Jul 24
Horseshoes!
July 24, 2008
I made a big discovery today- I am not an Indian.
We have never kept any of our horses shod. We always ride them “barefoot.” At certain times of the year, that isn’t any fun but we’ve always gotten by.
But I had Laramie Opstedahl come over and put shoes on Duane Monday in preparation for the Ft. Pierre to Deadwood Trailride. Ever since, I have intended to ride him (I should be riding him every day) but I just never got around to it. Fate gave me an excellent opportunity to do just that today by letting all the cows out.
Duane is from Nebraska, a fact which I try not to hold against him. I was pretty sure that he had worn shoes before. I have decided now that he is much more comfortable in shoes than he is “barefoot.” Ever since I have gotten him, he has stumbled all over the place. His walk, since I have known him has in many ways resembled mine. The old timers say that “a stumbling horse never falls” but that’s small relief when you’re on one.
But we went over hill and dale for about six hours today, and he never stumbled. Not even once. I even imagined that he seemed more relaxed. Boy it was fun.
In addition, I got to ride with my brother John Paul, who recently returned from his trip to World Youth Day in Australia. He is one of the few people I really miss when he’s not around, and I hadn’t got to spend much time with him. It was a fun day all the way around.
Well, it got a little hot.
Posted by Jim Thorp on 24.07.08 at 6:51 pm
Hmm. I wonder if ol’ Rusty didn’t just need a good set of shoes. Walking shoes — just make him stroll along, nice and easy, all day …
Posted by Hubba on 24.07.08 at 6:51 pm
I thought of that today, but I decided that no it would have taken more than that.
Duane is the same color as Rusty too…
Posted by Jodi T. on 24.07.08 at 6:51 pm
I was wondering if John Paul was your brother. My parents priest, Fr. Mark, was with them and I was reading up on how they were doing. Sounds like they had fun.
Posted by Mrs. R. Dennis on 24.07.08 at 6:51 pm
Tyler had a good time. He was not so sure about the trip before hand, but enjoyed himself once they got there.
Posted by Mrs. R. Dennis on 24.07.08 at 6:51 pm
oops, forgot why I was gonna post here in first place. That part about the discovery, and not not being Indian. Was that the discovery? I never considered that you may be native. Hummmmm
Posted by Hubba on 24.07.08 at 6:51 pm
well, I kinda threw that line in for comedic effect. I was fairly sure I was not native beforehand…
Posted by jinglebob on 24.07.08 at 6:51 pm
Never mind her Matthew, she;s just a big ol’ fun hater.
Yeah, yeah, that’s the ticket.