Greetings

Yawn...Stretch...1...2...3.

My goodness, that was a long blogger nap!

Misty and I are still here, but we've had some changes. 

Sweet SaraJane returned to her horse rescue.

She has started her training to become more adoptable.

We miss her and hope she finds a wonderful forever home.

Misty has two new sisters:

 Lyra,
a mini mare,

 and her adorable (and slightly ornery) daughter:
Lola,
 a mini molly mule.

They are permanent members of our family.

We love them!

Our little herd is quite odd looking, but the trio gets along well. 

Misty is a gentle and amiable big sister.

Lyra, Lola, and Misty

Lola: "Blizzard? What blizzard?  It was just a little snow falling sideways."
December 19th

Season's Greetings

from our herd to yours.

Gone Trail Ridin'

Misty and I are heading to the mountains for 3 days of trail riding.   Unfortunately, daily thunderstorms are in the forecast and I'm a fair weather rider.  I have my rain slicker rolled up and tied behind the cantle of my saddle.  It makes me look like a real trail rider, but goodness gracious, I really don't want to have to use it!

 The trail boss said to expect rain and if we get into lightning, we'll dismount and make our way back to camp.  Yikes!  I don't do lightning.  I may chicken out on the riding.  But I'm going up there and camp out in my horse trailer, plugged into an RV pedestal,  with Misty in a pen next to me.   I'll play it by ear and see if I can summon my inner cowgirl and ride out from camp.

But lightening and thunder?  My inner cowgirl may choose to cower in the horse trailer and watch a movie on her DVD player.

We'll see.  But you know what they say, "When thunder roars, go indoors."  Or into your horse trailer.

Here are pictures of a recent fair weather trail ride I participated in.  I had a great time on this one.  There were 19 riders and it was a beautiful day.

 

Can you see Misty in the trees above?

 

Fraidycat

The big green devil ball has been rolling around loose in the horse paddock.

 
Misty is still a big fraidycat.

I actually caught her cowering behind little SaraJane.

Like a Freight Train

Q. What does it feel like when you've been knocked down and run over by a Percheron?

A. Like a freight train just hit you.

I introduced Misty to a new object this afternoon...a Jolly Mega Ball.

I had her haltered and on a long lead line.  I was very careful to go calm and slowly and keep us both in safe positions.  It was a little windy out (first mistake), so I secured the ball so it wouldn't roll around and then I walked Misty up to it.  We retreated and approached a few times from different directions until she was curiously-afraid enough to reach out and touch it.  Soon she was licking it.

Then we both followed the ball as I rolled it slowly around her paddock.  We'd stop and she would touch the ball with her lips, push it slightly and lick it some more.  

Then I bounced the ball gently; then bounced it a little harder until I was bouncing it like a basketball.  Misty was fine. 

We pushed the ball around some more.   Misty was relaxed and licking her lips.  I patted her and told her she was a good girl.  

All was going well and I thought it was time to let the ball move freely and see if Misty would like to push it on her own.  

The ball was loose and out of my reach (second mistake).  I still had Misty on a long lead. But I let my guard down and momentarily put myself in a bad spot.  I was between Misty and the paddock fence (third mistake), while Misty was between me and the ball (fourth mistake).  At that moment a gust of wind came up and blew the devil ball toward Misty.

I heard Misty's fear snort, then she freaked out and went right into flight mode...and there I was, standing directly in her escape route.  She knocked me down, ran over me, and stepped on me.

I am very lucky that she stepped on my left calf and not on my head.  I'm also lucky that I have chubby calves that protected my bones.

My left ankle is stiff and sore.  My left calf is really painful and bruised.  My left hip is sore.  My left shoe  flew off and landed about 20 feet away.  I scraped my left foot, my right ankle, my right elbow, and 1/4 inch below the stitches that are above my right knee cap (from having a "goober" excised from under the skin above my knee cap last week; "goober", that's the medical term my doctor used. Glad I didn't scrape the stitches open.)

If the pain in my left calf and ankle are worse in the morning, I'll probably go to the doctor.  But I think I'm just badly bruised.

After this happened, I stood up, clung to the paddock fence while I caught my breath and shook off the first wave of pain.  I hobbled across the paddock to get my shoe.  Misty was standing quietly so I picked up her lead rope and we did one lap around the paddock while I slowly pushed the ball.  Misty licked the ball and we called it quits.

