We’ve been on some nice low-key rides along the roadsides and in a field or two lately, still avoiding the dratted deer flies. In a week or two, AhD and I should be back on the trails. We have been meandering up and around Back Street, admiring the view and trotting here and there. We have also been across the road on our neighbor’s property, wandering among the planted Christmas trees and cantering up the road through his mown field. One day, we stopped at the end of our ride and let AhD and Alijah (Fat Albert) enjoy a green apple treat. Sunday was our longest ride. We trailered our horses over to Poland and rode along the back roads over there.

The highlight of that ride (other than the great company!) was when AhD departed from a walk right into a light springy canter that was like riding on air! It’s so nice that AhD now has more collection and balance to his gaits! I would say that the low part of my ride was the good sized buck and kick he let out just as Ulla’s Gabby started trotting away up ahead of us…but I can’t really say that was the low point at all. The buck/kick didn’t unseat me at all, and AhD stopped his misbehavior immediately as I pulled him in and told him, “No!” in a firm tone. Ian didn’t have nearly as much fun as I did on this ride because he developed a saddle sore – ouch! Fat Albert the Tank is build for strength, not speed, so he had to trot considerably more than we did to keep up. We all dismounted and walked for a while. Back at Ulla’s house, we enjoyed an incredibly tasty pasta salad and then headed for home.
Yesterday, I was at Ulla’s house for “lunch” – a horse lover’s idea of lunch, which is all riding and no eating. Dozie gave me her usual high energy dances, which included high speed side passing and an incredibly extended trot, not to mention a good dose of parking out. Of course, I did not specifically ask for any of these gaits, which makes them an extraordinarily special gift. Thank you, Dozie!

Horse Meets Horsepower

Took AhD out after work to try out the bareback pad, and the first thing we did was to check out our new motorcycle. AhD was pretty curious; perhaps a bit intimidated by all that horsepower?? He is always very suspicious of new vehicles in the yard. We crossed the road, and rode down to the ponds. I absolutely love this new pad, thanks Denise! It is comfy and much less slickery than AhD's shiny curly coat. We tested it in four gears, w/t/c and Curly Shuffle - but we will leave overdrive to another day! I can tell I am using new muscles to sit to AhD's very English trot. I love the way I can wrap my legs right around his barrel and feel close to him.
I said a prayer for my fellow RACer Terri's family and friends as AhD strode along. Every minute of our lives is precious.