Back in the saddle?

For the past few years, I've had almost no opportunities to ride. Most of the time, I just didn't go because hubby wasn't well and he wanted to spend time with me [and Charlie] on the couch watching movies or something on the TV.

I skipped evening rides because I never knew how many more times the two of us would sit together on the couch after supper.

Last year, my friend Kristine asked me if I'd bring one of my mules to her place and ride with her. We could pasture my mule with her horses.

This way, we'd ride together instead of alone.

The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. No board fees, just fun riding.

Since I haven't ridden Siera in two years [kids have ridden her in the yard], I thought I'd better make sure that she'd be ready to go and safe.

I chose Siera because the two red headed sisters have been together since Sundance's birth here on the farm. They are like a unit. Sundance has a temper tantrum if I take her sister... Sunshine out for a ride. They hang together and Siera is odd mule out.

Maybe if she hangs with Kristi's gelding Johnny Cash [he is a looker too!], she will find friendship.
 

I've been saddling up to get the mail and to explore the ravaged woods on my neighbor's land.

I haven't taken Siera out and down the road as I have 2 neighbors that allow their dogs to chase cars and everything else that may go by in the crop fields or dirt road.

I can't get over the view I've missed for so long from the saddle.

We went down one of the old trails that has a new monster in it. I thought Siera would hesitate or even balk at walking by it.

Nope. She didn't care.

We rode up to it and Siera dropped her head looking for some grass. 

She could care less.

Everything worked on her. Her right, left, walk, back up, and the all important 'stand still'. 

We sat for a while watching the evening light drift through the forest. I heard a rustle and Siera pointed out a hen turkey moving through the forest with her brood. 

I guess Siera did okay. She was quiet, calm, and stood quietly while I gathered our mail. The two mules at home didn't bray for Siera, in fact they ignored the fact that she'd left the farm.

As for training and tuning up, I just go out with Siera and ask that she provide me with a safe journey. She is a trail mule. She is to deal with wildlife and forest things. Perhaps she'll learn something new when I take her to Kristi's. But I'm wayyyyy okay with a quiet ride that just moseys along.

The saddle I use on Siera is a very old Stonewall saddle that was used in Endurance riding. I like this saddle because it is light and it is designed after the McClellan Saddle. 

It fits her so well and is very comfortable for me.

👇

Edit.
2 days later her lameness showed up again. This will take her out of the realm of summer riding until we figure out what her on and off again soreness and stiffness is all about. Equine.
So strong, so incredible, and sometimes so fragile!