If I can walk tomorrow, I hope to do some more work with the ball, but here's what I'll do differently.

1.  I'll wear full length denim jeans instead of capris that leave my lower legs unprotected.
2.  I'll wear secure footwear, like boots instead of my slip-on barn clogs I had on.
3.  I'll bring the ball out only if there is no wind, and no chance of gusts.
4.  I'll be more aware of my position and not get trapped again.
5.  I'll wear a helmet.   Again, I'm lucky she didn't plant one of her drafty hooves on my head.

I always wear a helmet when I ride. But I should wear one when introducing a horse to new and scary things on the ground.  I'll do that from now on.

Lesson learned.

Misty's Monday Muse - Oasis

We found a tiny oasis of green amid the dried brown grass in our pasture.

It's true what they say.  The grass is always greener over the septic tank (or leach field in this case).

Bon Appetit,

Misty's Monday Muse - Watch the Birdy

MyLady loves little birdies almost as much as she loves me.  She is heartbroken because there is a canary perched on the outside window ledge of her office building.  It is pecking on the glass to get in.  Maybe it is a lost pet from a nearby neighborhood, or it may even be a Waldo Canyon fire evacuee. It is obviously a very tame pet and wants to come inside with the people.

MyLady has succeeded in rescuing tame birds before, including a tame falcon that landed right on her hand as she held it in the air.  But she can't do anything to help this lost little soul, and it is making her very sad.

Some employees asked if they could lure the bird down to the ground with some bird seed.  The facility management people said no, because they don't want to attract other birds to the property.  Harsh!

Good luck little birdy,

Misty's Monday Muse - A Mysterious Tale

 

Somebody has been chewing on my pretty tail.

SaraJane, do you know who might have done this to me?

Who me? 

 I have no idea who chewed your tail.

 I'm just  minding my own business and making a mess of my dinner.
Gee, why is the little sister blamed for everything? 

Hot! Hot! Hot!

We are hot and parched here, reaching record high temperatures and in drought conditions.

Despite the heat, Misty and I participated in a trail riding clinic yesterday.  We practiced some basic riding exercises in the indoor arena, like turning on the forehand and on the haunches, backing, and side passing.  Then we rode out into a cow pasture where we worked on skills such as opening a gate, riding up and down hills, backing up a hill, and trotting on natural ground. We didn't do very well at the gate. Misty was scared of it, so the clinician had me just practice walking her up to it, positioning her parallel to the gate, rest and praise her, and then I would push the gate wide open and ride her through it.  It was a start.  We did great up and down hills and trotting in the prairie grass.  

It was so hot during the clinic, that I couldn't make it back to the ranch's barn before getting too dizzy to trust myself to stay seated upright in my saddle.  I had to dismount and walk Misty back to the barn.  I tied her inside and got a cold, wet paper towel to wipe my face and neck.  That helped.  I was hit with a very bad respiratory virus 5 weeks ago and I'm still trying to shake it, while continuing to work my day job and getting out on trail rides whenever I can.   Just when I think I've turned the corner and am feeling better, I push myself a little too hard trail riding and am exhausted for days afterwards. That's why I haven't been online much lately.

While riding in the pasture at yesterday's clinic, one of the riders pointed out a big plume of billowing smoke way off in the distance.  It wasn't there at the beginning of the clinic.  A new forest fire had started in the mountains west of Colorado Springs.

KRDO TV Viewer Photos

 Click on the picture to see more photos from KRDO TV in Colorado Springs.

The fire is zero percent contained and spreading fast.  Mandatory evacuations are in effect and the fire is now threatening homes.  Penrose Equestrian Center is accepting horses evacuated from the fire area.   They are sending out a plea for donations of hay, fans, and extension cords.

The cause of this fire is unknown.  No lightning was in the area when it started.  There were upwards of 20 arson fires set in that county last week. It's too soon and too dangerous for investigators to begin their work.

 Record high temperatures are forecasted again today; humidity is low, and afternoon winds are expected to pick and gust in multiple directions.  Not good!  And to add insult to injury, there is a possibility of afternoon Thunderstorms that will produce lightning, but little, if any, precipitation.  Not good at all.

