dropping like flies

Sunday was such a beautiful early fall day! I am not sure if it was more enjoyable hanging out with our horses while working in the woods, or riding Koda & Nemo for the first time in a week?? Okay, no contest there - riding was alot more fun. So much that I didn't get any pictures of the ride. I was too busy soaking it all up. 

They started taking the corn down. I wasn't sure how the boys would handle the changed view, especially the 150 ft long giant white plastic bag of corn at the beginning of our ride. We rode just a few feet away, with nothing more than a watchful eye. They did awesome, even the notorious stream of water/mud didn't get a reaction today.

Before we got to go on that glorious ride, we did more work in the wooded pasture area. Last weeks high winds led to another family “clean up the woods” day, and the realization that it will be a never ending project. The trees continue to take a beating, and are dropping like flies. 

Brad and the boy who doesn't like horses, trying to get cracked tree number two unstuck,
with the help of a friend - Mr. Bob Cat.

I know it’s a little twisted, but I love our “clean up the woods” days!  Spending time outside with family (equine & human) doing something physical, while making a visible difference - what’s not to love??!

Koda was the first one to want to help Brad.

Nemo soon joined him.

It wasn't long before they all joined in.
(Harmony, Koda and Nemo L-R)

There was some horsin' around going on

and some lovin' going on
(Koda & Harmony L_R)

Koda thinks the jokes on us - tomorrow there will be more branches to pickup!

Canyon Creek

Today we met my in-laws at Canyon Creek for a trail ride we've talked about doing for many years. It was commercialized, and nose-to-tail, but it was still enjoyable. My mother-in-law can count on one hand how many times she's been on a horse, so for a mixed level group - it was perfect. We had a nice guide, and the horses were well taken care of with personalities intact.

Grandpa, and our daughter heading out.

Loved "Hans" the Haflinger/Fjord mix my mother-in-law got to ride, he was obviously a stable favorite. We didn't get to meet his brother "Frans" but if he was anything similar, they could have both come home with me.

My father-in-law (aka grandpa) rode a big guy, a Percheron cross.

We rode through some unusual structures...

...including a looong dark tunnel underpass...

...and even an old western town.

Most of the ride was like this...

...and this.

We saw several deer who just stood there looking at us common horseback riders, and rode above the Lost Canyon. That was really pretty looking down through the longest canyon in WI. I tried to get pictures of it, but they didn't turn out. They do a hitched team wagon ride through the Canyon, guess the wall are so close you can touch them. I could have easily passed on the animated tourist stuff but spending the day with Brad's parents, who planned the trip because they know what we love most, was priceless.

Futurity Show

Wake up! It's 3:15am, or at least try to wake up...we need to leave by 4:00. We have a long drive ahead. First to pick up the filly, and her breeder Ashley, and then to a Futurity Show in Decorah, Iowa.

MJK Dudes Dream Girl loaded up, bundled up, and wondering what the heck she was in for!

Fresh out of the trailer.

Practice run went very well.

Reassurance from Brad.

Entering the arena, first...

Strike a pose.

MJK Dudes Dream Girl's debut, and Ashley.

It was amazing how quiet our filly was. She was the youngest at the show. We think they both did awesome, the judges didn't agree - but that is their problem. We know they are both winners!! and we all had a good experience. The filly is now officially ours, we loaded her up and headed home. It was a long 4 hour ride plus, we got stuck in Ironman traffic. Didn't seem to bother the filly. She still had plenty of energy to get into some mischief once we arrived home, escaping not once but twice into the main pasture. She really wants to be with the herd. Brad fixed the escape route after we got back from trail riding Nemo and Koda, and found little Ms. Mischief the second time.

The wrong side of the fence.

it's a pleasure, baby

Walking pleasure style to the other gate, to tell us she would rather be with the big guys.

So many itches.

 

Look at us, we're cute too!