The following conversation took place as I was sorting through gear in the tack room and trailer. They were all hanging out at the gate.

Hrimmi: Hey you.
Alys: Hay is for horses.
H: It’s way past our feeding time.
A: I fed you a short while ago.
Raudi: You’ve lost track of time. It was two hours ago.
Tyra: Yes, we are all very hungry.
A: Why don’t you chew on branch that I just gave you?
H: Want hay.
R: Need hay.
T: Must have hay.
A: So I’m supposed to stop what I’m doing and feed you?

Tyra and Raudi

T: It depends on what you’re doing.
A: I am sorting out gear and putting it in order.
T: Why?
A: Because we are going on a trip.
R: Where to?
A: The Yukon.
H: When?
A: At the end of the month.
T: Why?
A: Because there aren’t any lengthy trails here in Alaska.
H: I like the short trails.
R: We could stay here and do our trails.
T: This would be boring.
A: I am feeling the need to ride elsewhere.
H: Because of what happened today?
A: Yes.
R: What happened today?
A: Hrimmi, didn’t you tell them?
H: No
T: Why not?
H: Because right after we got back, Pete and Alys took you both for a ride.
R: Likely story.
T: All stories are likely.
A: Okay. So, I’ll tell it. We came up the trail and were just about to turn onto Jim’s Road when eight or so four wheelers and dirt bikers came up trail. Hrimmi didn’t mind waiting for them to pass. Me, I was bothered because these idiots were hauling ass up what is now a neighborhood road.
T: Is now a neighborhood road?
A: Yes. Neighbors widened the trail and had several loads of gravel put on top of what was there. It went from being a trail to being a full blown road. Now the ATVers have easy access to the upper trails.
R: We heard but did not see them on our ride.
A: A good thing because we had Ryder and Shadow with us.
H: We didn’t have the dogs with us.
A: This is because it’s easier dealing with them in such instances if you have another horse and rider along.
T: What are you going to do about this?
A: Well girls, in time we are going to move.
H: Where?
A: I do not know the answer to this question.
R: Someplace with more room.
A: Yes, more pasturage.
T: Near a forest, so I can maintain contact with the birds.
R: I’m not going to be particular.
A: But you will have some say in the matter.
R: Of course.
H: Where’s the hay?
A: In the shed.
H: I mean. . .
R: She knows what you mean.
A: You all are such smart horses.
R: Hay time!
T: Yes, hay time!
A: Okay. Hay time.

Next: 139. 5/20/24: Spring