Something I hope to do again in the not too distant future

What a nice day!  I got to sleep in, then I met Windy out at the farm so she could ride Pluto.  At a trot, which is something I can't really do.  He needed the exercise.

It was really nice to see Windy.  Usually we see each other only a couple of times a year, at Renaissance Festival and maybe once at sig-beer.  So it was special to be able to get together and spend time with a horse.

Pluto was on reasonably good behavior today, other than his forceful head-dives for any green-looking grass.  He was actually a little bit low energy in the warm afternoon sun.  Windy had to boot him a couple of times to get him trotting which is NOT like him it all but is better than his occasional explosion.

I started her on the longe to let her get used to that bit trot, then gave her reins and let her go.  I was pleased with both of them.  She adapted to his very bouncy trot really well, and he handled having a new rider really well.  Amazingly, my stirrups are actually a bit long for Windy.  (The same stirrups had to go all the way to the last hole for my trainer Amy, and were still a wee bit short for her.)

Here he is just trotting like a normal horse:

After she rode, I got on and walked him around doing some lateral work.  Also, I chatted with Griffin.  He's relatively new to the farm.  He thought we had been introduced before but I didn't remember it.  He has a really cute little four year old mare he was working with, and I really need to get him to teach me and Pluto some of the things they did because it looked really fun.  And let me take this opportunity to say really a few more times because it is a word I really like.  Really.

He volunteered to take pictures of me and Windy and Pluto:

I had no idea Pluto was sticking his tongue out, but I find it hilarious.

And here we are all looking kind of normal, although I look maybe a little overenthusiastic.  You think?

Later in the day my farrier came out and now Pluto has pedicured feets and he is very happy.  Or maybe he's happy because of all the cookies he got.  Either way, a happy horse is nice to have.

Earl Grey, Hot, in about fifteen years

Finally, FINALLY, the weather cooperated and Tara and I got to ride on a Wednesday night.  It was lovely, too.  It was pretty warm during the day, but after the sun went down it was just right.  A little breezy, but comfortable. 

For once, Tara was riding the flighty TB and I was riding the Lipizzaner.  (Normally, she is riding the calm schoolmaster and I am riding the nervous Arab.)  (Same horses, btw, just different night.)  I told Tara that I didn't know who this horse was, but I didn't want the old one back.  She's of the opinion that he's developed another brain cell, which brings him up to four now.  Curious, I asked how many she thought he'd end up with.  She said she thought at least 27.  Using this math and his rate of development, he should be doing calculus and serving me Earl Grey tea by the time he's done.

I asked for and got a lot of good stuff from the horse tonight.  Solid stops, a lovely swinging walk, a nice trot, much more developed lateral work, light contact, good bends.  I was a pretty happy rider.  Until... the gnats came out.  They were "bugging" Pluto, swarming around his head.  I called it a good night and hopped off.  Then I helped Tara move jumps out of the arena so we can get it dragged.  Pluto and Timber followed me around (why?  Isn't there something more interesting elsewhere?) and when Pluto found a good opportunity, he snuck up behind me and headbutted me.  Literally.  His head, my butt.  He kind of launched me forward a bit.  I whirled on him, calling him a bad name, and he shied back.  I'm pretty sure he thought he was going to get it.

I hollered but I didn't do much to him.  It doesn't work to discourage his sense of humor.  He, like most boys, will only find a more annoying way to express himself.

Tara and I made plans to take the boys out for a ride on Saturday, which I'm looking forward to.  Assuming it doesn't monsoon.  Wish us luck!

Pluto, wondering when I'm going to get around to putting a bridle on him.

I find it very difficult to work on the security plan at work.  It takes a lot of concentration.  Any time I'm interrupted it sets me back at least fifteen minutes.  So I have a sign up - If I'm wearing the hat, don't interrupt me.  Or I will turn you into a newt.

I have a feeling I'm going to have to point at the sign a lot.