Patience, Safety, and our first Group Lesson

After bringing Daisy into the barn when the weather turned nasty last night, I tied her up in the aisle way.  I wanted to try my Laser dressage saddle on her with the adjustable tree.  Daisy became anxious and started pawing and having a tantrum. 

Mistake 1. 

I ignored her anxiousness and threw the saddle up.  I went around to the other side and reached for the girth.  The next thing I know I felt a sharp pain on my left thumb and realized that she had kicked at the girth and my finger got nicked in the process.  It was lightening fast.  I didn't even see it.  I was angry, but I decided not to punish her as I believe she was anxious and the flopping girth scared her.

I thought, o.k. that was my fault.  I should have just walked away when she starting throwing a tantrum and I need to pay closer attention.  I need to keep myself safe.  I put the saddle away and decided that she needed some time on the patience pole.  I tied her up in a stall with heavy mats, put a hay bag in front of her and walked away.  

I walked back in the house.  I checked her every 30 minutes and she continued to paw.  About 11PM, I noticed it was quiet in the barn.  I went out to check on her and she was standing quietly with a small paw every now and then.  I decided that she was done for the night after 6 hours and put her away.

This morning, I decided to take her to a group lesson in Potlatch.  I wondered how she would act towards me. Would she let me catch her?  I walked right into the pasture and haltered her.  She loaded in the trailer and tried to turn around, so we had a little discussion about that.  My trailer is a slant load, so when I have a horse that wants to turn around I run the rope through the ring and hold them snubbed up tight until I can get the divider closed and then tie a quick release knot in the the next 

stall of the trailer.  

She was a little nervous when I unloaded her.  I brushed her and talked to her and she quieted down quickly.  There were probably 8 horses in the arena.  The only saddle I have that fits her is my blackforest treeless-english style saddle,  with a western bridle. I dressed in my breeches and half chaps.  It was a bit of a motley set up.

I found that everyone was polite, but stared and gave us a wide berth.  I'm not sure if they were afraid of us, and/or wondered what the heck we were doing there.  The group was a variety of men and women on mainly quarterhorses, 1 appaloosa and an Arabian all tacked up western ranch style.  We fit in like a square peg in a round hole.  

Daisy walked in, looked everything over and wanted to explore the arena. She stood quietly while I tacked up, but did give me  a little trouble bridling.  I made a mental note that we would add that to our to do list.   

I was hoping to do some exercises to move her off my leg, and work on softening in the bridle.  We all began working on picking up on the rein, and releasing when they give. I picked up on the reins and bumped with my legs; she softened almost immediately.  Well, I thought, she retained that well from last session.  Before long, she was flexing at the pole and keeping it there, with an occasional reminder.  O.k, I thought, she has it, so I am going to quit.  

I asked her to move away from my leg.  She pushed back, so I asked her to soften, and then applied more pressure; she took one step.  We did this on both sides.  I asked her to move her hip and she gave me a couple steps both ways.  I asked her to side pass.  At first she pulled on me and her head came up. I asked her to soften and applied pressure again.  She turned her head around and looked at me and then  crossed over and side passed 2 steps.  In 10 minutes we were side passing a square both ways with only the slightest bit of calf pressure.   

I decided to stop and call it good.  A mule doesn't get the point of doing something over and over once they figure it out.  I love this freaking mule.  I can't believe how quickly she figure things out...really, you can almost see them think.  We worked on stopping and she did great.  It's not a sliding stop yet....  LOL!  At the rate she is going, I don't think it will be long.  

After dismounting, I reached up and scratched her head and she dropped her head into my chest.  I told her how wonderful she is and what a good team we were going to make.  I know we are going to run into trouble, but so far so good.  I can't wait to get her out on the trail and start conditioning her for a limited distance ride.  I am hopeful that she will enjoy it.  She did tell me that I need to get a more appropriate saddle and wear jeans and boots if we were going to have a lesson in Idaho again.  I guess I am on a tack hunt now.  I won't be telling Bob anytime soon, as we went through 6 saddles trying to fit Izzy, and I encouraged him to seek therapy.  

