Tripp is already loaded up and Wy is not so patiently waiting for us to get out of our mud boots and into riding boots.
WYOMING: "HurrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"
WYOMING: "Nobody listens to me...."
This is the first time Tripp has traveled with a buddy except when we brought Joker home with us from the 2008 EMM. When I first brought Wy home, he and Tripp fought like stallions. Today they were both well behaved geldings...altho Tripp did offer looks of disgust at having to share his condo on wheels.
Getting ready for our ride...
Taking a picture while getting my picture taken...
We were not 100% sure what we were going to do as far as tack goes. So.....Tripp is used to my big ranch saddle, so Brian rode in that and the rope halter I normally use on him. I have lost 20 lbs so thought I would try my treeless saddle again. If it was not comfy I would put it back in the truck and grab the bareback pad. It was MUCH better than it was when I got it. I decided to ride in it. I don't have another rope halter with mecate reins so I used the Nurtural Bitless Bridle and instead of using the criss-cross rings, I used the rings on the side and it was now a side pull. I really was not sure how it would work with him since he is so uptight and emotional. I still plan on getting some rope halters tied to ride with, but this get up worked pretty good. I have an idea how to tidy up the rings that are attached to the criss-cross thing. In case you are wondering why I didn't use it the way it is supposed to be used, it is because I knew he would pull on me at some point, and with the bitless the pull throws stuff off balance and it doesn't release like it should. When they are responding softly, it is great.
It started to rain so Brian decided to wait it out in the trailer.
Wyoming wanted to wait it out too.
I think I am going to like this riding with a buddy thing. There will be pictures of me, and not all self portraits! Woo hoo!
PEEK-A-BOO!
I set the timer to try and get a group picture.
Wy doesn't quite have the "hootchie cootchie up to the trailer so I can get on" thing down yet. We will keep working at it, and one day he will surprise me like Tripp did! :-)
Alley Oop!
Mr. Smiles is ready to go.
Mr. Smiles is patiently waiting for me. I had a few adjustments to make since it is the first time I have ridden in the treeless saddle.
Okay, this doesn't feel too bad. I think I am ready to give it a try.
And we are off! Woo hoo!!!! Wy is the insecure one right now. But he sure didn't hesitate to take the lead! He stepped right out and away we went. He did spook a couple times at Tripp snorting and shaking his head, but other than that, Wy was happy being in the front.
We were not on the trail for 5 minutes and Brian is already taking pictures. :-)
Brian has never seen the view I have seen out here...from the back of a horse.
Most of the times when I peeked back, he was all smiles. I totally get that feeling! :-D Every once in a while I would catch him with a thoughtful look on his face. I did not interrupt his thoughts...sometimes no words are necessary.
This is one of those 'just because' pictures. Something about it I like...
We took turns leading. The funny thing is Wy was comfy leading. When he had to follow he was nervous and jumpy; and he tried to turn around to see what was behind him. I finally turned him around to look - and look he did. And he looked...and looked...and looked...and you know what? Nothing was there. Ha ha!
This is Tripp trying to be sneaky before diving for a sprig of grass.
Still Mr. Smiles!
Brian was testing the waters on this ride. It has been a long time since he has been on a horse for any amount of time. This time he stopped Tripp and was backing him up a few steps. Tripp is such a good boy!
Okay, Brian is allowed to ride Tripp again. He took time to love on him and tell him what a good boy he is. Hee hee!
TRIPP: "I'm cuter."
WYOMING: "No, I am cuter."
WYOMING: "Girl, who is cuter?"
TRIPP: "HEY! You can't call her Girl, only I can call her Girl."
GIRL: "Boys, you are both cuter!"
TRIPP: "Okay, am I cuter now?"
WYOMING: "Hey Boy, tell Girl I am cuter now! See? Girl is smiling and relaxing."
And the stand off between the cuter ones! Ha ha!
GIRL: "I know what you are thinking....you are thinking you are cuter."
TRIPP: "That is stupid....nicker snort mumble..."
The far side of the short loop. We thought we would keep the ride short today so Brian doesn't get too sore. I don't want him regretting our ride. Like that would happen! ;-)
What a great ride...and back early enough to let the boys eat grass a while.
Brian is working with Tripp...Brian wants Tripp to step up to the trailer so he can dismount. Tripp is not as good as this as he is when you want to get on.
TA DA!!!!! It is not as close as what he should be, but it is a start!
I was trying to get pictures of Wy and the saddle so I can get some advice on how it is fitting him, etc. I realized that it was not safe to leave the reins hanging like that so I put them over his neck.
WYOMING: "Too late. You were not safe so I am leaving. I am so embarrassed! Maybe nobody will know we are together." (nicker snort....nicker nicker)
WYOMING: "Talk to the sexy butt!"
WYOMING: "Who? ME? HA HA! I was just kidding! I know it is an honor to be seen with me, so come back here and take more pictures so I can go eat grass."
Wyoming sort of 'forgot' to wait for me...I guess he knew I would catch up. Ha!
When they are relaxed and happy, I am relaxed and happy.
TRIPP: "Sniff sniff....yep, smells like chicken!"
WYOMING: "Girl, he is calling me names! Sticks and stones...ummm, something something names will never hurt me."
WYOMING: "Hmmm hmmm, the cute one is in the front!"
It was Brian's first ride at the conservation area. We had such a great time. After the ride I told him that the one thing I was worried about didn't happen. He didn't talk too much. Ha ha! It was nice and relaxing, listening to the horses hooves as we walked along....
We rode 5.6 miles this day. I am sure Brian's legs will be sore, but he won't say one word about it. :-)
Until later....Karen and Tripp who says "Probably tastes like chicken too!" Nicker Snort!
2 comments:
SO SO HAPPY FOR BRAIN!!!!!!!!!
This post made me smile all the way through. You guys were obviously having a great time, and so were the ponies.
Wonderful, just wonderful!
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