home again, home again, jiggety jig

It's always wonderful getting time away to write, and it's equally wonderful to come home to November Hill at the end of it.

I brought a bag of apples and carrots for horses, pony, and donkeys, and one very ripe pear, so I bought my way back into the good graces of the herd. I have to say though, like always, Keil Bay turned his rear to me when I first came out to the barn. I think this is the longest I've ever been away since he came to live with me 10 years ago.

Unfortunately the afternoon was too busy to get in a ride, but next morning, in spite of gusting wind and cold I decided that I had to be back to our schedule. Dear daughter tacked up Cody and we rode together. Both Rafer and Redford climbed into the arena through the fence and joined us - Redford lay down on top of X and took a few rolls before watching, then the two marched side by side behind us.

Sometimes the best rides come after a break - this one was especially sweet.

Snapshots from a writing retreat 3

Snapshot 2 - a wee break for a hunter pace

Snapshots from a writing retreat

zero to sixty on the Big Bay

Today's ride started slow. I felt tight and stiff when I got on, but immediately felt better once I did. Keil Bay seemed a bit sluggish - our temps were back up to 70 today and the sun was out and it was mid-day. We had a nice breeze though and since it was pleasant I figured we'd just do a lot of walking and a little trotting and enjoy the trees which are finally starting to turn colors.

We had a nice walk going and just kept on with it. Once we started trotting, the trot was nice but not spectacular - but Keil was responsive and moving well and again, I was enjoying the laid back ride so much I didn't ask for more.

We kept going.

At some point Keil literally shifted into high gear. It wasn't spookiness but he just clicked into his power mode. We did the best walk I remember ever doing. He wanted to trot and we did some shoulder-in to stretch things out even more - after that the trot got even better.

I really did have to slow him down to get him ready for a dismount today - he was revved up and not even interested in stopping!