My New Saddle

Here's a picture of my new saddle. It's really supposed to be for Wishes, but Colbert is trying it out. It comes with the CAIR system by Wintec, which allows you to change out the inner structure to fit just about any horse. Because Colbert is a Quarter Horse type, he requires a much wider bar than that of the standard English saddle. It is also made of a material that expands or deflates with air - kind of like a "Tempur-Pedic" mattress - to better fit the contours of each individual horse's back. They normally sell for over $1,000.00, but I got this one off of Ebay for $580.00, and supposedly, it had only been used 2 or 3 times previously. It was in near-perfect condition.

The other picture is Rachel saddling up Eric's (mom's) horse, Sawyer, with Eric's very awesome Aussie saddle.

Deonna and Colbert

Boy, for a blog that is supposed to be about Wishes, she never gets any ink! I just had to share this adorable pic of my good friend, Deonna Hickey, riding Colbert. This horse-sharing business is such a great idea because Colbert gets extra work-outs, and more trail experience!

My Old Saddle

Okay, one more pic. Eric took this pic of me riding Colbert out on the trail a couple of weeks ago. This is my old saddle, that was way too big for me. Good pic, though.

Horse Swappin'

Eric and I have worked out a nice little arrangement where we let each other borrow the other's horse if we want to go trail riding with a friend. Eric and I go out to Shiloh on different days now, so this little arrangement is a good way to get our horses out exercising more often during the week. Last Saturday, Betsy borrowed Eric's horse, Sawyer, and we had a BLAST riding in the desert around Shiloh. The next day, he had his lovely friend, Megan, borrow Colbert for a group ride. Here is a pic of Megan on Colbert, and dare I say, she looks better on him than I do!

Pooooor Little Weeeshes!

I went out early today to try my new saddle on Colbert, only to find my poor little Wishes had a nasty puncture wound on her right, front leg. Her leg was swollen to almost 3 times its normal size, and she could barely limp around. Once Sabine got out to the ranch, she helped me clean it up and sterilize it. Then, Jill and Sally arrived and gave her a dose of anitbiotics. She'll be on anitbiotics for the next 3 days. After giving her the medication and some "bute" to ease the pain, she was walking around much easier, and even attempted to trot (she spooks easily around the Mesquite trees).
On a lighter note: I LOVE MY NEW SADDLE!!!!! I will have to borrow Rachel's camera and take some pics tomorrow (hopefully). Colbert seemed to like it too, as he was much more calm out on the trail. He may just be getting used to trail riding, though. The saddle was so comfortable for me that I had no fatigue in my knees or seat upon my return after an hour-long ride. Yeah!!!!!

More pics from Eric!

What would I do without my buddy Eric taking all these great pics for me? I would not have a blog, that's for sure! Thanks again, Eric. You rule! Look at Wishes...as big as her boyfriend now! And here's a nice pic of Wishes and Colbert together. My two sweethearts! Is there anything better than having your own horses? I think not. Except maybe eating a candybar while you're riding your own horses - simultaneously!

BACK HOME!

It's been forever since I've posted anything on my two sweethearts, but I'm happy to report that we are back at Shiloh. The new place didn't work out, and we returned to Shiloh after just one month. I wanted to post these adorable pics that were taken by Eric and/or his friends. Wishes is enjoying a nice roll after they had just washed her off! Funny girl.