What's that green stuff???

Boots, where's your avatar picture from? It looks just like the one hanging in my kitchen of where we used to live in Long Island.

I envey you people that live in the South.  It is cold, wet, rain and snow that last few days.  I don't even go out to see horses.  Husband takes care of them in the winter and I take care of them the rest of the year.

As far as driving my own rig.  I had to from day one.  Kids joined 4H and showed quite abit.  We had a gooseneck back then.  Then we went to a motor home and a two horse pull.  I like that.  Home on wheels.  I will not rough it anymore.

Andrea 

Shawn, that green stuff would be winter rye that my horses are about to enjoy.  The avatar is taken from the intersection of Trout Creek and the St. Johns River in St. Augustine, Fl.  (In November I think).

 Andrea, my better half suggested that a motor home would pull a two horse comfortably - but I was a tad nervous about it.  But you're right about the comfort level....there's no comparison. 

I opted for the most for my horses and a modest week-end package for the two of us....which often ends up being the 3 of us... me plus the two horses!  LOL!  (No fault of the better half....he's on the road most of the time!  That would be working....of course! HA!)

Shawn, Where on Long Island did you live? I grew up in Miller Place in Suffolk County.I lived there for 18 years and graduated from Port Jefferson High.I then moved upstate near Saratoga. Have a super-dooper weekend, everyone! PJ

I grew up in Huntington, out in Lloyd Harbor and out on the North Fork. We had a home looking west on Peconic Bay. I went to Cold Spring Harbor HS. I rode with Don Sachey's mom, Dot at Cherry Meadow Farm and also had horses at home.

Thanks, OBD!  Good suggestions.

We moved my girl to the barn Monday and the trainer started working w/her Wednesday, starting w/groundwork.  We'll be in the arena 'til the weather clears up (which could be months from now).  This horse was started by a guy who doesn't use the calf at all for cues (aids?), just from the butt to the knee.  Naturally I learned the squeeze-with-the-calf method, so trainer and I will be introducing Lucy to the feel of the calf.  Should be interesting!

Mary 

 Boots... all I can say is... check out my sig! Shorts!

It sounds as if you guys are enjoying yourselves. Good! I am, too. Grumbling, a bit, is good for the soul.

 Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Hey i am not 50 ..actualy i am 13..but i hope to be like all you 50+ when i am your age..still loveing and riding horses like theres no tomorrow! :)

Keep Riding!

lExi_aNNE13:

Hey i am not 50 ..actualy i am 13..but i hope to be like all you 50+ when i am your age..still loveing and riding horses like theres no tomorrow! :)

Ya, but don't take a no horse vacation!!!!  If you read the posts, many say they were into horses as a kid then got out for whatever reason (I got a real job and raised my kids), then got back into horses when they were older.  So you go girl, keep on riding!!!!!!

 I also envy those with decent weather all year!  The barn where I board has an indoor arena so I do ride all year but sometimes the weather prevents me from making the 35 minute trip.  I also have to layer-up to stay warm and some days I have so many layers that it's difficult to mount!!!  I did just get some coveralls and it cuts down on the layers without losing warmth and I LOVE that.  I'm not sure how to get over the guilt I feel at removing Duke's blanket though!  Hopefully he feels the apples are worth the cold!!

Lets post some things we do to help make riding easier and funnier as we get older.

I went to a paso fino from a quarter horse.  Gaited and small.

I use trail stirups with cushion in them. Better balance and softer.

I use a soft cushion on my saddle seat.

 I have my horse use to all kinds of saddle bags.  Because I seem to have to carry more stuff.  Food , water, candy, extra shirts and socks.  LOL  Never know when your feet are going to get wet.  Or you are going to spill something on you.

 I use a professional choice back brace.  My posture is not real good and this keeps me straight in the saddle.  My back does not hurt anymore after riding a long time.

I always wear a helmet.  I do not want my hubby to have to look after a invalent.  Never did this in my younger days.

I string beads and put them in my horses mane and tail.  It is just alot of fun. Instead of decking out you little girls hair you deck out your horse's. 

Went to a motor home.  More room and more comfy.  And can takes my dogs with me.  Which are my children now.

I know I will think of more later.  Can you all add some?   Happy trails, Andrea

Gee Andrea, none of us use anything different than when we were young.

 Just kidding. I went from 16.1hh thoroughbreds to 14 hh Connemaras. They can do anything the TB could have done. Even though the ponies are shorter, I still need my mounting block now. I didn't need a mounting block back then. Just wish the 50lb feed bags and hay bales were lighter now.

 Oh my -- ditto on the feed bags & hay bales   And a weird thing - the bags of shavings are supposed to be lighter (at least that's what the label states)  .... but I swear they feel a lot heavier than they did 8 years ago when I started keeping my horses at home   And water has gotten heavier too - same buckets as 8 yrs ago, but now I fill only to the 3/4 mark .  And I moved down a size in muck buckets too - manure must have gotten heavier

I still ride my 15.3 QH but ALWAYS need a mounting block -- ALWAYS do some stretches before riding -- ALWAYS need a nap after riding -- and VERY OFTEN need some ibuprofen too    

andrea1951:

I string beads and put them in my horses mane and tail.  It is just alot of fun. Instead of decking out you little girls hair you deck out your horse's. 

How do you do that?  It would be so fun to have little bangles in Bri's mane and tail!

YOu know those little beads that have holes in the middle of them.  My grandaughter makes bracelets out of them.  Anyway.  I just string them and tie them in my horses mane and tails.  I have alittle paint paso.  And she lookes like a little decorated indian pony with them on.  My saddle is black.  Blanket is red and black.  I string red and black beads.  If the flies are not bad and I do not have a knited fly hat on her i put them in her forelock also.  She looks so cute.  LOL