The trailer

I got the stock trailer, albeit impulsively, back in May. On August 4th, finally registered it.On August 7th,   I was going to meet up with someone about 15 miles away to go riding with.  Went to church that morning, and hurried home to get everything ready.  Had my own water in a bucket to take, saddle, brushes, etc.. I was SO excited.  I had planned on taking Ginger for the first trailer ride.

The trailer was sitting in my pasture, since it was easier to teach the horses to load being easily accessible.  They also got familiar with it; the sound of opening the door; the banging and clanging.

My pasture is down a little slope from my house. My husband and I (finally) got the bumper hooked to the truck.  That in itself is a test of any relationship!  This was exceptionally harder than usual.  The truck was in 4 wheel drive, but kept skidding being backed up to get the perfect connect with the hitch. That should have been our red flag.  Finally hooked, and the truck couldn’t pull the trailer up the incline to our driveway!!!  After many attempts, I told my husband to unhook it- I will call my riding partner to tell her that I couldn’t make it.  Well, the truck by itself couldn’t make it out of the field!  He finally got it to the other side of the gate-and no further.  To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement!  Thank God I kept a good attitude and perspective. When  I told my friend the situation,  she said she would of picked me up with her trailer, but her husband had it and wasn’t home!  Oh well. Now we had the problem of getting the truck off the lawn.

Bob tried several things, but not successful.  I finally had a brainstorm and said I’m calling AAA!  I love them-they have helped on several occasions!  They came through again and towed the truck to the driveway!  Meanwhile, Bob told me that he knew the problem.  The 4 wheel drive wasn’t working! Neither was the traction control. Don’t know when it broke; we rarely use the 4 wheel drive.

It is now Monday. The dealership’s garage can’t fit us in until August 22. I pray that whatever is wrong is under warranty!

Today was a beautiful day. Had to work, but after work I prepared to go for a ride.  It’s not like I could come home and jump on the horse and go.  Home at 4.30…change clothes, decompress a bit.  Fed them their grain and some hay.  I brushed Ginger while she ate.  I went back to the house to give her some more time to eat.  I wonder now if that was necessary.  There is grass in the field. Some sparse areas, and then some long grass that they never touch!  I can pick that long grass and feed it to them with my hand, but they won’t graze there!  Very weird.

We were starting our ride at 6.45.  Ginger is a good mover, she doesn’t dally like Brego. We covered a good distance and was back to the house at 8pm.  I had her graze on the lawn for 10 minutes, then untack and groom a bit.

I really believe that Ginger had a good time.  I wish that I had more opportunities to ride.  So far the summer has been very warm and muggy.  I’ve been busy with the daily routine of life. I also realize that I haven’t grabbed every opportunity. I also know that I was just sick and tired of riding the road to get anywhere – and it meant always a very long ride.  With the heat and time, just didn’t have it in me to do.

I will have to do some thinking about how to get more horse time. Once the truck is fixed, the trailer should be a big help. Riding with others will also help! Meanwhile, I need to commit to getting them in good physical shape…even if it is with lunging!