Valiant Does the Trails

Beautiful weather today, the day we have been waiting for with sunshine, upper 60s, light breeze and plenty of outside work. Right after the walk I ran to TEMCO to pick up the Berean mail then to Sam's to pick up the Berean meal.  Rhoda and Iris got here right after I got home. Rhoda came to work Beautiful Lisa the new mare. She worked her first in the round pen then brought her inside to saddle, bridle and do some ground driving. She was so good, Rhoda sat on her and even then she was quiet and willing so she walked her around in the indoor a bit.

 We were well pleased with her quiet willing demeanor. She was put back in the paddock and we went in to feed Iris.  She is such a happy baby. 

 Rhoda didn't stick around too long as Iris was going to need a nap. Karin and Sue arrived after work and today was the day they were going to try Valiant and Galena riding together. That went very well in the outdoor arena, so well they decided to take these two out on the trails.

 Rebekah arrived and pulled out Oksana. I asked them to pose for a few pictures while we were waiting for the other two to come back from the trails.  

 Rebekah met the other two up by the big field and the 3 horses walked back to the barn together. 

 Valiant got a little excited at first but settled down and led the way home without causing any trouble.

 Karin said that Valiant likes crossing the creeks, plows through the water and nothing seemed to bother him on the trails. She said he would even lead the way.  We are really really happy with that stallion.  After Galena and Valiant were put away, Tory and Anna were pulled out to join Oksana. Karin rode Oksana, Rebekah asked to ride Tory and Sue rode Anna for the last trail ride of the day. 

 Mark got home from work about the same time and today he wanted a little help with putting the log splitter back on the tractor. I took his golf cart over to where he was going to be splitting with his chain saw and met up with the riders coming back.  Below Karin is asking Oksana to canter and of course at this point they all try the no hands game. 

 Rebekah and Tory went next. 

 Sue circled Anna before taking off. 

 They met up at the end and made their way home. Notice Sue talking with her hands. They were having quite the conversation. 

 Below Karin must be answering Sue with her hands. 

The logs Mark was working on were filled with poison ivy vines. I did not end up helping with the wood splitting.  Thankfully Mark doesn't seem to get poison ivy. We had a late supper then Joan, Ruth and I met over at mom's to play Mexican train. The game is fun but the fellowship is even better.  I'm very thankful that Mark and I live out here, close to family.  

The update on Spark is he was released from the hospital late morning and as soon as they let him out, he and Rhonda headed down to Gulf Shores. They really believe Spark will be fine. There doesn't seem to be any answers why transient global amnesia happens but when it does it is really scary. It so closely resembles a stroke or TIA.