We are grateful for every day we get to spend hanging out, doing ground work or in the saddle!
2012 was our first year together as this is my first horse so we tracked our progress together through FaceBook & hours on our calendar. This year we are excited to track miles now with this Derby & are wishing all fellow riders a safe, mutually respectful & joyful 2013 with your equine partners!
1-1-2013
ReplyDelete7 miles
Kensington
1-5-2013
ReplyDelete6 miles
Rose Oaks
13 miles YTD
We have a friend in Mich. that rides at cross country and trail rides in your state, Kirk briggs if you see him tell him hello.
ReplyDeleteJuanita, what part of Michigan does Kirk ride? We will say "hi" if we run into him:)
DeleteAre you on FB? I will message you the city from there if you are.
DeleteHeather, Kirk lives in holland and his sister in law rides with us also and just moved to Wyoming a couple years ago.
Delete1-12-2013
ReplyDelete7 Miles
Kensington
1-15-2013
ReplyDelete1 Mile
Rach Riding Academy
8 Miles YTD
1-19-2013
ReplyDelete6 Miles
Brighton Recreation Area
14 Miles YTD
1-27-2013
ReplyDelete8 Miles
Brighton Recreation Area
22 Miles YTD
*1-26-2013
ReplyDelete13 Miles
Kensington & Rose Oaks
35 Miles YTD
Miles not updated from Team Grace since 20th. Thank you in advance for updating:) posted this twice
ReplyDeleteDon't know why, I have them listed on the spreadsheet. I will make sure you are up-to-date on the next one, I promise :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane
You just might be our first Michigan rider. Beautiful horse! Welcome, Heather!
ReplyDeleteWrote this after my ride today...short but sweet and indelibly imprinted in my mind :)
ReplyDeleteWinter’s Mirage
February 2, 2013
A place of sanctuary that is not what it seems
A mirage
Appearing in the hazy heat of hot white sands when all seems lost
And yet today
Not a desert oasis, but hidden worlds
Of a Winter’s Mirage appeared…
Blistering white snow hiding autumn leaves, tracks of all that had come and gone
Even as we made prints, new flakes falling to hide our pursuit of the day
From behind the stand of trees a flash of tan and white
Fawns grown big enough to survive the harsh winter…
Only to find dormant grass covered in tufts of snow
“Hey!” sharply calls repeatedly into the frozen air
echoing against the barren trees,
But I am the only person in these woods
“Hey!” I hear again
and laugh at the insistence of the squawking woodpecker hiding on the other side of the trunk as I round the bend
Rustling leaves, set into play as the wind blows overhead
Play their gentle tune
Winter woods’ orchestra
Sitting astride my gelding, my guide
Winter woods hide the truth of what is
Altering reality into what could be
And the hawk glides silently again in front of me
Swooping across my path, down and up again into the shelter
Of wooded sanctuary
Where he disappears
Until next time
And I know, once again,
That I am watched over and guarded
In my wooded winter mirage
That is beautiful Heather! Ummm, you forgot to tell me your miles :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehow neat.
ReplyDelete2-3-2013
ReplyDelete6 Miles
Kensington
41 Miles YTD
Derby, Tammy & Juanita,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind words regarding poem, but that is my dear and talented friend, fellow rider & derby participant's poem, Kristine & Owen (Team 92). I think she posted here to share with me? or maybe she meant to post to her own? Will check:) We both get all glassey eyed and poetic when we ride :)
This morning when my partner and dog were all nestled in bed and it was at best a mere 8 degrees outside I STRONGLY considered staying in bed. After an hours drive arriving to ranch and when 30, 40 then 60 minutes passed and I still couldn't line up my trailer and truck in the constantly shifting snow and ice I strongly considered going back, when I realized I didn't have riding gloves and when my horse decided that she didn't want to load after another 30 minutes I strongly considered abandoning ship.
But then two thoughts circled my head...(1) I have never regretted riding even with the worst of outcomes but often regretted not riding when I could...and the second thought...DISTANCE DERBY! You have succeeded in being that extra push on the days when an extra push is needed! I want MILES & MILES & MILES of SMILES! So once loaded I drove another 40 minutes to meet Team Owen where we headed out to ride 6 fabulous miles in the fresh snow!!!
