Enjoying Idaho's Incredible Fall Weather

We had incredible weather this weekend so I totally took advantage of it. Originally I was supposed to go down to Salt Lake for a Book of Mormon seminar with Chris and his dad, but due to the rain/snow the past couple of weeks Chris has had to postpone his farming duties. So instead of going down he worked on the farm all day Friday and Saturday, while I was able to enjoy the nice fall weather the only way I know how, by horseback riding.

Friday night after work Kelle and I grabbed the two mares along with Sheeza and went for a quick but beautiful ride. We went a different route that took us to the rapids of the Willow Creek, Kelle took advantage of the beautiful lighting and snapped some pictures. I did as well. I love the sunsets here and I love the openness of living out in the country. My family always knew I was a country bumpkin. What can I say, I admit it. I love being out here with out the noise of the city and the stress of it all. Here are the pictures I took last night.

Self portrait

(I cut part of my head off, but oh well I thought it was still a good shot with the big willow tree behind me.)

Kelle concentrating on the rapids.

Missy waiting patiently for Mekelle to get all of her shots.

Sassie's eye.

(I thought that this was just a cool picture.)

Sunsets and horse, what can be better?

Another beautiful shot of Sassie with the sun making her mane look like spun gold.

One of many famous Idaho sunsets.

(See what I mean, it is beautiful..)

Saturday I took just Sassie out, left Missy and Sheeza at home. This was my first time just taking Sassie since she had Sheeza, so they all were very anxious and nervous. It took me a while to get Sassie settled down long enough to mount. She was a nervous wreck the whole time. She tried to head for home every time I let the reins just rest, so my muscles are pretty sore tonight from keeping her going the direction that I wanted. I had a beautiful ride again. This time I went up the Iona hill and into a little neighborhood. It was nice change of scenery. By the time I got home Sassie looked like she had just gone through a car wash. She was drenched with perspiration from head to tail, just because she was away from her baby. Honestly I can't blame her. After I unsaddled her, I took her to a hydrant to wash and cool her off. She thoroughly enjoyed it. At one point she took the hose in her mouth and just let the water flow, it was fun to see how she how much she enjoyed it. Sassie was finally reunited with Sheeza after I brushed her. I could totally tell that they did not like being away from each other, but unfortunately this will not be the last time, and I only hope that Sassie learns to relax so my muscles can enjoy the ride next time. If I think I am sore now, I can't wait to see how bad it will be tomorrow. Ouch, not looking forward to that.

Sassie just before getting saddled.

You can tell she is a bit anxious even in this picture.
But she still looks gorgeous.

Beautiful hay field with the majestic snow capped Sawtooth mountains in the background.

Harvested barley field.

Beautiful contrast of colors. Between the golden color of the field to the bright crystal blue, cloudless sky.

Random, curious cow we met up with on our way home.

I loved this old shed with the poplar tree in the background. Thought it would be a pretty place to get pictures done, if I ever get around to it.

Chris with the hay hauler, gathering the many bails of hay. Today he picked up about 18 loads with every load having 70 bails. Yep, that is a whole lot of hay and a whole lot more to go.

After shot of Sassie.

Like I said, she is soaked from head to toe. And yes this was before I gave her a shower with the hose.