Pup stuff and riding

It's getting close to the time the pups will start leaving for their new homes. The exodus starts tomorrow, this little beauty, named Gypsy by her owners, will be going tomorrow.

On the 29th, I'll be delivering Chase, and maybe Tag and Nick too. Mid April will see Carol's pup, the female who is now named Pippin, as well as Roper and Cinch, whose new owner has changed his name to Phoenix. Try will be with us for a bit too, probably mid April as well. That leaves Quinn, who is still for sale. Can't believe he is the last one to be picked! Sure you don't want a pup? Yes, you! If you are in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana or Idaho, delivery can be arranged! Actually it won't break my heart to keep him around for a while, he is a really cool pup.

Sunday I pick up my new pup, her name is Hicountry Amber. Not sure if I'll call her Amber, we'll see.

Riding weather is back, it's almost spring. The horses are picking at the new grasses that are coming up, shedding out, and pretty full of themselves. I got Rio's teeth done yesterday, they definitely needed doing. He had one retained partial cap and still has the 2 center bottom baby teeth to shed. He was pretty uneven, and was also out on the right side on the poll, so that got an adjustment. Also took advantage of the sedation to clean the beans out of his... um.. you know! 3 of them, and even with the sedation he was a little grumpy with that. Went riding today, Shayla rode Beamer and I rode Rio; I think it will take him a couple of rides to realize that his mouth is more comfortable now.

He sure is laid back, even thought he is a whole hand taller than his sire, Beamer can out walk him- in fact Rio's trot is Beamer's walk! Sure enjoyed the ride.





 Cars and cows were no problem, and we did a couple of training tricks; I had Shayla get ahead of me a ways and lope off. It went not too bad, he did speed up and get worried after a bit, but nothing major. Then I turned around and rode away from Beamer, which was no problem... until... a Very Scary little white dog and its owner were coming down the road, and the closer it got the more Rio's anxiety climbed; I think his eyes were as big as saucers! He let out a rippin' snort and right about that time he could hear Beamer loping up behind us, so he started dancing around, not sure which way to go, poor boy! Once Daddy Beamer was along side he got a little braver and allowed as how the little dog could come close and check him out- the lady walking him was very good, kept calm and kept her dog well behaved.
Rio's evasions are so easy to handle compared to some horses I've ridden. It's a good thing he is basically a laid back horse!
Meanwhile, back at the farm, Josie got to have her very first time alone with no other horses around. I put her in the stall while we rode the boys, and gave her a little grain; she is in a growth spurt and could use a little extra- she turns one year old tomorrow. She did really well, only one whinny just before we left the yard, and when we returned. It looked like she spent her time at the hay feeder, she wasn't worked up or sweated up at all- good girl Josie!

A photo from earlier in the day at turn out time.