We are nowhere near the fire, but can see and smell the smoke.  I can't imagine what the firefighters are enduring, working such a dangerous and physical job in extreme summer heat.  The news reported this morning that firefighters were as close as 20 yards away from flames rising 100 feet tall.  And they haven't had much time off in the last couple of weeks as they have been battling other fires in the region.

 Is your state on fire?  Check the InciWeb site for information on fires around the country.

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 17 - Trucking

Dreaming is trucking this week, with questions pertaining to truckin' and trailerin' our horses.  Answer one question or all three.

1. What is the ideal trailer for you.

One that is paid off.

I also need a tall, roomy trailer for my big-bodied mare.  I had a few custom changes made when I ordered my 2-horse slant Titan.  It is extra tall and they moved the tack room wall forward to give Misty more room in the front stall.  I lost some tack room space, but it was more important that Misty have room to travel comfortably.

Ideally, I would have living quarters, but I've made a comfy nest in the bunk of my gooseneck trailer.  It is not insulated and can get pretty cold at night.  So this year when I took the trailer to the shop for spring maintenance I had an electrical outlet installed.  Now I can plug into an RV hookup and run  a ceramic heater and a few conveniences like a lamp, DVD player, or electronic tablet.  Just enough to take the chill out and relax watching a movie or reading an E-Book.

2. Do you use shipping boots, a padded halter, a head bumper or other protective equipment for your horse when trailering?
 
I have shipping boots and I've used them before, but I don't use them routinely. If it is really hot and I want to travel with the window screen down, I'll put a fly mask on Misty so debris and bugs won't blow into her eyes.  I don't use anything else, but I do secure her in the trailer with a Tie Safe Trailer Tie.  I keep her rope halter on, but have often wondered if a nylon or leather halter would be safer for trailer travel. What do you think?  She travels well and is calm loading and unloading, so I haven't felt the need to add much to our routine, although I've thought about putting a head bumper on her, just in case.
 

3. What item(s) do you always carry in your trailer, or recommend that other's carry?

1. Tack & Grooming Supplies
2. Saddle Bags & Rain Slicker
3. Riding Helmet & Riding Gloves
4. Whip/Carrot Stick with Flag attached (for sacking out & ground work)
5. Extra Halter & Lead Rope, Lunge Line & Lunging Whip
6. Roadside Assistance Information (I use U.S. Rider)
7. Orange Traffic/Safety Cones
8. Equine First Aid Kit (People First Aid Kit is in the truck)
9. Equine Cookies
10. Extra Hay (I use the ones with the smallest mesh holes for "in-flight" meal service)
11. Fly Mask
12. Fleece Cooler in wintertime / Waterproof, Breathable Sheet for summer camping
13. Water & Bucket
14. Manure Fork (be courteous and don't leave manure in the parking area)
15. Extra Clothing, especially sweatshirt or jacket
16. Mounting Step/Block
17. Wash Cloths, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Anti-bacterial Wipes
18. Camping Lantern, Flashlight, Extra Batteries
19. Camping Chair
20.  Portable Potty (comes in handy if you don't have living quarters)
    
    

My question for you:

What are your summer/vacation plans?  Misty and I are going to a mountain dude ranch.

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 15 - Countdown

This week Dreaming prompts us to answer questions related to counting down.  We can answer one question or all three.  I'm going to answer question #1.

1. Tell us about something you experienced which began with a countdown.

 This is my season for trail riding.  I've been looking forward to riding the trails with Misty for many years and this year we are finally clicking.

I find myself counting down the days (or hours, as is the case today) until our next trail ride.

Yesterday we returned to the park we rode on Memorial day and explored more of the area.  We had a lovely ride.  Misty is maturing, gaining confidence, and becoming a wonderful trail horse.  I'm pleased that she is comfortable in the lead, in the middle, or bringing up the rear when we ride in a group.  However, she has a big stride and is a forward mover, so it can be a little challenging to get her to take baby steps when we are following a slower horse. 

Here are a few pictures from yesterday's ride as we followed our friends.  I notice that Misty often has her ears tuned to me when we ride.  I think we are becoming a good team.

My question for you:

Do you trail ride?  If so, what do you always carry with you on a trail ride?

Misty's Monday Muse - Trail Ride

 
I took MyLady for a ride today.

We rode with my handsome gelding friends:

A Foxtrotter and Spotted Saddle Horse.

 
I walked through a forest of pine trees.
 

 

 I walked over lots of logs.