Squirrel

Daisy The Mule

Well, it's taken me a long time since putting Tara down to consider replacing her.  I know she cannot be replaced as she was an original. I still tear up from time to time.  I loved her so much.  I love Izzy, as you all know, but trail is just really not her strong suit.  She loves the arena and to be shown.  She doesn't mind the occasional trail ride, but she just has ADHD and can't pay attention to where her feet are half the time and I feel like her heart is not into competing in distance.  Izzy is my Maserati and I need a jeep.

I have been casually looking for a year.  My budget was small after all the vet expenses and I just hadn't found the right horse.  I wanted a horse that was brave and enjoyed getting out on the trail, a horse that I could form a tight bond with, a horse that would move out and loved to go,  a smart horse, a beautiful horse, a horse who enjoyed attention, a horse with endurance and heart; the list goes on. The perfect horse.

And then one day, while looking through Dreamhorse, I saw an ad for Daisy the mule.  She was adorable.  Intrigued, I read on.  The ad read Daisy is easy to catch, loves attention,and  has good ground manners.  She has good hard feet clean legs, good conformation and is built strong for mountain trails.  She walks out well on the trail and has lots of go trotting and loping out nicely when asked.  The ad said she had minimal spook on the trail and had a great stop.  The owner was looking for an intermediate to advanced rider.   Hmmm. I thought. I wonder.

So I googled mules.  Sure, I had seen lots of them up in high country, but could they do limited distance endurance? I ride Arabians for heaven sake.  All the literature said yes, absolutely.  I googled "Why a Mule?" The literature all said the same.  The following are quotes from the rural heritage mule blog.

They endure heat better than horses.  Apparently when water starved, they only drink enough to replace lost body fluids, so water founder is rare in a mule.

They have fewer feeding problems.  All they need is hay, and a small amount of grain when in hard work to maintain the same condition as horses.

They rarely have hoof problems.  Their feet are strong, tough, flexible and not as brittle as horses.  Often times they never need shoes.

Mules excel in physical Soundness.  They last longer and are more maintenance free. Not only legs, but wind, "innards," and all other parts of the mule including his hide are tougher and more durable than comparable parts of the horse. Hybrid vigor explains a lot of this; the tough physical and mental qualities of the donkey explain the rest.

Mules live longer and have a strong sense of preservation.Mules are not stubborn. Neither are donkeys. Yes, of you want them to work too hard for their own well being, especially in hot weather, they will be "stubborn." We have never heard of a messenger running a mule to death the way legends say they ran their horses! The facts that mules are inclined not to panic, that they think about what is happening to them, and they take care of their own physical well being prevents many accidents that might happen if they were horses. I think this would be a good thing up on some of the trails I go on. 

Read on:


Mules are surefooted and careful.
Their surefootedness is partly physical and partly psychological. On the physical side, the mule has a narrower body than a horse of the same height and weight. He gets this from the ass side of the family. His legs are strong and his feet are small and neat. This narrow structure and small hoof configuration enable him to place his feet carefully and neatly. On the psychological side, mules have a tendency to assess situations and act according to their views (most of which have to do with self preservation). A mule will trust its own judgement before it trusts yours.

Well, why not, I thought.  A mule sounds like a good match.  Tara was super smart and had her own opinions too.  We always compared her to a mule, and praised her for taking such good care of me in difficult conditions.  I learned to listen to her, because she was usually right. With all the Arabian prejudice out there, I can take owning a mule.  Who cares, I am forty anyway.  I am not out to impress anyone.

So, I made a call and met Molly McDaniel out of Selah, who was the agent for Daisy.  I took the trailer down to Selah, WA to see Daisy and Molly.  Daisy was difficult to catch in the round pen, but she was anxious from being taking out of the large pasture.  After a few minutes they caught her.  She lead nicely and stood quietly for tacking up.  I drilled Molly about anything and everything I could think of.

I knew she was green in her video. Molly saddled her up and she stood quietly.  I asked her to move out and she did.  Her gait was nice.  She didn't know much, but was willing and calm.  I took her with molly on the trail.  She walked right out;  I loved watching her ears.  It is like watching a giant radar.  She felt different more back and forth, but it was smooth and she had a great walk.  We had a nice ride and she even kicked out going up the hill, when I pushed her a little hard.  She took me up an embankment without hesitation with one powerful push.  I have to admit I was impressed.

