Newcomer Sammi Dee is taking over the job of watching the horses in the arena. Lula is ever loyal at her side.

For three days last week, I went without air conditioning.  The highs were in the 90’s and the lows in the mid-70’s.  I kept thinking I would figure out a way to make the A/C work-because I am qualified as an A/C repairman-right?  Well, no.  I was afraid it would be expensive and I was afraid it would take a long time.  And of course, it is just outside the home maintenance policy we bought when we got the house.

While not sleeping, I had quality time to speculate on how much heat a long-haired, curly poodle gives off when nuzzled next to my right side or in contrast, two small dachshunds coupled with a big Doberman on the other.  I would like to point out they were sleeping fine.  I had time to practice my training session for work and re-organize the tackroom in my head.  Lots to do as the you lie awake, too hot to sleep, too stubborn to call for help.  Friday morning looking at the weekend ahead, I couldn’t take it any longer and called the repairman.

By Friday afternoon, late, I had cool air flowing, less money in my checking account. I was ready to go outside to do some work as I knew it would be cool on the inside when I returned.  I slept well (finally) and was up for usually early feeding of the animals.  But Lauren and new boarder Amanda were right behind me as they headed off west to pick up Amanda’s horse.

Patch with new buddy Hershey.

We have known Amanda and Patch for some time and know they will make a nice addition to our barn family.

I spent the day with the usual weekend chores, mowing, cleaning, riding and filling troughs. In spite of the greatly improved temperature inside, it was about 95 by noon. I decided to get out the dog’s black trough which they had enjoyed in the summer to splash around in and get wet.  I went to pick up the upside down trough and got quite a surprise.  A small (yet certainly big enough) water moccasin was resting under the trough.

My boarder who is a veterinarian was at the barn with her husband.  Apparently snakes of any kind are not included with animals she has an interest in and I got the feeling she would be just as happy if her husband didn’t come see the snake either.  I stopped Lauren as she was leaving for the weekend (showered, in nice non-barn clothes) for her  to come kill the snake but she also declined.  It has been pretty dry since the monsoons of early summer and we have not seen any snakes.  Finally, I was contemplating going to the house for some boots to wear as part of my snake killing outfit, when Paul (the vet’s husband) came to help me out (plus, he was wearing boots, so clearly he was the best one for the job).

First, I had to lock up all the interested but misguided dogs and then I lifted the trough away and Paul succeeded in killing the snake.  Another day on the farm!

Hiding away in the dirt and leaves. Glad he did not get the dogs, horses or any of the rest of us.

Having gotten through this harrowing experience it was time for me to clean up and get ready to receive visitors.  As you may remember (and I believe there is still a video link on this site to see them re-united) for a while our pony Snowboy, went to live at
Dev’s (or combination of Dev’s and Freeman Ranch). Jordyn was young and didn’t need a fulltime pony and Lauren was too old to compete on a pony.  Well. Snow being the gracious guy he is formed his own group of admirers.  Isabel competed with Snow for a while before Processo. Another Snowboy follower was Allyson.  She had always enjoyed the gentle white pony, in spite of having fallen from him and badly breaking her arm.  I had kept up with Allyson’s mom and Allyson was ready to come back to Snow and resume her lessons.

I had never seen Allyson ride and knew it had been a few years since she and Snow had ridden together, but I needn’t have worried.  Allyson listened to my long lament about getting Snowboy to canter and expertly rode away at a lovely canter, clearly not needing any of my advice.

I hope they come back many times-I have lots of horses this girl can ride.

Sunday it was hot again but still cool inside. Jordyn came over and we did our weekly fence ride-where we ride the fence line and look for the horse’s missing fly masks.  Always a good time!

Alex and MIckey-just about perfect.

Leaping lizards!

Dev had lessons as the temperatures cooled slightly toward dusk.  It appeared everyone had a good ride!  Lauren and Alex are headed to the show this week with Feather and Mickey.  Both horses were jumping well and appear to be ready to go!

Love this shot! So much energy!

Feather skipping along, literally off the ground on all four feet.

As always thanks for riding along!

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A big shout out to Caitlyn Epperson who was in California this past weekend competing for USEF Talent Search.  With her horse, Ky, they put in some great rounds and well-represented all of us back here in Texas.  Great Job, Cate!!