 

 

I took a big drink of water when I got home.

 

Then I enjoyed a roll in the soft dirt

while Mr. Once Upon cleaned my rolling box.
Thank you Mr. Once Upon!

  

It was a good day and

I was a very good girl.

Happy Trails,

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 10 - MIA

This week's blog hop instructions are to write anything we want as long as we begin with: I really hate it when..... 

I really hate it when.....I see law enforcement on the road while I'm driving.

My heart races and I become awash in guilt, even though I'm doing nothing wrong.

I went 30 years without a speeding ticket. Then in about 18 months I received three.  What the heck!? I'm not a malicious speeder; I just wasn't paying attention and wandered into some notorious speed traps.  The local sheriff and small town police know just the right spots to lay in wait to fatten their county and city coffers.  Rural, hilly roads and highways are a favorite.

So now I am super-duper careful about watching my speed.  I don't want to fudge by even 5 miles over the limit because I'm afraid of another ticket and  I hate getting into trouble.  By golly, I'm a good citizen!  I try to keep my speed right smack on the limit now.  It is annoying because I feel like I'm watching my speedometer more than I'm watching the road.  Drivers behind me get impatient, but I figure they will just have to relax and enjoy the drive, or pass me.  I am frequently passed (even on double yellow lines) and it is not unusual for someone to ride up onto my tail at night and turn their high beams on because they are mad that I am going  the speed limit.  Everyone is in such a hurry. Don't these people ever get speeding tickets?  I feel like putting a sign in my rear window that says, "Too many tickets - back off or pass me."

A couple weeks ago as I was driving home on a rural highway, after visiting Misty at her training stable, I had my cruise control set on the speed limit.  I had 5 cars stacked up on my rear bumper, annoyed that I was slowing their progress.  One of those drivers got lucky that day because of me.  We crested a rise in the road and as we all started down, (with me braking to stay at the limit...it is so irritating to have to brake all the time on these hilly roads), we passed an unmarked highway patrolman sitting on the side of the road, trolling for speeders.  I wish I could have said "See, I told ya so" to the guy riding my tail.

Yesterday I was traveling on a road with two lanes in each direction. I was in the far right lane when I noticed 3 motorcycle cops working a sting operation.  I immediately felt dread and terror...and guilt.  I glanced down at the speedometer and was relieved to see I was right on the limit, but still afraid of being pulled over because now I'm just paranoid.   Another motorist had just passed me in the left lane, oblivious of the trap, and one of the cops zipped out from the side street and pulled him over.  I smiled.  Not because the poor sucker in front of me just got nabbed.  I smiled because those 3 motorcycle cops lurking on that side street reminded me of this:

My question for you:

 

When horseback riding, what is your favorite gait?  (Do you have a need for speed?)

 

Cruise on over to the hop.
(But don't speed.)

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 8: Cheeky

 1. Describe how a horse you have known is sometimes a 'cheeky monkey'. What does he/she do that is a bit naughty?  
Misty is my cheeky monkey.  Or  lippy monkey may be more appropriate.  She has very busy lips.  They are always searching for something to play with and it is often the tail of my shirt, or the zipper pull on my jacket, or the buttons on my shirt, or the rubber strips around the outside of the horse trailer windows, or the toe of my boot when I'm in the saddle and ask her to flex her neck.  Those lips are always lookin' for mischief. 

2. What is your favorite thing about spring? (Hmmm... I'm thinking there won't be too many people who say 'shedding horses'!)

It sure isn't the snow that is falling today (or blowing horizontally as the case may be).  I find "springtime in the Rockies" to be frustrating when we get teased by a few 70F degree days, followed by a blizzard.  But I do like the moisture we receive because I like the greening of the fields in springtime.

3. What care do you provide for feet? Horse or human! Do you have a special product that you have discovered and just can't do without?

I like to keep my horses barefoot.  I think that's one of the healthiest things for their hooves.  Myself, I hate to go barefoot.  I like to wear sandals though, and if I have the money and the time (both of which are in short supply with horses to care for),  I like going to the spa for pedicures.  

My question for you: Coke or Pepsi?   (Or neither, cuz nothin' beats a tall glass of water.)

