Dedicated to Amy

I took a ride on my devilish Curly AhD yesterday and wrote all about it for the Ride A Curly blog, but I also took a second ride on the gentleman Mister Man that I wanted to share with Amy. When I saddled Mister up, he was quite bent out of shape because he had been crying for AhD the whole time I was out. Originally, he was REALLY hoping that he and AhD were going to go out for a ride at the same time, but since there is only one of me and Ian was involved on the computer, Mister was quite disappointed. As I tacked him up, he was weaving in front of the back barn door, unhappy to be separated from AhD again...but this time the tables were turned, and AhD was the one running around outside whinnying. Nevertheless, he stood like a statue to be mounted and listened to me as we headed up the road to Back Street. Saturday is Dump Day in Hebron, so there is always a steady stream of cars. A quarter of a mile from the house, five cars/trucks in a row passed us, and one of them must have recognized me, because the driver tooted a greeting. Ignorant!! but Mister paid it no mind. We headed up Back Street, but I noticed that the saddle was hitting Misters withers, so I turned him around and headed back to the barn. His adorable ears perked right forward. Mister must have been shocked when I saddled him back up, this time with the addition of the cutaway pad, and headed down the road for the second time out. He is such a good boy on the road. I am very comfortable with him.

We went all the way to my church, and stood for a moment in the parking lot. We had a good view of the beautiful old buildings of Hebron Academy.

The sun was warm and felt wonderful! Halfway back to the house, I pulled him into a field, and we walked around. The footing was excellent, so we took a few turns around, trotting and loping, before heading back to the barn. By the way, I want to mention that I have had no problems whatsoever with Mister being cinchey or taking a bit. Ian and I have been using the hackamore on him, but I have a beautiful silvered western bridle that I tried on Mister and AhD yesterday morning, just to see how it fit. It is too big for both of them, but I plan to try to adjust the size today. When I held it out for Mister, he dropped his head and opened his mouth for the bit and looked quite happy about the whole thing! It sure was great to be spoiled by two horses on the afternoon of my birthday and the anniversary of my Dad's death. Both of these boys offered me comfort and companionship.