Me or the shovel?

Bob's undecided about Red--he'd really like to keep him. But he saw for the first time today the behavior that scares me. He was helping with barn chores inside the loafing shed, while I was outside with the horses shoveling the cement path. Out of nowhere, Red charged at me (maybe it was the shovel, not me he was after?) He came very close, but luckily stopped without touching me. I initially shrunk into myself, then realized that was no good so I took the shovel and hit him in the chest with the flat side. Then he turned his butt to me as if to kick and I got out of there. I'm just never prepared when he pulls this stuff.

Winding down summer

I took a vacation day and it drizzled all morning. So we transplanted an apple tree closer to the house so it's easier to water. The last few weeks I've been busy with some painting projects, remnants of remodeling 2 years ago.

But I have been spending a couple days a week with Sparkler. Sometimes I'll just saddle her and walk her out of the pasture around our drive and down the road a bit, hoping to get her used to road traffic. On the way back I make sure she just waits as we get close to the barnyard. Even as Red whinnies for her, she doesn't seem in a hurry to get back. I'll drop the reins and step off. She stands. I'll slam the doors of the cars in the drive. At first she really spooked at that. Now its just a little flinch.

Options for Red

Kate trimmed hooves today and we had a conversation about options for Red. She knows of a trail trainer in Colfax. Maybe she could give him a month of training next spring then take him to auction?? It's worth considering.

Toe Shields

Since my summer has been miserable with twice broken toes, I went looking for steel toed shoes. I found a pair online for around $30 at Walmart. They're just low cut sneaker-type shoes. Not pretty but they'll do the trick.

Trip to Menomonie

I'm continuing my search for a horse to replace Red, so the girls took another road trip. This time it was Dawna plus Vicki and Karen. We visited Tony in Menomonie.

Tony is just the nicest guy. Vicki's known him for a long time from trail rides past. He was surprised when Vicki turned up. He showed us his 5 year old palomino Walker and a black and white spotted Walker.

The palomino was a very pretty horse, but still too green to my liking.

The spotted horse was really friendly and well broke but a bit on the small side, especially if this is to be Bob's horse.

Tony also has mules. We had a blast in the pasture with them milling about us - they are just adorable.