When we got back, I asked more questions.  Daisy needed work with her hind feet.  Molly said she was great with her front, but needed work on the hind.  Even though she wasn't perfect and I had seen some negative things, I still liked her and just felt something towards her.  While we negotiated, we tied her to the trailer and she pawed and threw a big tantrum.

I had second thoughts, but still wanted to take her on trial, as I felt she was having a bad day.  She loaded up in the trailer and I took her home.  I felt worry from Molly as I left and I felt a little worried myself as I drove off and wondered what I had just done.  All my common sense told me no, don't do it, but there was just something about her and my gut told me she deserved another chance.

She hauled well for the 4 hour ride home.  I put her in her own pen and went to bed.  I figured I would let her settle for the next 3 days and then start working with her. Starting this Saturday I worked with her and she surprised me.  Every day I worked with her she became quieter and more willing.  I show her something, she thinks about it and then gets it quickly. Wow.  She is so smart.

I rode her last night in the pasture and after putting my treeless saddle on her and purchasing a headstall and bit, we had a lovely ride in the pasture.  I definitely need a better set up but it works for now. Today, I had my first lesson on her with Brooke.  She surprised me with how quick she picked up on moving her shoulder over and then her hind.  I got on her and it transferred in the saddle.  I am so excited. I really like this mule. I think my instinct was right.

We are starting to develop a connection.  I love this mule!  I need to get a pre-purchase exam on Monday and a brand inspection and pending she passes, which I am sure she will.  I am thinking there is no way she is leaving.  I am smitten.  Oh what an adventure this is going to be!  Welcome Daisy!  I think Tara would give you the nod.  I think I found my Jeep!  
Squirrel

The Coyote, the Hare, the Horse and the ....... Happy Birthday Ride.

I realize this is from last fall, but I found the pictures and remembered that I started to write about the pictures and then forgot.  I finished the account today and wanted to share. 

Alone on my 40th birthday, with my husband living over in Wenatchee, WA.  I decide that I would go for a ride to take my mind off it.  I can't believe I am 40!! Where did time go?

I loaded Izzy up in the trailer and headed for USFS 232 trail, one of my favorites. Saddling up, the warm September breeze ruffled my hair and I couldn't wait to get going.  I set my GPS and off we go. We briefly stayed on the forest service road and then turned left up an old logging road. It  was about a 2.5 hour loop, approximately 14 miles +/- any detours. Izzy pulled on the reins and we moved into a nice long trot. The path is an old abandoned logging road, mostly overgrown with the occasional fallen tree jump/obstacle.  I glanced down at the GPS to try to rate our speed to about 10mph at the trot. Occasionally off to the side the brush moved, and I caught a glimpse of a coyote.  Must be a curious fellow I thought.  I pointed Izzy up a hill, taking a different route and climbed through the slash reaching the top of the ridge.  Up on the ridge the road flattened out.  I urged Izzy forward into a gallop;  within seconds we were flying in reckless abandon.  I do love to go fast. There is nothing that makes me smile more. 

All of a sudden, I feel Izzy drop her haunches and we start sliding across the shale.  Looking up, I see this grayish animal coming right at us from the trees.  My heart starts pounding and before I can do anything, the gray ball collides with Izzy's  shoulder.  In that instant she does a rollback...I stay on..  As I am trying to contemplate what the heck just happened, she stops and freezes. Her legs quivering, I look around to assess the scene.   I see the coyote about 20 feet away  up the embankment from us and a very stunned looking hare on the shoulder of the road to the right of us.  I quickly grab my phone and snap a picture before the hare bounds off.  

Chuckling to myself, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom flashes in my head.  I never though I would be right in the middle of the classic prey predator chase.  By sheer luck, I think we saved the hare;  at least for today.  What are the odds?

I cluck to Izzy and she tentatively steps forward.  I am still cracking up.  As we round the ridge and drop down into a narrow trail and 90 degree turn, Izzy spooks.  Seriously? I say out loud, "really girl?" and laugh out loud. She snorts loudly staring off into the trees to our left.  I urge her on and then stop when I think I see something too.  Peering into the trees, I see a dark brown animal.  OH it's just a deer silly girl.  I snap a picture in the direction of the deer.  Picking up the reins, I push her on and she happily trots away snorting as I shake my head.

