Ernie...

Well, I guess I don't get to sell Ernie! I am always complaining (Ya, nag, nag!) about how much money we spend in hay. And my thing is, if your not going to use your horses, why feed them?!!! Anyway, the only horse (or mule) that isn't used regularly is Ernie, the mule. He gets used once a year during the elk hunt. And yes, he is very convienent for the guys at that time cuz he is a wonderful pack mule. But, 2 years ago, Chris decided that he wanted to break Ernie to ride. So we bought a high dollar mule saddle, (yes, they are different then a normal saddle! I learn something new everyday!) and there it has set in the tack room. Rod has come over once or twice and him and Chris have tinkered around with Ernie a little bit. But, no serious riding or breaking has occured! Well, so, this year, on the elk hunt, Jesse took a wild hombre that he is breaking and that he has been bucked off of a couple of times! And lo, and behold, he jumped on and rode him up the mountain with no problems. Chris, not wanting to be left out, saddles Ernie and up the mountain he goes also! Ernie did awesome. Chris was so excited! He came home from the elk hunt and has rode him every night since then. Chris says he still needs some work on his stopping, so he hasn't taken him out of the yard yet, but Ernie is getting the hang of it! Ernie has always reminded my of a lost puppy dog. He loves attention and he will get right in your face to get it! Everytime Chris rides one of the other horses, Ernie goes crazy! He brays, bucks, farts, snorts....runs around going bonkers cuz he is being left out! And if Chris leaves the yard with another horse in the horse trailer, Ernie WILL find a way to get out! So, I think Ernie was more then thrilled to have all of the attention put on him and to be rode! Of course he is going to do good! (Dang, our hay bill will remain high!) Now, hopefully Chris will teach Ernie to be a roping mule, cuz Chris thinks he needs a new roping horse!