Early Morning Visit

Rarely do I head out to the barn early in the day, despite the fact that I am an early riser. But I had to go out before church on Sunday - a friend who teaches preschool had asked to borrow a few things as she was having "cowboy week" in her classroom. I had told her that I would bring the things to church and that we could swap them there, but I forgot to get them on Saturday.

So, early Sunday morning I headed out. Abby was surprised to see me that early.

But she still hustled up, eager to discover what munchie I had brought with me.

Unfortunately, the neighbor's dog was out in the woods and watching us. He is huge and runs off when hollered at, but he still scares me. His owners have given me their phone number to call them if he is hanging around, but it was so early and I was just making a quick run out so I let it go. Besides, he never bothers the horses, and is a good deterrent to other people who might open gates, etc., something that was a problem this spring. (Twice someone let the horses loose. Tim now has the gates chained shut.)

I fed Abby her peppermints and then headed into the new barn to get my things. The two Arabians who belong to the woman who rents the blue barn and its pasture, were out.

 Guppy (foreground) and Shayne.

Generally they are in their barn when I am out, so I don't see them too often. They arrived at the end of August, and although Holly, their owner, and I have texted quite a bit, we have never actually met in person as our schedules are so different.

After visiting with those two a few minutes, I headed into the new barn and the tack room. Unlocking my tack trunk, I began pulling out "cowboy" (er in this case, cowGIRL) things.

 Two saddle blankets, my hat, a halter, two pairs of gloves, a horseshoe, and some bits.

She'd asked for cowboy boots, but all I wear anymore are paddock boots so I packed them up, just in case.

I also brought some brushes and curry combs, another halter and lead rope, and various horse care items for her to choose from. By the time I was finished sorting, I had a big box of items for the preschoolers to enjoy. Then I had to hurry home and change my clothes for church.

I'd already showered before going to the barn; I wonder if I brought "eau de cheval" with me to church?

New Horses at Tim's

Tim has a large property with three barns, an indoor arena, and a loafing shed. The smallest barn, the blue barn with its attached pasture, is often rented to someone who wants their own barn and pasture and to care for their own horses instead of having Tim do it.

For years it was rented by a couple who were here at Purdue and had Rocky Mountain Spotted Horses. They moved to Chicago earlier this year.

This month we got a new renter.

 Someone who has two pretty grey Arabians.

 I haven't met them yet but hope to soon.

There is also a new trailer parked on the property, too. At first I thought it was the new renter's trailer, but since it's by the new barn, it may be Tim's. (Generally those who rent the blue barn and its pasture keep their trailers and things there, not up by the new barn.) I love trailers and want to get a chance to peek inside it.

I'll find out another time about the trailer and new horses - Tim's mother just passed away and he is heading to Canada for her funeral. I'll wait until things have settled down for him and ask about the trailer then as well as introducing me to the new renter.