It’s hard to believe, but we are coming up on our one-year anniversary with the boys: Ted and Loki!
Over the past year, these Fjords have certainly not disappointed me. They may be smaller than some of the draft horses, but what they lack in size, they more than make up for in personality, heart and ability.
Anything I have asked of them over the past year, they have stepped up and completed the task. Every new experience has given me a little more confidence in them and, probably just as importantly, in myself as their teamster (and mom).
But there has been one adventure sitting on my list since day one: Taking the boys to the mountains.
I have wanted to do it since I first got them, but I’ll admit I was a little nervous. Driving a team at home is one thing. Heading into the mountains with a team that is still relatively new to you is another. There are hills, water crossings, rough terrain and plenty of opportunities for things not to go exactly according to plan.
Last week, the right opportunity finally presented itself.
We headed out with two team, and I couldn't have asked for a better situation for our first trip.
The other teams and teamsters were experienced, there was no ego and no rush, and we were travelling a known trail. That combination gave us the confidence to take our time and know that if we encountered a challenge, we had the experience around us to work through it.
And, as every horseperson knows, there is always something.
I had packed a spare kit because I knew better than to head into the mountains without one. I just didn't necessarily have the right stuff in it! On the vehicle drive out we lost a carabiner and singletree hook. (Thankfully, Dale had spares.)
And yes...things got a little western. But that is part of the adventure.
One of the things I was most curious to see was how Ted and Loki would handle the river crossing.
Thankfully, the river was nice and low, making it a great first experience for them.
The boys approached it, went through it and handled it perfectly.
Ted and Loki simply got on with the job with a few cheerful bucks as Ted was pretty proud of himself while everyone cheered us on!
The best part, besides being in the mountain with my team, Neil and amazing friends?
At the end of the day, Ted and Loki still had energy to spare.
And these little Fjords managed to keep right up with the big guys — the Percherons!
Not bad for the little team.
For me, the biggest success wasn't simply getting through the trail or crossing the river. It was coming home knowing that Ted and Loki had handled another completely new experience with me.
Every time I ask something different of these boys, they continue to show me what they are capable of. That doesn't mean everything always goes perfectly, couple things went a little western — but that's also how you learn about your horses, your equipment and yourself as a teamster.
Our first mountain trip is officially in the books, and I'm already looking forward to getting back into the mountains next year.
Next up: logging.
And after that? Well, Alberta winter isn't far away, which means it will soon be...
“Cutter Season!”
Stay tuned to see what the boys get up to next.
Tiara Teamster
