Cheese with that whine?

I've been riding Butch almost daily since August to get us both in shape. It was easy during summer and fall. I can ride in the heat, and Butch can handle it. Now winter has suddenly arrived. This is southern Arizona, our winters are usually beautiful riding weather; sunny, high 50s to 70s during the day. Except when it rains. Then it gets cold. I don't do cold. That's why I moved to Arizona.

Late morning, out to the barn, geared up to ride. Cold, overcast, light mist off and on. I bravely saddle my good mule, prepared to shiver my way through the riverbed. Then - oh, no - it turns into real rain. What? Ride in the cold rain? ME? Hahahahaha. I take Butch by the lead rope and walk him out to the road for exercise, hunkered down under my dripping hat. I walk back, the rain slows to a heavy drizzle.

I imagine it being a morning out on the journey, and am suddenly ashamed. If I'm too big a wuss to ride at home on a rainy day, what's gonna happen out there when it could be week after week of downpour? Or tornado weather? Or a freak snowstorm? Am I gonna run back home with my tail between my legs?

We trudge back to the barn. I bridle Butch mule and ride down into the wash. Surprisingly, once we're out and about, the cold and wet is not so bad. In fact, it's kind of bracing in a refreshing sort of way. We have a short, pleasant ride.*

*note: Butch slid down a concrete embankment on his knees about 8 days ago. He was not badly injured, but lame enough that I gave him some days off while treating it. He seems okay now, but I'm easing him slowly back into his routine while I keep an eye on how he's moving. That accident scared the crap outta me. Taught me that just because Butch wants to do something risky, and clearly thinks he can, doesn't mean I should let him! Stupid of me. He has a big heart but not always the best judgment...