Thank YOU Distance Derby from those of us from mid-winter Michigan!
Thank you Heather! (and Derby, Tammy and Juanita, too). I did post it here to share with you Heather, as I know we share not only the love of our horses, riding, winter, but also the power of our words as they flow out of our horsey experiences.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your post of our ride today, and hope you read mine, as I alluded to your post and my hopes that you would explain all you went through to get where we ended up...big smiles and rock star hair! :)
It's not even 9, and I am heading to sleep...I am all choked up by what you wrote about me, and my writing. I am elated and exhausted by our amazing ride today. I indulged myself with the second to last chocolate square from Belgium and now I am going to sleeeeeep.
Sweet dreams!
2-9-2013
ReplyDeleteHighland Recreation Area
10 Miles
51 Miles YTD
WOOP WOOP! WE DID IT GIRL!!!! :)
Delete3-8-2013
ReplyDelete7 Miles
Kensington
58 Miles YTD
3-9-2013
ReplyDelete6.5 Miles
Kensington
64.5 Miles YTD
3-10-2013
ReplyDelete9 Miles
Brighton
73.5 Miles YTD
3-17-2013
ReplyDelete12 Miles
Brighton
85.5 Miles YTD
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
ReplyDeleteOn those dark mornings when I rather roll over than roll out of bed.
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
When I calculate the time to walk the dog, gas the truck, drive to the ranch, hook up the trailer, grab & water the horse, pray for an easy load, drive to park only then to unload & tack and ONLY then ride as long as I can!
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
As dollar signs, minus signs
all in red dance in my head!
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
In a Michigan winter that is
only halfway through in March.
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
Awaiting snow, sleet and ice's
give way to Spring's muddy start.
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
That has made the one and only drama free horse community.
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
That has made every day
come snow, wind, rain
or an old lady's pain
a riding opportunity.
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
Whose given me an extra push
to get my ass out the door.
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
That encourages my friends
to ride ALOT more!
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
Whose loose measure makes me remember it ain't the hours or the miles it's the quality of 'em!
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
Whose trophy I will never win
given I am a one horse recreational rider. Still it's Sunday calculations for the leader board encourage me to begin!
Oh how I love the Distance Derby
Because no matter what the final tally all those who have played will have progressed with their ponies, wearing more smiles and bragging about more miles where there were measurably less before!
Your poem about sums up the DD for me too! Thanks and keep on riding and writing :)
ReplyDelete3-25-2013
ReplyDelete.5 Miles
Nelsons
90 Miles YTD
Thanks for the positive feedback & hope you have a great weekend riding!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Lady, point .5 miles would make it 86 miles. :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane
Thanks Diane! Sorry for the error:)
ReplyDelete3-31-2013
ReplyDelete10.30 Miles
Elba Weekend
96.30 YTD
4/4-4/8 2013
ReplyDelete3.7 Miles
Peter Campbell Clinic
Foundations
2 Classes In Saddle
100 Miles YTD
Awesome that you got your 100 mile marker done while at a Peter Campbell clinic! Two great things together :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane
Thanks Diane! It is really was an amazing, humbling & inspiring clinic! As a new rider essential! Hope you are having a great season!!!
