Overdue Visit ~

Here we are, back to sunshine after a miserable weekend of bitter cold temperatures, along with 15 mph winds & snow!  It's felt like we've been on a teeter/totter - up/sun - down/cold!  Since today was the up before the next round of forecast snow for tomorrow, Farah & I headed out.

On our way~

 It was supposed to be about 50 degrees, but with the wind, I ended up putting on my jacket & wearing it the entire ride. I'm still not over the wonder of having such a nice place for Farah.  Our own little barn, all our things organized in one place again & friends to share the fun with.  I've ridden more in the last couple weeks than I have since we made the move.

Our way south~

The other super thing - is that we're no longer dependent on whether the trails are open. We both enjoy heading south from the barn, Farah loves snacking on the fresh grass that's now growing in all directions!  It's still been too wet for the farmers to disk the fields, so we reap the benefits.

Old Buildings~

There are fewer & fewer old buildings in the countryside now.  So many people are driving around looking for them, then offering the owners money to tear them down & salvage or repurpose the lumber.  So sad to think of them disappearing, a part of Americana gone forever...  I guess saving the lumber is better than letting it dry rot.

Sign at the Briar Patch~

I'd been wanting to ride to Jean's for a visit, but our timing had been off - until today!  We arrived just as she returned from town & Farah was soon giving pony rides to the Grandchildren!

Pony Rides!

There was a little slipping sideways in the saddle, but to see the huge smiles was just so much fun.  No Fear here!

Another smile~

The school bus came & left us with another young horsewoman of the future!  Soon, Farah was not only trimming the lawn, but eating cookies & carrots out of these little hands.  Next, they were pulling grass for her to eat & I was amazed that she was so good about taking it.

A totally wonderful afternoon!  Our so-called training has been taking second place to just enjoying the ride!

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~