Out from the Farm~

It's been a very long while since we've been able to ride any distance without trailering.  Today, was the perfect day - the break before another round of storms & temperatures in the 50's!  I saddled Farah at the tail gate of the Bronco.  There's not a place in the barn safe from rodents - yet.

Looking at the east end of Farah's barn & the Granary~

 It was just beautiful out at the farm, hardly any wind & warm enough I dropped a layer before leaving. When given exploratory decisions, I usually head uphill.  

Correction - Woodchuck/ Ground Hog hole

Janice warned me not to go galloping madly off across the fields, due to the possibility of Farah stepping into a hole like the one above.  These are deep & nasty!  Easily big enough to take a foot & leg at least up to a horses knee.  Disaster at any speed.  The farmers pay to have them removed, but it's expensive & each year usually brings new holes.

Top of the hill~ 1,200 ft.

The views are really amazing!  It almost gives me a feeling of grandeur to have so much wide-open space in all directions.  Since the fields aren't planted yet, I have options that I won't have later on for learning the lay of the land.

Burned Terrace~

These terraces have been recently burned, Farah was unsure of both the look & the smell.  The ones across from her barn are due to be done.  I'll need to be there to be sure she doesn't get frightened.

At the Briar Patch~

We'd left going pretty much south, then turned north, south again & then north.  That put is at The Briar Patch.  I called out for Bill, but he didn't seem to be around.  His horses whinnied at Farah.

Dirt Road!

We were both excited to find a dirt road going a 1/2 mile before becoming gravel.  It's got a very nice hill & we had our Very Best Gallop since leaving WA!  Farah hit 24 & we both loved every minute of it!  As we turned back, she galloped again & the sound of her hooves on the dirt was so wonderful.  She offered to trot on the gravel, but after a way, I pulled her back to a walk.  I just can't wrap my mind around faster speed on that surface.

Heading back~

We made new friends :-) Three kids out in their front yard jumping on the trampoline.  Farah jumped straight up when the oldest jumped into the air! :-)  Farah I'm sure thinking a trampoline was about the most interesting thing she'd seen in a while.

Green Grass!

We circled around the far side of the Timber & creek on our way back, checking out the area we'll be fencing for a pasture.  So nice to see Green - even with snow in the forecast for tomorrow.

South side of Farah's barn~

It was fun to see the barn from the far side of the creek & timber. Once back, I put Farah out on the new Ground Tie.  After following directions & having her drag it across the corn stubble a while.  

Farah on the Ground Tie~

She had no problems with it at all but getting the stake out will be the trick!  I came home happily tired.  A wonderful feeling to know our mare has settled in so well.  I'll be able to ride Iowa back roads once again~