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June 24, 2012: Tinni’s Summer Vacation

In the afternoon, Vicki rode Hunar and Emily rode Tinni over to our place. They planned on riding up to the bench, and would camp, spending the night there. Vicki’s husband Mike would, in his ATV, take the camping gear up to the site.

I said we’d also take our horses up there, but rather than camp, come back down. So this is what we all did. I had not seen Tinni since I took him over to Vicki’s place. I’d wisely decided to keep my distance, this way Emily would feel as though he was her horse.

Vicki and Emily came down the road as Heather, Pete, Mike, Christopher, and I were eating lunch. I heard the clop, clop, clopping of hooves, and ran down to greet them. Tinni, coat shiny, neck arched, looked like the prince that he is. I immediately told Emily that she was doing a wonderful job with him. And, I privately conceded, a better job with him than I would have done had he been here in the time he’s been away.

I am now quite pleased with how this is working out. Though initially difficult, it was a wise decision to let Emily have him for the summer.

Heather, Pete, and I rode with Vicki and Emily, in a tight group, the way they do in Iceland. Hrimmi, Jenna, and Rainbow followed. As we made our way uphill, I felt a little anxious – I’m not used to riding in groups. Then I realized that 5 of the 6 horses on the trail were mine. It was the first time in which I’d had them all out at once. All behaved – even Raudi, who walked behind Hrimmi and repeatedly pushed her forward with her nose.

I repeatedly glanced over at Tinni – he has this way of making his riders look good. And Emily has a way of working with horses that complements her personality. She’s the antithesis of brash. She’s firm, but quiet. Tinni likes this and is probably relieved to not having to listen to mouthy me.

Vicki also has a good way about her. It’s an ideal situation. She keeps a close eye on the pair and is teaching Emily some about horsemanship and handling.


Vickie, Emily, Heather, and Alys riding through a field of ferns.


Emily and Tinni


Pete and Siggi on the bench


I too like riding with people who I can learn things from. I noticed that neither let their horses graze when they are working. I’m now doing the same with Raudi.

The pair tied Hunar and Tinni up at the campsite. Tinni was pleased to get grazing time. I went over to him a few times, and the indirect message that he sent me was that he’s happy with the way things are going. I don’t think that he misses me, nor does he miss the other horses. However, he and Raudi grazed side-by-side before he was put on the zipline.

Pete, Heather, and I eventually rode back downhill – then this morning Pete and I headed back up for a pancake breakfast. Pete left first, heading directly downhill, and then Vicki, Emily, and I went for a longer ride. Of course, Tinni was his slow and steady self on the downward trek.

Vicki, Emily, and I parted company an hour later, with me riding Raudi on a familiar route home. I’m really glad that Mr. T is doing okay. I suspected, but now I know for sure, that I made a wise decision in sending him off to summer camp.

Next: 199. 06/25/12: Transition Animals