My Arabians are not crazy!



I have heard it said that Arabians are crazy and difficult to manage, but I suspect the people who say those things do not posess the sensitivity required to manage a horse with a heart the size of the universe!  The 4th of July weekend brought personal trials rather than celebration, but as always, magic happens!  The older mares and one gelding were in a different pen so that they could graze on the field grass, and the Arabians were in their normal corral.  At approx 2200 the fireworks went off,
it was so loud, it was like we were being bombed from all sides!  Flashes and booms almost constantly arching over our house and pasture.  After the initial shock, I stood in the middle of the driveway just marveling at the horses.  The "broke" "seasoned" saddle horses were running round and round their corral, I stood there talking to them when I noticed what Buffy and Hawk were doing.  Those two were standing there calmly WATCHING!!!! it was so amazing! these are not crazy, flighty horses!  They were observant and curious!  After a while the noise ceased, and the light show disappeared.  Then we were treated to the most beautiful moon rise....Perhaps a gift, or a sign of hope of good things to come!





Eagle Spring Fling 75-The ride

One has to question the wisdom of endurance riders, there is really nothing gained except the satisfaction of bonding with your equine partner to achieve the unthinkable.  We all have our individual reasons as to  why we do what we do. 
I ride because it makes me feel peaceful and alive.  I have a stressfull life; I am the soul source of income for my family, I am in school persuing a doctorate, and I have a job where people are so sick that if  my concentration happens to waver for a split second, my patient could die. 
When my mentor Karen suggested that I do the 75 with her and Tamara, I jumped at the chance to break through one of the barriers that existed in from of me.  I tried to go to bed early the night of the ride, but being a chronic insomniac, I just could not.  I am always organized, I had all of Buffy's boots on, I slept with my clothes on, and our food was ready to go...

It dawned a lovely morning, and promised to be hot, I was worried about this because Buffy and I are from the north and not used to the heat.  The first loop was murder, Buffy was strong and fought me the entire way.  I realize now that I need to ride alone or with someone that will let her be infront.  The subsequent 3 loops went better, although I could feel that Buffy was starting to flatten out.  Dr. Ruble assured me that I was riding her smart which made me feel better.

I cannot remember what loop this was, but as you can see we are all happy and energetic!  When we finished the third loop, I knew that Buffy was tired, so I told the vet that we were going to do alot of walking and go slow.  I let the other girls leave first, and gave Buffy a little extra time to rest and eat. 

The hills seemed so long and steep, and I am not sure that buffy appreciated my singing!

This is the color of victory, our last loop of the 75, wow really???? My horse is amazing, all heart!  She gives me courage and hope!

This was the most beautiful sight in the world, ride camp after 75 miles!  We did it, Buffy and I were sore, but earned a completion!  I am so proud of her, she carried me such a long way, with no complaints!!!!!

We passed up the opportunity to go to Karens house the next day, instead we visited with friends and I helped at the vet check.  Buffy had some visitors, and now has a fan club!

She allowed the children to pet and stroke her, and of course accepted several cookies! 

Can't wait for Camas Creek!

Eagle Spring Fling-ride camp

It is time for the next ride, I am excited and look forward to the next challenge!

I thoroughly enjoy the drive, it is long but beautiful, especially Hells Canyon!

This is one of the places that I stop to get everyone out for rest and water.

 I decided to bring Grace with me this time, and she was great, an awsome companion! It took us about 11 hours to drive, but I do stop to rest the weary!









I like to arrive to camp early, normally before anyone else.  Buffy is leaning that it is ok to be the only horse in camp.

Here we are all set up, it took a while but I finally got it done.  It was in the 90's, so I had to take a couple (lots) of rest periods..

While I set up camp, Buffy decided to take a nap.  The corral is nice, but she is an escape artist, and I found out why, she lays on the corral and just steps over the panels.  So, instead of taking the entire thing, I am only going to take three panels and let her stand tied to the trailer. 

Carrie Johnson was the ride manager, and worked very hard to ensure we were comfortable and had a good time!










I do not have a camper or LQ horse trailer,
therefore I sleep in a tent which has some draw backs.  Here are some friends that managed to keep Grace and I company in our tent, I really did not mind them, at least they did not slither!!!
I am however rethinking our sleeping arangements, and will create a nice bedroom in the back of the trailer, negating sleeping on the ground!





It is nice to have friends!!!!

My personal camping space is always evolving, I try and come up with better ideas that will make my set up quicker and easier. One of the things that I miss is the ease of taking a shower! I did bring along my solar shower and thoroughly enjoyed it, I will admit that it is primitive at best, but I come to these rides in part to escape from the stress in my life, so what is a little inconvieniance????

Even though Carrie had the ride camp area mowed, there was still alot of cheat grass.  Poor Grace was a magnet, who needs velcro when you have a poodle!!!!

Breaking down camp is kind of sad, the weekend has come to an end, and I always drag me feet knowing that I have to return to my fast paced stressfull life, but we always look forward to the next ride!

Eventhough I have traveled this part of I-95 many times, I wanted to take these pictures....

Pretty cool huh?????