Saturday, August 31, 2024

Saturday At Middle Grove

 At 7:30 am Braelyn sent a text that anytime I was willing she and the girls that spent the night would be glad to help tack up horses. That worked out well. I went out pretty quickly, had Missy tacked up and put Cookie in the outdoor arena so Missy would realize she was not on her own. Anna arrived about then and took over with giving each of the girls a ride on Missy. I didn't take any pictures, hopefully Anna did. I left then to load up the golf cart with saddles, pads and bridles to take to Middle Grove. Those were loaded into mom's wheel chair van. 

\
Mom and I were on the road by 10:00 am. We joined Ruth and Fedi's family including Rebekah, Brian and their 5 children, Joan's family including Jacob and Hannah and Chelise, Bethany, Joshua, William, Daisy and Anni.  Diane and Mike and Dan and Susan were also there. Ruth picked up Nancy last night and she got to stay with Joan in her motorhome. Most were out swimming when we arrived. The jeep was loaded with the saddles then Bethany, Berlica, Diane and I joined Mike in the jeep and we took off to find the herd. We drove all over the winter pasture before we found them.

They tacked up Mika, Blueberry, Sangria and Dancer then Mike fly sprayed all the horses before mounting up.
Three different videos were taken of the trail ride as I don't have a program to splice videos together right now. The first part is as they leave the herd to head to the summer trails. This first video shows how steep the hill is that we must climb when we can't find the horses. Coming down the hill in the jeep my hands were clenched so tightly I wasn't sure if I would be able to open them. Kind of like one of David's mighty men with the sword. 
Part 2 if the lake crossing. While we were waiting for the horses to cross a big bald eagle flew overhead. Joan was fishing and caught 2 bass. Dancer was trying to get out of the lake and up on the shore, lunged more than once and tossed Berlica off. Berlica was fine but I was so glad it wasn't a beginner on her. Mike thought it was the big rocks under the water and wants to map those out so he knows a better path.
And part 3 is a change of riders. Mike riding Blueberry, Hannah riding Mika, Rebekah riding Sangria and Faith riding Dancer. This is the first time Blueberry went on the trails with a rider and the first time Mike has ever cantered this very fast Thoroughbred mare. 
Joan, Ruth and I were able to get mom down the hill and into the pontoon boat and all that wanted to come joined us.
After the boat ride mom we took mom back up to the campsite. Joan took the motorhome over to Tim Meisters to fill the fresh water tank. It is tight trying to turn that big RV around and heading down that steep hill but Joan has no fear.
Then it was time for us to go swimming. Mark had driven in and went swimming with us. The lake water was perfect. Diane took some of the kids tubing. I took the videos from up at the campsite so they aren't very clear.

As a special treat Joan brought out the cotton candy machine, turned on the generator and made cotton candy for all.

Mark and I started collecting wood for the fire for supper. 
Joan grilled hamburgers over the fire and made two big pots of corn on the cob. After supper I took mom home where Karin was waiting with the hot tub all ready. Mom had a wonderful day but was glad to get home to relax in that wonderful soothing hot tub.  If interested in seeing the rest of the pictures (lots of horses pictures along with the rest) click HERE
It was a wonderful day with perfect weather. We couldn't ask for anything more!




No comments:

Post a Comment