The journey began on Thursday afternoon, Aunt Alice and Jayden left for North Dakota. After much figuring, they settled on the best route. Jayden did most of the driving, in fact most of the trip home. Alice was very impressed by Jayden's driving and navigating abilities. She felt very unsure in the beginning, but was confident in Jayden at the end. She just couldnt believe how well she did for her age of only 17. They drove until 9 Pm and stayed in Sioux Falls South Dakota. At home, Jayden left me with her horses, her children. I knew I would be doing horse chores, feeding, graining, etc. However, having two horses that needed doctoring was not on my plan. Both Ace and Joker had problems and Jayden was sure they would be fine. Ace's leg worried me and after sending pictures and talking to a vet friend I decided to wrap his leg. After talking to the farrier about Joker's abscess, he gave me instructions to keep his foot clean and treat it and wrap it, soak it and keep it covered. Ugh! This was much more than I bargained for.Friday, after realizing she forgot to pack her contacts, Jayden went to a nearby Walmart eye center and got a set of contacts. Her and Alice drove the remaining trip to Mandan North Dakota.
Alice and jayden arrived back from North Dakota on Sunday evening. I am glad Alice got to go on the trip with Jayden. It gave them special time together. Jayden drove 7 hours and took the I-35 route. Jayden bought two horses, one a 2 year old palomino filly that has 60 days of riding. The horse didnt sell, so she talked to the owners after and made an offer of $1200. They wanted $1700 and said he would flip a coin, $1500 heads or $1100 tails, Jayden won the bet and paid $1100 and got herself a new horse. She later learned from the sale barn what " Alley trading" is and how it is not allowed. The owner had to pay a fine. The other, an 11 year old grey gelding barrel horse came from an owner of an inexperienced barrel racer. The story is, the husband bought it for his wife and she had gate issues with it and wasn't an experienced rider. He took it to the sale hoping to bring $5000. I told Jayden to keep looking, I didnt like the idea. The horse didn't sell and Jayden asked him questions out back. She made him an offer and bought the horse for $2500. The owner was sad to sell her horse and cried as she said goodbye. Jayden has herself some projects, that's for sure.
Jayden had lined up shipping for her two horses through Meier's who had hauled another horse back in the spring. The two men are both bachelors who recently divorced. Their new lifestyles are pretty hard core and rough. They buy, train, and sell some pretty amazing high dollar rope horses. I was a bit concerned about them hauling her horse home from the heavy drinking they do. Jayden talked to the guys, gave them all the paper work, and waited patiently to hear from them. I had my fears, but I wasnt going to say anything. She got the phone call telling her, they forgot her horses. WHat!?? Yes, her horses were still in North Dakota on Monday morning and the haulers were back home in Iowa. Plans were made and another hauler brought the horses, arriving at 10:30 Wednesday morning. Gray and palomino were put in a pen of their own to rest. One sigh of relief now that they are home and safe. Many more unknowns are ahead in the weeks to follow. This is 100% Jayden's project and I hope and pray for her safety and that it all works out for her. It seems like a lot of work to me. I guess you gotta love it!! The little palomino filly was cute and had these cool brown/yellow eyes. She needed to gain some weight but looked pretty good. The grey gelding was thick and on the heavy side. He was a little flighty and not very trusting. The previous owner told Jayden to treat him good, love him, scratch his belly, the whole bit. After a couple weeks, we moved them around and finally came up with a good arrangement. The first couple rides on the grey horse showed us he has so much energy and just wants to run. I was scared for Jayden and made her wear a helmet on both horses. Grey lopes he is like a locomotive that just wants to bolt. I was more worried about the 2 year old being super green and young. She is sweet, gentle and very well broke for her age. It will be interesting to see how it goes from here.
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