Enjoying the summer heat?

I went to the ranch yesterday but it turned out to be a 100 degree summer day in the high desert. Naturally the horses were lethargic, I think even the fire ants stayed indoors.

Despite the heat I managed to take Wishes out for some groundwork training. And treats. As you can see from this picture, Wishes enjoys sniffing the air when treats are around.

Wishes doesn't really need training per se, it was just a kind of refresher course. Like all horses he kind of gets an attitude now and then and needs to be reminded who is boss. As his former owner Diane once told me "Remember, Wishes is still a horse". It was too hot for a trail ride so that's why I opted for some groundwork.


The old gal in this photo is Brandy, who belongs to Sharon. Brandy is a sweet old horse but like most horses at a rescue ranch she had some issues from poor handling in her past. Apparently the first time Sharon went to get Brandy she asked the handy man at the ranch if the horse she had was Brandy. He said "I don't know, but if the horse doesn't rear, its not Brandy". Back in the days when she could be ridden apparently getting a saddle on her was a major issue.

These days, Brandy is enjoying a relaxed retirement at the ranch. She resides in the same pasture as Wishes so I gave her some cookies and hopefully a bit of relief with a dousing of fly spray.

After visiting Brandy and Wishes I took my horse Henry out for a walk. Henry lives in the same pasture as Goose but managed to avoid the strangles that had been going around.

I'd like to blame it on the heat but Henry is still lazy as can be. On the walk it was the same as our rides when I first got him-go forward 5 steps and stop! I honestly don't think Henry is a horse, his disposition suggests he might be a Basset Hound wearing a horse suit as a disguise. Anyway a young lady at the ranch is borrowing Henry this summer for a long trail ride in August that should do him a lot of good. Apparently its 4 days long with riding 8 hours per day. Henry might be a changed man when he gets back.

Well supposedly there is going to be a break in these high temperatures. By mid-week its supposed to get down to the mid or upper 80's which will be a huge relief after 100 degrees, so maybe next week I can get out on some riding.