School Vacation changes our routine

April rains today- with all the wind we've had in the past few weeks, it has been so dry there is a burning ban here. Although the weather will make for nasty choretime, I suppose the rain is a good thing. The peep frogs have been half-heartedly active here. The temperatures are not quite warm enough for them to be peeping full time yet. when it does finally warm up consistently, the pastures are going to truly take off.. can't wait. I have lots of new seeding and last fall spread lime on much of my pasture- can't wait to view the results and get the horses off the hay chore routine.

It's school vacation, so Zoe and I can't ride much with the little monkeys around ! We did put them to good use though-- playing with the foals. Great exposure for the foals and what better obstacles than the energy of 2 non-stop kids ? Zoe's 2, Rena and Dominic, had fun with Ozzie, grooming, leading and hugging.

it's a great experience for Ozzie to be led away from his Mom by himself and good for his dam, OYY Niobe to stay tied and trust her humans with the little fellow.

Zoe leads Ozzie through the "tickle tubes", while Niobe watches.

Yesterday, we set more obstacles up in our 'course' of scarey stuff--- although so far none of the horses have been frightened of any of it.

Photo's of some of the booby traps so far starring OYY Salvadore on lead line.

Starting with the umbrella- this one did make Salvadore a little nervous at first. This umbrella is perfect as with a quick push with one finger, quickly shoots it open and close, with a nice swooshing sound.

Next, they head for the bridge - it's not just human monkeys that like to get in the action...

We have had the bridge for sometime now, so most all the horses are used to it. I have discovered that once they do the bridge, the teeter-totter is no challenge. The horses just think it's another bridge.

The whole time Salvadore is meeting new hurdles, Dominic thinks the umbrella is fun- and he had discovered the wonderful swooshing open and close mechanism.

Here's a new idea of mine, added this April. I call it the snake pit alley. The horses don't even look or stop to sniff first... I am going to have to add some detail to the edge-- perhaps flags and pinwheels or balloons.

Zoe stops to grab the raincoat off the post and puts it on, then takes it off. This is even more fun on horseback.

Through the tarp alley- then to the tire.

The Streamer walkthrough. I think I am going to modify the streamers- using an old shower curtain cut into strips. They will have more weight and rub on the horses more as they walk through it.

The tickle tube alley- this is a great one for getting the horses used to brush and branches on the narrow trail.

Next week, Salvadore can do the entire course under saddle.

As I have said before, obstacle month is my favorite mini-contest !

Here's a little surprise Rena left for me just outside my front door.

I love Ya-Ya written out with rocks and stones. That made my day :)

WR Winter Dancer went to stay at Zoe's house for a few weeks to get more time on the trail. The days are so full, this way, now the it stays light longer in the evening, Zoe can ride after she goes home. Dancer is also enjoying the special time all to herself.

I took a nice trot out on OYY Sweet Bee Sunday evening right around the same time Zoe was on the other side of the mountain riding Dancer. I missed being on Keri of course, but Sweet Bee is a wonderful mount and look how gorgeous she is !

We've ridden her Mom (Sudie Bee), her maternal grand-mother (Teena), her maternal grand-father, (Colonel's Pasqualie Kid), Her Dad (Chip), and her maternal great grand-mother (Little Pet- dam to Colonel's Pasqualie Kid). I think I got that right !!

Enjoy your day ~