I’ve been so busy this autumn that the time has raced away from me. Only nineteen days until winter.
Today in the Bluegrass, it was sunny and 60°F; a perfect day to ride, except for squishy footing in places, from past days of hard rain.
I went out at midday with my favorite old saddle. I rode for nearly four hours. Signs of winter were everywhere, starting with the horses’ shaggy, muddy coats.
This sad little nest–a finch’s nest, I think–dangled from some weeds along the way.
In unmown fence rows, tall stands of goldenrod had gone to seed among the wire and brambles.
This fine old oak in a neighbor’s field stood completely bare. The oaks are always the last to shed their leaves. The two fairly young ones (perhaps 30 years old; they were somewhat tall when I planted them, about 20 years ago) in my field still have a few brown leaves hanging on. This old tree has seen well over a hundred winters.
In lesser trees farther back in the fields, parasitic mistletoe grew green, with poisonous berries waxy and white. It seems to me that mistletoe really took hold in trees here following several droughty summers, perhaps because the dry conditions stressed the trees.
Dead cattails stood in the ponds, which colder temperatures have cleared of summer algae.
Jasper, my horse, was on perfect behavior; perhaps at first showing off his good manners for the neighbors who were with us on the first part of the ride, but later, when we were out alone, just obviously having a good time.
The soft footing required caution in places, but we were able to get in some good canters.
I was especially pleased that Jasper also quite willingly crossed a wooden bridge across fast-running Glenns’ Creek. I dismounted and led him going one way, then remounted and rode back across. Perfect. I was surprised by his compliance, and appreciated his trust. I don’t think we’d have gotten this done when he first came here a couple of years ago.
Later, back at the house, his pose was a clear message: ”I’ve carried you around all afternoon; now take off this bridle and saddle and feed me.” He got his wish. And an apple for crossing that bridge.
The strange angle of this photo makes his conformation look odd; it actually isn’t. I’d had reservations about buying Jasper (or any Paint), as explained in an earlier post, but he has been and continues to be a wonderful friend, and a great horse for meandering, either alone or in groups.
I like this picture of him, taken on a frosty morning a few weeks ago, when he was still quite a bit too round from summer grass.
