Icy Sandridge

The puppies had visitors today, Jackie and Beth brought over Rick Jame's owner Tarah to see the puppies he sired. We just had to say, "didn't Rick do good!" while cuddling and holding the puppies.
After they left I headed back up to the barn to see the progress Mark and Karin were making on cutting and laying trailer mats.

The trailer will be ready to go to the fair, Mark was able to finish the job by noon.
Tabitha Packard and her 2 girls Hunter and Avery arrived to pick up Phoenix. Phoenix is Sally's colt by Evan. Before loading him into the trailer Karin got Eliza, Anna, Zalena and Jenis out for a trail ride on the death trails. Once the mares were tacked up the girls warmed up the horses in the indoor arena.

 Above is (I think) Hunter on Zalena and below is Avery on Jenis.

Both girls were balanced riders with soft hands and good seats. We were very pleasantly surprised with how well they could handle the mares. Too bad they don't live nearer, we could put them to use! Below they are heading out to the death trails. Rhoda had Ella lead the way as she knew where the icy parts were.

Behind Ella is Tabatha riding Eliza, Avery riding Jenis, Hunter riding Zalena while Karin on Anna brought up the rear. The ride went well, all survived. The creeks were frozen but the horses punched through in a few spots. While they were out on the trails Mike took Emily and Sheena out to see how fast she could run while ponying her with the 4 wheeler.

This is not a recommended training method but Sheena handled it well. Mike reported he only went half speed around 20 miles an hour. He feels she could easily go 40 miles an hour even with a rider.
Once the trail riders made it back and Tabitha was on her way home with Phoenix, Mike, Karin, Emily and Rhoda loaded up Mika, Bunni, Indy and Sheena to go to Sandridge for a fast trail ride hoping the sand would still be soft. The fast part didn't work out well, the trails were covered by ice and it turned out to be a slow trail ride. They called that ride a bust.
The next picture is of Lily's colt by Valiant at 1 day old. He loves to be scratched and will follow me around as I'm trying to clean the stall to get it. I had to wait to get the picture when he was occupied by rubbing his front legs, otherwise I could only get his face as he was right in my face each time I tried to snap the picture.

Emma climbed in with the puppies and was surrounded. She is actually spending less and less time with them depending on me to satisfy their ever present hunger. They are quickly outgrowing the box.