Trail Riding

There hasn't been much to update. Andi went for one potential viewing, but even though I was very careful in telling them he had had months off and no cantering, they were.. not happy about it. I'm sorry.. Do Novice level event horses with PROVEN records usually go for $5k if there isn't a catch? 

So, as if to prove what a catch he is, Andi went out yesterday with Shelby, Me with Sher, and Jess on Bridget, for a 3 hour trail ride in his cavallo boots, after a good 3 weeks off, and.. was perfect. Sher was fantastic too, but he was amazing. Moss on logs make him take a second look and small puddle are cause for alarm, but he was an utter gent. At one point, both him and B leapt a small (tiny- 1' across?) stream, and Sher made a POINT of walking through it, looking pointedly at them (it felt like) as if to say, "You two are such morons." And it's these days that remind me how much I LOVE my opinionated, terrifying, amazing, gorgeous Sherwood. And I can't wait to hop back on and go do some more fun stuff with her. Because.. she really does work best with me, when I am smart enough to pick up what she's puttin' down. LoL

(Funny note of the day: Sandro, Shelby's fiancee, asked her "So, what horse are you riding?" on the way out the door. She responded, very amused because he had never cared before, "The new horse." And he was satisfied. I asked if she would have been allowed to come if she'd said Sherwood.. She just laughed. *Shakes head* I think my mare has a reputation.)

In any case, Andi proved what a solid citizen he was to everyone. Honestly, I kept checking on him, but I didn't expect him to cause a scene. I've come to expect it- that elusive quiet easygoing sensitivity- of him. He's just so lovely. Having him and Sher in the same yard just proves the difference between Dragons and Unicorns, as Thoroughbred owners declare the two polar opposites. He's just as sensitive as her, but much more lenient. Not everything is seen through a lens of... anxiety? Fight or flight? "Are YOU trying to tell ME what to do??" I think his presence might even be mellowing Queenie out; she is so much more reasonable this year than any year before. She's more loving and more willing to just.. hang out. Maybe she's just growing up. But I'm beginning to think that Andi might be a blessing in disguise for us.. And maybe it would be a mistake to let him go.