Lots of adrenaline today, returning to jumping around a real course at a rated horse show. Kris does a masterful job of preparing us and keeping the hamsters in my brain as calm as possible. Jane was there for support and to video, and Justine came to cheer. Bart and I did a .95 meter (3’1″) class. There were only two entries, and we went second. The first horse had a nice round, but pulled a rail. Bart jumped around clear, winning a blue ribbon, without jumping off. Turns out, there is now a rule that a winning clear round is not permitted to do the jump off! I was very happy, as was Bart, not having to jump another round.
Eddy was a good horse show companion. Harry had other plans, made because I was never sure I would actually show. Unfortunately, Eddy is still stinky, but I tried a new concoction this evening. We shall see. I just hope people don’t think I am smoking pot! The odor is very similar. When we were in Boston, I thought it odd that there were skunks in the city, then learned it was the smell of marijuana smoke.
Back home with Bart, he attempted to drown himself so that he wouldn’t have to work so hard. Luckily, he is getting tomorrow off from showing. He was very good today!
Around the barn, as I was finishing up chores, I saw a Monarch butterfly, which made my day. Also, a few other delights…
It was a day for counting blessings, reminded by a picture from Nancy Stevens of the honor guard pack string for her good friend Keith, a National Park ranger, who died in May, and was celebrated on September 1, in Montana. Too many losses keep piling up, but, on the other hand, we are fortunate to have intersected many fascinating lives.
News of a young, unexpected loss came yesterday. Life is unpredictable indeed. We need to be grateful for every day.
Stay safe, stay well, stay connected to what matters. Slava Ukraini! Peace…
Galloping Through 
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