A modest wish fulfilled and more

It's been awhile! I did order those long lines from Dover, and they arrived. Russell was cleared to start work again, but I didn't get in too many work-outs with him before we were sidelined again. No, not another injury; leaves! Rick spent one long Sunday in October cleaning leaves out of the arena; because of the uneven surface they wouldn't "blow," so he had to rake them all. Then he dragged the arena smooth and instructed me to keep the horses out until the trees had shed all their leaves and he could do a final clean-up.That lovely expanse of sand, and I can't ride in it! Reminds me of the saying, "Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink."

Brian and I did go on one "road ride" together this month. Russell only has front shoes and Brian's pony is barefoot, so we have to be careful how much we do that. I also used Russell in the "Hippology" class I taught during the fall term for the homeschooling co-op; I led him and gave all the kids the opportunity to ride at a walk and a trot. Then the rains started and life got even busier than usual, and Russell has been just hanging out, turning into a big fuzzy marshmallow. When we got back from our recent trip to Kentucky (check out my Boulderneigh blog for photos of some fine horseflesh!) the leaves were finally all down, but it has been raining like crazy and now Rick is laid up for awhile after a hernia repair, so he won't be blowing leaves any time soon.

So my wish for today was very modest. After church and lunch, all I wanted was to go to the barn and give Russell a thorough grooming; you know, spend some quality time with my horse. It was brisk outside, but dry. Dry! Hmm, wouldn't it be nice to go for a mosey down the road and into the woods? Rick was amenable to the idea and Brian wanted to hang out with dad, so off Russell and I went! It was wonderful to be in the saddle again, and enjoy the world from my favorite vantage point. Russell is very soft indeed; it will take much time to get him back into working shape. With the weather and my crazy life, it will take even longer, but the journey is more important than the destination. Right?