The sun sets and turns the ridge an orange color. I glance down and look at my GPS and realize we still have 6 miles to go and we better get a move on it.  The fall colors are beautiful and I feel renewed.  What a perfect way to spend my birthday.  We make it back to the trailer with 5 minutes to spare.  

After I load Izzy up and give her some hay I glance through the pictures on the phone.  I chuckle when I look at the hare, the peek of the coyote and that deer in the trees that looks like a dark brown spot.  Silly mare, I think.  And how many deer do we see on a ride!? I think I should call her "Dizzy Izzy".

After getting home and settling everyone, I head for the house to download the pictures on the Internet.  As I scroll through them, I blow up the deer picture.  What the heck?  That is no deer.  A large black bear comes into focus.  No way. No wonder Izzy behaved like she did.  It really kind of freaked me out looking at the picture and realizing it was a bear.  Surprise.  

Anyway, it certainly was an adventure.  Look at the pictures for yourself! Do you see the Bear?


Squirrel

I 

Medstar to the rescue! If by chance.

Earlier this afternoon feeling a little cabin fever, I decided to take the dogs for a walk.  I contemplated the different places to go,  and finally decided on McCroskey State Park, just outside of Potlatch, ID.  Bundling up, I looked at Bob who looked very un-enthusiastic about the idea and headed out the door.

We entered Skyline Drive into the Park from the Idaho entrance and began our descent up the twisty, muddy, narrow road that goes up over the mountain and descends back down into Idaho after 17 miles.  I love my FJ Cruiser I thought as it happily scampered through the mud and rocks. I chose McCroskey, because not very many people use it. The trails have wide open vista views and beautiful old growth forest.  Bob whined.  "You didn't tell me we were going up this high? I should have brought a heavier coat!"  "I suppose you didn't bring a flashlight either?" I grinned at him and showed him the small flashlight on the end of the carabiner clip on my keychain.  He shook his head and showed me his flashlight, a much larger counterpart of mine.  Men...

At about mile marker 7, I caught a glimpse of  headlights off the side of the road, down a steep embankment in the trees.  I backed up and said something ridiculous like, "That is a weird place to park."  I don't remember saying it, but Bob insists I did.  I backed the vehicle up and peered over the edge.

A silver jeep cherokee rested down the embankment about 300 feet.  The vehicle rested perpendicular to the side of the mountain and was held in place by a large pine tree precariously holding the vehicle from plummeting down the cliff.  The vehicle looked like it had rolled.  The windshield was completely shattered, and the roof was dented in.  Carefully climbing down, I could hear the vehicle running.  O'h no, I said out loud, I think there is someone in there.

Bob quickly made it down to the vehicle before me.  A man sat behind the wheel, the drivers window was missing and he was staring forward.  Bob asked him questions, "Are you hurt?"  No, "Do you need help?" No.  "Can we help you out of the vehicle?" No, the man said over and over while looking
straight ahead.  His tone was flat and he acted like he wanted us to go.  His pupils appeared fixed.  I could see no visible injuries, but his tone of voice suggested he wanted us to stay away.

Perplexed, but suspicious that something was wrong Bob and I climbed back up the hill to call 911.  As we waited for EMS to arrive, we kept close tabs on the man.  He appeared to be talking either on the phone or to himself.  Afraid that if we stayed too close, he might grow agitated.  We stayed just out of sight, checking on him every 5 minutes or so.

Potlatch EMS arrived on scene minutes later.  The man was now unconscious, and only awakened to
vigorous stimulus.  Medstar was contacted for immediately evacuation off the mountain to Sacred Heart in Spokane. Bob and I jumped in the FJ with a member of the EMS crew and went up the road to try to search for a site large enough for Medstar to land.  About a mile up the road, just past Mission Mtn., we found an area 75  x 75 large enough for the bird to land.

The GPS on the EMS crew was not working, so I pulled out my compass on my iphone and looked up the coordinates. The EMS crew member called them in to the flight crew.  It was cold, cloudy, foggy and dark as we listened for the familiar sound of medstar.  Approximately 3 miles to the Southwest on a far ridge we saw the bird.  "We are directly over the coordinates you gave us, over."  The radio squawked. Apparently my phone has different settings to the compass, minutes versus seconds, which is why the coordinates were off.

