On Our Own~

How sweet it was!  Our first time riding out by ourselves, since I'd sent Farah to WA, two full years ago.  The first year - we rode out with Farah's breeder, from her property.  The last year, we had to trailer to trails.  Not to complain - I'd go to the moon if it meant a ride on the gold girl.

Heading out~

 We had rain most of the day on Saturday, then received a pouring rain in Duvall that evening.  Waking yesterday to crystal clear skies, was a true gift from above!  Linda was kind enough to come by the farm with my helmet.  I'd left it in her trailer, we'd both thought we'd be riding together soon & hope to yet this week.

I finished saddling up as Linda left.  Farah & I followed her out the drive.  Riding onto the tree farm, I hoped to remember the way back out.  I took directions to reverse my Garmin tract - just in case.  I really wanted to check out the Whitehorse Trail.

Onto the Greenway~

 It was almost exactly the same distance to Tin Bridge, from the farm, as it had been from the parking area.  Farah was so funny!  On a loose rein, she hit her swinging walk & we moved out!  The minute there was a place to trot - she took the opportunity!  We cruised right up to 14-mph.  I'd almost forgotten the thrill of feeling her surge of power.

Blocked off~

 Coming to the intersection of the trails, the Whitehorse toward Arlington was still closed.  Probably due to the now old mud slide.  It was such a beautiful section, one I used to enjoy fairly often.  There has been a problem with people going through the gate below onto private property to access the river.

Gate to private property~

With the trail now open down to the river from the tree farm side, there's no reason to go this way.   We turned our usual way - to go over Tin Bridge.  Three people on bikes came over the bridge just before we started across.  They were disappointed the trail was closed on west.  I mentioned involvement in the Centennial Trail Coalition might be something for them to consider.

Over Tin Bridge~

I used the wide-angle on the phone camera.  It distorted the bridge, but sure looks interesting.  On the far side, on such a perfect day, we stopped to admire the views.  I still remember the first time we came this way after a change was made to round bales.  Farah thought the big white balls didn't need to be there!

On to Green Valley~

 Of course, we had to stop for lunch!  Courtney had given me some organic full size carrots & Farah enjoyed them, before turning to graze.  I - on the other hand - had forgotten any snack for me!

Farah having her lunch~

Seeing the trail wide open beyond Cloverdale farm, was a real treat.  All the years of working toward getting this trail open, is finally paying off.  The rude renter, who'd had a manufactured home on the far side, was gone, as was the manufactured.  Now just a vacant space, rapidly becoming overgrown.

West bound toward Darrington~

 As we moved on past the farthest point we'd ridden in forever, Farah perked up even more.  She loves going different places & I could tell she was as interested to see the changes as I was.

Through the "Gap"~

 The new finer grain gravel covering the old railroad ballast makes a huge difference in the footing.  I do wonder how hard it will compact over time.  Shoes are a must, but they always have been.  We were coming to one of of the most beautiful sections of the trail.  The sound of the river was so wonderful.

Farah - North Fork of the Stillaguamish River~

 There was a couple with a dog playing in the water on the far side.  We stopped to watch.  Continuing on, we crossed both bridge #2 & #3.  I would have liked to ride on to see if it was possible to cross Hwy 530.  I don't think any crossing improvements have been made yet.

Straight on toward Hwy 530~

 We continued up to 138th, before I decided to turn back.  Neither of us wanted to, but it was getting later in the afternoon & dark is coming earlier.  I also wasn't sure I'd remember the trails back to where we needed to go.

Heading Back~

 I love the light this time of day, this time of year & in this place.  Part of the reason Farah & I used to stay out so late in the day.  We'd sometimes get back just at dark, as the season progressed.

We trotted!  We galloped!  We blasted & I yelled Yippee at the sheer thrill of her amazing power & speed.  Not up to what had been her very high level of fitness, she still gave me as much as I could have asked for.

I gave her, her head, just to see which way she would go.  I surprised myself in remembering more than I thought I would.  As we came to the last few turns, there was twice she wanted to go the wrong direction.  I think more because she wanted to stay out longer, than anything.

Our Route~

I dismounted at the gate to the farm.  I'd walked a few times, out on the trail too, just to loosen up.

