Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - Birthday and a Tough Ride

Today was my birthday, rec'd lots of unexpected greetings on my Facebook page when I checked my email. Then I started making calls, trying to confirm where we were going next. Turned out the "camp" I thought we were going to wasn't really a horse camp, and couldn't be reached with a rig our size anyway. That left me scrambling to find an alternative. Everywhere I called seemed to say no, no, no. I left a message at Jackson State Forest (there office was only open from 9-12 Tuesday-Thursday, with Fridays off, so I missed them. I left a message, then continued to keep calling other possibilities. Several hours later, I was no further ahead and feeling very frustrated. I didn't really want to spend my birthday hearing nothing but negatives. I finally gave up, leaving it until tomorrow, because I still wanted to get a ride in today. Got back around 3:00, managed to saddle up quickly and move out, but both horses were not in the mood. We struggled with them for several miles on the southbound trail before finally giving up and heading back up the beach northbound again. My gelding was a bit more cooperative, but Hubby's mare was entirely not interested in those thundering waves. Passed a couple of intriguing clam beds, though, almost considered grabbing some, but didn't want the horses to get any more anxious than they already were. Got back to camp, and decided to give them a quick wash, as the sticky stuff from the local weeds had really been destructive on their faces and below their chins. Had a decent lamb meal after that, then decided to again ride the horses up to see the sun set. Hubby has never gone bareback before, but decided to try it out for that short ride up the berm. He hopped up from the picnic table, and after just a few moments, his horse made a tight circle and, not being used to it, he came tumbling down. I helped him up, and he insisted on getting back up, so we tried it again. This time I stayed with him longer until both he and his mare had gotten used to the idea. Then I fixed up my gelding and jumped on him and off we went. It was another beautiful, clear sunset, and the horses did a great job, behaving themselves despite their earlier obstinance. Headed back afterward and relaxed for the rest of the evening, not sure what tomorrow will bring!