ReplyDelete4-14-2013
ReplyDeleteHighland Recreation Area
6 Miles
Nelsons Easter Egg Hunt
(in the snow:)
4 Miles
10 Miles Total for Day
110 Miles YTD
4/20-4/21/2013
ReplyDeletePontiac Lake Recreation Area
15 Miles
125 Miles YTD
5/4-5/5/2013
ReplyDeleteElk Hill Equestrian Camp
Vanderbilt, Michigan
12.57 (Sat)
13.61 (Sun)
Weekend Total 26
152 YTD
5-8-2013
ReplyDeleteKensington
9 Miles
160 YTD
5-11-2013
ReplyDeleteBrighton (Competetive Baseline)
15 Miles
175 YTD
5-13-2013
ReplyDeleteLake Trail & Indian Springs
8 Miles
183 YTD
5/18-5/19/2013
ReplyDeleteWaterloo Camping Trip
Murder Mountain
6 Miles (Sat)
Pines, Lizard & Everywhere else:)
16 Miles (Sun)
Total 22
Congrats on getting over 200 miles :-)
ReplyDelete5-20-2013
ReplyDeleteIndian Springs & Pontiac Lake
West Loop (short versions)
8 Miles
213 YTD
5-24-2013
ReplyDeletePontiac Lake
13 Miles
226 YTD
5/24 - 5/27/2013
ReplyDeletePontiac Lake Camping Trip
13 Miles (Friday) 226 YTD
15 Miles (Saturday) 241 YTD
17 Miles (Sunday) 258 YTD
ADDITION
ReplyDelete5/24 - 5/27/2013
Pontiac Lake Camping Trip
13 Miles (Friday) 226 YTD
15 Miles (Saturday) 241 YTD
17 Miles (Sunday) 258 YTD
9 Miles (Monday) 267 YTD
5-28-2013
ReplyDelete*Nelsons
3 Miles
270 YTD
5-29-2013
ReplyDeleteRach Riding
2 Miles
272 YTD
6-1-2013
ReplyDeleteKensington
12.25
284.25 YTD
Correction 6-2-2013
ReplyDelete6/7-6/8/2013
ReplyDeleteElba Camping Trip
13 Miles (Friday)
18 Miles (Saturday)
31 Miles Total
315.25 YTD
6-9-2013
Nelsons Fun Games
.75
316 YTD
Congrats on getting over 300 miles :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! So much fun!
Delete6-14-2013
ReplyDeleteRach Riding Academy
4 Miles
320 YTD
6/15 - 6/19/2013
ReplyDeleteEmpire
6/15 (Saturday) 11.6 Miles
6/16 (Sunday) 18.4 Miles
(Lake Michigan)
Total 30
350 YTD
6/15 - 6/19/2013
ReplyDeleteEmpire
6/15 (Saturday) 11.6 Miles
6/16 (Sunday) 18.4 Miles First Time In Lake Michigan!!!
6/17 (Monday) 0
6/18 (Tuesday) 9 Miles
6/19 (Wednesday) 2 Miles SOLO WHAT WHAT!!!
Total 41
361 YTD
7-14-2013
ReplyDeletePontiac Lake & Indian Springs
15 Miles & Shooter Sheila
YTD 376
ReplyDelete7-20-2013
ReplyDeleteKensington
BAREBACK FIRST TIME!!!
13.5 Miles
YTD 389.5
Say WHAT?!!!!!! LOL Wasn't it AWESOME?????????? WHOOOOO! BIG CHANGES! *yes, I noticed all the caps, but it seems completely appropriate, doesn't it Idunn?*
DeleteWEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7-21-2013
ReplyDeleteIndian Springs
5.5 Miles
YTD 395
7-24-2013
ReplyDeleteArena & Weekend Pasture
SOLO
5 Miles
YTD 400
7-25-2013
ReplyDeleteIndian Springs
5.5 Miles
YTD 405.5
Congrats on getting over 400 miles!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I must say DD has given me great motivation & joy! Thank you for all you do!
Delete8-1-2013
ReplyDeleteWest Loop to East Loop
Indian Springs
Pasture & Lake Trail
18 Miles
YTD 423.5
I rec'd your shipping address for the t-shirt but not the order. Can you resend? THANKS!
ReplyDelete8-8-2013
ReplyDeleteLake Trail, Indian Springs & West Loop of Pontiac Lake
11.5 Miles
YTD 435
8-11-2013
ReplyDeletePasture Ride (Buck) & Fun Games
5 Miles
YTD 440
8-16-2013
ReplyDeleteLe Grande, Indian River
Group & Solo Ride & Elk
27.5 Miles
YTD 467.5
8-17-2013
Wildwood Park, Indian River
14.5 Miles
YTD 482
8-19-2013
ReplyDeleteLe Grande, Indian River
Night Runners:) & Elk
29 Miles
YTD 511
Ran my 500 Mile Mark in the DARK!