"Go North, no 3 o-clock, no your 6-o-clock" she chirped.  I glanced at Bob as he shook his head.  We watched the bird turn away from us. Calmly, Bob tells her to call the flight crew back and say we are at their 9-o-clock and to head Northwest from their location.  I gazed at Bob as he calmly directed medstar to our location. Turn by turn, they grew closer as the frazzled EMS member looked on, obviously grateful for his help.  Bob was amazing, as he communicated navigation coordinates and re calculated their bearing in his head.  I felt such love as I gazed at him, thankful to have this wonderful man in my life.

Whop, Whop, Whop, Whop the blades hummed as they approached our location.  My ponytail whipped my neck and I covered my face as the bird safely landed.  Looking back across the mountain at the site of the accident I could see the flicker of the Rescue vehicle lights as they transported the man to our location.

I could see and sense the urgency in the crew as the Medstar nurse assessed the man in the back of the ambulance.  "Suction, Suction, she yelled as one of the EMS workers sprung to life and raced to the back of the other vehicle to grab the portable suction."  Apparently he was vomiting and they were trying to get an airway in, but the suction on the ambulance was not working.  I glanced at the nurse who looked stressed as she hustled to get an airway in the patient.  I stood by and watched helplessly, wanting to do something.

The crew informed me that if we hadn't responded and found him when we did, he would probably have died.  The odds of someone finding him tonight were poor.  How long had he been there?  If the tree hadn't caught him, he would probably be at the bottom of the mountain.  Just how did we ever see him they asked?

I knew inside that I had felt a gentle nudge to get out and go for a walk on a cold, overcast dreary day. I felt a strong urge to stop and check out a strange light that I could have so easily overlooked.  I know God made sure that we were there to find this poor man.   God works in mysterious ways for sure.

Per the EMS crew, the vehicle was filled with alcohol bottles, NyQuil, and other bottles.  He was by himself, the weekend of Thanksgiving, up on top of a mountain in a remote area.  There were no skid marks or signs the vehicle tried to veer or stop.  I can't say what happened, but I do know that it was not his time to go tonight.

I pray for him tonight as he is in critical care in Spokane.  I pray for his friends and family as I write this.  I praise God for leading us to him, this unknown man.  I thank God for my family and realize just how precious life is.

Squirrel

Ode to living on the farm: My night of sheer terror.

O'H CRAP..

I’m tired and hungry as I pull in the driveway, but it’s my friday….whoopee!  Twinkles and Mojo, my miniature donkeys bray and the horses whinny as I get out of the car.  I hurry to feed them before going in the house; anxious to finish chores and relax.

The hay barn is dark. Fumbling around feeling for the orange shop light hanging on the wall, I cautiously take small steps.  Whack!  Pain radiates across my forehead. Stunned, and instantly mad,  I realize it’s the old step on the bottom of the rake trick.  It really is just like the cartoons!! Stepping back, my foot sticks in the pallet.  Thud, the wheelbarrow is behind me and I sit down hard. I remember I cleaned out the horse trailer last week and never emptied the wheelbarrow. I resist wiping my butt as I stand up.

Everyone fed,  I rub my tender forehead and walk in the door.  Stripping my scrubs off and tossing them in the laundry room, I head straight for my soft recliner and decide to call my friend Terri. Ahh, I sink down into soft heaven and prop my feet up.  Bliss.

Tanner (Bassett Hound), whines and looks at me with his front feet up on the couch and howls.  I pry myself off the recliner and bend down to give him a  1-2-3 as we call it and  boost him up on the couch.   Bloody hell, I think, my life is run by the dogs.  Plopping back into the recliner, a pungent odor permeates me.  I shake it off and continue to chat with Terri.   The odor grows stronger and I glance around perplexed.  Big paw prints run across the floor in circles.  Leaning down closer to investigate; much too close in fact, I realize that it is dog poop!

Glancing over at Tanner on the couch, I curse under my breath. I don’t know if you have ever seen a Bassett hounds feet, but they are like softball mitts;  like a Frito's scoop chip. The pooh is glued in every crevice and stuck to the hair protruding from the pads.  I just can't fathom how there could be anymore left on his feet!  I scrub and scrub, trying not to gag. 

Satisfied with my job,  I look on in horror and disbelief at my house.

Gross, Eww, and many other things come to mind as I survey the damage.  I get off the phone after explaining my predicament and survey the area.  Poop prints from the dog door through the kitchen tile floor, a straight path through the living room, round and round my beautiful Persian rug, poop on the couch…Are you getting the picture?

