Here comes the rain, da, da, da, da....Happy Earth Day

The farrier came to trim everyone's feet today. By the time he was done, and we had Rolex and Harley tacked up, the rain began to fall in earnest. The forecast calls for the rain for the entire week, so we decided we'd tough it out and get in a short ride. We rode for about 30 minutes--just a little jaunt up the power line (our version of the Tevis Cup cliffs) and over Big Bump. By the end of the ride, rain was dripping off my helmet and my thighs were quite wet. I finally used my Cashel saddle cover which kept my ancient, but well-loved, Crosby Mark VI saddle high and dry. Thanks for the cover, John!

Ruffy watching me take flower photos

 I bought that saddle back during college, many moons ago, and used it for lessons as well as my summers spent trail riding at camp. Using it on wider-withered horses seems to have broadened it a bit, but it's so comfortable! With the cut-back, it seemed to fit many of the different shaped horses I rode. I think back to when I bought it for $350 and nearly choke at what people pay now for a saddle, especially when I look at the poor quality of the stitching, and they're priced over a grand! One of the unusual things about this saddle is the lack of knee rolls and thigh blocks. It provides nice close contact and works for people with different thigh lengths. I'll use it until it, or I, wear out.

Speaking of tack, we spent Friday morning at the Dover Saddlery Tent Sale in Plaistow, NH. Always a dangerous enterprise, we shopped wisely and only bought "wicked good deals", plus I had a gift card to use! John picked up a nice wool cooler for $35, and I found a $20 pair of Composite Reflex stirrups with hopes that the wider foot bed will alleviate foot pain/numbness. I also need boots with stiffer soles--I'd never buy another pair of Ariats! You can literally fold them in half and poke a finger up into the sole, plus I hate the elevated heel--not good for hiking with your horse! I know--they are called paddock boots because that's where you're supposed to use them. Any recommendations on stiffer-soled paddock boots or other all terrain footwear? Anyone tried Blundstones? Ariat seems to have cornered the market.


 After the shopping spree, we went to barn to try out our new gear and get in a ride with such lovely weather. Ruffy needs to spend time going over damp drainages. So we went to her usual "hot spot" and then did the Lollipop Loop ride. Bit I called a halt so I could photograph some delicate wild columbine growing alongside the trail. A sure sign of spring and a great hummingbird flower. On today's ride, we passed dwarf ginseng, but I didn't have my camera due to the rain!

American Columbine