I'm a big believer in keeping extras around for things I like. Two pairs of boots, one for using, one for when those wear out is just one example. They are my form of contingency plan. My little black mount Nick is the spare horse, the horse with the smoothest ride this side of a gaited mount, the horse for my later years.
Only problem is, he hasn't had many miles recently. In point of fact, none. My spare languishes out in the pasture, green as he was two years ago. Shame on me! Well, enough of that. Yesterday, I finally grew a pair and announced I was riding Nick and headed out to grab him. He comes when he's called by the way. Gene moseyed up to the round pen to hold him while I mounted just to make sure we wouldn't have an immediate saddle ejection. I don't know why I haven't ridden this horse? He has no buck, is sweet, smooth and honest. His steering could be better and he was a little busy with the bit, but hey, he hasn't had one in for a long while and I've got him in a slightly different one from his french link snaffle. His whoa is good. He willingly trotted out in both directions, we worked on circles and turns, he even gave me a nice couple of steps of back up. I made it a short 15 minutes of work and ended on a positive note before we were both done in from the heat. There's only two ways to get a seasoned trail mount, buy one or put the miles on the one you have. Time for some miles.
Over the weekend, I started and finished another french style house dress. Marcy Tilton's V8813 is a fun pattern and so well suited to "around the ranch" wear. I went down a size on this from the last edition and it improved the fit substantially.
Big pockets, cute and comfy.
This one done in a black/tan calico type print and using my little Japanese batik Tapir panel for the front. Of course the all important snap hardware for the pockets too!
Leggings, turtleneck and boots and we'll be turned out pretty well for fall wear too.
Sunday was spent getting a lot of patterns cut out. Three tops made the cut; another Victory Anouk, a Sewing Workshop San Diego and a Quincy. One pair of pants from the Sewing Workshop Trio collection was cut for my Mom and a fleece Petite Plus Walking coat complete with cute lining finished off the frenzy. Actually, I ran out of pins!
The weekend was rounded out with a drive over to Klamath Falls to visit with Mary and her handsome mount Woodrow. I had a wonderful time and got in some first rate gait observation watching this pair breeze around a beautiful large arena. I never tire of watching the interaction of horse and rider. The movement and carriage of horses is truly a thing of wonder and Woody didn't disappoint. He may be in his early 20's but he thinks he's still a much younger horse and Mary handles him beautifully and kindly. We finished off the morning with a little browse around downtown K - Falls and some yummy bagels. And thank you for the patterns too Mary!
Parting shot: Gene & Photoshop. Need I say more?