I gag as I open the door to the computer room. Chunks, tid bits and more circles.  I have no words to express the scene in front of me.  Horrific, and Holy Crap..comes to mind.  I move the vacuum cleaner into the closet from the living room; clearing the area.  Walking back into the living room with my mop, paper towels and a bucket of cleaner I stop briefly.

EEEK..you have to be kidding me!  The onslaught continues. The vacuum cleaner had poop on the wheel…Now there is another trail through the entire house…the closet is on the opposite side of the house.  Really!!?

I now have poop on my shoes. This is not looking good. I’m tired, my back hurts, the clock says 9:30PM . Armed with every kind of chemical known to man, rubber gloves up to the elbows, my old volleyball knee pads in place, I am ready to take it on. 

Don't mix the chemicals..PPleease.  Bleach and simple green clear out my sinuses as I take a deep breath. I'm getting Cancer tonight!  There is just nothing worse than the smell of dog sh....t!  Getting down on my hands and knees I go for it.  Possessed, I clean like a mad woman. Sweat drips down my forehead, I brush away my hair with my gloves. Arggh. Why do I always do that. Pffft, Pfft, my hair sticks to my mouth.    Bucket after bucket full of brown water, I reach the kitchen and backtrack all the way to the dog door.

 Dragging the carpet cleaner from the basement I head for the computer room. I run the carpet cleaner back and forth repeatedly and decide that this environmental green carpet cleaner is a joke.  I make my own solution, hoping it doesn't bleach out the carpet.  The carpet finally looking clean,  I let the dogs in and start to put everything away.  The clock says 11pm, and I realize that I am still starving. Only I could still have an appetite after this. One of the benefits of being a nurse?  I  head towards the bathroom for one last assault on my body.  By now I am so cranky I can't even stand to be around myself.

Rounding the corner I smell something vile..rank…..

There on the dog bed is Tanner chewing happily away. I switch the lights on and move in closer for a better look. Nooooo......  it can’t be.  I curse under my breath and Tanner sprints for the dog door sensing my wrath. The scene before me makes the dog poop look like child's play.

 We lost Spots, one of our barn cats a few weeks back. 

I stand staring down at what is left of "Spots." Leathery looking, spine protruding and mouth open.  I recognize her only by the color of her coat.  I cannot believe my eyes. Gulp…It’s official….nightmare at the weaver farm, scene II enfolds.  I snap a picture in disbelief, because I know no one will believe this.  My cheeks flush and I think. U'h oh.   Kicking out,  I convulse and contemplate throwing myself on the ground like a 2 year while yelling out.  A brief private and violent tantrum takes over and I give in helplessly as I have a meltdown right there in the middle of the hallway.  I feel instantly better. 

Grabbing a pitchfork from the barn, I scoop up Spots and toss her out in the field.  
Gag…..the smell is nauseating as her limp body dangles from the fork.  I have no words.  Spent, I throw the dog bed in the trash, break out the carpet cleaner and finish up.

Downing a glass of wine, I tear the freezer apart looking for my Lindt Dark Chocolate.  Biting into the dark chocolate I contemplate the evening. Vile and awful, but somehow deeply funny , I know I have to write about it.

Interesting?  Certainly. Good story op?  Me thinks so.  Horrific night? I'll let you be the judge.  Lesson learned? I’m still pondering that one.  Adventure?  Indeed, but maybe not in the traditional sense.

Squirrel.

A Magical Moment: Neah Bay, WA

Great Spirit: A warrior goes to you swift and straight as an arrow shot into the sun. Welcome her and let her take her place among other great horses. She is Tara, Amber's friend.

It is hard to begin anything.  I thought it might be appropriate to start with one of my incredible experiences with a special Arabian mare named Noni.  I lost noni to a freak accident when the vet was palpating her to breed and tore her rectum about 8 years ago.  I did have one foal from Noni; Tara.  Tara is my  horse of a lifetime and at 12 years old this year we had to put her down after an amazing battle with Lymphoma that she couldn't win.  It broke my heart, but I know I was blessed to ever have her. She was a magical horse, intelligent beyond belief and opinionated.  She was absolutely beautiful and had a special soul. We were a perfect match. Tonight in fact, my husband handed me the tail hairs that Washington State University lovingly braided for me back in August, but I just wasn't quite ready for them yet.  How could I begin anything horse related without mentioning her.  She is the horse in the background on the blog page.  Tara grew up running loose on the beaches in Neah Bay, WA alongside her dam Noni.  Please enjoy this story through my eyes.   

