Alligators and round the left of the big bridge

Around the back left of the Bridge

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Texas Barry rode with Kellie and I today.  We tacked up and went to the right of the woods.  I walked Biscuit over the entire wooden mat.  It is about  20' across.  We went out on the bayou and the same alligator was there...he didn't bother to flip into the water today.  We went across the Yellow Brick Road Bridge and Elan just came right along like he wasn't concerned.  We went to the right and down towards the bayou.  Went around the back and down Willow Bayou towards Hildebrandt.  I have only rode there once.  We got to the point and turned to the left.  When we got to the edge of the woods we had to cross a narrow strip of land that had a huge hole to the left that just went straight down.  Ugh.

We went down beside the bayou where Biscuit had had a hissy when I first got him.  That was the day he clamped his teeth on Kellie's leg!  We saw an alligator up on the bank and he flipped into the water.  We went as far as we could go and then had to go up to the top and then back down on the side.  We went around the corner and stared moving faster.  There was something on the trail and Biscuit shied at it and nearly dumped my backside!  Dang...  we kept going and got around to the front and were trotting fast.  Biscuit can't canter behind Elan and Sarge.  He was getting pushy because he wanted to go.

We got to the entrance of Cattail Marsh and they had a turn stile.  Biscuit pushed up against it but wouldn't go through it.  I was surprised that he even pushed against it.  Barry got Sarge to go through it and he held it open for Biscuit and Elan.  We went out of Cattail and into the trails in the woods.  We trotted til we got to the main trail.  We trotted and then hit a canter.  Biscuit was going pretty dang fast - over 14 mph.  I asked him to slow and he did but dropped the canter after a few strides.  I kicked back into the canter and we went a ways until he realized Elan was way behind him and he stopped!  LOL  Biscuit is such a sweetie.

Piglets and Golf Courses

6 miles and no backtracks!

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Beaumont, Texas Lee Ann B and I loaded up and hauled to Antioch Baptist church to drop off a wedding and groom's cake!  Then we headed to Tyrrell to meet up with Kellie.  We tacked up and rode through the woods. I walked Biscuit across the end of the mat and then walked back and forth over the whole thing.  Woot!  Biscuit is a good boy.

We went down the little trail and over to the ride Lee Ann and I did last week.  We went down behind the golf course and on the way to Hildebrante we saw 2 small hogs with a litter of 11 little piglets about 8" tall!!!  I was yelling SUUUUIIIEEEE  at them hoping they would move off!!

They finally moved off and we went down to the bayou and then turned left going up towards FM 124.  Lee Ann put Rogue in a slow gait and I was right behind her on Biscuit.  We got to where it was overgrown and Kellie took over.  She knew the trail.  LOL  we were laughing like crazy and we were getting whapped with all kinds of vegetation! We ended up on the golf course.  We went down the golf course skirting the edge and then down the bayou.  We came to the gate down there that I had got off to go around a long time ago and Biscuit went around it but was looking at the dirt or pole funny and swung his butt around so his butt wouldn't be anywhere near it.  LOL  he is so funny.

We got on the big area that leads into the entrance of the park and we were jogging/gaiting.  We had a blast.  We came through the middle of the park and I hit a little canter and Biscuit tripped.  Dang....that pulled us up short.

We got to the stables and talked to a young couple that had a double stroller.  Their little girl got to sit on Biscuit.  Kellie cantered Elan in the arena a few times.

We loaded up and hauled home.  What a blast!!!

Birthday Ride with Barry and Kellie

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in TexasBarry and I met Kellie at Tyrrell for a ride.  Woo Hooo  we had a blast.  We went down Willow Bayou and we saw a big ol' alligator up on the opposite bank.  Barry thought he was about 6 or 7 feet.  We crossed over the big bridge and then back up Willow Bayou.  We got up towards the front where we turn to go around a deep ditch.  We saw a little hog - looked like a Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig to me.  He watched us for awhile and then ducked back into the woods.  We went around the ditch and over near where it was.  I could see a black spot in there and it seemed like it was following us.  I could hear it behind me.  I thought it looked different than the other hogs we see out there and if someone dumped off a "pet" that became too big that is so pitiful.  Poor thing!  We got down to where the gate is at the road.  Sarge went right around the hairpin turn with no problem.  Elan said NO.   Hahhaha.  I took Biscuit around it with no problem.  I was a little nervous as the drop off leaves no room for error.

