I took advantage of the beautious weather and trimmed AhD’s feet, did preparatory groundwork, and then headed out on the trails and powerline. Just me, my handsome Curly and The Three Musketeers. 
Got a kick out of how they started following in AhD’s tracks after the first half hour of exploring all the exciting sights and scents in the woods. They ain’t no dummies! There was tons of animal sign in the snow left over from our blizzard last Monday. 
Deer, mice and chipmunks, squirrels, some kind of hoppy cat (the fisher that ate my chickens the other day?? :/ ), and foxes and/or small coyotes had left their tracks. AhD has a new trick he likes to do. He pretends to stop to pee. Honest to God, we must have stopped ten times in the first five minutes of the trail. He even stretches a bit to fake me out so I lift out of the saddle. I can hear him now, “Yep, got her fat a$$ up off my back again, hehe.” Finally, (yes, I know, I am very slow to catch on), I said, “Too bad, you’ll have to hold it now,” gave him a good kick and off we went. Boy, he sure makes me smile. I am still chuckling to myself about it.
We went down the steep hill that I avoided last time.
Yes, we slid down part of it, but it was a fun challenge! 
We came back that way, too, and on the way UP the hill AhD gallumpfed in large warmblood strides, which was even more fun than sliding down on the haunches! He got a much deserved scratch, hug and treat for that one.
We headed out to trek the powerline. I don’t do a lot of powerline riding in the winter, but I felt like it today.
I let AhD stop part way up a long hill to have a snack. The dogs were wondering, “what the heck?” but they got a rest, too.AhD was pretty sweaty by the time we were back close to home. He decided that the big culverts that used to bother him two years ago were bother-worthy again. Reminded me of Reese and the trailer loading. So, I dismounted and leaned on the culverts for a while, soaking up the peacefulness of nature.
AhD was pretty sure he deserved a treat for checking out the culverts.On the last leg towards home, we had a nice big trot and an easy canter. What a super ride on my beloved boy!
What lovely scenery, Susan! And you do NOT have a fat arse! So that can't be his excuse ;-) Your boy certainly is an interesting character!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chuckle! I am sure that was NOT what your sweet boy was thinking! I love the dogs in the back trail - you are correct they are not dumbies. And once again your photo's while riding are splendiferous. OH AND NO WONDER Mocha looks like a smooth! He was curly like AhD as ayearling and 2 year old but has gradually become less and less curly as he ages. I just found a photo of Mellow as a yearling - just his neck and part of his head - but he too was a poodle-horse at that age. Mustang lineage?
ReplyDeleteYou two are too kind, but then again, you don't have to haul me around all over creation, either. :) I MUCH prefer AhD's new Fake Pee trick to his old Fake Spook trick. Ellen, I see a LOT of Curlies that get much more smooth-coated as they get older. I have no clue as to why AhD stays so curly in his body coat. His forelock and tail are not so curly at all, but his mane has nice ringlets.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a beautiful ride. I love hearing about your adventures on AhD. He has so much character! You seem like a great personality match for each other.
ReplyDeleteSusan, AhD cracks me up! What a pistol that boy of yours is....fake p stops! i mean if he was an old man, OK you might keep going with it....and you KNOW it ain't junk in your trunk! HA, that would be Kwis's excuse with me. LOL. God knows I love seeing your rides....what fun today!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy the pictures of your rides, makes me want to go out riding too:) And your AhD looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteI swear, AHD and Reese must be related!! Snacking on the up hill?? Sounds so familiar! HA. Gorgeous ride, Susan and such lovely pics of the snow. Wish I could join you!
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