Dad got us up around seven thirty yesterday morning and sent Big J. after the horses soon after we arose. It was a cloudy day, temps in the high 60's to low 70's, and not much of a breeze. In my eyes, it was a perfect day to do anything; I adore cloudy, drizzly days.
So, I milked my goat, Stacy, then saddled my horse, Paradise, and we loaded every horse and rider in the pickup and trailer to head out and move our heifers.
It was a short drive and upon arriving, we three kids mounted our horses to begin the heifers in a north west direction. Our horses did well, the heifers moved along smoothly, and we the riders were actually a tad chilly. A few weeks of 90+ plus temps makes 70 cold.
Dad and Mom soon joined our "parade" of 58 heifers, one cow, one calf, three horses, and three riders. We all continued moving the girls--I mean the cattle when I say girls--north for a mile or so and after going through 12 gates, Dad and I broke off from the herd and began the long, yet eventful ride back to the pickup so that we could pick up the other riders.
What I mean by an eventful to the pickup is Paradise thought she would be stubborn. And that she was! First of all, she went alright, not perfect, but she went. After a little while, however, she began stopping and backing up whenever I kicked her to walk forward. Any rider knows that is very frustrating. She then tossed her head and yanked her head around to my right foot, something she does every time she's not wanting to do what I say.
I patiently nudged her, talked to her, and even slapped her rump, still she ceased to go. It seemed to be all or nothing for her. A full trot or more, or a complete stop. Either way, I wasn't wanting to let her get away with it.
After a few times of stopping and waiting for me, Dad came up and helped 'nudge' her along. He rode behind me, talking and pushing Paradise, and I kicked and helped her go where I wanted. It went alright for a bit, then she began trotting in a zigzag manner. She would go off the two track road and into the pasture or attempt to run my leg into the barbed wire fence on my left. Oh, how nerve wracking! Once, she even took a quick bolt for my right and tried getting out from under me. I reined her in and stayed in my seat with all my might, then rode her in tight circles until she calmed down the slightest bit.
Dad took my rein then. From there forward, we rode side by side at a fast trot or lope. With Dad tightly holding my rein, I knew I couldn't go far if Paradise acted up. She was stuck to him. I was stuck to her, so I felt comfortable and not nervous.
We were going at such a pace that I was merely sliding back and forth in my saddle, like a rocking horse. But such fun it was! As we ran, I could see a pile of tumbleweeds nearing and knew without a doubt a jump was coming. Grabbing the saddle horn and gripping with my legs, Paradise jumped over the weeds and safely landed, with rider still intact. She also jumped another time over some cactus. I had seen them coming too, and was ready, but she jumped a little sideways, and fear of falling on her side entered my mind. Thankfully, she's good on her feet and nothing happened.
We rode a little bit farther and Dad gave me the rein. It was like nothing had happened. Paradise went as good as ever and did anything I asked her. Going my speed, to turning. I told Dad that it's like we have to break the barrier between stubborn Paradise and great-mannered Paradise. Why she acts up now and then, I don't know. I do know, however, that I will ride her and hopefully turn her into the best horse. I know she smart and I know she'll turn out great. I just need to work with her. And that I plan to do, one way or another.
Anyway, back to the move, Dad and I loaded into the pickup and drove to where Mom, Big J., and Little J. were moving the heifers. I unloaded Paradise and rode a tiny bit to gather eight of the heifers and help push them to water. (See, what did I tell you? Paradise went perfectly after that running while being held by Dad. I guess she needs to know who is really boss.)
The heifers are happily in their new pasture for the time being and will soon be moved again.
On this fun ride my family took, we saw a rabbit or two, a pack rat or something, a red eyed turtle, two frogs (Yay!) one of which was really slimy and slipped out of my hand I don't know how many times, a blue herring, and bunch of grasshoppers.
And that was our adventure for the day. : )
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