Elan didn't want to go.  He kept looking at the gate with the "what is wrong with this gate" look.  We crossed the bridge hoping he would think he was being left but it was a no go.  Kellie kept trying to get him to go but he wasn't interested.  She finally had to get off and try to lead him around.  He was resistant at first but he finally came with her.  We went down the road and into the park.  We went to the right of the woods and when we got up closer to the stables we hit a canter.  Biscuit cantered and then fast trotted because he can't canter slow!  ahahahahahaah  it was a blast. 

Happy Thanksgiving

I went out to the stables late in the afternoon of Thanksgiving Day.  I took a watermelon and broke it open for the horses.  They were gobbling some of it up but lost interest.  I think they would have preferred alfalfa!!!

I had a great Thanksgiving Day with my family.  We all went to my mom's for dinner and she had made Turkey and Dressing.  Yum.  Ate way too much.  Now Biscuit has to haul that around!!!

I am very thankful that I can once again be a horse owner...or I think I am owed by them.  They have been a blessing to me and I am so grateful to have them.  They are my exercise, my mental therapy, my recreation and entertainment all rolled into one.  What could be better than that?

Legato

Barry and I went out to the barn to give the boys a carrot and Lee Ann was standing by old Amir's pen.  Legato was the resident.  She said that Legato was running in her paddock, slipped and fell and literally did a split with her back legs.  Poor girl.  She wasn't able to get up.  Lee Ann P was at home when it happened.  Lee Ann B was there and she said Edgar and Jamie tried to get her up.  She finally got up right before Lee Ann P arrived which was around 45 minutes.  She is moving around but is stiff as all get out.  Lee Ann P had called Dr. Sherwood and he said there didn't seem to be anything broken but she may not be riding her for about 90 days.  Poor thing.  She was walking stiffly but eating her alfalfa so that is a good sign.

Lee Ann P and B were telling Barry how much fun the endurance ride was.  He has always said he didn't want to wear a helmet.  Lee Ann P said you will want one so you don't get hit in the head with branches!!  I think Barry would love it if he actually rode in one.  I don't think Sarge is in great shape to do one but Biscuit is.  I told him to ride in the 7IL High Roller ride at the end of December.

We went down to the paddock and I kissed up my horses.  I broke up a carrot for Biscuit.  Barry gave Sarge some and made him lounge some...must have annoyed Sarge - he bucked and kicked up once.  they are looking great.  Full of dapples.  Sarge had junk in his junk - a huge hunk was hanging out so I pulled it out.  I have got to get those sheaths cleaned - it is time.  I rinse Biscuit out all the time but Barry doesn't do that often like I do.  I don't want Sarge to get another inflamed sheath!

Riding around Tyrrell Park

On Sunday I went riding with Lee Ann Br.  Kellie wasn't able to make it at the last minute and she was missed!!!  Lee Ann and I loaded up her tack and Rogue and went down to get Biscuit.  Biscuit was running around bucking and acting like a goober.  I walked up to him and put his halter on.  He is always a good boy and lets me catch him with not too much fan fare!!  He was a little hesitant loading because Rogue was already in there but he went on in and we headed out.  

Lee Ann and I went to the right and down to the right of way.  Wow...Look how HUGE it is now.  You can see where that Pine Tree is on the left side of the picture - that is where the right of way's right side was!

Right of Way is now as big as a Speedway

 I walked Biscuit up to the mat that he had walked over last week.  He was backing up some, raised his shoulders up like he does when he wants to come off the ground.  GRRRERRERERERERE  Last week there were trees right beside it...nothing this week and Biscuit didn't see then need to go over when he could have gone AROUND!  I just kept at it.  He finally decided the new girl isn't the old girl that would let him go around.  He quietly walked over it like a good boy.

Huge mat - Biscut walked over the piece that is sticking out on the right hand side.

 We started down Willow Bayou and look who we saw....a rather large alligator.  He flipped into the water with quiet a splash.  Further down I could see one on the side we were on and he slid into the water too.  I was surprised to see alligators; I figured they had already holed up for the winter.

Mr. Alligator

We crossed the bridge and went down Willow Bayou on the other side.  We haven't been able to go down there in a long time because it hadn't been mowed.  It was a fun ride - the weather was PERFECT.  We got up to the road and it was a TIGHT squeeze around a fence and there was a drop off there.  Lee Ann got off and led Rogue around and it was a hairpin turn around the fence.  I decided to get off too so that Biscuit and I were safe. 

