Back home and winter is here!

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The joys of shorts, sandals, blue skies and bright yellow sun for 18+ hours a day are over. We returned last week after a 24 hour monstrous return, without our baggage because thats the lingering issue of the day in the airline industry, and with a tickle in my throat. 3 days of suffering later, our bags showed up and I finally made it to the barn.

Q’s reaction was priceless. As soon as he heard my voice, he flipped around, head in the air and seemed to say: « waiiiit … WHAT??? … where YOU been? » and proceeded to grope me with his nose. He was hot to trot and our first ride out was a bit edgy. We secured some babysitters from the barn to take us out on trail in what was some of the most beautiful winter wonderland. We kept it at a walk those first two days cuz Q was ready to bolt with excitement.




Then I played hookie and ran out to the barn early in the morning to see what he had under the hood. Alone and without fear for any other riders or trail users, we tested Q’s energy and self control. He was hot, enthusiastic and ready to run. It took all of 30 minutes in walk with some long and loose trotting sections until he started relaxing and listening. We didn’t canter as our control in the trot was still so precarious.

Q turns 10 this March and Im pleased to see him evolve into a horse that can get hot without getting scary. I know this episode will last about a week and then we can return to our regular relaxed plods with Q being my steady eddy. For now, he needs time with me, rebuilding the connection without too much pressure. Im looking forward to how much we can accomplish in the coming days.

Fresh powder this morning, so the trails are calling. 




Comments

  1. TeresaAJanuary 29, 2023 at 6:36 AM

    Welcome home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nat DJanuary 30, 2023 at 7:42 AM

      Aside from the winter blues, it feels great to be back in our creature comforts. 😉

      Delete

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