#jadewolf rides

[mesacollie]

Went out to the ranch with the overly-optimistic idea of getting my first ride of the new year in.

However, while it was fairly calm at my house, the wind was RIPPING down at the barn. And the ponies were VERY spicy. Miss Sierra was like a kite at the end of her lead rope in the wind. And even a good lunge session didn't take the edge off.

So, between the cold and the mud and the 30mph wind and not wanting my first ride of the year to include me getting launched into low orbit, I elected to hold off and wait for better conditions, lol.

[jadewolf-writes]

Found a coyote skull on my morning ride! It's pretty dry and brittle and a little broken, but it survived the ride home, squeezed into my saddlebag.

Copper was a little iffy about standing still for me to get off and collect it, given the high winds, but she also survived the experience.

[mesacollie]

New Achievement Unlocked:

Standing in the middle of a dust devil while holding a horse!

So, I had Copper tied to the trailer while I was brushing her. And all the sudden a wind picks up.

I look up just in time to see a dust devil (a tiny desert tornado) forming, not 30 feet away from me in the neighboring scrapyard.

I yank Copper's slip knot just as she starts pulling back and snorting.

I hang onto her lead, close the door to the trailer tack room.

And then the thing rolls over us.

I'm looking around and the sand is just WHIRLING around us. Tracing fast patterns on the ground. It was wild.

Copper held it together like a champ. Aside from a little snorting and Big Eyes, she didn't freak out.

Then the thing passes us and moves on.

Copper was SUCH a good girl about it. She was still a little wary afterwards, but she stood fine for me to finish grooming her. I wish this horse would tolerate trail rides, because she is pretty damn unflappable. I'm also glad it was her and not Sierra. Sierra's pretty smart and is getting better about Weird Stuff, but I have a feeling she would have lit out for Mexico if she'd been the one tied to the trailer when it hit.

Anyway, that's a new life experience for my list. I've had tornadoes pass nearby. And I've had dust devils hit the house. But I've never experienced one literally rolling right over me outside. And definitely never with a horse, lol.

[jadewolf-writes]

Because Copper is not exempt from my cosplay shenanigans.

Picked up an inexpensive canvas topped wool saddle pad at Tractor Supply, conveniently matching my duster coat. Made up a pair of stencils and then airbrushed the NCR Ranger bear insignia onto each side. This side came out better than the other one, which ended up with a lot of overspray (I may try to scratch/rub some of it off after it dries later). Airbrushing onto uneven fabric like this is hard, needless to say.

There's a 'fun show' coming up for Fall/Halloween and I fully intend on wearing my NCR Ranger gear for my costume. And even if that doesn't pan out, I'm at least going to try to get someone to take some photos of me and her in costume some other time (because I firmly believe the world needs Rangers on horseback).

Now I just gotta get her desensitized to the helmet and duster coat.

[mesacollie]

Cheated on Copper this morning with this big handsome man. This is Prime Time, who was very tall but very surefooted on some very steep and rocky terrain in the Grand Tetons (and a little foray across the border into Yellowstone) this morning.

This was the big finale of my trip, a three hour ride through the mountains, and it was amazing! Some very, very steep climbs and descents. A few so steep he basically had to jump up three ledges in a row (and also descend them on the loop, as well). A lot more fun than the nose-to-tail tourist rides they offered within Yellowstone. This outfitter does a great job, too. 10/10, would ride with them again (and will be recommending them to equestrian friends who might come up that way!)

The terrain itself, in addition to having some challenging spots, was utterly beautiful. Up through the lodgepole pines, with several water crossings (one right next to a small waterfall cascade), and then to an open meadow full of wildflowers overlooking the Snake River. Saw lots of bear sign (clawmarks on trees), but no actual appearance of the big grizzly whom they call "Huckleberry" who lives in the area. Found elk tracks too, but the elk were also awol. But it was still gorgeous, just the same. Also, since it was just the wrangler and myself on this ride, I helped her out with a little trail clearing to move a couple deadfall logs that had blown down across the trail in the storm the other day. Glad I brought my leather work gloves, ha! The real challenge was getting back on, given this guy is like a foot taller than Copper. But I channeled my old days riding eventing TBs and dragged my old ass up there unassisted just the same.

And when the ride was over, I immediately got in the Jeep and made the six hour drive to Provo where I am comfortably staying the night (with an indoor, private bathroom! And air conditioning! And wifi!!) before heading the rest of the way home.

And that's me on this big boy.

[mesacollie]

My Equilab year end review!

I'm laughing at my 'top speed.' That was Copper spooking at a crane (the heavy machinery type, not the avian type) on a trail ride and teleporting at the speed of light. I knew immediately which ride it was when I saw it, lol.

The comparison to last year isn't very accurate, given that I started using the app in around October or November. But this year's stats are pretty accurate. I only missed a recording a handful of rides.

Next year, I hope for ALL of the months to look like August did (though, without the 15.9 mph teleportation-spooking.)

So, looking ahead to 2026...

One of my main goals is to get Sierra trail ready and get a lot of trail miles in. Hoping to maybe do at least one 25 mile LD endurance ride by next winter.

That, of course, is in addition to getting her trained up and developed into a solid Western horse who can compete in ranch classes.

And the stretch goal is to do some cow work, as well.

I feel like my two main goals are not only compatible, but complementary. Conditioning for endurance will improve her fitness and strength for the ranch work. Improving her arena and ranch riding skills will make her a better, saner horse on endurance rides.

Long term end goal: a well-rounded horse that is versatile and reliable.

[mesacollie]

Hey, just passed 500 miles ridden since I started using Equilab in June 2024!

Now, most of that was in the arena. But checking the detailed stats, I've recorded 146 miles of trail riding! Here's hoping the next year sees more trail once Sierra gets trained up a little more.

[mesacollie]

Pretty good trail ride this morning. We had a couple arguments over which direction we were going to take at crossroads, but otherwise she was reasonably well behaved. Walked back to the barn once again on a loose rein about 95% of the way, which is pretty good.

We did a good five miles at a walk, added a little extra to the loop after the water tank. I think next weekend we may go a little farther out, too.

The crossroads thing we're still working on. Copper thinks every crossroad we pass is an opportunity to turn back to the barn and is VERY opinionated about it.

Either that or she made a deal with the devil, as one does at a crossroads, and is worried he'll show back up to collect. She IS a red mare, so it's always a possibility. XD