a weekend of horses: Saturday edition

Well, it's been a while since I've done back-to-back days...last time was at the Prescott Chaparral ride in April.

To start, Mimi got to go out on trail on Saturday for her idea of a "proper" ride. (We were supposed to be babysitting, but the "baby" in question was so solid, we didn't have much "sitting" to do.)

A and Patrick, featuring Rearguard Pony Ears

 A is a fellow endurance rider, and always game to try a new place to ride, so when I offered Mimi's babysitting services if she wanted to take her young horse out and explore a new-to-her place, she was thrilled with the idea.

(And I'm grateful she was willing to come all the way down from the north Phoenix area and chauffeur us around as well.)

Taking blatant advantage of Mimi's ability to keep trucking
down the trail while I do stupid stuff, including taking pics
on a more interesting section of downhill.

 A also brought along her FreeForm saddle for me to try. (Networking. It's a beautiful thing. I've managed to check off three of the four saddles on my "would like to try" list...and really don't have major complaints about any of them. That's helpful. *eyeroll*)

Hard to compare apples-to-apples, as I've only tried the Sensation on Mimi on the flat, versus doing trail work and then coming back and doing "flat work" in the trailhead parking lot. Would like to try the Sensation out on trail on her, since the other times I've ridden the Sensation have been on Other People's Horses. (Nothing like trying something on the horse whose every step I know.)

beautiful San Tans

 It's also been at least a few months since we'd been down to the San Tans. It's pretty much my favorite place to ride around the Valley and the pony seems to be pretty partial to it too. I wonder why...how many hours and miles have we logged down here at this park?

"Babysitting Duties": One ear swiveled back to make sure our
babysitting charge is still there.

 Young-horse Patrick's only indiscretion, it seemed, was giving "Buttcrack Rock" a major side-eye, and all it took was Mimi going up to it and touching it for him to venture up and do the same. Despite her nasty "mare-face" attitude, which I really try not to capture on camera. Really spoils the "Pretty White Princess" effect.

Mimi and Patrick discuss the scary "Buttcrack Rock"

I didn't have a GPS with me (I keep forgetting about my GPS apps on my phone...grrr), but that loop we did is just about 7 miles. Mostly walking, with a bit of trotting. A great first outing for Patrick, and a great stretcher for Mimi, who isn't in world's best shape right now...although she kind of surprised me.

We did our loop, then some trot-canter "arena" work in the parking lot for me to get a feel for the FreeForm, then came back to the trailer, got a drink, and she was down to 48 on her pulse within 5 minutes, which was about when I bothered to actually check it. Need to start riding with a HRM again for curiosity's sake. And she was moving out really well, bright and sparkly-eyed, and not acting her age. That makes me happy. :)