Enjoying our day...

Camryn & I had a new adventure today.  We headed off to where two friends board their horses for a little trail ride.  I'd informed Camryn that it's good to get out, try new places, meet new friends.  Having just come out of season she wasn't all to sure about hanging with three boy horses LOL.  She made sure via her ears that they understood she wasn't easy!!!  Didn't take to long before she decided that Sammy (Kentucky Mountain Horse), Prince (Paint) & Cory (Morgan) were nice guys though.
Since she'd never been to this farm & had never met these horses we started by riding in the arena for a while.  While I could feel Camryn was kind of edgy anyone who didn't know her wouldn't have guessed it at all.  The Morgan and her person just kind of joined us, she was thrilled to be invited along.  Lovely horse, and lady. 
The farm has several barns, with 200 acres, most of the trails boarder the hay fields. Camryn thought she'd gone to heaven and shoplifted to her hearts content.  Mainly as I'd forgotten my spanker LOL.  The hay grew up on either side of the trails and was belly high, so she didn't even have to bend to steal a bite.  We road thru some woods, that of course came out into more heavenly hay.  There is what I can only describe and an abandoned homestead on the property as the owners built newer and just left the original home, barns and equipment to sit empty and untended.  Camryn was cautious with all the empty barns, accompanied by dying farm equipment, tires and various other large pieces of junk about.  She just looked about a lot with no real reaction what so ever.  We didn't wear her boots and the trails were known to be unrocky so didn't need them.
Camryn's only "issues" were a huge tee-pee alongside one barn, she'd been busy checking out all the horses pastured in different areas and the tee-pee caught her unaware.  Along with two minor spook in places.  Once when Prince tried to outrun a deer fly from behind us.  The other all the horses had a spook, we'd returned and were sitting outside the arena, gates closed/door open.  Out of the darkness we heard running and two horses appeared at the gate.  To all of us human and equine they'd come from no where.  It took only a moment before our crew breathed a sigh of relief and chilled again.
While tied at the hitching post with her new friends Camryn attracted a lot of human attention.  You'd think at a barn in Ohio that houses approx. 30 horses that she wouldn't be the lone Haflinger right?  Everyone was "oooooh, a Haflinger", "Oh, is she a Haflinger", "Wow, check out that tail".  One woman came over to chat about Haflingers and while doing so leaned on Camryn's apple butt the entire conversation LOL. 
We all joked that next time if I told Camryn we were headed there to ride, that she'd happily self load in the trailer.  That'd be way awesome.  Though I do have to say each time her loading has gotten easier.  Hubs was ready to rattle the bag should she bulk about loading.  I lead, she followed with no balk at all.  Guess she knows what the bag is about perhaps?  On the way back home same thing only with Lori with the bag.  Just awesome, I have a feeling that with patience and time she'll be up there without me leading in no time at all. 
Oh, I did take my camera but, DUH left it in the truck.  Go figure it would've been a beautiful day for pix from between Camryn's golden ears.

Modeling new boots...

Camryn: "Oh come on Mom, I look like I'm wearing my PJ's with slippers here.  Give me a break would ya"...

Boots needed no adjustments and look their muddy already!

So, if they come off I do believe I'll be able to find them!  I think someone should invent equine boot GPS locator's though...

Very easy to put on and take off.  I let her plod about in them for about an hour.  Took the hose to them after

Camryn: "so peeps do you like my new bedroom slippers?  That's what they feel like, soooo comfy"

They came already/flowers/decal...

I ordered Camryn's Renegade boots on Wed.  Today is Fri. & they've already arrived.  I am soooo excited, trimmer will come to make any needed adjustments.  They also came with extra Velcro straps.  I can't wait to try them out.  Did take some pix though LOL

Think I'll be able to find these if they pop off?

Decal on my truck window, no way I'll not find my truck in Wally World parking lot now...

