We almost made it...

We walked...and we walked...and we trotted some...

even managed a bit of a tight bouncy canter...

But too many low hanging limbs and knee knocking trees ...

 We wandered up and down the trails...

back and forth...

Wow there are so many trails...which way to go?

Finally we crested a big hill...and THERE IT WAS!!!!

Folsom Lake and the dam far off in the distance.

Surely SOMEWHERE the trail leads down to the lake.

I opted to turn back at this point since Falcon was a little sore in his bare feet.

Also we had been out for 30 min and he had been well behaved.

I didn't want to push my luck.  As it was he tripped once and went down, bumping his chin.

I was amazed that I stayed on through that one.

On the way home we encountered a jeep, but they were polite 

slow and quiet until we passed.

Falcon also was polite and stepped off the trail to allow several riders to pass.

Another AWESOME One Hour ride in beautiful weather.

Next week I need to take my old GPS and see if I can map my trails since I have no clue where I am going back in those woods of never ending trails.

Maybe I should start writing a book!

Presently the time spent with my ponies has been severely limited.  I really should not complain because I DO have a decent job that pays well so that I can support my "PASTURE POTATOES!"

But if I could write a book about my days of "Interim Management" for the last 4 months...it might be quite an interesting tale to some.  The picture below most likely does not have any meaning to any of my blog readers-it is only a representation of the fact that we often share our instruments with the Main O.R. across the parking lot.  But it amounts to a large amount of headache for my job when trying to keep track of where everything is and making sure everyone communicates well.

 Below are some pics of my cat Lexi

She represents some of my expressions that I no doubt use at work when given information that I don't particularly like!  : )

"I don't want to HEAR it!  Speak to the HAND!  : )

"YOU ARE KIDDING ME!...NO we cant add on another surgery...I have to go ride my HORSES!"

(So that I can break my OWN bones!)

"That's IT...I am OUTA HERE!"

An Arrow...

I feel like I am always starting over, never quite reaching my goal...

An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it's going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.

Yayyy

My new saddle is on its wayyyyy!
A hornless Wade...with the lighter weight endurance skirting/stirrups
...now...hopefully it FITs the beast!

On the Trail

Today I worked some energy out of Falcon in the round pen then put a saddle on him.
Then I lunged him in the arena and climbed aboard.  After a few boring rounds in the hot sun...yes it was HOT today  " ) -maybe 73 degrees or so I decided I was going to go out on the trail.  No one was around to ride with either...

 He was a little snorty on the lane and the first portion of the trail, but after that he was pretty relaxed.
I am probably crazy for riding him out on the trail alone since this is only my third time on him in 4 years.  But that is how we started back in '07, alone...so it will be ok this time around too.  We mostly walked...with a little bit of trotting.  I am not sure I like this Big Horn saddle, but maybe it just needs to be broken in.

How many times can you say whoahhhhh?  LOL...

When I was thin...

I used to say I would never wear riding tights if I had a big butt or stomach...

Now I feel like this!...

AND
I wear riding tights, (even though I have trouble in the "extra groceries" department) because they are the most comfortable thing to wear when riding!

I am trying to add a page to my blog-but am having trouble with it.  So for today I need to publicly say that I am indeed making a conscious effort to get back in shape.  I have to be accountable to someone besides myself.  This last week I made a considerable effort with a total of:
32 miles-bike riding
2- 30 min. sessions of elliptical followed by crunches and arm weights
And
12 miles worth of walking.

Is there such a thing as TONED FAT?

Happy February