8-20-2013
ReplyDeleteLe Grande, Indian River
Weepy Night Walk & Elk
9 Miles
YTD 520
8-25-2013
ReplyDeleteLast Stop Farm Trails
Ride with nieces
5 miles
YTD 525
congrats on getting over 500 miles :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you soooo much!!!
ReplyDelete8-29-2013
ReplyDeleteRothbury, MI
9 Miles
YTD 534
8/31-9/1/2013
ReplyDeleteIonia Camping
Saturday 11
(Solo 3.6)
Sunday 9
(Solo 4.5)
Total = 20
YTD 554
9-3-2013
ReplyDeleteHighland Recreation
9 Miles
563 YTD
9-5-2013
West Loop
Indian Springs (ALONE FIRST TIME)
13 Miles
YTD 576
9-7-2013
Circle Ride
Kensington to Proud Lake & Back
12 Miles
YTD 588
9-8-2013
Maybury
Group 7.5 &
SOLO (Leg Caught On Tree 6.5)
14 Miles
YTD 602
Congrats on getting over 600 miles!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The Derby is VERY motivating! Today it rained...still rode!!! Thanks for doing this!!!
ReplyDelete9-14-2013
ReplyDeleteKensington & Proud Lake
16 Miles
Kids won't get out of the river!
YTD 618
9-15-2013
ReplyDeleteJune's Memorial Ride
Indian Springs, West & East Loop Pontiac Lake
15 Miles
YTD 633
9-18-2013
ReplyDeleteMaybury
(Found Bridge!)
10 Miles
643 YTD
9-19-2013
ReplyDeleteHighland Recreation
(Learned Trails & Campsite # 15)
11 Miles
654 YTD
&
Rach Riding Lesson
(Don't nag with legs, give her responsibility to maintain speed, legs out 1,2 & 3 BIG kick); Post up & forward, fast up & slow down; Giving to bit on sides for suppleness & turning; Low level eventing in 1 year! Hands down)
LIBERTY Follow, stop, & turn different speed on ground AWESOME
4 Miles
658 YTD
Pontiac Lake Horseman's Association Fall Campout
ReplyDelete9/21-9/22/2013
Saturday Ride 9
Sunday Rides 17
Total 26
YTD 684
9-25-2013
ReplyDeletePontiac West Loop to East Loop
& Indian Springs
(Skiing)
15 Miles
YTD 699
9-26-2013
ReplyDeleteKensington
(Training Trot)
13 Miles
YTD 712
7-27-2013
ReplyDeleteNelson's
Trying out new saddle
2 Miles
YTD 714
7-28-2013
Rach Riding Academy Lesson
Posting Trot in Different Saddles
4 Miles
YTD 718
10/4-10/5/2013
ReplyDeleteKensington (KTRA Campout)
Friday 8 Miles
Saturday 6 Miles (Solo & Solo RIVER Ride)
Total = 12 Miles
YTD 730
10-7-2013
ReplyDeleteBass River Recreation
(Idunn leading in a new place like a complete champ!)
7 Miles
YTD 737
10-12-2013
ReplyDeleteFIRST Limited Distance Ride
(30 Miles) +3 (Warm-up, Detour & Victory Laps)
Oak Leaf Run @ Silver Creek
Hamilton, Michigan
Total = 33
YTD 770
10-13-2013
ReplyDeleteOn Lucky 13...13 Camps in 2013 @ Silver Creek
Solo Stretch After Party
5 Miles
YTD 775
Congrats on your first LD ride :-)
ReplyDeleteThank You!
ReplyDeleteEntering The Last Quarter of 2013 With 775 Miles...One Might Ask What Do Miles Mean?
ReplyDeleteThat I prioritize play with my horse above...
Money
Material Things
Position or Power
Or sacrificing my horse & my happiness to fit others' expectations
Miles mean...
Conquering fear of all the things that could go wrong by focusing on all that could & does go right
Miles mean...
Not letting the weather or weariness limit our lives
Miles mean...
Idunn lives a BIG life
Where she sees many things, makes many friends, grows to feel more capable & less fearful (as a prey animal I believe all the exposure & confidence I can build in her will make her more peaceful)
Miles mean...
