First Snow

Snow!  We had just enough for it to be pretty.  The roads were dry, and I was able to enjoy the scenery on the way to the dentist.

Even the dentist's downspout was pretty.

photo inspired by Jim at Ocean Breezes

Chuck

I'm thinking about our neighbor Chuck.  He's having rotator cup surgery today.  Chuck is a retired jockey, and I've seen films of his scarier racing moments.  In one race on a muddy track, his horse trips and Chuck comes off but doesn't let go of the reins.  He's dragged down the track by this galloping horse, flopping around like a rag doll.  It's very hard to watch.  I can't help but wonder if that was a contributing factor in the need for surgery all these years later.

David and I and Elyssa watched Chuck compete in a National Reined Cow Horse Association competition this weekend.

Chuck and Rooster

First they do a reining pattern of circles, sliding stops and spins,

and then they do the "fence" part of the competition.  That's working a steer up and down a fence line (long side of the arena), then working the steer in a figure eight pattern.  It's pretty amazing.  Of course I worry about the steer.

Rooster is the nicest horse.  He is a pleasure to be around, and has the best manners.  David and I will be helping out at Chuck's barn while he recovers, and I think it just might be the perfect time to steal Rooster.  We have an empty stall.