3 posts tagged “horses”

I rode Sassie today.  That might not seem like a big deal to most, but to me. . . . . .  Sassie is a 6 year old thoroughbred mare that hasn't been ridden in a while.  Her life before was as a race horse so we weren't sure how she would act.  We actually have been easing into the idea of riding her.  Saddle first.  Okay.  Saddle on for a while longer.  You know, bit by bit (no puns here).  Today was the day.  We really couldn't avoid it any longer.  DH was a bit nervous so I said what the hell.  A 6' plus fall can't be too bad.  Ha.  Any way, except for the stirrups not being adjusted quite right, and me not being an experienced rider at all, we managed a few turns around the pasture.  Since I am vertically challenged (5' 2") it was a real different image of the world atop a horse that stands almost 6' at the shoulder.  But really, she was very well behaved.  I think this is going to be okay.  Then DH got on her.  He has a bit more experience (read just a bit more) and he actually got her to trot a good pace.  She really seemed to enjoy the whole thing.  Ears up and everything. 

The other news is the convertible TR7.  We were offered a deal we couldn't pass up.  This will be Triumph # 8 or so.  I'll post pix soon.  Should be fun.

Some one needs to give me a dope slap.  Maybe.  I don't know.  Today DH and I went to a tack and horse auction.  It was a little disorganized and took a bit longer than folks thought, but we ended up buying a saddle for Bud (the mule), 2 bridles with reins, a longue line, some fly spray, a feed bag, (for spinning, not horses) and a breast collar for a friend.  We were looking to get a saddle for Sassie too, but they were not in our budget.  After we got home, we went to our local horsey type store and bought a snaffle bit and chinstrap and saddle blanket.  Now all we need for Bud is a cinch, but our friend has lots and we'll get one from him.  So, for grins, DH puts all the gear together and takes it out to the pasture to show Bud.  Bud is not impressed.  In fact, he looked Depressed.  His look said, "I came here to retire, what the heck is all this?"  Sassy on the other hand couldn't get close enough to the tack.  She knows what it's for and as soon as we can, she'll get her very own saddle.  We had to leave after they started the horse auction.  The first few were sold by the pound.  The highest went for about 11 cents a pound and the lowest was about 3 cents a pound.  Then they were priced by the head.  One beautiful colt was sold for under $15!!!  Soft headed me, I mean Soft Hearted me would've brought one home but for the fact we hadn't brought a trailer!!!.  No, not really, but you know what I mean!!!

We also found out today that our very own Allison is going to graduate with honors on Saturday.  Of course we knew she was graduating, but we didn't find out today that it would be with honors.  Not surprising really, if you know Allison.  But we are very proud of her for all of her hard work and effort.  When putting a resume together these days, every little bit helps!!

I don't know what it is about animals, but if you're outside with them a stranger will stop by to talk to you.  It's happened a couple of times now, while Tom and I were out with the horse and mule.  Today was like that.  We met a fellow named Rory who does ceramics (just down the street from us, it turns out) and he does raku and wanted some horse hair for glazing.  We didn't really have any just yet, it isn't quite warm enough for shedding, so I gave him some wensleydale wool roving and some churro.  He said he would make us a wedding pot for helping him out.  How cool is that?  I wasn't quite sure what a hair glaze was so google to the rescue.  Really pretty stuff.  I can't wait to see what he comes up with.

In other news. . . . .  Spring is here.  Barn owls have laid eggs, herons are making nests, maples are flowering.  Forsythia is out, my official sign that spring is here.  I am putting the finishing touches on my workbook.  Making sure all the skein tags are filled out, proofreading my papers, etc.  I've come along way since I started with my little home made drop spindle.  A looooong way.  I think my favorite yarn for this book is a polwarth wrapped with tussha silk.  After washing it looks like a spiral yarn.  Fluffy, bumpy, but with that little silk sparkle.