Rupert is coming home!

By next weekend, Rupert should be at home in Texas. He is fat and happy at Rose Haven, but that is in Virginia and I am here. I miss him so much and want to work on training him to be a reenacting horse. Most importantly, I want to give him lots of attention and love.

Let the Sunshine In

Since my last post, there has been much in the way of rain, snow, and frigid temperatures all of which do not make for ideal riding conditions. That being said, I have been able to actually ride a few times. The past few days have been sunny with highs in the 50's so we are trying to fit in as much riding as we can before the rain starts again in a couple of days.

On January 2, I went to my first play day event. I am riding in the Novice class and did surprisingly good.

I arrived to the barn early to hook up my trailer and get the tack on. I was able to get everything hooked up except for the emergency chains but Mark who works for the ranch did them for me. I loaded my tack and my friend Beth Ann loaded hers. Everything fit nicely. I was then asked to haul one more set of tack and an additional horse. I was a bit nervous since my only experience hauling a horse was a 20 minute lesson a couple of days before. Kid loaded great as did Kad and we all set off. I had no problem driving or maneuvering around. The only thing I didn't like was the extreme crosswind we were experiencing but now I know what to expect. I love my trailer and my truck.


Spurs - did not place and had trouble getting Kid to go straight. A strategically placed pop with my whip got him going. Our time wasn't fast but I did trot the entire course.

Barrels - 3rd place!!!!! No problems with Kid and after we rounded the 3rd barrel, we loped all the way back. Other than up hills, I have never loped. It was awesome!!!!!!!! I could actually hear someone yell, "Marguerite's loping". I was so happy I almost cried when I was done.

Poles - disqualified for knocking over a pole. I will work with John to learn how to do pole properly

Flags - 1st place!!! Okay, I was the only person left by this event but I did not drop the flag at any time and actually did not stop as I put the flag in the flower pot.

I was cold, cold, cold that day, particularly as the sun went down. Also, it went on for 8 hours. Once barrels were over, I knew if I got off Kid, I wouldn't be able to get back on since my hips and knees were cold and stiff. I had a wonderful time, though, and signed up to join the riding club. Our first official play day is February 28, I believe.

Yesterday, I got up early and went and helped clean stalls at the barn. It was oddly soothing and appealed to my sense of order. I didn't realize how much work it actually was but enjoyed doing it.

After going to Waffle House for breakfast and a trip to the butcher in Azle to pick up a butchered cow, Brad, Beth Ann, and I saddled up and rode across the street. I definitely was outside my comfort zone but did fine. We went up the steep sand hill I wouldn't ride down in October (see picture from October below). I hadn't planned to go up it but Kid followed the other horse and I just held on and left the reins loose. I really was proud of my self.


The only time I got off during the entire ride was when I got tangled in the trees while beginning to try to ride up a horribly steep hill. I ended up walking up the hill and then it took me awhile to get back on since my hip had been hurting.

After we finished riding across the street, we went to the far back pasture that I had never been to and rode for a few minutes. We saw a herd of big wild pigs running through the brush. Once the ride was over, I was walking a bit bow-legged and ached all over. I was ready to go to bed after such a long but wonderful day.

Today I learned how to longe Kid in the round pen. It turns out John had never worked with him in the round pen before but Kid did great. I can't wait to work with him again since it really is a good way to bond and build respect. Tomorrow - we ride!