Ladies Only

My sister and I hit the trails yesterday. It was the first trail ride we've been on since Memorial Day. It was just the girls, as her boyfriend was working. Funny thing, but when we got to the trail head, it appeared to be a girl's only kind of day. There were pairs and groups of women all over the place saddling up and heading out for rides.

It was a warm, dusty day, just over 80 degrees. The creek we cross at the beginning of our route looked wider and bigger than usual, and murky. My Boy started in, stopped, and I urged him again. As he hit the middle I realize it was very deep. He stopped again and I mildly panicked then squeezed him on again, my legs raised up out of the saddle. We trudged up the muddy bank and I heard my sister squeal behind me that she was getting wet! Her 14.2 hand mare had water up to the middle of her chest. Even though we've had no rains, unusually warm weather had caused the snow melt to run-off from the mountains and the stream was a lot higher than usual. It did make me realize that for safety's sake, it is important to take into consideration the depth of a creek crossing. Yep, I was having some minor Lonesome Dove flashbacks there folks, remember the scene with the Irish lad?

Luckily, many of our trails are shaded and woodsy. That also meant swarms of flies. My Boy made up for his irritation at the flies for snagging bites of greenery along the way. Posing in this meadow was particular tricky as the grass grew high in spots and he was perturbed that he wasn't getting to graze.

Here is my sister's very crazy Arabian trail horse. Looks like she's about to bolt at any minute. I'm surprised my sister did not have the grip of death on the saddle horn.

Shortly after that picture was taken, a deer bounded across the road then stopped. We thought it had continued through the brush of the logged area. However, it had stopped and froze in this position as we walked by, surrounded by white and purple foxgloves.

I'm thinking that deer might have a stiff neck today.

My Boy wonders: Does this road lead to home? Indeed it does, my spotted friend.

Guess what my sister did on the way home? She took the long way so she could practice pulling the horse trailer on the freeway. For the first time ever. I had total confidence in her. Look at her. Two hands on the wheel. Mouth pursed in total concentration.

Oops.....nothing like a few photos snapping to distract the driver....wait! Must not forget the precious cargo! I put the camera away.


Guess what the first thing My Boy did when he got home?

Practice his bowing trick?

Nope. Just a good old heavenly roll in the dirt!

And what did Pony Girl do?

Yep, helped herself to a pan of brownies.