When you smile you instantly feel better.  I felt a smile from deep within as I slipped the bridle in place.  Noni, my beautiful Arabian mare danced around impatiently.  I laughed as I flung my shoe off and nearly hit my friend Gena as she leapt effortlessly onto her shiny chestnut Arab mare, Mishaah.  We didn't need shoes where we were going.  Fumbling around and after 2 attempts I finally managed to haul myself on board Noni. Grace is not my name.  Barefoot and bareback, we laughed as we headed down the dirt road for our evening ride on Sooes beach in Neah Bay, WA.

View of Sooes Beach -Neah Bay, WA

The horses began to pick up their pace and I could feel Noni's heart beat thrumming.  Cresting the dune,the waves pounded the shore. I tasted the salty sea as the wind whipped my hair.  The sun set low in the sky as we trotted down the dune.  Noni tensed in anticipation, dancing sideways as I grabbed a handful of mane and shortened the reins.

Sooes Beach Neah Bay, WA - tide coming in

With a nod and a grin at Gena; it was on.  Leaning forward I released the reins and let her go. Noni nickered as she stretched her legs out. Ears forward and tense, she exploded underneath me. We raced across the beach; not a single person in site. Glancing at Gena we laughed, and our focus turned to riding.  

All thoughts of the day gone and worries non existent;  I gazed forward between her ears as we effortlessly picked up speed.  I felt every stride, every step, and emotion. Flicking  her ears back and forth listening to me, her muscles slid powerfully underneath as I talked to her.  My heart pounded, I felt  exhilaration and peace at the same time.  We were one.  Curving around Sooes beach toward Hobuck beach we dodged dead wood, careening from side to side as I hung on trying to anticipate every direction change.  The river loomed around the bend.  Kissing to Noni softly, I squeezed with my calves.  She responded instantly and I felt her flattening out as she swallowed up the ground.  I felt like flying. We angled close to the water. Closing my eyes, I  tasted the salt on my lips.  The sun set low in the sky and the beach turned a brilliant red. It was stunning. Gena was slightly ahead.  I gazed in awe as Gena leaned forward and pulled Mishaa's headstall off.  Bridle-less they disappeared around the bend.   

A typical beautiful sunset on Sooes Beach, Neah Bay

Noni pulled at the bit and flicked her ears back at me pleading. In answer, I released the rein.  Surging forward underneath me, I could hear the pounding of her hooves ripping into the sand.  Her chest expanded beneath my legs as I felt each breath. With a head toss, she flattened her ears back on her head and we raced.  Low over her outstretched neck we flew; the sand stung my feet and I felt a sharp pain as her mane lashed my face angrily. My heart quickened as we caught Mishaah and the two mares raced side by side ears laid back,  each detemined  to get ahead. Stride after stride, breath after breath they matched each other. Approaching the river, I turned her into the deep sand and pulled her in to a big circle. Slowing, she turned her ear back listening, waiting for me, and I reached down petting her neck as she slowed to a stop.

Sooes Beach- where it meets the river and the large sandy area where we would slow the horses down.

Sated, adrenaline still pumping we walked along the river.  Her damp sides heaved as her breathing slowed and we walked on. The moon glistened and shone down creating soft light filtering through the trees.  We walked in complete silence and awe  trusting our mounts and each other in the moment. 

 I will never forget that magical moment 14 years ago. I spent 4 years living at the coast guard station in Neah Bay, WA on the Makah Indian Reservation.  The people were open and generous allowing me into their lives like family.  My horse ran free with a large herd.  I rode daily on the beach and smoked salmon by the river.  The whole herd of about 10 horses would sometimes come with us on our rides and run down the beach.  It was the best time of my life and holds a place near and dear to my heart.  This story is dedicated to Gary, Betty, Eugena, Heather and Matt Ray; my second family and to "Tara."   

Squirrel

Sooes Beach Evening time. 

Annonymity "Noni"
RIP 2004