Week in Review

 Stace was off Monday for Memorial Day, and we went to Home Depot to check out supplies for the catio we're going to build. He found a Panini World Cup sticker album, just like the one he filled up in 1986. 

We then went to Total Wine and More, for cider - he's been reading his cider book, and wants to brew some up this year.

Violet had a solo horse lesson on Tuesday with Rocky. She got some great experience trotting and guiding the horse directionally.

Happy girl! So glad we have found this ranch and this way for her to ride again.

On Tuesday, after her lesson, she watched the film Hidalgo with us, because it features Viggo Mortensen in a grueling horse race.

On Wednesday, Vi and Cora had Sofia and Liana over for D&D, while I met up with a friend for Happy Hour/dinner.

On Thursday, Violet and I went to the optometrist and she picked out new glasses. Cora, meanwhile, went sliding for the second time this week, and later played D&D. And on Friday, I went up to Palmdale and lunch with my former newspaper co-workers. It was nice to see them again.

On Saturday, Stace watched the Champion's League final with work friends, while I met up with "the ladies" and celebrated one of their birthdays at Agua Dulce Vineyard.

We had a wine tasting and then enjoyed a picnic. It was a great time together.

On Sunday, we celebrated Rigo's birthday at their house.

They'd had a family part on Saturday, and Rigo showed us the very old sword he inherited and was just given. Very cool!

The kids (and young adults) played Telestrations, and other games.

Horse Lessons

 Violet has been interested in taking horse-riding lessons for a few months, and I'd been researching different ranches in the area. There are a lot of them! One that I'd looked at on Yelp, with positive reviews, is very nearby in Newhall, a plus since most of the others are 20-30 minutes away. 

Then, walking to our car from the Cowboy Festival, we saw a flyer on a car window from this equestrian center, and it felt like a sign. I scheduled a tour, and we set up lessons - the first was Friday.

Violet is grooming Rocky, to get him ready for his saddle.

Cora is taking lessons too! This was her first time on a horse. She hadn't been interested previously, but because she'd like to try stunt work as a job, it seems prudent for her to know how to ride.

She is riding Chick, on an English saddle. Becky, the instructor, thought it would be best for Cora to learn on an English saddle, for her stunt purposes.

Violet is using a Western saddle, with the saddle horn and extra support. She got Rocky to trot and is learning posting, the rhythm of going up and down as the horse trots so it's less bouncy.

They both really enjoyed the lesson, and we look forward to more in the future!

Week in Review

 

Violet and I checked out an equestrian center in Newhall on Tuesday, and were very impressed. It was huge! Some 60 horses, spread out in lots of areas, including the barn above. 

One of the instructors, Becky, gave us a tour. Some of the horses are boarded there, while many are owned by the ranch owners.

The mini horses were so cute! We will plan to start lessons soon.

While on a nature walk with Violet's school, near the Iron Horse Bridge, we saw a dead King snake. These snakes, with their distinctive black and white bands, are called that because they can eat rattlenakes. 

Cora and Violet stopped at the bridge at sunset one night this week after the Mean Girls rehearsal.

It was a long week for Cora, between her college classes, set strike for Once Upon a Mattress and Mean Girls work. At least she'll be making some good money with the last one!

Our blueberries are ripening! So many!

And we always have monarch butterflies in our yard. One is here on the milkweed, circled in blue.

I revived my sourdough starter and made a loaf this week.

Not too shabby.

Also this week, I woke up Friday to find the screen popped out of the dining room window, Evie in the yard, and Winston gone. Thank God, he was in the yard behind ours, and I was able to go grab him, though I don't love the thought of him knowing how to jump onto/over the wall.

And also Friday, Nick's car broke down, and he was towed to their mechanic near us. I picked him up, and picked Ellie up from school with him, and dropped them both off at their home.

Joshua Tree: Horse Ride

When we decided to go to Joshua Tree, Violet began asking if we could incorporate a trail ride into the trip. 

I suggested she research it for us, and she found Cascade Trails Mustang Sanctuary, which has about 30 horses, lots of goats and chickens and a half-dozen dogs who serve as guardians. 

When we looked at their site, we found they also offer a couple of glamping-style tents. Since Vi loves animals and the idea of ranching, I knew she'd love to wake up with horses in view and goats to feed and pet. 

I'd already booked another place, but it was easy to cancel and book with Cascade Trails. And, we got a hefty discount on the trail ride by booking a package!

We arrived at the ranch Wednesday evening and moved into the tent, and checked in for our ride. It was us, the guide, and four ladies in California from England. They were university friends, all celebrating their 30th birthdays this year. We enjoyed chatting with them.

It was about a three-mile ride, and all went smoothly. Our horses were great, and our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. 

Our guide took these photos, and since Stace was directly behind her, he was featured prominently. 

My only trouble horse-riding like this, on an easy trail ride, is that my right leg/knee seems to bend the wrong way, and it gets really sore after a while. I kept giving that leg breaks from the stirrup to change the angle.

It was a beautiful desert evening, with perfect spring weather.

New Hobby

A few weeks ago, I saw a mention online of a new offering at Gilchrist Farm, where the girls have picked pumpkins and Vi's ridden horses in the past: Mounted Archery. Yes, archery on horseback, two of Violet's hobbies in recent months. Wow! Sign this kid up!

On Saturday, we went to the farm for the first of three two-hour lessons. 

It was supposed to be a group class, but this lucky girl was on her own the instructor! A private lesson!

For this lesson, the instructor led Violet and Dixie around, while teaching her how to ride and shoot at the same time.

She shot from the side, shooting behind, and ahead.

And, she got a bulls-eye! Another boba earned. Her instructor told us about high-level competitions she's planning to enter... who knows, maybe this will become something Violet can compete in?

She absolutely loved her first lesson, and asked the next day how soon she can go back - and can she go twice a week, say on Tuesdays and Fridays?? I love seeing that enthusiasm from her again!

Dixie is a sweet girl, and Violet gave her a nice brushing when she was through.

Before we left, we checked out the newly hatched chicks...

...so soft!

There were lots of baby goats, too, along with bigs and peacocks showing off their plumage. 

What a great afternoon!
 

The Great American Road Trip: Redmond III

On Sunday night, my parents flew up to join in the family fun. And on Monday, most of us went on a horse ride through the trees.

Violet almost had as much fun playing with the barn cats as she did on the horse. But, she did have fun on the horse - the group trail ride was her idea.

Here's Stace meeting his horse - he was really nervous since it was his first time on a horse.

Stace eventually warmed up, and his horse was lovely. It went really well.

Such a beautiful ride!

Meanwhile, Cora and Aunt Patty did a private lesson with a karate master, the man who actually taught Sensei Rich. He taught her a very cool staff technique.

That evening, we went to Will and Anna's house for the first time - they bought it a few months ago. Alison and Tyler came out, too. It was a great night together. I love my cousins!

Violet made a very good friend in Oakley, with her pizza in hand.

 It was sad saying good-bye to everyone, but this was our last night. Until next time!