Now that winter seems to have surrendered, the temperature today jumped to 80F / 26.6C. It was a perfect day to return to riding this afternoon. There was no wind, and the horses were quiet, so I tacked up Bart and set off. I had considered lunging, but decided I could jump off and return for a lunge line if needed. As it happened, Bart was perfect. After riding, and working up a good sweat, a bath removed filth and plenty of hair.
Next up, Oisin, was delightful. I was trying to get an artistic picture as we walked through the woods, dropped the reins, and he managed to step into them, necessitating an emergency dismount. I am pleased to report that I am still able to leap off without injury. Even more impressive, Oisin stood for remounting and I was able to mount from the ground. For those who do not know Oisin, he is 16’2″ hands high, which is a biggish horse for an old lady without a mounting block or a leg up! Luckily, the reins survived the incident and did not break.
Saving the best for last, I finished on Stone, who has become a much beloved horse. I was very reluctant, eight years ago, to buy him, but Jane and Harry were sure he was a good one, and they were right.
The flowers are bursting forth all over the place. For two weeks, I ached to see a crocus, to no avail, and suddenly they are everywhere. Spirits lift, in spite of the relentless, awful news. Tomorrow we will march in a protest at the Veterans Administration in downtown St. Louis, but the real salvation, I think, is with animals, and outside in Nature. We are incredibly fortunate to live here.
Marianne helps with the barn, but we seem to miss each other most days. Today, I was fortunate to cross paths with her while I had the camera…
And dogs and cats were caught on camera, of course…
Harry did manage to avoid the camera today.
Be safe, be well, be grateful, be strong. Slava Ukraini! God save America. Peace…
80!
Slava Ukraini
God Save America
Peace
What a wonderful day! All the beautiful flowers, clean horses and warm sunshine gives us hope that spring will soon come. Meanwhile I scrape snow and ice off my car this morning.
Slava Ukraina
God Save America
Peace on earth
Isn’t it wonderful to be able to ride outdoors!!! Wow! Leaping off and mounting from the ground-amazing! Thank goodness for our animals who are keeping us sane during these days!
As usual. the pictures of horses and flowers, cats and dogs inspire me to go outside. Ankle is healing well and though I lurch along like a toddler learning to walk, I am upright and moving on my own. Bless spring.
A lovely start to my day, seeing your beautiful flowers. I love the hellebore.
Do you go off and trail ride alone??? I’m VERY impressed at you mounting from the ground. With my bad knees I find it hard even from a mounting block. Also, I wish I’d known about the protest. Take lots of photos with your phone.
Both of O’s parents were very good about not panicking.