but you'll have a much nicer winter where you are.

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  10. Sounds like an enjoyable ride for both ladies! :) Beautiful pictures too...amazing colors on your trees, and beside the duck pond? Just beautiful!

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  11. Thanks, we did have a nice ride. I really appreciated her being so good after all this time.

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  12. The colors! Brilliant! Good for you and Dusty...the weather is so much more conducive for riding.

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  13. I agree this is the best weather for riding or doing anything outdoors for that matter.

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  14. Thanks Story! We did have a nice ride.

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  15. Wow! Truly breathtaking colours! What gorgeous pictures. So glad Dusty is still behaving herself and you had a fun ride. Your 'just get on with it' attitude sounds like what I keep telling myself, especially when I get wobbly knees at the mounting block *lol*

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  16. Hi Joy,

    Thanks! And I do think the " just get on with it" attitude we've adopted does help.

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  17. Gorgeous colors & photos! Glad you had a nice ride. Our horses definitely prefer riding outdoors.

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    1. Thanks ! I think when the weather cooperates we all enjoy being outdoors. I hope this lasts for at least another month.

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  18. Beautiful pics! And what better way to enjoy your gorgeous scenery than riding? Perhaps Miss Dusty has just lost interest in playing the "walk away from the mounting block" game. Whatever the reason, your ride was fantastic and that's what counts. Congrats to both of you and best wishes for this trend continuing. :-)

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  19. Hi Wolfie,

    Thanks! I hope you're right and she's tired of playing games. I'll take those best wishes that she continues to behave.

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  20. Wow what pretty colours!
    Hmm, don't overthink Dusty's good behaviour, just enjoy it!
    Hope you get plenty more nice rides in before the cold weather sets in

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    1. Thanks, I'm hoping to get in some more rides too!

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  21. Stunning fall photos! Dusty fits right in with the autumn color scheme; beautiful golden girl.

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  22. I bet it's your attitude. Anyway, it's been a while now since she acted up at the mounting block, hasn't it?

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    1. She has been very good the last few times so who knows...

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  23. Hullo You!!!
    Such Beauty There,I Knee I Could Count On You Today For That!
    Well Well, You've Been Treated So Nicely By Queen Dusty Finally!
    All The While I read This,I Was Bubbling With These Words-Me Too!!! All Summer, No Antics From My Mare, None!
    Have They Both Matured??
    Like Your Thinking Too...All Good Reasons For The Dusty Mare To Comply.

    Here's A Cheers, From Me To You! A Good Trend!

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    1. Glad to hear Wa mare has been good too! They must be growing up.

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  24. OMG, look at those fall colors!!!! my favorite time of year. Well, that and winter : )
    - The Equestrian Vagabond

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Merri! It is pretty right now but the trees are losing their leaves fast.

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