On the loose

One in the saddle, one on the ground

outdoors

  • Conversations with Bernard

    The ground didn’t feel right for a horse today with our recent freeze/thaw temperatures, even with boots, so I skipped hauling out to ride. I wanted to practice going to see Tarma in her field without bringing her up for work. She was puzzled when I walked up, haltered her, treated her, and walked away… Read more

  • First day, first ride

    As I sat in my truck, waiting for the big diesel engine to warm up enough to haul to the barn, I hmmed and haaad and made a decision. I balanced the training and time I’ve spent with Tarma over the past year, how she’s been on our past few rides, and Benny’s training level… Read more

  • Tarmageddon

    On some days Tarma is sweet and smart and relatively chill, riding out on the buckle and easy. Today she had a different feeling, so my friend called her Tarmageddon and it fits. Even when she’s at her worst, just not checked in or throwing shade, it never feels dangerous, just a different shade of… Read more

  • Sore but solid

    Yesterday I joined several other OET (Oregon Equestrian Trails) members in some vigerous leaf raking, followed by an excellent but too quick solo trail ride. We rake big leaf maple and other leaves off the trails so they don’t turn into a slick, muddy, boggy mess in the winter. Tarma stayed tied to the trailer… Read more

  • Short sleeves in November

    At one point during today’s mostly successful trail ride, I had to take off my jacket as I was so hot. In November! I say mostly successful due to the fact that my Nemesis Hill stuck again. There’s this one hill at Battle Ground Lake State Park that is perfect for a good long canter… Read more

  • Spicy Fall Ponies

    I finally rode my horse again this Sunday, but maybe I could have chosen a better day than Halloween to break our dry spell. We putzed and futzed all day, and finally hauled to the trail head in the mid afternoon and took our time tacking up. It was my second time hauling with my… Read more

  • Over the mountains, once again

    At long last, I was able to join the wonderful group of folks my trainer gathers around for the last horse camping trip of the season, for me at least, probably. I was the last rig out of Sheep Springs today! There were highlights and campfires and lessons learned, things I need to tweak, though… Read more

  • Relief in the rain

    I chickened out of riding Friday and Saturday due to the first soaking rain of the season rolling in. The big, welcome storm showing itself with big winds, thunder and a bit of lightening. A huge relief for the smoke and the fires, but not conducive to a calm ride. The storm blew itself out… Read more

  • Up the hill we go

    Today was off to a questionable start, though it ended wonderfully enough. There was a loose horse outside Tarma’s fence when I hiked out to find her, and of course the Thoroughbred had to take off running right when I reached her. She of course had to show off as well, which meant I got… Read more

  • When’s the next one?

    First off, my mantra for the weekend was “Thank you Sarah”, as this trip wouldn’t have been possible without her along. She was also totally game for hopping on a horse she’d never met before for a five mile trail ride, just so I wouldn’t have to ride out alone in a brand new spot.… Read more