Ewenice is back with Marko and Rocky

Today my friend, Tammy, came and loaded up her four sheep to move them to her new ranch in Red Bluff. They spent the summer here keeping Ewenice company and mowing my back yard and field (and pooping all over my back deck). Ewenice was often overwhelmed by them since they were very aggressive about food. Often she hung out by herself or with one of the more timid sheep, but now that they are gone, she is looking for them. It shouldn't take her long to settle back in with Rocky, the miniature horse, and Marko, the thoroughbred, to keep her company. I suggested Ewenice move with Tammy and her flock to Red Bluff, but her ewes will be living with a ram, and at age four, Ewenice is old to be bred for the first time. Besides, she would have trouble adjusting to the heat of Red Bluff. She was born in my backyard with Lola as the midwife. That summer, I had two of Tammy's ewes as lawnmowers, and one surprised us with a lamb on Memorial Day. Except for a yearly visit to the shearing clinic at Eureka High School, Ewenice has never been anywhere else. This is her home.

Summer break is over

Tomorrow, I start teaching again full time so my Monday through Friday visits to the dog park with Lola and Bentley, as well as leisurely days at the stables, will draw to a close until January. The flock of sheep will also be reduced from 5 to 1 as Tammy will take the 'girls' with her when she moves to Red Bluff in early September. I'm sure Ewenice will miss her flock, but three of them are very aggressive and push her around, so I'm sure she will acclimate to the usual slower pace around here very quickly. As is always the case, the end of summer means many changes in schedules, weather, and wardrobes.

Cleo and I have been trying out a new saddle. When I first got her 6 years ago, I rode in a western saddle. Not long after, I bought a treeless, endurance saddle and sold my western tack. The endurance saddle is so comfortable, it's like riding in a chair. Sometimes, it's too comfortable and my riding position deteriorates. But since Kass went to a new home near Sacramento, I have started riding in his dressage saddle. Everything is different! But I think Cleo moves freer since it is smaller and lighter. In my next post, I'll relate my adventures with the new tack. Now I must turn my attention to preparing for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to meeting my new students, but the first day of school is always scary for both students and teachers.

Summer's Drawing to a Close

Cleo and I and the rest of the animal family are already getting ready for HSU to start and I go back to teaching full time through December. I didn't ride as much as I had wanted, but Cleo and I still met many of our goals. 1. I have ridden her alone in the arena with great success, although we always make sure someone else is around in case we get into a pickle. 2. I also rode in a dressage saddle for the first time. I really liked how it rearranged my position. The knee blocks and saddle seat forced me to sit straight and tall, and to let my legs hang directly below my hips. 3. I'm much better at insisting Cleo go forward even when she objects.

But for some reason, I have lost some of my courage riding outside and down the lane. So Paula and I have been working on that. We had a scary moment a couple of weeks ago when Artie balked at a change in the scenery going down the lane, and Cleo basically 'freaked out.' Thanks to Janice, we used the event as a learning opportunity that ended well--riding in the outdoor arena and than back into the indoor. But without Janice on the ground to keep both of us calm, I wouldn't have been able to do it.

Cleo's paddock has a cover for the first time. I am hoping that she can stay out more often in the winter, which is her preference. But when the wind blows, and the rain pelts down, she has not been happy with just her raincoat. Last winter she shook so hard when I got there in the late afternoon that I could hardly put her halter on to lead her to her stall. But then in the morning, she is always ready to brave the elements again regardless of the weather. I'll have an easier time deciding the best place for her to be now that she has protection from the wind and rain.

The next four months should be both interesting and a challenge since I have a five day teaching schedule. I have reserved Wednesday mornings for my lessons, but even though I rarely ride during the week, even the weekends are likely to be crowded since I won't have a day during the week to do my other chores and responsibilities. But Cleo and I will work out a schedule that suits us both.