All the learning about what Idunn needs (environment, feed, tack, leadership) & how to improve our partnership (through skills, disciplines, experiences etc)
Miles mean...
All those moments spent in the present, breathing in time with my horse among all of Michigan's Amazing Trails
Miles mean...
Instead of continuing to work indoors, in meetings, sitting in car, in front of computer, being on phone at all hours & volunteer most of my waking life as I have for over two decades...I SPEND WHATEVER TIME I CAN ACTIVE OUTSIDE
Miles mean...
Making & building new friendships
Miles mean...
Lots of camping & preparing to ride
Miles mean...
A deepening relationship with my family...My life partner (James) who is happier because I am happier;
My riding partner (Idunn) who is growing in leaps & bounds as am I;
My canine companion (Wilson) who has an even bigger life now...more friends & adventures than ever before; My feline familiar who is ever so happy with the slow blinking quiet time we spend when I am recovering from adventures
Miles are far more than a measurement of distance & time.
They are reflections & motivations helping to push me from comfort & complacency to gratitude & active living. Whatever the number we conclude with this year, the act of recording them has made so much more possible than I could have imagined before!
10-16-2013
ReplyDeleteJog at Grand Haven Farm Trails
5 Miles
YTD 780
What type of Gps do you use, saw one of my friends that used to live in Michigan, and now live in wyoming Kurts, sister in law. She stayed at my house on her way home.
ReplyDeleteIs it Kurt or Kirk? I ride not far from Holland sometimes so I may run into them. Anyhow, I just use Distance Free...a simple app on phone & round down to make tracking mileage easier & have bigger bragging rights:) @ the end of year..."This many miles & then some" kinda thang :) LOL Except when I ride with my friend Kristine who is doing this too. She is a VERY competitive individual & has a super fancy GPS watch that is the size of my head :) I let her track when I am with her.
ReplyDeleteAhem...my garmin is NOT the size of your head...it just LOOKS big because I am such a fragile, delicate flower :) WHOOO! Big miles this weekend Team Grace as we head back to Ionia...I've been up since, well, don't ask, but the chicken salad is made, I am all packed, and tapping feet ready to leave asap this afternoon! :) Double bra weekend lady! LOL
ReplyDeleteOh, and did you notice my 'name' changed from Kristine to Ms.B? I made a writer's blog for my MMS Writing Club, and now this one changed...cannot have my kids calling me Kristine...right?!
ReplyDeleteOh Kristine, Ms B., Fragile Delicate Flower, I trust where my miles leave off you will REPRESENT on the DD! Go Get 'Em CowGirl!
ReplyDeleteYou are another one of those phone mile people. I can't do that, since my phone cost $9.99, lol. It is Kirk Briggs from the Holland area. I am almost in need of another gps, I have chipped most of the letters off the keys, by putting in in my horn bag. I hate to spend the money on another one like I have because they were so pricey and never used it for anything but checking miles. What type does she use. I may have to just break down and buy another one of these for myself for christmas, darn it. I don't do change well at my age. I will have to ride with Ms B she sounds like fun.
ReplyDelete10/19-10/20/2013
ReplyDeleteIonia State Recreation Area
Jamesey Camp, Pumpkin, Mouthwash & Mullens!
Too much time socializing & not enough time riding!
Saturday 10.5 Miles
Sunday 3 Miles
Total = 13.5
YTD 793.5
Don't lose those points of miles adding isn't that hard, lol. I am trying to buy a used wrist gps local, but so far no luck. I sent team 94 0r 96, can't remember a solar blanket in the mail. she stay out all night in Arkansas, if you have a a cheap compass, sent it her way.
ReplyDelete10-23-2013
ReplyDeleteLake Michigan Beach Ride!!!
First Lope on Sands of Lake Michigan On A Windy Wavey Day!!!
Not enough exclamations!!!
One time I wished I didn't round down cause I coulda hit my 800 mile here!!!
But I love clean, consistent & under tracking so here goes!!!
6 Amazing Miles
YTD 799.5
What What!!!
