First Spring Ride

Well I did warn you all this was not going to be all about the barn  so this is another entry that is more on the personal side of things.

If you read my previous entry about my issues that have developed with Raphi, you will understand why today was noteworthy enough to write about. 

Can't believe it is May 3oth and today was our first hack (ride out off property for my non- horsey readers) of the year today..... so wonderful. Marina and I headed out to explore a new route but had to change where we wanted to go due to the old railway track being blocked off and rather too stony for horsey feet. He took it all in stride- scary garbage bags beside the driveway, lots of traffic, going around concrete bunkers ( ok so Pippa had to go first for that one), turkey vultures launching into flight, wading through muddy puddles( lakes) and even a scary post with orange flags flapping in the breeze ( ok so he spooked a bit for that one but we both settled very quickly), lots of mosquitoes, and pretty much did the whole ride "on the buckle" ( which means with a nice long rein) stretching and relaxing nicely. The trilliums in the bush were amazing! SO many- completely covering the ground ( no phone with me so no picture sorry)- white and all shades of pink. He even found his old friends the cows in the distance. I have noticed the last several days that he stands at the fence and stares off into the distance as if looking for something.... I thought it might be the cows and today proved me right. After he saw them he let out a big sigh. Best of all when we got home I rode around to the other side of the barn to let Phoebe out of the dog park and he stayed relaxed and quiet, even though we left Pippa out of sight. Last year that would have caused major anxiety... so progress in deed.And to add to it, I tied him up outside at the wash rack to untack while Pippa was inside.... again he stayed calm and quiet-- one little nicker....SO SO HAPPY.... a Good Day....Granted the territory and routine was likely familiar and the territory remembered from last year but still I'm tickled pink. We tried desperately to pick our way through the fields following tracks that would not damage grass or be too slippery underfoot. There has been SO MUCH RAIN that this in itself was a feat. Pippa seemed to enjoy finding swampy areas and puddles to wade through. One puddle on the way home even had hundreds of tadpoles swimming about in it. I am ever grateful and mindful of the blessing of being granted permission to ride on neighbouring fields.