Night Rider

Riding Zazu in the cool of the night.

Nora is Blossoming w/o Tessi

I think Nora is enjoying getting a break from Tessi. She's been
Tessi's surrogate mom for 4 years now. I guess she was due for a
break. I've always struggled to keep her weight on - but now that
Tessi's at school I've had to actually cut her food back a little! I
think Tessi was worrying the weight off her - darned kids!

Trail School Is Getting Better for Tess

Hank and I visited Tessi today at her school. She seemed much happier
and more relaxed than she was last week. We were relieved. Next
Tuesday she is getting a new room mate - all part of the socialization
process. The picture attached is of me riding her in the arena when I
was just getting her started under saddle.

Tessi Doesn't Like Trail School

Tessi is having a hard time adjusting to her new school. She doesn't
like her neighbor and she misses home real badly and she is angry
about the whole situation in general. I told her this wasn't meant to
be punishment but an opportunity to learn new stuff. I'm not sure she
believes me. I've been worrying about her a good deal. If things
haven't improved by the week, I'm bringing her home.

Snoozin' in the Manger

Nora knows how to get comfortable for the long trip home from Point
Reyes.

Tomales Point

Hank & I are celebrating our 5 year anniversary at Point Reyes. Today
we rode Nora and Zazu almost all the way to the end of Tomales Point.
Here's my freeform haiku about it:
Tomales Point
Trail
Cliffs
Virtigo
Ocean left and right
Elk herds calling
Snakelette crossing
Expansive

My New Favorite Belt and Hat

Hank took this picture of me wearing my Gold-N-Grand belt and my new
favorite hat knitted by my sister-in-law Nancy, using mohair yarn from
our goats - Ennis, Bubba and Shasta. By my side is our faithful dog Uma.

Getting Ready to Compete

Just moments before we go into the arena to compete, Zazu stands tied to the trailer ready to do her best.

Gold-N-Grand Trail Arena

The Gold-N-Grand is a very large show. There where over 700 horses
participating. You must compete for 3 cosecutive days in each division
entered. The overall high point winner for the three days is the
champion for that division. Here is a picture of the trail arena taken
during a break.

Champions!

Here's the buckle we won at the Gold-N-Grand. Zazu was a great partner.
What a high!

Back in the Blogg Saddle Again

It's been a long time since I posted something on my blog - about 8 months.  I was using Facebook instead.  Then I forgot my password and getting another one was a big hassle.  Then I remembered it.  As may be expected a lot has happened since the last posting.  In August Zazu and I were champions at the Gold-N-Grand competition in Rancho Murieta in one of the two divisions we competed in - Show Trail - Amateur Select - Walk/Jog.  I'll post photos and tell more about that soon.  Also, we got lights for the area so I can ride in the winter when I get home from work and its dark - and in the summer when the heat of the day is sweltering.  Little Tessi, now 4 years old, went to an endurance trainer yesterday to have some trail miles put on her.