Remember Heather (This is me talking to myself please don't pay attention) If you didn't stretch to get Idunn a second home in West Michigan, If you didn't stretch to make new friends, If you didn't work hard to get her safe with you & with groups you would have missed this!!!
Life ain't a dress rehearsal!
10-25-2013
ReplyDeleteFarm Trail Ride
3.5 Miles
YTD 803
Congrats on getting over 800 miles :-)
Delete10-26-2013
ReplyDeleteSilver Creek
Walking Across Water
Full Fall Color
20+ MPH Wind
The Universe Applauding
Little Dog On Trail
All Things Are Possible!
10.5 Miles
YTD 813.5
Thanks for the congrats!
ReplyDeleteMust say this is very motivating.
Would love to hit 1000 before year end. Not sure if we will but we are gonna give it that 'old college try!
10-27-2013
Yankee Springs FIRST TIME!!!
WHY HAD I NEVER BEEN HERE BEFORE???
One of the BEST of Michigan!
Elba & Brighton rolled into one without rocks or mud!
Practical Magic
16 Miles
YTD 829.5
(Also fairly hard to get lost! Perfect!)
10-28-2013
ReplyDeleteBass River
Hosting
Walk Ride Then Walk & Trot
Idunn & Wilson Carrot & Apple Party!
7.5 Miles
YTD 837
10-29-2013
ReplyDeleteGrand Haven Farm to Bass River
Idunn down road amazing with cars going 50+mph & meeting Sydney in gocart!
11 Miles
YTD 848
10-30-2013
ReplyDeleteBass River Recreation
(Tree & Wide Track Loops)
Solo Ride!
Unlocked, Opened, Locked & Shut Door Mounted!
Wilson on trail to water!!!
5 Miles
YTD 853
Grace, Kirk rides with the Silver Creek Buckaroos and does the DTRA. I found a wrist gps that I can use to see if I like it. Nobody I ride with uses anything but their phones. Kirk is out of Holland if that is close to you. his sister in law stopped here on her way back home to Wyoming a few weeks ago and spent the night.
ReplyDelete11-2-2013
ReplyDeleteBass River Recreation
(Monster Truck Bash Down Road So Sounded Like Monsters In The Woods; Ran into Melissa & Wyatt; Idunn was an Epic Success; Wilson Unfortunately an Epic Fail...we will get him next time!)
11 Miles
YTD 864
11-3-2013
Bass River Recreation
Exploring
No Go On Willy...too many new horses I think! Training begins again in earnest tomorrow!
10.5 Miles
YTD 874.5
Notice no camping required at Bass River & I have been seeing my baby EVERY DAY! What What!
11-4-2013
ReplyDeleteBass River Recreation
James & Willy Short Training Session
2.5 Miles
YTD 877
11-5-2013
ReplyDeleteBass River Recreation
57 Fabulous Degrees
James & Willy Training Session
(In Front)
Brenda, Texas & Pony Join
Solo Ride (Trot & Trail Poetry)
10.5 Miles
YTD 887.5
11-7-2013
ReplyDeleteGrand Haven Farm Trails
With JAMESEY!!!
(Lost Glove, Found Glove, Wilson Had A GREAT Time too!!!)
3.5 Miles
YTD 891
11-8-2013
ReplyDeleteGrand Haven Farm to Bass River
Conquering the Trifecta of Road Riding Challenges
9 Miles
YTD 900!!!
Congrats on getting 900 miles :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you & Thank you for all your work on the DD!
ReplyDelete11-10-2013
ReplyDeleteBass River Recreation Area
Wilson's 7 Mile Trail Ride!!!
My Little Trail Dog
7 Miles
YTD 907
11-11-2013
ReplyDeleteGrand Haven Farm Trails
Solo Ride; sadly Wilson would not come but there is always tomorrow & he & Idunn did do great in arena & then the cart!!! I think it is a sign!
5.5 Miles
YTD 912.5
11-12-2013
ReplyDeleteGrand Haven Farm Trails
Solo Ride, sadly no go on Wilson again today :( He needs a Marley or Jamesey to help him through. Although through no lack of trying on my part. It was really zen to go round & round but also a little disappointing. He would start & then look back at truck & bail. At least he is safe there.