See you at the hop:

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

National Weather Service

We had our first spring thunderstorm pass over our house Tuesday evening.  The thunder boomed and lightning struck repeatedly.   I was startled by a lightning strike that hit extremely close to our house.  It sent me to the windows to look outside for damage.  The barn was ok, but I couldn't tell if  SaraJane was in the barn or out in the dry lot.  Misty is away for training and SaraJane is home alone.  I went to another window  to look for her.  There she was, standing in the rain with her head down in that typical equine-enduring-the-storm stance.   She was standing on a high spot in our dry lot between our house and our next-door neighbor's house.  The picture below is from last year, but this is the spot where she was standing and you can see how close the neighboring house is behind her.

I was worried about Miss SaraJane, standing out in this thunderstorm.  I could lure her into the barn easily with food, but I was afraid to go outside since that last strike was so close.   As I was standing at the window, watching SaraJane and fretting for her safety, I saw lightning strike behind her.  I heard a loud "POP!" and saw the flash.  It was so close that SaraJane reacted as if someone had goosed her in the fanny.    She jumped forward a few feet, trotted a few yards away and began sniffing the ground.  I wondered if she might have felt a tingle from the lightning.

That was a close call, as the lightning struck the house right behind SaraJane.

My neighbor was at her kitchen window when it hit and she saw concrete shingles fly from her roof.  It also took out their well pump, so they've been without water until a new pump is installed today.

It was crazy to actually see a lightning strike that close up.  I'm sure glad it spared SaraJane and that my neighbors are alright. 

Have you ever had a close encounter with lightning? Do you take extra precautions to protect your horses?

June 24-30, 2012 is Lightning Safety Week.  Be informed and be cautious during thunderstorms.  Visit http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/  for information.

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 6: Tricky

1. My horse does this silly thing....
   
   After Misty empties her bladder, she remains standing in her potty position, with legs splayed, for quite a long time.  She's either contemplating the meaning of life...or air drying.  I tried to get a picture the last few days, but my timing was always off.  One opportunity sent me rushing to grab my camera in the barn and my quick movement startled Misty and the poor girl took flight in mid stream.  Sorry Misty.
    
2. What trick(s) have you taught your horse, dog, cat, husband, or kids?
   
   How about a bird?  I've taught a Cockatiel and an African Grey parrot to poop on command.  I'd hold them over a paper towel and say "Go potty."  That way I could time the event and avoid unsightly surprises on my clothing and carpet.  Eventually the African Grey started giving me advance warning when she would say the magic words,  "Go potty."  I'd have a few seconds to position her over a towel before "bombs away".
    
   
3. What was the last movie you watched?
   
   Our satellite service is having a free movie channel preview.  I had Thursday afternoon off of work so I watched The Social Network.  It was alright.  The last movie I saw in a theater was War Horse.  It was excellent! 
   
   

My question for you:
Do you prefer to ride: a) English b) Western c) Bareback d) All of the above?

Meet us at the hop!

Misty's Monday Muse - Diet Riot

It's me, Misty, and I wrote a poem for Jenny Matlock's Saturday Centus #99.
 
This week's word count is exactly 100, including the five word prompt. The prompt is:  I'm living the dream, man.

I hope you like my poem.  It is based on a true story; my story, past and present.

Diet Riot

I was born in North Dakota,

on a strange kind of ranch*.

Auctioned as a weanling,

so I might have a chance.

No longer a little filly,

the buyer didn’t keep me.

Relinquished to a horse rescue,

forever family yet to be.

Adopted by My Lady,

she is my biggest fan.

She feeds me and she loves me.

I’m living the dream, man.

Feeds me, she does;

a little too much.

No longer are my ribs,

lightly felt with a touch.

The vet said I’m fat.

She prescribed me a diet.

Less hay in my belly,

I’m ready to riot!

It's true, I'm fat.  I'm on a diet and I don't like it.  But I'm going to fat horse camp where I will get daily exercise, and that will help.

* I was born on a PMU ranch.  (PMU stands for pregnant mare urine.)   Estrogen from the urine of pregnant mares is used to make hormone replacement drugs for women, such as Premarine and Prempro.  My mom was one of those mares.   Foals are the by-product of the process.  Lucky ones like me find good homes.  Some aren't so lucky.  You can read more about it at The Animali Farm.

