Back Home and Back to Work

Returning from the Alvord is always bittersweet. I just love the people and the country, the hard work and the jobs my horses have when they are there. But it is time to get back to work.

On the way back to Colorado, I stopped in Granby for a NVRHA show with Hank. You have to attend two events during the course of the year to be able to show in the finals in September. This was the first NVRHA event I have ever attended and I have to say, the people were wonderful and very supportive. It wasn't like they were trying to be nice, but a genuine kindness. The people aren't trainers and their livelihood doesn't depend on if they win or lose. They are there to enjoy themselves and have fun with their horses. What a concept! Anyway, as a newbie, I started out in the novice division, and Hank did quite well, except for the trail class where he forgot how to back up - ! Hank was Res. All Around Grand Champion Ranch Horse in his division.

The weekend of Aug 1st, I am putting on a good old fashion Horse Swap. The idea of bringing sellers and buyers of all types of horses together in a very poor horse market was a challenge I couldn't pass up. Based on all the interest and phone calls, it should be exciting. Check out the web site for more info. If there is enough interest, this event might become an annual thing. Go to www.HorseSwapUSA.com

RIO RETURNS TO THE ALVORD

It has been just over a year since Rio's freak accident at the Alvord Ranch. Since then, Rio has had several different treatments all with the goal of, hopefully, restoring his knee's function ability. We did every thing from Cold Water Therapy, acupuncture, chiropractors, AquaThread, to range of motion excerises.

Yesterday I saddled Rio and rode out on Rio to gather cow and sort pairs. Besides having some major separation anxiety from his best friend Hank, Rio is sound and healthy. He acts like a 6 yr old insecure colt. I don't think he has had 10 days of riding all in one month since I've gotten him. Last year was a total loss. Now I have to begin all over.

As I rode out past the horse corrals ( passing Hank) and down the lane to the fields, Rio hopped up, put his head down and tried to buck. I felt pretty good because it was a very half hearted attempt buck and wasn't at all a serious attenpt to get rid of me. After that temper tantrum, we headed out to the field without a problem.

Once Rio had a job to do, he settled right down. Martin always says by keeping their feet moving, you keep a horse's brain working. Giving a horse a job is the best therapy! While we were sorting through the cows looking for pairs, Rio was fine. He moves slowly through the herd, and wasn't bothered by all the water crossings and streams we have to cross. When Rio was standing around holding rodear, he starts to get bored and fidget. I was helping get a cow out of the herd and took off in a slow canter to chase down the cow. Rio got right up to the cow, then his head down and bucked a couple of good ones. I went right off since I was leaning forward anyway. I hit the ground and Rio ran over to the other horses. Besides a few really nice bruises, I am fine. I got right back on Rio and rode him for the rest of the day. He was just fine after that little incident.

I am so proud of Rio and how brave he was during his recovery. I am grateful for my dear friend Katherine, who took care of Rio when he couldn't travel. Everyone at the Alvord are so amazed that he is walking again, much less back to work. I am in uncharted territory now. I don't know how much work I will be able to do with Rio. Only time will tell. For now, he is feeling good enough to buck me off! BIG SMILES!