7.5 Miles
YTD 920
11-13-2013
ReplyDeleteGrand Haven Farm Trails
A little progress with Wilson but we are going to wait until James can help him as he did at Bass River; Idunn started getting her mash & she is being much more patient & responsive than ever!
5.5 Miles
YTD 925.5
11-14-2013
ReplyDeletePigeon Creek
(Little Brighton with Sand!)
Girl Leading Out!
4.25 Miles
YTD 929.75
11-15-2013
ReplyDeleteOpening Day For Hunting
Riding Pigeon Creek Safely SOLO
Whole Park To Ourselves!
8.5 Miles
YTD 937.75
CORRECTION: YTD 938.25
ReplyDelete11-16-2013
ReplyDeleteOpening Weekend For Hunting
Pigeon Creek
Loping & Laughing
Hay Hook Up
20 Miles
YTD 958.25
11-19-2013
ReplyDeleteDRIVING DAY 1
Indiana
(First time out of state!)
3 Miles
YTD 961.25
11-20-2013
DRIVING DAY 2
Indiana
3 Miles
YTD 964.25
11-20-2013
Salamonie Resevoir
Lost Bridge West
Andrews, IN
SOLO on new trails we don't even know, in new park & new state for fist time what what!!!
3.75
YTD 968
11-21-2013
ReplyDeleteDRIVING DAY 3
(Wilson joins in!)
Indiana
3 Miles
YTD 971
11-22-2013
ReplyDeleteDRIVING DAY 4
(Single with Wilson on road)
Indiana
3 Miles
YTD 974
11-23-2013
ReplyDeleteDRIVING DAY 5
(Single; Leaf Jump; Wilson stays in!)
Indiana
3 Miles
YTD 977
11-25-2013
ReplyDeleteFIRST SOLO SINGLE DRIVE
DAY 6
Indiana
3.5 Miles
YTD 980.5
11-26-2013
ReplyDeleteROCKING THE TACKING UP
ALMOST! LOL
DROVE LIKE A PRO ALMOST! LOL
DAY 7
4.5 ROCKIN MILES
EXPRESSWAY & DOGS
& TALKING
& HILLS
& WILSON ALONG THE WHOLE WAY!
& HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY
YTD 985
11-27-2013
ReplyDeleteDAY 8
Semis, Snow & Nearly Frostbit
3 Oopsies I worked through on own!
3.5 Miles
YTD 988.5
11-29-2013
DAY 9
Easy Trotting To Dairy Queen!
4 Miles
YTD 992.5
11-30-2013
ReplyDeleteDAY 10
Driving back to Dairy Queen!
Miles 4.75
YTD 997.25
Riding Zahm's
Miles 2.75
YTD 1000!!!
Congrats on getting to 1000 miles :-) YeeHaw!
ReplyDeleteThank you soooooo very much! Wasn't sure we would make it but here we are with a month still left! Thanks again for all the work calculating & posting! The DD is really a motivator!
ReplyDelete12-1-2013
ReplyDeleteDAY 11
Last Day of Driving School
Drove our 1001 Mile with the Amazing Cathy Zahm
4 Miles
YTD 1004
12-4-2013
ReplyDeletePinckney FIRST Time!
52 Degrees!!!
Perfect sitting trot!
Idunn is crazy about Slumber Party with Mary!
7.15 Miles
YTD 1011.15
12-5-2013
ReplyDeletePinckney
Levi is crazy for Idunn!
7.5Miles
YTD 1018.65
12-6-2013
ReplyDeleteBrighton
3 Hours
24 Degrees (Feels Like 15)
Broke Out Winter Gear First Time!
Some BEAUTIFUL Canters
Great Hill & Rock Work
A Willing Sweaty Treated Horse
9.75 Miles
YTD 1028.4
12-13-2013
ReplyDeleteGrand Haven Farm Trails & Across the Street
First Time in really good snow
Rode just long enough to round out our miles!
3.6 Miles
YTD 1032
12-15-2013
ReplyDeleteFAMILY DAY @ Grand Haven Farm!!!