Diet is a four letter word,

 (It's no coincidence that the M in my signature looks just like my butt. )

 

Hobby Horse Blog Hop 5: Shopping Spree

1. What are your thoughts about providing hay for your horse when you trailer him/her?
   
   I always hang a "small mesh" hay net for Misty.  The openings are very small, so she can't grab big mouthfuls of hay while in the trailer, but she can nibble.  If I'm going to have the windows open or driving at highway speed, I will put a fly mask on her to protect her eyes from debris that may blow around.
   
   Many years ago someone hauled a 2 year old filly of mine who was inexperienced and nervous about being hauled.  The hauler put alfalfa cubes in the manger of the trailer to keep her occupied.  When my filly came out of the trailer, she had foaming saliva dripping out of her mouth.  I immediately called the vet and he asked me what she had been eating in the trailer.  When I told him hay cubes, he knew right away that she had one stuck in her throat and couldn't swallow.  I could feel the hard cube stuck in there.  He instructed me to give her water through a hose in her mouth and massage her throat until the hay cube dissolved.  It worked.  This was a long time ago and I don't know if that is the recommended method today.  If this ever happens to you, call your vet. Better yet, never feed hay cubes in the trailer.  That experience made me cautious about feeding in the trailer and that's why I use a "small mesh" hay net.  Even with loose hay, I don't want Misty to gulp down big mouthfuls in the trailer.
    
2. You have just won a 2 minute shopping spree at a tack store. What store are you in and what will you grab?
   
   I really need a new saddle for Misty, but I'm kinda broke right now.  So I would go to a tack store with a very large selection of saddles, probably Brighton Saddlery, and grab as many saddles that might fit Misty.  I'd keep the one that fits and sell the rest.  If none fit, I'd sell them all and use the money to buy a custom saddle to fit my full-figured gal.
   
   
3. What plans do you have for the weekend?
   
   I'm getting up very early Saturday morning to bake blueberry breakfast bars to take to our blogger brunch. I'm looking forward to it.  I will have to do a little shopping on my way home (probably just window shopping ... did I mention I'm kinda broke right now?).  If I get home early enough Saturday afternoon, I will ride Misty.   On Sunday I will go to church.
   
   Somewhere in the weekend I will have to make room for some laundry and a little housekeeping  (Well, we'll see about that.  My intentions are always good, but the weekend has a way of slipping away before all the chores are done).

My question for you:  What is your favorite grooming tool?

Hobby Horse Blog Hop Week 4

1. Have you ever been a victim of the weather when you were riding, or participating in some other sport?
   I'm mostly a fair weather rider so my mind took another direction as I recalled getting caught out in good weather with my Thoroughbred gelding, Woodhollow (barn name: Woody) when I was in my early 20s.
   
   I usually rode in an arena and took riding lessons from a German trainer who owned the stable where Woody was boarded.   I was new to riding English and was beginning to show in English pleasure and amateur hunter classes. We didn't do any trail riding at the stable, even though we had access to miles and miles of trails near Folsom Lake in California.
     
   One summer day, after finishing a lesson, I decided to take Woody out for a short walk on the trail to cool him off.  It was a beautiful northern California day. The trail delighted me with new sights around every turn.  I was having a lovely ride and became very intrigued about what I'd see around the next bend, or over the next hill.  I lost track of time and just kept going and going.   My short cool down walk turned into a trail ride of several hours.  I finally forced myself to turn Woody around so we could get home before the sun set.  I met my trainer on the trail.  I was gone so long that he became worried and saddled up a horse and came looking for me.  (Ya know...long before the days of cell phones when I could have called him and told him I was fine.)
   
   Woody was a special horse to me and parting with him was very hard.  I get sad thinking about it, so I don't talk about him much.  I can't find my photo album that has most of our good pictures, but here are a few photos I found loose in an old shoe box.
    
    
   
    
2.  If you could take a lesson with anyone in the world, who would that be? The very trainers and riding instructors that I'm working with now.  I'm very happy with the help I'm getting from a few local professionals that have really clicked for me and Misty.
    
3. Which season is your favorite?
   A few years ago I would have immediately answered "Fall!"  But owning horses in Colorado has changed my idea of seasons.  They come and go quickly here.  Sometimes we experience all four seasons in a single day.  It's crazy!  So now I'm inclined to say that my favorite "season" is any warm, sunny, wind-free "day" that I can be "caught out in good weather" on a beautiful trail ride.  Know what I mean?

My question for you:  Who is your favorite equine actor of television or movie fame?

Click and hop to week 4