September horses

With the sole exception of yesterday's post about ruffled saddle pads, all I've written about this month is my Gulf Coast vacation and walking. I've mentioned Sage numerous times, but always in regards to walking.

To be sure, she and I have done a lot of walking this month.

However, that's only been one part of my month at the barn.

After spending the first part of the summer mostly out of the saddle, August and September have brought a return to riding.

I've been splitting my time between my favorite little man, Kaffi...

and Karen's lovely new girl, Luna.

It's been a lot of getting-to-know-you type work in the ring, but we're beginning to venture out a bit, too.

She's going to be a fabulous trail horse.

Historically, the gelding field has been the place for watching horsey shenanigans.

In comparison, the mares are calmer,

quieter,

less exciting.

Not anymore!

I'm not the only who got a baby horse this year. There are a lot of youngsters in this group, and sometimes they get rowdy.

Yee haw!

Not in either field, but up in the show barn are these two new boarders, Jasper and Jasmine.

They are so cute and tiny. I absolutely love them.

A lot of the big horses do not share that affection, but Sage being Sage is completely unbothered by very small equines.

For the record, this is how Sage looks when she is bothered.

Call the rodeo! She's a wild one.

On a sadder note, Heather said goodbye to her beloved old lady, Emma, and Laura's Rhaegar...

and Karen's Sonnet both moved to new homes.

Goodbyes are always bittersweet, but on the whole, September was a very good month at the barn. Here's hoping October will be a lot more of the same.

One million steps and counting

This morning, on the treadmill, I took my one millionth contest step.

Then I took another eighteen thousand or so, just for good measure.

It looks like I have a commanding lead, but given the way the other contenders are loading - and not loading - their steps, it's probably going to come down to the wire. I would not be shocked if I end up in second or third. That would be disappointing, but not devastating. I never, ever thought I'd get to one million steps. No matter what happens, I'm a winner.

P.S. If I do win, I am totally using some of my winnings to buy a new pair of shoes and this shirt!

Challenge accepted

In April 2024, I wrote a post about a new tack trend: Ruffles.

In it, I shared photos of various ruffled tack items and closed with a challenge to my fellow model horse tack makers, specifically Maire Lanzafane. 

I have no idea if Maire saw that post, but her August sales drop included a whole section of ruffled saddle pads.

I was so excited to see them!

Of course, I had to buy one.

It arrived right before I left for Mississippi.

My camera isn't capturing the tiny ruffles, but trust me, they are exquisite.

I also bought a fitted hunter pad...

and an olive green Western pad.

My third, fourth and fifth Maire pads of the year. Apparently, these are the only hobby items I am still actively collecting.

Thank you, Maire, and congratulations. I knew that if anyone could make those in 1:9 scale, it would be you!

Two walk day

Almost every morning, Sage and I go for a walk.

We try to mix things up, at least in regards to tack and training exercises.

For the most part, however, the route is the route, day in and day out.

This morning's walk was especially nice, with bright fall colors...

and an especially confident and cooperative pony.

After we were done, I put her in the field with her friends. Then Karen and I went out to lunch. 

Over our meal, I told Karen that I was thinking of trying a new route. She said that she'd like to do that with Luna. One thing led to another...

Sage's first two walk day!

Instead of sticking to the regular path, we took a right and crossed over the creek. 

Karen and Luna played in the water. I didn't have the right shoes so Sage and I stayed on the bridge.

We made it all the way to the Triple Creek Trailhead without any drama. Next time, we'll go further.

Sage says walks are better with a friend.

I couldn't agree more.

Today was so much fun, and check out my step totals!

There are nine days left in my walking challenge. Anyone want to walk a pony with me?

Vacation wrap-up

About a week before my trip to see Carol, this map crossed my Facebook feed.

My eyes went right to Mississippi. 

"Where you go when you're poor." 

I laughed.

But the truth is, that was a really fun - and much needed - vacation.

Mississippi - and Louisiana and Alabama, too - may be the right place to go if you're poor, but honestly, this didn't feel like a budget vacation. It was a week filled with wildlife, water and the best friend anyone could ever hope for.