The Arizona Ride Pushed Back

After the decision that April was too soon I excused myself from all of the Arizona Trail plans, but to my excitement and surprise the trip is still on as originally planned with the departure date pushed back!

We had ridden Brad frequently and it was nearing my self imposed deadline of one month. After a final test ride to see where time and riding had taken us my daughters decision was that he needed more of both before he would be "A Grandson Horse" and since she is The Mom that was the final answer.

One more ride with Brad and to tell Amber he would be going back. She had ridden him on most of our trial rides and had fallen in love so now she is giving Brad a chance to see how he will fit in, his short stay here has most likely found him a wonderful home and a boy of his own. I on the other hand am still looking. (I love that there are horse owners who would rather see a horse in his perfect home than demand money now and let the chips fall where they may)

Brad made his ride and was his normal solid self on the trails. But the weekend was wrought with drama, before leaving the camp an elderly gentleman had two falls from his mule, the last one sending him to the ER (he is home now). All of this was like deja'vu  of when Cookie fell from her mule in camp and broke her arm. I would say I stayed in camp for her, but it was as much my nerves as hers that were shaken. And day two just didn't happen which was probably for the best. I did end up walking a long stretch of hiking trail and found that I was in much better shape than I had been just two months ago, very encouraging indeed. I am headed out today to hike and ride  more while we have this unseasonably warm weather for an Oklahoma January.

I would have never guessed when I pulled the shoes off of Cheerio that I would have ridden so much in January, OR THAT he would have done so very well in the rocks for so many days and hours without them. The weather has made me feel double minded, my goal is to ride more so all of this sun and warm temps have played into riding often and long. But the plan was to go to the gym so I could increase my stamina and body control and what I have not had was the endurance to do both. 2011 was the most sever drought in Oklahoma history and the lack of winter moister has been alarming and I have to say I am ready for some wet and cold, for a week or two at least.

I am making small adjustments to my eating habits and doing better on most days. Walking with more regularity, but I still need to get serious about the gym and find where I am so I can workout without making myself too sore. But for today I will ride!