Flash's Big Day

Last night we arrived at the ranch and got Flash settled in.  He was relaxed and happy, glancing over at the cattle a few pens over once in awhile.  Brett and I got unpacked and went on a trail ride.  We used the ranch's horses since Flash had just finished a 5 hour trailer ride and deserved some "chill" time.  We rode under cloudy skies that cleared during the ride.  Brett rode a big grey named Big Rig who I remembered riding, and liking a lot, a few years back.  In fact, I tried to buy him from the ranch before I found Jackson.  He wasn't for sale which turned out to be a good thing -- I wouldn't have found Jackson otherwise.  I rode a little strawberry roan who was easy - nice smoth gaits and uncomplicated.  He didn't have much oomph but sometimes that is nice.

This morning we woke to sunny skies.  I took pictures but I forgot the USB cable at home so I can't download them.  I'll post them when we get home.  Brett rode Flash on the morning ride.  We were out for about two hours, riding through cattle and the various pastures, up and over hills, and around the lake.  Flash was perfect.  He was happy and alert and didn't mind the cattle at all.  We loped quite a bit and, although Flash got happy and prancy, he never stopped listening or behaving.  Brett had tears in his eyes as we walked back to our room.  That particular dream was fulfilled in spades.  I think we can safely cross it off the bucket list now.  There is rain in the forecast tonight and tomorrow - off and on for the remainder of our stay -- and we don't care.  Mission accomplished!

Besides, my seat bones are talking to me big time.  We rode again this afternoon -- that's a lot of saddle time!  Breakfast, ride, lunch, ride, dinner, crash.  Perfect vacation.