Credit for that hilarious play on “words” goes to Tay Martin . And to Rock because he really was a rock star at the New Year’s ride.
Something like 88 riders and drivers came together to start 2025 on the right “hoof”. The weather was gorgeous, and the greenies, Taylor’s DG Juniper and Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy ‘s Rock handled the chaos that is riding with a huge crowd through a quirky small town with all manner of farm animals and lots of horses galloping in their pastures so well.
I ended up ponying them both because June’s nervous baby energy was a lot for Tiny who, with Taylor’s help, was able to navigate all the commotion gracefully.
We then played on the obstacle course until well after everyone else had left. Long, amazing day thanks to Colorado Horse Rescue Network and Heath Marshall Horsemanship . Thank you to Kathryn Ory for the great photos!
Let’s backtrack a couple of steps to fill you all in on what happened during the 2 week social media break, which, after having tried it, I highly recommend, especially during the holidays.
I learned to grade the driveway. Yes, I’m aware that the end of December is a less than ideal time to do that. Yay for a borrowed tractor with a heated cab and a tiny bit of snow making it easier. It took me wayyyy longer than someone who knows what they’re doing BUT I got it done. Box blades are awesome and I’m grateful for my neighbor loaning me his tractor.
Tiny got a tooth pulled. He’d had a broken molar our regular vet couldn’t get out. So we took a 2h (one way) road trip to a specialist and detoothified Tiny is much happier. Whether that makes him more or less of a toad when it comes to working remains to be seen (he has the work ethic of a cat).
I hauled Rock and Lacy into “town” to practice for the New Year’s ride. I’d never hauled him off property and he hadn’t been anywhere “peopley” so I figured at least one test run was necessary.
I spent much appreciated time with friends. Living across the ocean from family, good friends make the holidays feel special.
I started reading again. Actually reading, not just listening to books. I also started journaling and have really been enjoying it.
I picked up more healthy habits to keep my body running smoothly and get out of the old hustle and crash pattern.
I started going to bed ridiculously early. It’s been so nice. If I’m going to pass out at 8pm anyway, might as well own it and then feel good at 4am the next morning.
I connected with old and new friends and acquaintances, horsey and otherwise, to vent, brainstorm, catch up and laugh.
Here’s to making great new memories and friends in 2025, to learning and building community, and to helping lots of Mustangs and their humans 
Rock is really, really not a mule. Not that being a mule is a bad thing. He’s a big pangare bay Mustang gelding from Little Colorado WY and very much still a growing youngster. He’s turning 4 this year
Good gear makes all the difference:
The Colorful CowgirlRowdy’s RopesMontana Rio Buckaroo HatsOutback Trading Company LTD. Also, Best Ever Pads really are the best, contact Karyn Miller to get yours! The scarf slide was a gift from the one and only Bruce Haener himself. He’s an incredible silver bit maker. It’s got a jug headed, broom tailed Mustang (no joke) spooking at a snake and, along with Lacy, it’s my pride and joy.
