Cowgirl Up

Out for our first solo ride.

Lots to catch up on. Hopefully I can move the pictures around too. We've been hitting the trails like crazy people. Lu is really falling back in love with Rowdy and I completely get why. He's a fantastic little pony. I was having an okay day (birthday coming up and all) and decided I really wanted to bring B over to Tavern. Of course it'd have to be solo but we could do it. Tacked up and headed on over. Walked through the trails with only a little bit of hesitation. A lot less than I thought there would be. We ran into a few guys on their bicycles going over the jumps in the back and they stopped and let us go by. Brantley trotted off calmly and rationally so we could get out their way. Made it all the way to the neighborhood and I dismounted and walked him through.

Gentleman asked if I would tie B to his hitching post...

Hitching posts were made for ponies.

We got all the way towards the end and a few guys were hanging out by a car. Made a comment about B not being a SAAB but he gets me around. Obviously they laughed because I'm hilarious *har har har* and then one mentioned the hitching post on his front lawn. Challenge accepted. Come to find out later... The guy owns Quonset Auto Body. Go figure! His daughter came out and fed B an apply and sent us on our way. Walked to the main road, passed the coffee shop, lots of kids waving, then down the driveway. I got there right in time for some old barn mates to start riding. Rode with N and her new horse Commander who is an OTTB (love him). She lost her heart horse right after I lost Lucky, they used to be lovers. <3 Had a nice little ride and then made my way home. First solo trail ride? Success.

Pony hugs!

Smitty and B

Visiting the old barn.

More pony kisses.

Commander and Brantley

Pony kisses for Autumn.

Brantley and Star, one of the first horses I learned to ride on. I think he's like 40.

Next day it rained but we went back to work in the ring and had our first success ride with the bit. He was little stiff with the flexing but it gave me something to definitely work on with him, especially if there is a schooling show in our future!

Starting in the bit.

We did walk, trot, canter, some circles and a lead change. Bam! WINNING! So proud of my pony.

Yesterday started off as another usual day off, me and two trailers of hay with 400-500 bales to unload. I decided it was cool enough to let Chevy come along and he was very very well behaved. Did some "find" training using his favorite squirrel cue and we just hung out while we waited for the guys to show up.

Taking a nap waiting for the guys.

Just chillin' with the dog.

MOM!

The Green Tractor :)

He was very unsure about what to do about the cows, but I was happy with his performance as a farm dog... Can't complain with that face!

It was such a nice day, I really wanted to go out for another ride. Texted N to see if she wanted to do some barrel and pole patterns (just at the walk, we're not in a rush) and she said she'd meet me at Tavern. I walked halfway through the neighborhood and the dismounted and walked the rest of the way. No one was at the barn when I got there so I took advantage of the fenced arena and we did our exercises on the fence then the usual w/t/c. It was "Wing Night" over at the bar next door so it was busy and packed, we had an audience of children. He was really great with all the cars going by on the main road while we were riding. N pulled up the driveway and we got to catch up while sitting on our ponies more than doing the actual pattern. 

Lu messaged me and said she was headed out on the trail so we made our way home to meet her. I walked down the beginning road of the neighborhood and decided... Why am I walking and not riding? Rode THROUGH the neighborhood without a flinch. Can't complain about that. Met up with Rowdy and Lu, finished the night with an awesome sunset. He got the day off today. :)

Exploring the neighborhood. 2nd solo ride.

What a sunset...

So tomorrow it will be two years since I lost my boy and Brantley is becoming more and more of a god send to me. I don't know where I would be without him or Chevy. They've really saved me in a way. I miss my guy like crazy though... Can't even tell you. Kiss your ponies. <3 <3 <3

P.S.

If you saw the Conjuring, you'd understand why my coworkers hid this in my back seat.