Monday, December 23, 2013

Not quite "sleigh" bells, but "lovely weather"

I had a short to-do list yesterday. Good thing, too, as I only got ONE thing crossed off – and that was to ride my horse! (I know; I demand a lot of myself. Ha!)

We got off to a slow start. Brian burst into our bedroom at 7:00, full of energy and questions. But then he crawled into bed between us and we all fell asleep again – until 9:00! It's been awhile since that has happened, with our boy getting so big and all.

Anyway, after doing chores, I suggested we go for a horseback ride together. Rick pondered that, and decided it might be fun if we could "play" with cows. A long-time friend of his usually has a few steers, so we hauled to his place. With Rick's old cutting horse now gone, all our mounts are clueless, so everything we did was slow, easy, one-on-one introductory work. Then we cooled them out with a short but lovely trail ride through the woods.

Home again, we unloaded horses and tack, cleaned up, and headed to town for caroling. For the second year in a row, one of Rick's draft horse clients brought a team and wagon to convey members of our church around the neighborhood to sing carols and wish everyone we see a blessed and merry Christmas. (This is the same client who has had Brian drive for him at the State Fair the last two years.) 
Gracie on the left and Emma on the right
I walked the whole route in order to take photos, get my exercise, and keep those beautiful brass bells jingling when we stopped periodically for people to listen or come out and pet the horses. The weather was lovely and it is such fun to spread some Christmas cheer in our community!

Calling "Yoo hoo," from . . .

8 comments:

Laura said...

I would love to hitch Tang to a cart, but it wouldn't be that big, and I'd probably be singing solo! Beautiful horses, and I love horse bells. I have 2 that I could snap to her saddle, but haven't done it yet. I got them for hunting season, but didn't go out in the woods to test them...

Have a Merry Christmas!!

Theresa said...

Have a very Merry one Michelle and family! Beautiful pictures, and what lovely horses. Those are awesome bells. I need to find a few for dog harnesses, so I can hear the little devils when they go too far afield.

Mama Pea said...

Sounds like a wonderful day! All that was lacking was . . . dare I say it? S-N-O-W!

Sandy Livesay said...

Michelle,
Yoo hoo hoo.........

Merry Christmas to You and Yours My Friend.

I love caroling, and to be able to get your exercise at the same time......sign me up :-)

What beautiful horses!!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Grace and Emma are beautiful; love those big horses!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Michelle

Maureen said...

Happy Holidays to you and yours Michelle! Looks like a wonderful time; what a great thing to have a sleigh ride with those awesome bells ringing!

Leigh said...

Oh Michelle, how fantastic! Merry Christmas!

Michelle said...

We had a very merry Christmas, and I hope you all did, too.

Theresa, those bells are HEAVY; made of brass, I think. I don't think your little dogs would appreciate them!

Mama Pea, you can KEEP your snow (shh; don't tell Brian I said that)!

Sandy, I'm pleased to be able to report I've been getting regular exercise lately!