I've been remiss in sharing my flowers here, some have bloomed and gone already.  Bummed I missed getting pix my poppies, fox glove and clematis.  Our yard is very shaded so some flowers are kind of hit and miss.  If they do well here, I can imagine how gorgeous the sun worshippers would do in full sun.

Balloon Flower...



One of my fav flowers...



The pale yellow really pops out from the road in the shade

I have several different types of Astilbe this one is my fav though.

Boot fitting...

I noticed on our first ride out that Camryn seemed ouchy in/after the stony areas.  Second ride we went out longer and poor girl was mincing her way thru the stones.  So, rather than have her thinking "OH NO, not another trail ride" as she's already not fond of loading in the first place, I had our trimmer come today to fit her for a pair of Renegades.  She's got feet like me BIG!!!  In true Drafy Hafy style she wears a 2WW. 
They take 2 to 3 weeks to come in, once they do Sherry (our trimmer) will come to show me how to put them on and how to make any adjustments needed.
Chose Renegades 1. Sherry recommends them and I trust her, 2. if a part malfunctions I can replace that specific part without needing to purchase an entire boot.  3. Reviews have been excellent, 4. the color variety.  Finding the standard black boot on a trail should one come off I can't even imagine.
So, do I go with Arizona Copper which would great on her & should be simple to find (except perhaps in the fall) or Orange which is garishly bright and nothing like even an autumn leaf?  I'm leaning towards the Orange for that reason only.  It's ugly but...

Relaxing jaunt with pix...

I was working in the garden weeding (as if I don't do enough of that at work) when Danette called wanting to know if I'd like to join her and Anna for a short ride.  She did have to twist my arm a teensy bit LOL
As we rode by the home barn Eclipse was yelling for the girls, Camryn immediately had to pee.  So, we knew from the get go she's in season, what a surprise so is Dakota.  Guess horses are like dogs and come in together.  Once again Camryn was "no way am I goin by that trap Mom", she made it clear she'd cross but, only via the creek which has very steep banks.  So, after several failed attempts common sense prevailed, I dismounted and led her across SIGH.  The girls knew we were headed for the arena which is attached to Danette's barn full of geldings.  Their thinking "boys, boys, yummy boys!"  We arrived and rode the arena a bit while Anna got her TWH gelding Cameron tacked up.  Into the arena comes Mr. Hunka Hunka, the girls were agog & winking big time. 
We headed out on the trails, with Cameron leading the way with his two gorgeous girls right behind.  Camryn may have been in lust, but that sure didn't stop her from attempting to snatch up greenery most of the ride.  Someday she'll get it right?  Otherwise she rode quite nicely & I had no complaints.
As we approached the arena Anna hollered for her Hubby Dave to bring the camera for some pix in the woods...

There rather small, not sure how well they will biggify,



Camryn, Dakota, Cameron...



Camryn, Dakota, Cameron...

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Dakota, Cameron & Camryn getting all lovey dovey. He did take turns and love up on Dakota as well...

After the girls escorted their man back to his stall, we headed back thru the woods.  I'm guessing they probably were discussing Cameron the entire way back!!!  I dismounted before the bridge and led Camryn by the live trap several times.  As we walked up to the road she encountered Danette's grand pup who was on a lead barking and pulling towards her.  Camryn couldn't have cared less, barking dog no prob, empty trap huge deal!  Go figure!

Great day to ride...

     Gorgeous day here in Ohio yesterday, high 60's to low 70's. Got together with some friends to ride at Hinkley again.  Still having trailer problems, she'll load but, not without expressing her opinion a bit and it takes two of us.  One to lead and exit escape, the other gently persuading from the rear.  

  We did 12 miles, which honestly if I'd had any clue that's what was planned I'd have not gone.  Only one of the horses is in good enough shape for that lenght of a ride, luckily most of the trail was flat or gradually sloping hills, with a few steeper inclines.  Camryn a Spotted Saddle Horse and two Arabians.  Is it any wonder we're always bringing up the rear LOL!!!  I'd trot to catch up whenever trail was rock-less. 