Other side of Willow Bayou

 Once we got around I needed to remount which is hard as my legs are so weak from this dang pinched nerve I am fighting.  I couldn't get on the cement railing post and got my foot tangled in a fishing line!  I finally decided to go across the street and the run off ditch was perfect for remounting. I walked Biscuit into the ditch, stood on the side of it and hopped on!!!  Woot!!!  I crossed the road to Lee Ann and we crossed the bridge and went into the woods.  We went to the right so we could circle the woods.  We went down the little trail and came out over by Cattail Marsh.  We crossed the road and headed towards the Marsh gate.  We went to the left of the gate and down a little and into the wooded area, around a ditch and back to the road by the rest rooms.  We did a hairpin turn and headed down behind the golf course.  We went all the way to Hildebrandt Bayou.  We took a left and kept going til we came to where it was not longer mowed.  Dang...we were hoping to circle it like Kellie and I did one day.  It was lovely and we did see an alligator in the water over there.

Behind the golf course on Hildebrandt Bayou

Hildebrandt Bayou

 It was so much fun!  We turned around and headed back.  We crossed the center of the park over by the old community building and went over to the stables.  Helen and Tina B.  were there and had just returned from their ride so we talked with them.  We rode 9.85 miles.

We rinsed the boys off and loaded them up and hauled them back to the ranch.  What a lovely ride and can't wait to go Friday!

Messing up my forest

Kellie and I met at Tyrrell Park this morning to ride.  I didn't have to go out to the back of the pasture this morning thank God.

I got Biscuit tacked up and mounted up.  We went to the right as Kellie said they had started working on a pipeline project - She saw it coming in that morning.   We went to the right and got down to the right of way and OMG the 2nd ride away had a huge MAT in the middle and tons of trees knocked down.  We had to go around to the left as a huge tree was down in the trail.  We got up to the mat and there was a big section sticking out.  Elan didn't want to cross it - it was about a foot or more off the ground and about 3 foot wide.  I tried Biscuit and at first he just stood there.  Then he put up a hoof to test it.   He put that hoof down.  He tried it again - tapping his left hoof on it.  Then he just hopped up and hopped down.  LOL  GOOD BOY!!!  Such a sweet heart.

We went on around and enjoyed the beautiful fall day - it was overcast but lovely all the same with leaves occasionally floating down.  The mosquitoes were out like crazy and were all over poor Biscuit's face.  I turned his head to me and brushed them off.  We went back the trailer and I dismounted and got out the OFF and wiped it on his and Elan's face.  I squished a ton of mosquitoes on Biscuit and he had blood on his face, poor baby.  I mounted back up and we hit the trail to the left til we got to the right of way.  We went down the right of way til we came to where they were cutting trees.  We were going to cross there at the edge of the cutting - Biscuit got tangled in vines but he doesn't get upset.  We changed our mind and went down to the trail and then crossed over the matt again with no problem.  Workers had arrived and were using a huge machine to push the trees into a pile.  Good bomb proofing today!  We went down the trail and around the back side.  We trotted some on the way back and at one point I was trying to urge Biscuit to canter but he just trotted!!!  My Garmin listed 11.1 mph that he was moving at.  I had to balance myself by holding on some as my balance is not good right now.  It was good exercise though - my legs need it.

We discussed going down to the beach and staying for a few days and boarding the horses at the new Crystal Beach Corral.  How fun that would be.  Hopefully we can make that happen.  We could ride both ways down Crystal and go down to Gilcrest and maybe even San Luis Pass.   That looked like a fun place to ride!


EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Texas

Riding Down at the Beach

Went to get The Biscuit - he was running all over his pasture looking like a million bucks.  He finally tired of running and I put his halter on him and put him in the trailer to eat his breakfast.  Hauled to Kellie's house and put my tack and horse in her trailer.

Off we went to Crystal Beach.  We tacked up and talked to Bryan.  He is such a sweet young man.  Kenny and Russel, Pam and her daughter, Casy Ling and a friend of hers joined us plus 4 other people I didn't know.  We got to the beach and the photographer for the Crystal Beach newspaper wanted to take pictures of us so we lined up for a picture.  It is going to come out in the Tuesday edition of the paper.

Kellie and I headed down the beach - we saw some dead tunas - uck - some dead birds - uck and some Portuguese Man O War's - we wanted to stay clear of those!!  We jogged, walked down the beach and got the horses in the water.  Took a little doing to get Elan in but we did it.

On the way back we cantered several times.  What fun!!!!  When we got back I realized I had lost my phone.  That SUCKS.

But we still had a great time and rode 7.5 miles.  Biscuit was a terrific partner for riding on the beach.



EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Texas

So excited for Lee Ann and Alissa

Lee Ann P and Alissa will be going to Athens to run in a 25 mile Endurance Ride on Saturday. I am so jealous!!!! Wish I could go but I have a wedding cake to do. I went to the barn today and Legato and Jabarre were on the wash rack. Lee Ann was doing Legato's hooves and I gave her a carrot. She is such a sweetie. I loaded my map holder pack to Alissa so she can put her map in it and other little things she may need. I told her I was excited because at least my saddle was going to cross the finish line even if I am not. If I can get my camera mount off of my helmet I will send my ROAM camera with Alissa so I can see the action. They are leaving Friday morning around 10:00 AM. Jabarre is in good shape but has never been ridden anywhere near 25 miles at a time. Darolyn told Lee Ann there is lots of deep sand there and she will now what to do when she encounters it. Deep sand is hard on horses and they can pull muscles there. Hoping and praying Lee Ann, Legato, Alissa and Jabarre finish sound and in great condition.

I went down to see my boys and they are looking pretty darn good. Biscuit and Sarge are putting on their winter coats and they both are shiny as all get out. I gave them a carrot and they are always glad to get one of those!

Super Sarge looking Large and in Charge

Biscuit Man

Biscuit Man

     

Riding with Ray and Raymond

Last night Ray sent me a message on Face Book about riding in Tyrrell Park Sunday and I said Barry and I were going riding.  He said he and Raymond wanted to join us.  I gave him directions to the park and said we'd ride at 2:00 PM.  Barry and I left the house at 1:15 PM.  We got to the stables and I was taking the pitchfork, broom and feed bucket in the RAV.  Barry went to get Sarge.  Next thing I knew, the horses were hauling ass all over the pasture.  Barry kept walking back and forth - Sarge and Biscuit were running, flagging their tails and snorting.  What a sight.  Biscuit and Sarge both looked gorgeous.  They are both very good looking horses.  Hahahahahahaha  I may be just a TINY bit partial.

I told Barry to give me Sarge's halter because they generally don't run from me.  I think they are just playing with Barry.  I walked right up to Sarge and put his halter on.  Biscuit came towards me...walked off a little bit...then just stood there while I put his halter on.  I walked them to the center of the paddock and Barry took Sarge.  Hahahaha....my boys love me.

We loaded them up and took off.  When we unloaded them, they were both soaking wet with sweat.  They really heated up running all over the place.  I hugged both Ray and Raymond.  I hadn't seen Raymond in a long time and he is such a sweetheart!!!!

I tacked up and led Biscuit to the mounting block.  He moved...dang it.  I asked Barry to hold him as I can't feel my legs...they are numb and so are my feet.  I got mounted up and we took off.  We went to the right and through the woods.  We then went out on the bayou.  We saw two small alligators in Willow Bayou and then a dead hog.  OMG that was too gross for words.

We got to the bridge and Ray's little stud colt was a little flummoxed by it but he got over it really quick.  Biscuit hobbled across because he had rocks in his hooves.  We got to the other side and I got off and when I hit the ground I had a zinger run down my back.  Ugh.  I cleaned his hooves - tons of rocks in the mud!  I went to get back on using the side of the embankment and my legs were too weak from the zinger.  Dang.  I had to get Barry to push my butt up.  That is the pits.  I can't feel my legs or my feet.  They are asleep.  We passed up the water shooting pipe and Raymond's little sorrel mare skittered a little bit over that.  She sure is a pretty little thing.

We went across the land bridge and around to the back.  Kitty did a 360 into Biscuit at the little cement bridge in the back and Biscuit just got out of her way without freaking out.  She got over it and we went down the side of the bayou.  What a beautiful ride.

We stopped at the back for a short while and headed down the other side.  Barry and Ray hit a canter and so did me and Raymond for a short while.  Biscuit did nicely on his canter.  

Lots of hog wallows everywhere.  We crossed the bridge and the hog had floated to the bank...I am surprised that an alligator hadn't munched on it.  Gag...its intestines were out. Ugh.  We came down the bayou and into the woods and went to the right.  We trotted/jogged quiet a bit.  We ended up riding 8.4 miles and it was a blast.  I was very careful when I dismounted and didn't zing myself.

Ray and Raymond said they really enjoyed it and I hope they come back and ride with us.  I did ask Ray if Sarge always had that soft slow lope and he said that was many many hours of training as he is who trained Sarge.  He talked about Sarge's little funny "foxtrot" gait that Barry has been able to get him into a few times.  Sarge is such a sweetie.

Barry and I hosed the horses off and I had enough feed in the bucket to give them their dinner.  I scraped Biscuit, gave him some treats and loaded him up.   We hauled back and turned them out.  Biscuit dropped and rolled when we were leaving.  ahahahah  he is so funny!!!  