Farah~

Back at the farm, I unsaddled Farah & gave her a short bath.   Too tired to argue over washing her face, I'll leave that to Debi.  :-)   It's so sweet to use the big nice wash stall & have her clean again.  She did let me do a little more around her udder.  Before long, she'll be used to it again.  The tail is gradually lightening.  I hope to find time to pick up some bluing while I'm here.

I have to thank Mel for an excellent shoeing job!  I didn't hear one click, nor did Farah have any difficulty at any speed!  Really wonderful for a farrier's first shoeing!  Thank you, so very much to Debi too, for sharing Farah with me!

Extraction~

 Up early, daughter Courtney took me first, to the Grateful Bread.  Cinnamon roll in hand, we continued to Tractor Supply in Monroe, where we met Linda with her truck & trailer. We arrived to pick up Farah on time.  She'd been moved to a different stall & when she saw me, she knew something was up.  Linda & I loaded the storage boxes with Farah's blankets.  (Courtney had picked up my saddle a day earlier - withstanding a non-stop verbal barrage.)  I looked through Farah's tote, full of brushes I'd never seen.  I removed them & only took what was left of mine - all I'd marked with Farah's name my last visit, when I'd had to look in every other horse's tote to find them.

I'd been told if I did not share Farah's destination, her medical records for the last year would not be released.  Since no lessee can withhold medical records - I had to make more calls than I can count to Pilchuck Veterinary Clinic - to get this straightened out.  A clinic I will never use again.  I had gone in last year & made it clear my mare was on a care/lease.  Somehow, over the last twelve months, my name had been replaced on her records & the lessee shown as owner.   (When I originally purchased Farah, it had taken me months to clear her registration.)

Now, I found myself again going through an unnecessary, time-consuming reiteration of ownership.  This also explained why - when I found out about Farah's trailer loading injury & called for a Vet to check her, they refused to go.  I was told there was no need.  I'd plainly explained I would pay the emergency fee of $175.  Any request from me was ignored.  I'd pleaded Farah just be hosed & walked until I arrived.  Instead, she had been lounged & ridden in the arena.  Talk about feeling helpless...  Especially from 1,700 miles away.

On our way~

Farah loaded right in; we couldn't get on the road quickly enough. Once underway, I felt a huge sense of relief. Back north, friends had invited us to stay, ride & relax for a couple days. Farah was unhappy with me. Leaving horses who'd she'd become familiar with, I'm sure it seemed to her, every time I show up, she has to move.

Farah - smoke filtered sun~

By evening, as we all sat out talking, we could see her demeanor change.  She began to relax, recognizing our old friends & their horses too.  We'd been camping, riding & had enjoyed many good times together.

When I'd asked, Farah's shoeing was at five-weeks.  I'd planned to remove them, once she was at her new destination, on the dry east side of WA.  I'd been incredibly unhappy at the farrier work she'd received & repeatedly asked for a change back to the farrier I'd used.  All to no avail.  Just the day before I left home, I received a text telling me the shoes had been pulled & her feet left untrimmed.  Turnouts were 5/8ths gravel, I cringed - barefoot & gravel are not a good combination.  I made calls trying to find a farrier who could come on such short notice.  I'd really hoped to get in a ride.  Desperate, I thought of an old riding friend who I remembered had, at least at one time, done farrier work.  I messaged Mel & she arranged her schedule to make time for Farah on Sat.

The worst of her unbalanced feet~

I woke early Sat. morning - back to doing horse chores felt SO Good!  I stood & watched Farah eat her breakfast.  Mel found her way to the farm without a problem & was thankful Farah's hooves were left untrimmed.  It gave her the ability to correct the now obvious lateral/medial imbalances.  As you can see from the photo above, there are numerous problems to correct.  White line was beginning to develop & small rocks were imbedded too.

Farah was fine with her front feet, but very nervous as Mel worked on the rear.  Mel took the time to pet & comfort her.  As Mel said;  "She's not being mean, she's just very worried."  This made us think she'd experienced discomfort during previous shoeing's.  It took quite a while to get the job done.  (Mel too, noticed a weakening of Farah's topline & reduction of muscle definition from earlier days.)  We turned her out in the large round pen & watched as she stalked around adjusting to the new shoes & change in balance.  It wasn't long before we could all notice the swing was returning to her hips.  Her stride lengthened, head dropped, neck stretched out & her relaxation was obvious.  I asked Mel about whether I could ride & we all agreed a walking ride would do her good. 

