True love in the park.

Today was another FABULOUS ride out at Sycamore Grove.  We had a big group today- enough that we had to enlist two trailers to get everyone there.  I woke up this morning and it was gray and overcast so I was thinking maybe we wouldn't have good weather.  I threw on my riding clothes, though, and headed out.

Liz rode Farley today, her young'un that just got back on Friday from the trainer's.  He's so cute!  Did miss our buddy Power who is rock steady but maybe Vi will start riding with us and Power will have a new pal.  Yes, Farley is even shorter than Power!  He's darling, though, isn't he?  I always did have a soft spot for bay's with black manes and tails.  He's got cute little white ringlets around his ankles.

Here are Haylie and Savannah.  I used to teach lessons on Savannah.  Pretty little palomino- it is nice to see she has been getting some tlc from Haylie and looks so well cared for.

There is something about being out in nature that helps me reconnect the pieces of me that seem to get jostled apart during the frenetic weekdays.  The park is a magical place.  Of course the riding is fun but it is also amazing to see other people have the experience of bonding with a horse.  A horse can put a spark in someone's eye not unlike the spark of those giddy first stages of love- when the world is just a perfect place and nothing bad can touch you.  I see it again and again.

Apollo was an absolute lug on the way out.  I couldn't believe it.  After all this, he's practically dawdling.  I rode him on the buckle most of the time.  He finally perked up when we turned around to head back.  I was like, "Geez, insult me much" he was in such a hurry to get back.  We took a few good jumps over some logs- well, our jumping log specifically, which is a big log in the middle of a really nice, soft grassy area.  Cantered back around and jumped it again.  Then he was ALL ready to go- harkening back to his brief stint doing cross-country trials or something.  Do love my boy, whether he is lazy and plodding or crazy and bolting- always my boy.  Anyone who doesn't believe in love at first sight- well, I'm sorry but it exists.  The first time I laid eyes on this guy, I knew.  I just knew- even though at the time I never thought I'd own a horse again, never thought I'd be back in the midst of the riding life so fully.  Yet here we are.  His eyes were what got me.  He doesn't have much flash but he has the softest eyes, and once he trusts you, he'll give you his whole, great big heart I've found.  So yes, Virginia, true love does exist.