I had looked at the forecast, which called for rain, but there was sunshine to the east. Clouds soon moved in from the west, but Jane and I decided to ride this morning. Harry was too busy in the studio. A client is coming out tomorrow.
We had a jumpfest! It was quite brisk, and Bart was amazing, actually in front of my leg without constant harassment. It was so much fun – we were both clean, but Jane won on style, with her perfect equitation, not to mention her perfect chestnut mare. No pictures of Bart and me, but you can imagine we were not quite as impeccable
Perfect horse and rider 
A butt shot!
We planned to ride a second set, but the predicted rain arrived. As I walked to the house with rain just starting, I took some cat pictures.
Cora in the barn – her favorite high perch 
Roscoe 
Twizzler follows me toward the house!
And then, some bird pictures. I just love catching birds in flight!
Goldfinches (and a titmouse) 
Goldfinches 
Goldfinches 
A cardinal arrives 
Settled down briefly 
Cardinals and goldfinches 
Cardinal bombing in 
“Hi guys” 
Cardinals argue with goldfinches watching 
Wings!
Well, the horses got really wet, as the rain stayed all day, and is continuing now. They do have a shed for shelter. I cannot understand why they don’t use it. Needless to say, they were happy to come in at feeding time. Bart rolled to dry off before he had even finished dinner. Don’t worry – he went right back to it, and cleaned his plate.
Bart 
Right side dry, anyway…
I am so glad that Marmalade came along and convinced Licorice to come to the shed. Last winter (and the nine years before that!) she lived all alone out in the wild. I could not convince her to come in to shelter. But now, she sleeps on the hay, and I love to see her there. Last year, I called her every evening, and she wandered in from somewhere out in the woods, but only as far as the culvert atop a pallet I had set out for her for shelter, where I fed her daily. She wouldn’t come closer. This feels much better, to me, at least! Thank you, Marmalade!
Harry worked hard in the studio, while I went to town for errands and returned with pizza! It was a good day, despite the rain.
Stay safe, stay well.
So happy that Lic has found an influential friend!
I love the birds in flight too, even their territorial grumpiness. Jane does look picture poised and perfect on her lovely mare. You do also Anne, your constant belittling yourself, well, I won’t say. I know your intentions are good and generous. I love to see you all riding! Your “competition” is fun!
Lucky to have my breath taken away from your bird photos and not COVID! Thank you.