Freddy Friday #4 - Freddy on the Farm

On Monday night, many in New Jersey braced themselves for up to two feet of snow. The weathermen and weatherwomen told us we would have enormous amounts of snow and wind. Freddy and I eagerly watched out the window only to see flakes peacefully layering themselves upon the 4 inches from the weekend before.  We got about 5 more inches, which was no trouble for the snowplows in the area to clean up.  

As you know, Freddy absolutely LOVES the snow.  He goes bonkers with excitement at the first sight of it and was happy I got to stay home from school on Tuesday to take him out in it. I got a call from my friend to ask if I would like to go on a snowy trail ride that morning. "Riding a horse in the snow?  How beautiful that would be," I thought.  We even decided to let Freddy tag along.  

Freddy had never been to a farm and hadn't met a horse that I know of (remember we do not know what he did before I adopted him).  When we pulled into the farm Freddy dashed out of the car to sniff around.  As we walked into the stable to tack up the horses, he followed. He darted in zigzags from stall to stall to check out his new, bigger, four-legged friends.  You should have seen his face. It was if to say, "Hmmmm....What are these guys about? What do they smell like? What are they eating? Mmmm....This stuff is delicious."  Yup, Freddy will eat anything!  He was trying to steal the horses' breakfasts. Silly pup!

As we got on the horses, Freddy led the way.  He was very comfortable on the farm. Check out how his first farm visit went in the photos and videos below. 

Freddy checks out the farm. His boots match the trim on the stable!
He is a fashionable pup!

Freddy checks out the paddock.

Not only did Freddy check out the horses but they were curious about him too!

Whoa, Freddy...I think I'll rename him
Full Speed Ahead Fred!

After the trail ride was over, Freddy was ready to have his mom back all to himself.
I just love this dog so much! <3 

That was a long run which made for a tired little buddy.

Back in the Saddle

I have always loved being around horses and hadn't been on one in quite a while. It is generally quite expensive to ride horses, so I decided I had to give it up a few years ago.  Luckily a friend of mine invited me out on the trails this weekend.  I couldn't say, "YES" quickly enough!

I rode a cute horse named Peanut.  Just as dogs have different breeds such as dalmations and poodles, there are different types of horses.  Peanut is a Haflinger (also known as an Avelignese).  He was small but very sturdy.  He had a lot of pep in his step and was not afraid of anything out on the trails. I liked his spunk and energy!

While riding I came across a surprise.  Check out who I saw on a horse...could it be??

At first glance, I thought it was Santa and when he turned around 

I realized it wasn't just Santa...

it was Cowboy Santa!

Not only did I have to get a photo with Cowboy Santa but all of the people passing by were taking photos of him too.  This rider thought of quite the way to spread holiday cheer!