     Camryn only had one worry moment when the others turned out of sight, she wanted to hurry but, came right down to me as she did last ride.  The others disappeared several more times and it never bothered again.  I did notice that Camryn notices every pathway off the main trail even deer trails and wants to investigate.  She really enjoys taking in the scenery, especially running water alongside, thanks to her we all got to see a Great Horned Owl napping about 30 feet off the trail on a piece of upright downfall.  

     At one creek the other horses plunged down the slippery leg sucking clay to go across. Camryn began to veer to the right, as I began to stop her I realized Ms. Mighty Smart Hafy had discovered a small path that went alongside then gradually sloped to the creek.  So, that's the way we went :) 

     Camryn has problems drinking with a bit for some reason? She wears an off set D-ring sweet iron snaffle.  Since she can't drink she entertains herself (and us) flapping her lips causing water to splash everywhere, dunks her nose and ...picks up rocks!!!  I asked "what the heck is she doing", Danette says "OMG she's picking up rocks, look she's got one now"!!  She did this at every water crossing, not sure what is up with that.  At one creek she began venturing into deeper water, I vetoed that idea right away.  "Jeez girl Mom's afraid of deep water."  Had so much fun, hoping for a repeat this weekend.  Though we may be joined by a TWH and Thoroughbred, can't any of my friends ride horses with short legs?? LOL 

     My trainer just back from vacation met us at the trail head. I made sure to let her know that our next lessons would involve trailer loading!!!  I've gotten the barging for grass pretty much licked, a reminder or two and she's all about being with me.  She will however test anyone new quite readily.  As we're getting ready to reload with Barb's (trainer) help, Lori unties Camryn.  Camryn makes a bee line for the grass causing Lori to drop the lead.  Danette grabs it up, only to nearly have her arm from the socket as well.  Now they realize just how strong that Haflinger neck is LOL.  Not to worry, they had her back in short order.

     I'd been grabbing a paper bag from the truck that Barb wanted for loading.  I stood back to watch as Lori led her in.  Camryn balked, Barb made noise with the bag, Camryn went forward, Barb stopped the bag.  Three times and Camryn had a light bulb moment and in she went.  Took all of 5 minutes.  She does unload pretty well, she'll wait for me to untie.  Her bum will be tight against the butt bar, so I wait till she relaxes and no longer is leaning on it.  Once I undo it, I actually have to ask her to back off, which she does slowly.  So, I know once she understands something particular is what we want/need, she's game.  Hoping in a few lessons (fingers crossed) and practice I'll be able to send her in and not need the extra person.  I'm sure part of it is the fact that she travels alone but, that just can't be helped.  

Other than minor trailer issues, big thumbs up to my gurl.  And yes, I make sure she knows when I'm pleased.  I've really noticed particularly when heading up a big hill, "thatta girl, you can do it" and neck pats gives her that extra oomph to crest the top.  Love my girl...
 

 

Riding in the paddock...

As our trainer is on vacation & the past two rides have been canceled, due to weather & health issues (not mine).  We've been playing in the paddock.  Camryn has really caught on to disengaging her rear, today I needed her to move & asked her to sidestep, just a simple gesture, she hopped right on over.  I was stunned, what a good, good girl.  Backing is still her best & favorite thing to do, which is great since her weight loss has left her in need of toning up a bit along the topline. 
Today I decided to hop on and take a spin in the paddock as for once it's actually dry enough to do so.  Plus I changed out girths (old one to big) so wanted to ride in a contained area just in case it might throw her off a bit.  Didn't bother her a lick.  So, I wanted to work on turning off of my leg, Camryn wanted to work on backing, trotting, disengaging her rear, lower her head... LOL.  Took her a bit to realize she was only getting click/treat for turning but, she finally did.  I simply allowed her to offer up what ever she wanted but, she only got her reward for doing what my leg was asking.  By the end of our ride she had circling to the right off my leg down pretty well.  Hopefully she'll eventually realize it's my leg & seat that do the talking. 
Had a blast playing with her, I know she enjoys it when Mom gets out the clicker.  It is a pain that her dog is also click trained, & that he loves horse treats however!!!