While holding her for Mel, Farah began to bond with me again.  I was forgiven & I can't tell you how that made me feel...  Mel's kindness in making time for us too - was so appreciated.  

Back to WA & Farah Moves On~

 It's been seven long months since my last visit to WA.  It always seems way too long between those hugs & smiles & happy times!  Courtney's family is busy as usual, with a backyard full of projects.  I have my spot already picked out.

The patio~

Ben is working in construction, Mason is a graduate, Cassidy is in her senior year.  Skyla is studying the violin & Josie wants to learn guitar.  Jentry too, never lets the dust settle between her projects!  Her most recent - re-vamping the front flower beds!

Flower beds~

Then, there's a mare I can't wait to get my hands on & a view - I'd like to experience one more time.

2-10-2020

There may be a trip to the Vet & it won't be Pilchuck!  Farah's right hind leg was caught in a closing trailer door, as she was loading.  It slammed into her hock.  If necessary, finally having it looked at will  give me some peace of mind.  My gold girl will be moving to the east side of the state - for the time being.

New views~

She will have wide-open views to enjoy, tons of space & a couple friends to run with.  Shoes pulled & months for her feet to grow back the way she likes them.  No more training, no more arenas, no more endurance or limited distance training rides.  A private farm, old family friends, open country, plenty of trails, mountains to explore & a sunshine climate.

I've taken off the rose colored glasses.  I'd been thinking more of myself & the one or two times a year I might get in a ride.  The angst of the decision has been ongoing.  Those who've commented on Farah's saddened expression - can rest assured she'll have great care & plenty of space.

2019 - In Review~

The end of another year!  Our third - in Iowa!  More changes made, many of my ever lengthening list of to-do's completed!  I made three trips to Washington - the first in January & again in February, to support our Grandson Mason & the Peters family.  The third, late in September, to move Farah.

1-24-19 Insulation~

Butch worked on the insulation in the cabin while I was in WA.  By the end of February, the paneling was going up & inside window trim done.  People stopped by, when they saw us out, to ask about what they thought was a Tiny House!

2-19-19 Mason Beats Cancer!

Grandson Mason is our Super Hero!  Mason exhibited such strength, resolve & determination!  With the support of his family, friends, school & community, he persevered!  His Doctors & the nursing staff were so impressed with his bravery & get-it-done positive attitude!

3-13-19 Tinkle Branch Creek 

The terrible Missouri River Valley flooding started in March.  Tinkle Branch was running bank to bank & kept right on flowing to Keg Creek!  Other homeowners weren't so lucky.

4-10-19 Marking the corners of the two lots~

My priority, was to continue clearing the timbered lots & marsh.  (With Farah in WA) I needed something to keep me busy.  May, Butch bought me a reciprocating saw, making the job both faster & easier!

5-6-19 The Marsh~

It was an incredibly wet, lush, green spring.  The marsh was full of water & I met my first big snapping turtle!

7-7-19 The Explorer & the Bronco

After twenty-years of driving a Bronco, I caved & came home with a Ford Explorer!  So easy to drive, smooth & comfortable.  The Bronco will stay - it will be a classic in 2020!

8-30-19  The Camper Leaves~

Slightly sad & bittersweet, we sold our Arctic Fox.  It had served us well.  Camping with our kids & going to endurance rides.  Finally, our home-on-the-road when we made our move to IA.  We ended up staying in the camper while we remodeled the house.

9-5-19 Cabin 

September, the cabin had a gravel walkway & light post.  April - Butch built a split rail fence along the north property line.

9-10-19 Marsh clearing~

Clearing in the marsh, was well underway.  The piles of  Autumn Olives were stacking up.  Just the worst bush imaginable - with stickers!  I was covered with war wounds!

9-24-19 The Webster's~

Friends from WA drove out, for a visit that was too short!  Lynn & I had ridden many miles together over several years.  Jack had made it possible for us to ride point-to-point long distance rides.  He would drive the truck & trailer, drop us off at one end of our proposed route, then be there to pick us & the horses up at the other end!  We've missed them!

9-28-19 Connie & Farah~

The last of September, I was again in WA.  This time to move Farah from where she'd been down south, to an acquaintance's farm, north.  She's close enough to our daughter's now, I'll be able to visit & ride her when I'm in the state!

