By By Guys.

So 48 hours later and the Pity Party is over, more or less. Several thunderstorms passed through recently and although the rain still completely missed us it did hit those north of us and it brought in a brisk cool front.

80 degree days and 60 degree nights certainly boosted our spirits. Working outside is pleasurable again. I deeply appreciated all the comments I got on my last post, you folks are most excellent. Now, it's back to business.

Horses. I got horses, but not for long. It's time to say goodbye to the horses, (at least these two) for the following reasons.

I have issues. Back issues. This will be my first and hopefully last time to talk about physical woes on this blog as who needs to hear another middle aged goof whine about their decaying bod?  But 25 years of lifting, & pulling patients not to mention carrying a few doctors, coupled with one major lumbar surgery and 9 "minor" back procedures (anyone who refers to 6 inch needles being stuck between vertebra while fully conscious as "minor" must be some kind of...uh...nurse) has left me in the place I am now: unable to ride the bone jangling Quarter Horse.

I refuse to give up horses completely but these friendly fellows must go. Doolin the wonder donkey will stay. I wouldn't wish him on anyone. Farts constantly when he walks, interrupts conversations, refuses to keep his clothes on ,  stops, drops and rolls when you are in the middle of trimming his feet,  etc etc etc...

The actual horses Nora, the bay age 11, and Gus the Dunn, age 17  both have enough years left on them to be well enjoyed by someone with a back of steel as I move on to a steed that is smooth and loose, a gaited horse as they are referred to. Specifically I am looking for a Rocky Mountain Horse. I've done my research and I believe this breed will take me through middle age and beyond.

Rocky Mountain Horse in the
witness protection progarm

My problem with Nora and Gus though is that neither has been ridden in over a year. My back issues began escalating right about the same time our farm business activity did, so something had to give and it was riding. Nora was the wonderful mare who went with me to the weekend training with Chris Cox. You can read about it HERE  It was the highlight of both of our riding careers. She is so bright, so willing and still so green broke. Now, after being on vacation for a year you could say she is light green broke.

My Nora. 11 years young. 15 Hands. Easy keeper,
Sound, great health. Loves people
Fast learner. Great ground manners
but sorely lacks saddle time.

Gus was a trail horse at a kids camp for many years before I bought him for my grand kids to use. He will walk with a child on his back until the end of time BUT if you ask hime to canter he will say no. If you insist he canter he will blow up like a rocket and pile drive you into the nearest dirt mound. Just ask my farrier who felt confident enough to "tune him up" just last week.

Gus. Age 17. Sound. Great pasture pet for you
or other horse.  Will walk while you lead,
but try to canter and he's full of bad deeds.

So there you have it, a couple of mounts who need a lot of work to be called mounts again. The price is right. FREE. You haul (I live in Chatsworth, Illinois) If you feel like a challenge, if you call yourself a cowboy or cowgirl and your health insurance is up to date, they are yours for the hauling. Take one, take both, take out a new life insurance policy.

Seriously, if you are an experienced rider looking for a challenge and a very likely excellent mount after you put in hard time, Nora is for you. If you want a pasture mate for your other horses, a pet who will soak up all the brush and curry time you have, then Gus is for you.

And if you are in possession of a well broke gaited trail horse (looks and papers unimportant) and you are willing to trade that creature for cold hard cash, then I'm your middle-aged-somewhat-vetebrally-challenged (prior) cow-girl. Call me 815-635-3414 or email me at opies99@gmail.com