Weekly Photo Challenge . Regret #3

Posted on February 13, 2012 by orples

If I remember correctly, this was taken on Christmas Day 2003. No matter, the year, it’s the story that counts.

"Hi Ho Bucky"

I purchased my oldest grandson a spring horse for Christmas that year. For a while, I held on to it at my place so he’d have it to play on when visiting. Later, I decided he would get more use out of it if he had it at his house. My son dropped by to visit with his truck and since the bed was empty, I decided to send ‘Bucky’ home to live with my grandson. It was late, and I was tired, so I didn’t take the time to secure the horse to the truck. I figured it would slide around a little, but never did I dream that Bucky had a mind of his own and yearned to be free. He buckied his way right off the back of the truck. So alas, from my loss, I offer these words of advice. If you transport an assembled spring horse . . . TIE IT DOWN. With three more grandchildren following my first, Bucky would have provided years of joy for all, I’m sure. Last year, I scouted prices for a replacement and now they cost about $175.00. Ouch! I think though, I’ll end up literally paying for my mistake and replacing “Bucky”. This time I think I’ll hitch him down if I trailer him off after he’s been groomed. Ugggh! Live and learn. 🙂 😉 😉

Weekly Photo Challenge . Ready #5

Posted on February 10, 2012 by orples

Magi and I would stop on the trail for some welcomed refreshment. After a little drink, Magi liked to splash around a bit, playing in the cool water before continuing our journey.

Ready for a drink of water

On occasion, we’d both end up soaked. It felt good on a hot summer day.

Weekly Photo Challenge . Ready #2

Posted on February 7, 2012 by orples

Magi was ready for me, but I wasn’t ready for him. In the meantime, he decide to enjoy his treats.

Ready to tack up and go.

We were getting ready to ride those wonderful Halifax County trails. Magi was always ready before me.

Weekly Photo Challenge. Waiting ?

Posted on February 5, 2012 by orples

Yesterday’s post was on the theme of “Love”. For some reason I mistakenly thought that was the theme of the week. Oh well, ‘waiting’ works too.

Magi, waiting to hit the trails

I always preferred bareback riding to using a saddle. Magi and I had our little routine. I’d gear him up to go, then tie him up to answer mother nature’s call before leaving the barn. Once mounted, I tended to stay mounted for hours. The downside to riding bareback is that I couldn’t get back on once I got off without something to stand on. It’s sad when you can’t get on your own horse without help . . . the price of getting older, I guess. Magi and I spent many a happy hour riding the trails and enjoying the beauty of Nature together.

Shadow Shot

Posted on January 24, 2012 by orples

This photo is a little blurred, but I always liked it for some reason. It reminded me of an abstract painting with the horse and rider (Magi and Me) apparent only because of the sun’s location and brilliance. It brings back fond memories of a beautiful day.

Suggestions of a Sunny Day

The Hues of Winter

Posted on January 23, 2012 by orples

This was one of my favorite paths when I had access to the trails in Halifax County, Virginia. This trail started the ride. No matter what time of year it was, the colors changing from woods to fields always complimented each other as I rode down the hill. When you added the birds, squirrels and often time deer, the whole package was a celebration of Nature.

Down the hill, and off we go.

If you’ve never experienced a trail ride, you really don’t know what you are missing. It is like being in heaven unless of course it is a hot summer day and the bugs are out, then you might think you went in the wrong direction. LOL. Obviously, when I took this photo, that was not the case.

The Fork in the Road

Posted on January 22, 2012 by orples

Sometimes choices need to be made as to which is the best way to go. I remember watching the movie “The Butterfly Effect” (a thought provoking and unusual movie worth watching if you’ve not yet seen it), thinking how my own life may have been different had I taken different roads along the way. Of course each of our lives effects many others. Funny how some people might not even be here today if not for the choices of their parents. Life leaves so much to ponder and where better to ponder than from the back of a horse?

Which path should we choose?

Okay,so on the trail, long term effects might not be so radical, but nevertheless, they set the course for the day and the sights to be seen along the way. The paths represented in the accompanying photograph lead in two totally different directions, with two distinct destinations.