Spring Training

With branding smoke in the air, I took some time to get on the horses and remind them of their duty in life. 

I've really tried to take a nice and easy approach to the horses this year. So far they have responded well. 

Once Chief makes the shift in his mind that he is a horse and not a brumby, he's calm, cool, and collected. 

For Mollie, it takes a little longer. As a rule of thumb, if you can fit a beer can between the back of your saddle and the horse, don't get on!

So we ventured out. Me on Chief, ponying Mollie. 

Stopped by the ole stock tank. Still running well. It's good to water the horses off their back. Pretty common procedure when we're out gathering up. 

Then we headed through the hay field, where we were all winter, to the pasture where we keep the cows. 

Good wildlife around here. Antelope in the distance. Nothing new for these two guys, but a good reminder that other critters pop out of no where. 

Like cows!

Doing great. Roaming on grass is how cattle were meant to live. 

Calves and cows look strong. 

Water truck is holding strong. Good for the horses to see foreign objects. 

Then we charged across the hills of the pasture. Good exercise. 

This 150 lies right along the highway. Sensitize and desensitize. 

On our way back, we spooked up some geese. No problemo. 

Once back at the trailer, I got on the brute. 

Spirited horse. Fun to ride. 

A good time was had by all. 

Ranch hard and prosper. Everybody loves spring. Ambition is in the air. We all want to get out and work, and so do the horses. Good idea to get a few miles on them before showing up to your first branding. Not the place for a wreck. Even though these horses are solid, a little spring training is good for us all. Let's ride.