James let Idunn out no lead & she ran to the barn to me!!!
Where I mashed & electrolyted her
Brought her back
James & I went to breakfast
Then came back for family walk & ride, then solo, then with a friend!
Weeeeeeeeeee!
It was soooooo cold (21 degrees (feels like 6 degrees) with 30mph winds) my bare fingers felt like they were going to fall off & then with gloves & all the fun it wasn't cold at all!!!
Idunn had a ball riding with a new horse & following James & his verbal commands for Wilson & simply getting out to stretch her mind & body!
Wouldn't trade the ride walk with my family, solo time with Idunn or ride with friend for anything!
I can't help it I LOVE WINTER!
Oh PS
4 Miles
YTD 1036
12-16-2013
ReplyDelete2nd Family Day & Photo Shoot!
Wilson does better on trail
Idunn is perfect as always!
4 Fabulous Miles in the Sun & Snow
22 Degrees (Feels like 11 Degrees with 9mph winds) BEAUTIFUL!
YTD 1040
12-17-2013
ReplyDelete3rd Family Day!
Can't believe James is volunteering to come play horsey with me!
30 Degrees & 30 mph Winds
No worries
Idunn was happy to be mashed, groomed, ridden, treated, grained & a shitton of hay to keep her warm in wind!
Wilson was jolly with the jolly ball as always!!!
2 Miles (every little but adds up though!)
1042 YTD
12-18-2013
ReplyDelete4th Family Day & Photo Shoot!
Could it get any better!!!
30 Degrees, Blue Skies & Sun Peeking Out!
4 Miles
1046 YTD
12-19-2013
ReplyDeleteShort ride before taking her to Nelson's!
2 Miles
YTD 1048
12-21-2013
ReplyDeleteShe is happy as a clam!
Because you have to ride a little on the Solstice!
Trying out new saddle in arena
.5 Miles
YTD 1048.5
12-26-2013
ReplyDeleteIndian Springs New Trails SOLO
Who knew in this short time I would be riding confidently SOLO
Even though Idunn was nervous at first I was able to lead her to a relaxed gait! At Nelson's even!
Such an AMAZING YEAR!
2.5 Miles
YTD 1051
12-27-2013
ReplyDeleteBack Trails, Vortex & Pastures
2.5 Miles
Indian Springs New Trails
4.75 Miles
Total = 7.25
YTD 1058.25
12-28-2013
ReplyDeleteIndian Springs & West Loop Short
Introvert Trail Ride
6.5 Miles
YTD 1064.75
12-29-2013
ReplyDeleteIndian Springs New Trails SOLO
(2 folks were supposed to join me but ended up canceling. In the past I wouldn't be able to ride. Now I am unphased. Saddled up & rode out where once I was toooooo nervous. How fitting to finish the year SOLO!)
Last ride for 2013
(Idunn started off nervous navigating ice along road, listening for the herd call, checking out the ranch from across the lake & then settled in again for the affable head nodding walk that I love so very much. She has most certainly grown up!
In fact, this is the same trail we rode together in our first two weeks when I tried to take her Solo too early & ended up...off. LOL So how fitting that we conclude our second year together, our major year, SOLO on this same trail!
Even dropped a glove on the way out & found it on the way back...just perfect.
So grateful that she loves to camp, trail ride & altogether adventure! 2013 is just one of the BEST years of my life & hopefully her's too!
Thank you Idunn for changing my life! And for my loving partner James' support & encouragement & Wilson's canine companionship. How blessed I am for this little family!
Thank you Distance Derby for providing us so much inspiration to RIDE, RIDE & RIDE some more! Consequently, we have learned to ride in nearly all kinds of weather - windy, cold, hot, rain, mud, snow, partial ice & so much more!
3 Miles Solo to End 2013
YTD 1067.75...and then some:)
12-30-2013 & 12-31-2013
ReplyDeleteDrizzle turned to ice made it impossible to safely ride in Michigan.
So mashed, treated & kissed my girl.
Cried from so many emotions...
Sadness for the ending of this Amazing Year; Joy & Gratitude for this Amazing Year; Relief for it's Conclusion. WHAT A YEAR!!!