We loaded up midday on Friday and for the first time it was great to have such an experienced Parelli person as Joanne on our side. (Especially since I'm certain I felt more nervous than Madeira did, which I realized the first time Madeira stepped on the ramp as my hand tightened around the rope and Madeira pulled against the pressure banging her head in the sealing:(!!) Without any Badgering from outsiders we were able to take the time our horses needed to be comfortable before closing them in.
It was the longest trailer ride Steal and Madeira had taken since... well, for at least 10 years. Two and a half hours. I was hoping they would be completely desensitized to the trailer by our arrival, but they were both sweating nervously when we finally unloaded at Sherrill's ranch.
Aahhh... What a beautiful ranch it was. A nice little ranch house on the front with a garden. A brand new looking breezeway barn. Additional covered paddocks and turnouts. Huge pasture. Lighted arena with a sound system (wow!!) And the best of all, a huge playground with a fantastic set up of toys including jumps, platforms, "carwash," teeter-totter etc. A dream place!
After stretching out a little in the arena Steal and Madeira settled in their paddocks with dinner.
And as everyone had arrived we all went out to a local restaurant for a really great dinner with great friends and great savvy stories to share.
Steal and Madeira are of course just fine where ever they are as long as they are together. And together meaning less than a meter apart from one another. But on Saturday as we began our great play day event and Steal drifted off to a different group, Madeira's other horsenality, MADeira kicked in. Right brain, very extroverted and flighty with ear piercing neighing. Luckily I was pared up with Deb, who was quick to recognize, that Madeira, although unconfident and nervous was not nearly as scared as she was just mad. She was snaking her head at me, giving me her "hiny" and pushing her shoulder on me. And as I was quite passively accepting this rude behavior she was paying no attention to me. Deb gave me some great tips on how to get her attention, keep her feet moving and focus on the task, thus we were able to connect a bit better. However there was a point where Deb took Madeira on a backwards stroll around the playground and it was amazing how her persistent energy demanded Madeira's full attention.
Once again we had a great potluck lunch. This group really knows how to feast!
In the afternoon it was time for the riding games. And voila! Madeira was cool as a cucumber. Of course Steal remained in the proximity of about 30 meters of us, but she was so calm that I felt very comfortable about getting on her and riding around, through, over and under potentially scary objects.
Virpi lucked out being paired up with Andrew, who as it turned out would make an excellent instructor. One of my highlights was to observe him so enthusiastically sharing his knowledge and skills while helping Virpi and Steal.
Later in the evening he also gave us a lesson in controlling our emotions while delivering an effective "phase four." I had actually thought I had a good phase four. Tuns out I'm a total wimp. The object was to hit a trash bin with the carrot-stick as hard as one could and then immediately be able to bring down the energy and hug someone. Much harder than you would think. And quite surprisingly for me the first time I hit the bin I found myself very shaken. Hmm, how interesting.
Most people headed home after the riding session, but a few of us stayed for dinner and for an extra night. We sat in Sherrill's garden for yet another great meal and a good bottle of wine. Cats, dogs, donkeys. Horses peacefully munching their hey in the background. Dusk. Fresh country air. Rising moon. Our bubbly laughter echoing in the night...
We packed up in the morning and after an all American breakfast at Bert's diner, and a visit to the local tack store it was time to load up the horses and head home.
What a great weekend! Once again I have to praise this wonderful group of Bay area savvy players. Such experienced horse people who are always willing to step up to help others and share their knowledge. Virpi and I are so lucky to have found this group and to be part of it.
Special thanks to Sherrill for hosting this awesome playday. Joanne for making that huge loop to pick us up and give us a ride, and for letting us bunk with you (no room for spiders in this story! :) Deb for paring up with me and helping out with Madeira. Andrew for the lessons. And everyone else for great company and great food!