A special/quirky wedding...(photo heavy)

Pre-story:  My eldest son Chris was engaged to Moria, they were a lousy couple this was in the early 90's.  Fighting constantly, we adored Moria and still do.  She's kind of "the other daughter" to us, we're kind of "the other parents" to her.  Chris and Moria discovered they made much better friends than they did a couple. They've remained close thruout, so when Moria became engaged of course Chris was to be her "brides man".  He's also become friends with her guy Mike.

Last night Mike and Moria became Mr. & Mrs., thru the photo's below you'll see the wedding theme:

Piratey youngest son Adam, Chris not so piratey girl Sam, along with deckhand Hubby Denzil...

Chris in his Brides man Pirate attire...

Groomsmen entering...This is now on my computer desktop as it just cracks me up...

Wedding was held at a local playhouse, so ceremony took place on stage...



Groom Mike  (in coat) having just exited his ship which he rowed on to stage being pulled by Andy (gold vest) who was Moria's (he's her little brother) Man of Honor 



Chris waving pirate flag to lead the bridal procession to the stage...

Chris took his job seriously "presenting" each member of the Bridal Party and assisting them up the stairs to the stage...

The Bridal Party...

Mike & Moria literally tying the knot as Moria's Mother leaves the stage...

Mike & Moria taking their vows...

Being presented as "Mr & Mrs. Kemp...





I loved Mile ever so gently assisting Moria from the stage...





The very happy couple...

My Chris with Sam.  She wasn't in Pirate garb as she had to leave for work after the ceremony...

An unidentified guest...

More guests departing, gives you an idea of how most followed the pirate theme with glee...

We had a blast, the reception was equally piratey, corked bottles of poison at each table, a huge table of bounty (candy) which the kids enjoyed as did I!!!  Dancers running amok, just the people watching on it's own was worthwhile.  Only thing missing were Haflingers, I did attempt to convince Moria that she could arrive being pulled by a friends pair of mares to the ceremony, would've been piratey I'm sure!

Camryn beats the heat...

96 degrees in the shade today, I've been spraying Camryn down with the hose regularly for about a week now.  Decided this afternoon would be a good time for a proper bath.  Figured with the heat she'd appreciate it quite a bit.  I did cheat and hang her hay net first, worked as she simply nom nom nommed the entire time.  Aside from the blasted bomber flies taking advantage of her being nekkid she held still beautifully.  Her tail really could use trimmed again but, I thought better of it with the flies after her so that will wait till another day.  Funny how her tail grows, grows, grows, yet her mane remains the same.  Not sure what's up with that. 
Did get some pix of after the soak down, after the comb out, and back in her cape crusader get up...


"Food & a bath! Now that's what I call room service"...



"Nom, hose away Mom, nom,  nom"...



"What do you mean my forelock makes you think of Kramer?"...

Can you tell where her mask doesn't cover?  At least if she keeps it on that is...

"Caped Crusader? Who's that?"

I'd planned to get a proper sweet itch rug this year.  But, they all mention electric fence around all trees.  Considering  there are 7 to 8 trees in her paddock & at least 15 in her pasture, well...that isn't probable.  I just can't consider spending hundreds on something she could tear apart in a heart beat.  Last years does pretty well combined with SWAT and spray and a barn aisle fan.
Camryn is a fly mask Houdini, she can get it off so fast it's amazing.  She's figured out all she has to do is lower her head against a post, make contact with it just behind her ears, lift head at certain angle very quickly and WALLA she's mask less.  Normally if she takes it off on a bad bug day, she'll realize her mistake and leave it on for at least two days.  Then she forgets it's helpful and it's history! 

Hot weather & hosing down...