10-3-19 The F-350, totaled~

While I was still in WA, Butch's truck was totaled, where it was parked in front of the cabin.  A drunk driver living just up our street, missed the corner & went airborne...   He wasn't seriously injured.  It was a sad end - to a truck we'd enjoyed so much.  The truck pulled the horse trailer with Farah, out from WA & taken us on many adventures.

11-8-19 Butch's new Truck~

Insurance covered a rental truck, until Butch found new wheels.  Another Ford of course!

11-20-19 Agriland

November, Butch started work at Agriland in Malvern.  He kept his morning school bus route!

11-18-19 Clear Views!

As weather cooperated well into fall, I had all the Honeysuckle cut & stacked in the timber.  The Autumn Olive & remaining Honeysuckle in the marsh were down & stacked too!

Christmas morning~

December really impressed us with some spectacular days!  Christmas felt more like an early spring day - rather than early winter.

The end of our third-year & on to the fourth. The Home Place has taken shape.

Past year - 2018~

Merry Gallop!

It was a sunshine & chilly Monday morning!  I arrived at the farm, the horses were loaded.  Mary was riding Oliver, who Farah had only met at a distance in the barn.  We put Farah in front & Oliver behind.  After double checking to be sure we had everything - away we went - picking  up a hot drink for the road.  Driving up Highway 9, I requested a drive along Burn Rd. toward Arlington.  I had a brief glimpse of our old Homestead through the Cedars, so huge, only a corner of the barn roof is visible.

We were the only ones at the trail-head.  I was glad I brought Farah's tack with me.  It was worth the hassle of two bags, for both of us to be totally comfortable.  Her girth was a notch lower than what had been her usual.

As natural as breathing, swinging my leg over & settling back in her saddle...  Farah knew exactly where she was, taking off with her usual determined pace.  The swinging stride more familiar to me than my own walk.  We were - of course - heading for lunch!  

Our first break spot~

I asked many times to stop for photos.  We lead the way onto our old trails, unfamiliar to our riding companions.

Ollie allows Farah's inquisitive nose~

The camera was in it's usual place on the side of my pommel & Farah did her one click wait - before moving on.  Moving up into the trot, our horses decided to be a little competitive!  Way fun!  My time at the Y - has paid off.

Heading up to the top~

Three-years of tree growth had obscured most of the view, from the trail up the back of the mountain.  It was well-cleared & some of the old dips had smoothed out.  Once we were out on the road, Farah wanted to gallop.  Ollie was game, as the gallop became a run :-)  I asked Farah to slow as we were reaching the crest of the hill & she did.  Only one slight side-ways look at an old stump.

First view of the monument~

Maybe because it's been so long, we both enjoyed this view more than ever.  Dropping her head to graze, Ollie was allowed to graze too.  We were sitting on the seats, eating our lunch when Ollie decided to do a little trot right past us!  We both jumped up at the same time.  To his credit, he stopped, but was looking off toward the far trail.  Farah had raised her head, but we decided to keep them in hand.

Farah enjoys "lunch"~

I wanted some photos of us, it was such a perfect early fall day.

Us, Puget Sound & the Islands~

Mary & Oliver~

Farah & Ollie - "Friends"?

We took the trail back around the side of the mountain.  I love the section through the big woods.  Mary was taking photos, while Farah & I just drank in this place & time.

On the Trail~

We came out at the Lake McMurray overlook.

Lake McMurray~

I couldn't believe how much the trees had grown since our last visit!  It won't be long, until the view is totally obscured - unless the tree farm management does some trimming.

Through the forest~

Further along the trail, we did get a look back at the lake~

Second view~

We took the long way down the hill & down what I'd always called our running hill.  We toured the east side trails.  It was late in the day by now, we turned back at the bottom.  I could feel Farah getting ready to do her blast!  I asked Mary if she was game for a run & she was!  We took off & started flying!  We know every inch of that run so well.  When we hit the dip - Farah launched herself into the air & we hit 24 mph on the steep uphill grade.

Reaching the top, we pulled up & watched as Mary & Oliver came flying up!  Oliver was determined Farah was Not going to get away from him!

Through the last stand of timber~

It was so stunning, as we were heading back to the trailer, with the sun setting through the trees.  Once back, the horses got a bit of wet mash.  Farah always accepts food.  We were both starved & stopped for dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Arlington.  

Once back at the farm, we put the horses away.  Both seemed totally happy with our day's ride & started in on their hay.  I was a bit late getting back to Courtney's!