Is there really such a thing? If so, today was it. This may be the best day of the year because we are still gaining daylight. In a couple of days we start losing daylight, so it’s all downhill from there. I really have enjoyed the ride, this year more so than other years, because spring came so late.

Everyone’s energy level at this time of year is higher, especially when the sun’s been shining and it’s cooler. The same holds true of the animals. Tonight the mares had yard time and they were hauling ass around the yard like wild horses. Of course my heart was in my throat – if one stepped the wrong way, or into a hole, they might break a leg. The most paradoxical thing about horses is they are both strong and

Ryder focused on squirrle

fragile at the same time.

I decided to give Raudi a break because she had two days of hard work. Instead, I rode Tyra on the trails, Pete rode Hrimmi. I was surprised just how agile and balanced she seemed. So I guess that all the agility and Intrinzen training has stood her in good stead.

I did work with Tyra and Hrimmi in the playground and then after, with Raudi. I then decided to take her for a short ride. We did our loops, a distance of about three miles. I discovered that I erred in thinking she was tired. She moved out on her raceway, which connects Siggi’s trail with the trailhead. This, I then knew, was not a tired horse.

Raudi is still porky, which is why I am still calling her Mrs. Butterworth. She is what horse people call an easy keeper. Even vigorous exercise doesn’t seem to reduce her weight. What to do? Keep riding. I can’t cut her back on her food because then she might get an ulcer. Horses have to be fed constantly or else the acidic buildup causes this problem.

Tonight I went to dog nose work practice and watched area dog owners work their dogs on designated interior and exterior courses. The dogs had to find the hidden scent, called a hide, and then alert the owner to the fact they’d made the fine by looking up at them. There were three levels, and of course the dogs in the upper levels were the most focused.

There were dogs of differing breeds doing this work; some breeds included an Australian Cattle Dog, a Standard Poodle, a Bernese Mountain dog, and a Rottweiler. It was obvious that their owners had bonded with these dogs and that they were all well-loved. And as I suspected, dogs love having a job.

I very much enjoyed being a spectator. However, I don’t have the desire to do nose work with Ryder. If anything, I would like to do search and rescue trail work. The latter involves more activity than does the former. I’d also consider agility before trail work; the problem is that the sport has become too regimented.

I also can’t take on another sport at this time. So for now, I’m sticking with horse agility.

It would be fun to host a gathering and have the dogs and owners come here and practice. We’ll see what the future holds.

Tomorrow, solstice, ride up to the bench with friends. Also, trip to the dentist for new retainers.

Next: 171. 6/20/18: Solstice Plans