we lucked out

We had so much fun at Spur of the Moment Ranch in June, we wanted to try a Fall trip. We booked shortly after, but already there were no cabin openings until the end of October. Our weather is frequently nasty by then, we decided to take a chance regardless. It's been a slow Fall this year. We lucked out, and got gorgeous weather!!

It was dusk when we arrived. Both the boys unloaded, and were happy to go to their paddocks. I was proud of Koda. He walked inches from the giant horse eating boulder, without a second glance, to get to his paddock. I think our horses recognized the place. Is that possible? It quickly became obvious they have grown up some since our last visit.

We unloaded our stuff, fed the boys and went to grab a quick bite to eat. My hubby was resourceful, when we returned he used our receipts as a fire starter. Needless to say we started a "what to bring next time" list. It was sooo nice to relax and enjoy a camp fire, with Koda and Nemo nearby. Listening to them munch, and the occasional knicker. There wasn't anyone else camping, it was so serene.

The following morning while we waited for the sun to melt the frosty dew, I took photos at the ranch for the Sunday Stills challenge.

We headed south for our first morning ride. Koda & Nemo were very apprehensive. As we approached the multi-use trail, they both stopped. Nemo listened to his cues and continued forward, and Koda...backed. Not how I wanted to start out, it instantly changed my focus. He turned around after one ask, and headed forward onto the path. 

Backing and not listening on the trail has been an issue for us in the past. It's tough to block out. I thought hard about Trainer Patty's suggestions "Catch it before it happens". Easier said then done. "Don't pull back, they just back more. You have to have forward movement. Use the additional encouragement of a rein on his butt (if needed) make sure I have a hold of him, and heading in the right direction". My biggest problem is getting him to stop backing. Much of the multi use trail we travel has steep drop-offs on both sides. We spend a lot of time in the middle of the trail, just incase. Too bad, the ground is softer on the edges. Thankfully Koda only backed up a few more times on our first ride, upon approaching whatever he would rather not do. I got better at catching/correcting it. Let's just say I am still working on putting this all together. The rest of the ride(s) were pure bliss.

Multi-use Trail

We kicked up a large Grouse, but never saw any deer.  A couple campers settled into the ranch on our second night. The following day, we passed them while heading out on the trail. We rarely saw anyone, it was much quieter then June.

Colorful Water View

Backwood Trails

We stopped to chat with a local couple walking the multiuse path. They suggested a path that has since become one of our favorites. It's so pretty, with varied terrain. It made our boys think about where they are putting their feet. We walked over, under, and around trees. It was windy, with some hill to it. We maneuver between/around several huge horse swallowing black mud puddles. We rode this trail two different days, and didn't see a soul - other then a flock of large turkey's scurring across the trail.

A Favorite Trail

Koda & Nemo seem to like the ranch, and all the unusual sounds and smells it brings. Not to mention the catered peaceful meals.

Koda

Nemo

We ate at another favorite restaurant, Maiden Lake Supper Club. It was all decked out in Halloween decorations. There was nothing spooky about the food. I had mouth watering hand breaded walleye and scallops ~ mmmm! While we went out, we had someone watching over our boys...

Cabin Angel

We absolutely love the area, and look forward to future trips!

Sunday Stills ~ 25 and 50 Steps

The challenge this week was to choose a starting spot, walk 25 steps in any direction and take 3 photos. Once steps had been counted out, we were asked to anchor one foot to shoot 3 photos. Harder then it sounds. Pivoting on that foot was allowed, but the anchor foot may not move. I thought we then had to continue on from the ending 25 step spot, and walk 50 more steps. After re-reading the instructions, we got to choose the starting spot for the 50 steps *rolleyes* wish I would have read the instructions thoroughly! For some reason, I have a way of making everything more difficult then it needs to be lol!! However, this actually helps with my predicament. I tried doing my version of the step challenge twice and ended up liking the results from the first round of 50 steps, and the second round of 25 steps. I found this to be a good challenge, either way. 

We took a Fall trip up north camping with our horses this week. Enjoy the frosty morning views!

Photo captures taken from my chosen 25 steps:

Photo captures taken at an additional 50 steps, from the ending above 25 steps:

Photo captures from my first attempt, these would be my chosen 50 steps:

View other 25 and 50 Steps at Sunday Stills.

savoring the sun

We had a beautiful sunny Fall day for a weekend trip up to Iron Horse. Our boys seemed happy to be back at their home away from home. Trainer Patty noticed Koda's round tummy right away. He hasn't done much of anything but be a horse for several weeks, amazing how quickly horses can change. 

We started with a short warm-up lunge, that would have been shorter if someone would have payed attention to me sooner. Koda was busy noticing every little thing that had changed since departing Iron Horse. Over to the outdoor arena we went. Koda & Nemo joined some friends. Rasta and owner Sue, and Patty was on Capone. We've not ridden with Capone before, altho he's been their for a long time and was stalled nearby. Capone is a Gypsy who was mishandled, and is patiently being re-trained. Trust is his biggest obstacle, along with the fear he was taught of other horses. Lucky for him to have been rescued by his new owners, and given a new lease on life.

It was so nice to ride in a large outdoor arena! Loping felt good. We didn't do too much, but just enough. We rested in between the fun, and caught up. When I asked for a turn, I once again got nothing. This time I had my spurs on, but even then had to increase my ask.That was the only resistance I got, everything else Koda picked up as if he had been doing it everyday of the week. We did a few other turns and side passes, he even read my mind on one particular spin. Funny boy.

Wish I could have bottled the feeling that day, of a long awaited ride in the warmth of the Fall afternoon sun. We weren't done riding, however during one of our breaks Koda closed his eyes. Capone was quite. Rasta and Nemo relaxed. We all smiled, our horses fell asleep while savoring the sun.

I had taken two camera's with me. My good one was in the truck, my point and shoot on my belt. We were on our way home when I realized, I completely forgot to take pictures. Guess that's a good thing, or at least a sign of pure enjoyment.

Koda was a thirsty boy when we got home

wrap, rinse and repeat

Harmony's leg is once again improving. She is putting some weight on it with a "flat" foot, but still limping and sporting a wrap.

Justifiably annoyed, while waiting

I didn't get to see her yesterday. Tonight I got the "it's swollen again" news. Sigh. Two steps forward, one step back...

Wrap, rinse and repeat

Her girl is taking good care of her, doing what she can to help her heal. She applied multiple sweat wraps, rinses, and fed prescribed meds.  Stall rest seems to be key. Even so, it's time to call the vet again. Next on the list is an ultrasound of her pastern. I wonder what the heck is going on??