Dead Pig in the Middle of the Bayou

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Texas

Riding with my favorite side kick

Kellie and I met at the park today to ride at 8:30 AM.  I had a little trouble with my bridle - it had been turned inside out, twisted and back around and I had a time getting the bit set right.  Finally got it right and finished tacking up.  My legs are still weak and Biscuit kept moving when I was trying to get on.  Kellie said Elan had picked up Biscuit's little huffing and puffing noises and was doing it when they were at Ebenezer.  Hahahaha  I said he missed his riding buddy.

We went to the left and come around the trail that runs by the road.  Ugh...someone left a nasty bit of evidence of nefarious behavior hanging on a branch.  How disgusting is that.  We went down a little more and Kellie ran into a spider and had a hissy.  If I would have had my Roam camera on I think I would have had a Youtube sensation video.  Hahahaha...we finally were on our way and went down the little trail and back.  We got to the main trail and Biscuit wanted to go right - I said I don't think so dude...we are going to the left.  We went down til we came to the first ride away and crossed and instead of taking the main trail Biscuit wanted to go up the right away.  He normally doesn't like the right of ways.  Got up to the other side main trail and he wanted to go right - Right was back to the trailer.  Hahahaha no you don't I said and we turned to the left and then went up the other right of way.  We came to the pig wallow area and OMG a gas line was exposed.  We took pictures and then called the number to report the pipe exposed.  I had Biscuit stopped and Kellie was behind me.  Biscuit turned around and walked past Kellie and was headed back to the trailer -- LOL  I stopped him and  said "dude...we aren't through!"  He had mosquitoes all over his face so I stopped and sprayed his face and swooshed the mosquitoes away.  I gave Elan a few treats - he was not happy about waiting either.

We kept going and turned right on the trail and headed around.  We went around and almost up to the front and turned around and were going to ride to the first right of way.  Elan encountered the RIP tombstone and was looking at it funny...he took a chunk out of the foliage and it fell down.

We got to the right away and turned left and we had only gone a little way when we heard people.  About 10 or more riders passed and we greeted them.  They were from Houston.  We kept going and hit a trot for a little bit and turned left on the trail.  Biscuit wanted to go out into the main park and crossed the road.  We saw the trailers the Houston folks had arrived in....6 trailers and one had Louisiana tags.  Some were on gaited horses.  We crossed back into the woods and ended our ride with 4.4 miles.  We had a good time.

exposed pipe in the hog wallow

Biscuit is mine for 2 years

Yesterday, on November 1, was the day that I have owned Biscuit for 2 years.  I paid Kenny $$ for him and he has been such a blessing to me.

When I bought him it was to have a horse to trail ride with and it was with a caveat that I didn't want to bond with him until I decided whether I would keep him or not.  I gave myself 8 month to a year to decide whether we would be a team.

When I first got Biscuit, he was a pretty scared little pony.  Very uncertain as to whether someone was going to hurt him or abuse him.  Kenny had never hurt the horse but a trainer had.  I remember the first time I handled Biscuit - I thought he had atrocious ground manners.  He walked all over me, wouldn't stand still when I mounted up...he was ok to get on but then he was moving all over the place.  He wasn't being mean though.  Just needed consistent handling.  He was a good boy and tried to please.

I liked him just fine but I really bonded with Biscuit when we went to Kisatchie in May of 2011.  When he didn't dump me when little pigs ran out from under his feet he became MY horse.  When I first got Biscuit he would stiffen up if I tried to hug him and stand there like a statue.  Now, he leans into me for a hug.  He didn't like hands up around his face or head - now, I can rub his ears and his face.  I couldn't clean his face or head with water - now, I can spray his face and clean him without too much fuss.

Recently, on two occasions, he spooked up and my butt came out of the saddle.  As soon as my butt left that saddle he stopped in his tracks.  Good boy.  He has a funny little personality.  Loves treats...and can really turn on the charm to get them without being pushy.

Lee Ann P told me I would fall madly in love with this horse and she was right.  I am completely bananas for my little yellow pony.

I was going to ride him yesterday and thought I hooked up the trailer correctly.  I pulled out of the driveway and my trailer came loose from the ball.  It banged into my RAV twice, hit the ground and was scraping the road.  OMG there it was in the middle of the road ON THE GROUND.  Thank God, the men with Mr. Garbage stopped and picked it up!!!  There was nothing wrong with the ball - I just hadn't pulled the lever correctly.  I WILL NEVER MAKE THAT MISTAKE AGAIN.  Thank God my Biscuit or Sarge weren't in the trailer.

Sweet Little Biscuit

Hoping for another treat...Barry wasn't there to say no!!!

Got a treat sister?