independence

Independence is being on the trail with your horse, meandering through trees, admiring the view, watching little quail burst like fireworks from along the trail.

Luckily Major doesn't mind the quail, or the numerous turkeys with their babies. Maybe he knows how Benjamin Franklin thought the turkey should be our national bird! I liked this excerpt from a letter Franklin wrote:
"For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

nice lookout, but dead car below cliff

Luckily our turkeys are not that brave, and rarely stand their ground. Plus, by chasing them every chance we get I think it helps Major think they are not a concern.


We rode to a lovely lookout, where someone decided their independent action would be to dump a car off a cliff...I hope a turkey gets him.

But the trails were calling, so we continued on from the lookout. We were chasing our shadow all day, it looked very cool to be trotting along and seeing a silent partner. Anyone who rides "alone" knows that they are not..we are with our horses, as good partners and friends.

The ride today was short, we were both happy as we cantered the final forest trail, turning for home, ducking under a branch, crossing the creek, stopping for grass.

Happy Independence Day. Enjoy your horses and celebrate whatever way you like (and remember those who have and do protect our freedoms).