October 10, 2025: Cooler Rides and Family Tides
There’s a certain kind of peace that settles in when the Texas air finally cools down. Our mornings have been in the low to mid-60s, afternoons warming into the mid-80s, and most days blessed with a soft breeze that makes the barn feel like paradise. The pastures seem greener, the horses breathe easier, and even Bee walks with a little extra bounce in her step.
This week we decided to mix it up with neighborhood walking rides. My goal: get Bee comfortable on pavement, around moving machinery, and near noises she’ll face one day in a parade (we have that goal). On one ride we passed the construction site where Patrick Mahomes is building his compound. Dirt is moving, massive machinery is working, and three-foot footers (I’m guessing for what’ll be a grand wall) are going in. We came upon flashing utility trucks and men in bucket lifts and a nearby home under construction—rebar being cut, drills buzzing. Have you ever heard that sound right next to your horse? Bee handled it all with curiosity, not panic. Her only real spook: when a mail truck passed and a branch tapped its roof. Calvin, ever the steady one, was curious but unfazed.
On another evening, we rode the opposite direction toward a neighborhood via a smaller property where there’s a charming little mini-home or “schoolhouse” built in memory of someone’s daughter (it’s on Ottinger Road in Keller). We walked through that neighborhood all the way to Melinda’s house, where her husband (also a Jim) came out with treats for riders and horses. Bee was gently petted by a little boy who said, “Well, you don’t see that every day”—meaning people walking horses in his neighborhood. He also told us he wants lessons at Miss Ashley’s, where we ride. Moments like that make it all glow.
These rides are doing exactly what I hoped: teaching Bee that pavement, noise, construction, and novelty can just be part of the scenery. She is getting braver and more confident every day.
A Visit from Daphne the Puppy
Life at the Ponderosa had a special visitor this week—Daphne, the newest puppy in training and sister to Sunny Day. She’s a Vizsla, a Hungarian sporting breed known for their boundless energy, intelligence, and devotion to their people. They’re nicknamed “Velcro dogs” for good reason—once they attach, they’re never far away.
Bee and Sunny had an absolute blast showing Daphne the ropes. The little red rocket zipped around the barn, curious about everything from halters to hay nets, and both horses watched her with that amused, maternal kind of patience horses seem to have around young animals. It was pure joy watching her explore, tail wagging, feet flying, and heart wide open.
A Little Time Away
While Bee enjoys her barn life and a few extra carrot breaks, Jim and I are packing up for a weekend in Nashville. We can’t wait to see our grandchildren (and yes, their parents too). There’s nothing like fall in Tennessee—crisp mornings, changing leaves, and plenty of little hands waiting to play chores, crafts, or bake (blueberry scones are on the agenda).
Trips like this are good reminders that life, much like riding, is about balance. Work, family, horses—each piece adds something different to the rhythm of our days.
What’s Coming Next Week
Bee AND Wise Market have been keeping a couple of secrets, and let’s just say we’re buzzing with excitement. Next week, Bee and Wise Market will be sharing two big announcements straight from the mare’s mouth. (I promised I wouldn’t spoil the surprise, but they’re worth the wait.)
Until then, we’ll enjoy these cooler days, longer rides, and a little family time before things get really interesting around here.
Stay tuned, and as always—thank you for following along on this wild, wonderful journey with Bee.