Back in the Saddle with Grace

Today we took advantage of the beautiful weather (42 degrees and sunny) and hit the trail. Both boys felt really good, we trotted quite a bit and Patti and Grace took a little canter between bridges.


Gemmy must remember his near wipe-out on the ice last year, because he spent most of the trip with his nose almost to the ground, picking his way through some icy footing here and there. Gotta give him credit for being careful!

Brrrrr!

Today Dory took me to Sunflower Farm to visit Gravano and Slew. It was windy and freezing cold, so it was hard to enjoy ourselves but it was nice to see Gravano and Slew.

They were in turnout and only Gravano humored us with his presence at the fence. "If you push this button, his eyes light up," said Dory.


"I am the boss of my horse, Slew," said Gravano. (Slew's back there in the black sheet.)


View of Gravano and Slew's paddock.

On the trail with Gem and Grace

When they turned the corner to the bridge Gem stopped and thought: "Grace, this is where you take over..get up there and go first."
Rider: "Gemmy, you gotta go first, Gracie needs you to lead him."
Gem: "Un uh, Gracie goes first. Final."
Rider with leg applied: "Gemmy you're the man now, you gotta (leg) go first for him."
Gem: "Okaaaaay (walks 2 steps) ....NO!" (stops)
Rider with force (kick): "Gem you have to. C'mon, you go first today."
Gem: (reluctantly) "Ok, but I'm gonna go s l o w l y and right before we get to the asphalt before the bridge I'm stopping for one last bailout try."
Rider (at the asphalt): "C'mon keep going" (kick, kick)
Gem: "Awright I'll do it but I'm gonna LOOK at this bridge with my nose 6 inches from it and go verrrryyyy s l o w l y."
Rider: "Good boy Gem."

Grace and the Girls

Patti had me come out and photograph her horse Grace with her two girls. This is Madelyn reaching up to brush Grace's face. So cute.

Off we go to the hay field.

Grace got a little spooked and scared the girls so Patti had to comfort and reassure them.

Ava Claire was a little timid at first.

We had this great golden sun setting that gave us some really nice warm light. Madelyn was a pro.

Workin' the pig-tails!

Amazing Grace

This one's for you Patti!

We headed out to one of the pastures for a little photo shoot. I always forget though that all they want to do is eat when surrounded by grass!

eating...

eating...

more eating... gotta love his soft little muzzle and wrinkly old man lips.

Then we walked back up to the barn and he just stopped in the driveway and stood all tall, ears forward. Just looked like he was taking it all in. There was a pretty sunset in front of us.

Then we got silly and Grace wanted to be a giraffe for Halloween.

Grace: Knock knock!
Patti: Who's there?
Grace: It's me Patti! Let me in! (as he tried to see into the peep whole)

Thanks Patti for bringing Gracie into my life! :)

Here comes the herd!

I happen to have my camera in hand when Grace's herd was on their way in. Here they come!

Coal leads the herd followed by Doc, Skye, and Lea.

Here comes Gracie!

He's so cute!

In to the barn he goes.

My favorite time of year again...