It's been hot like August hot lately.  Working in a greenhouse 80 outside means 120 or more inside!!!  So 80 feels like air conditioning to me after work.  And who says chamois are only for cars?  I ice one down and wear it around my neck all day. I do enjoy my job though despite the heat, I get to work with flowers all day.  I did hose down myself today, & Camryn this evening.
Last summer Camryn wasn't to keen on being hosed down.  We worked with the clicker, while she did do it nicely after a few c/t sessions, she just never enjoyed it and couldn't hold totally still.  Last night I decided it was time to re intro her to the hose.  She suffers from sweet itch and the cold water helps with the itches a bit. Plus it's been so muggy at night I thought she'd rest better if cooled down a bit. I was totally prepared to start from scratch with the hose as it had been quite a while since I did more than sponge her.  I was very pleasantly surprised when she not only stood totally still, she also seemed to enjoy it!!!  I'm thinking all this practice at ground tying has helped with this. 
I've also noticed that since we began our lessons, that Camryn has become a willing participant in allowing me to give cuddles!!!  She now approaches stands in front of me, holds her head at my chest level where I can simply step in (she never touches uninvited) and give her a head hug forehead scritch.  This is not the norm, while Camryn has always enjoyed my company and seeks it out.  She'd never before been one to tolerate what we humans call affection.  
My friends have invited us for another ride for Thurs. unfortunately I've already scheduled Wed. off from work & with the new truck payment looming I can't take the extra day off SIGH.  Hoping perhaps on Sunday (fingers crossed).

1st big spook/4th lesson today...

First off, while Camryn had her pedicure this morning I practiced ground tying.  Not totally dropping the lead but, letting it just lay on the ground.  Trimmer noticed a big difference today, while Camryn was never horrid by any means, she could decide to be uncooperative.  Good girl Camryn.
This afternoon Danette & I decided to ride the girls over to our lesson.  They've been having racoons marauding in the barn so have live traps set out.  One was on the bridge behind Danette's home barn.  Camryn acting normally,being looky yet interested after all it could be something to eat right!  Just as she got her front feet on the bridge I'm guessing she caught it's odor (one of death perhaps).  Camryn decided exiting the bridge pronto was in her best interest.  She turned into the railing on her left, while Dakota was directly on her right.  As we turned I saw Camryn barging directly into Dakota's hip.  My first thought was SHIT two horse wreck!!!  I didn't even bother one reining or reining in anyway, kept my vision looking forward and sat my seat.  Once it was all over, Camryn was like "whew that was a close one", Dakota was "What the H happened".  Did try again twice once with Dakota leading the way.  Camryn just couldn't get over this one, so dismounted and lead her by, before remounting.  She's normally very non reactive, a live trap I can totally understand her upset.  Especially as she recovered each time just happy to be alive I guess.  As we approached the second bridge she was a tad worried but, fine once she saw no trap so we went on our way.  After our lesson I dismounted at the scary spot and lead her by it several times, till she no longer cared.
Our lesson well, it was like our trail ride "ROCK STAR".  So much better than our last lesson, she'd been in full heat, had been bargy, uninterested, blew me off, just like my daughter as a teenager!  Today the difference was amazing, soft, supple, totally getting it and wanting to get it. Like my daughter as an adult :).  We did so much it's hard to recall it all.  She was her best at liberty, on line we have homework in that she still leans into the line.  I was finally getting some of the line dance like body language which I'm sure helped her to succeed a lot more as well.  It went so well, we ended up working in saddle at the end. I'd like to be able to talk less with the reins and more with my legs.  I've tried doing that on my own with minimal success, I'm sure all the groundwork training we've been doing has helped tons as she began getting it very quickly today.  I can't wait till our next lesson which won't be for two weeks, we will be doing our homework however.  Another benefit to all our work, Camryn is allowing more cuddling from me as well!!!  I feel like I can see us becoming a team, not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but the vision is in sight.  Progress rather than perfection, we'll get there I'm certain of it.