She’s not as keen about crossing the meadow leading to the Four Corners, but she (as do I) really likes Raudi’s Runway, a grassy trail about a half-mile in length, one that has not yet been ruined by the four wheelers.
She regards Murphy Road (coming in the direction of home) as a slog, and usually we trot it, so that we can quickly get it over with. Today was a little different. I was crossing the meadow and happened to notice that inky blue/black storm clouds were building along the Talkeetna Mountains. I really didn’t think anything of it – I just kept going and in fact allowed Raudi to walk up Murphy Road. I was tired (from the heat), and so was she. Towards the end, the wind energized her and we trotted and cantered the final stretch.
Once home, I cooled her down with water, put the gear away, put her away and then headed up to the house. The light sprinkle that started as I was untacking Raudi then became a full on downpour, the likes of which I have never experienced here. It was like God overturned all the buckets of water in heaven. I watched the storm from the house and the horses watched it from the safety of their sheds.
I made two wise decisions. The first was that I walked Raudi up the road. And the second was that I opted not to do our trails and go on and do Grizzly Camp.
We as humans set goals, which is okay for us, but not always okay for our animals.
So we don’t make mileage. It is not of consequence. What’s of consequence is that we stay fit and don’t tire ourselves out.
My knees have been getting achy at 10 miles, you could set your watch by this. Ahh, I am going to send CJ and Dave, who made my Synergist Saddle, photos and ask them if they have any ideas about this. I hope that they have a possible solution because I do not want to resort to drugs.
The rain has stopped. Have to regain my momentum and start to get evening chores done.
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