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Today was a bit of a relaxing one. Getting much better with dealing with the heat. We had a guest (Dave) and a new woofer (Hemi) arrive last night so horse riding it was. Pulled in three Standardbreds and Nettys little paint. Took quite a bit of time to get organised and head out but we got there in the end.
Headed down the river and while walking everything was good. We decided to do a little quiet trot - well Dave took off at a flat trot, I was on Maddie (I thinks that's her name) she started pacing, then Nettys horse decided to play catch up, and it all got a little hair raising. I looked back at Hemi who had clearly had lost control, Dave was still powering along at the front. My horse was thoroughly confused going between trot/pacing/canter and back again which was hilarious. I ended up yelling at Dave to pull up and we all came back to an ordered halt. Netty in the meantime was just quietly trotting along at the back - doing what we were all supposed to do.
We reiterated some instructions and tried again, Dave again took the lead and although not as fast certainly wasn't mucking around. Hemi went with him and Netty and I brought up the rear. We all eventually came back together and I had a chat to Dave. Explained that these were trekking horses and clients who didn't know how to ride would be upon them. We need slow and steady! I think this time the penny clicked and he worked out it wasn't about having a blast it was about preparing them for the future. We did one other trot where Netty and I were at the front and the other two had to stay behind us. This was successful. Phew.
So loosely the plan seems to be another mixed day tomorrow - looks like I have three horses to ride. A new ride for the muster as Dave will take Cody and then two of the three Standardbreds that I need to keep working. Monday we head to Canteen Creek - the site of our next muster (40kms away), were we will set up camp and repair yards and fences. We will stay over night and come back Tuesday evening.
Up early Wednesday to ride the horses over. Then start mustering Thursday - at least that is the current plan.
We have a group of 8 ladies staying tonight who have been on champagne since 10am this morning, followed by shots and goodness know what else, but hey they are being responsible and there is no drink driving etc so good on them.
Tash was out on a horse today, who had played up more than usual. When we go out we always have a radio with us so if we get into trouble we can get help. Anyway we received a call from him asking if we had seen his horse? Apparently he had gotten off to have a leak and the horse got a fright with something and took off. Last seen heading in that direction type thing. Alida and I went out to help relocate the mare. Eventually finding her and all ended well.
I was asked around the fire last night why mustering and why here, how did I find Diggers?
Since I was a kid on a horse rounding up bulls in the back block of our dairy farm it's always been something that I have wanted to do. I had always figured that it would be Wyoming or somewhere similar. Whilst life gets busy it never left the bucket list. About 2yrs ago I started asking people in New Zealand if anyone knew a place. Eventually a friend sent me a FB link of Diggers with the trekking - while it would be different it wasn't something that I really wanted. Unsure how or why but I ended up on the Diggers website and I discovered on there a one line about an annual cattle muster. My heart leapt as that was it. That's what I'd been looking for. Something real, raw in the wide open spaces, a challenge but a hope that it would fulfill that childhood fascination with mustering cattle on horse back - and here I am. I didn't specifically look out for Diggers as I didn't know it existed, however here I am and I'm loving it. It's been hard work, it's been hot, this time last night I was still dripping in sweat. Tonight it's cooling down. I can feel the difference. The confidence about what I'm doing here is growing. You guys while you've looked out for me which I'm thankful for didn't put up any handrails of which I'm grateful for that as well. For Alida and Roderick to allow me here, I feel blessed and honoured to be part of it.
Feels like a cooler night tonight, which I'm grateful for. Sleep should be good providing the woman next door aren't up and down like yo-yos tonight.
- comments
Josiah Good on you mate. Really cool to hear some backstory for the trip! I can’t wait to come join you.
Lisa Bateman I've been enjoying your posts and getting the opportunity to join you for the ride. ;) Sounds like you are beginning to master cowboy life in the Outback. Outstanding!
Chrissy Loving these stories Steve, brings a smile to my face and lots of memories too. You are a great story teller, thanks for sharing your childhood dreams which are now a reality. All I can say is, "Good on ya cobber, go get 'em cowboy"!!