nice pony

Sometimes plans change, and it still all works out for the best.

I was set to go on a bareback ride, and meet my friend C and her horse. But she called, having a bad day, and just decided to meet me and walk along. We wandered into the forest, me bareback on Major, following C hiking, with her dog too. I rode awhile, cantered the road, then changed my plans.

I told C we're switching, and to get on Major and I'd walk awhile. She has never ridden him, and hasn't been bareback for a long time. She was a little apprehensive: I knew she'd be fine, she's a good rider, and Major knows to listen. So I gave her my helmet, found a log, and she got on.

Major didn't even care. After a few steps to get her balance, we walked (and some trot) in the forest, almost dark, winding through trees, some smaller paths, some wide sandy patches. I hiked along, just enjoying the company of horse and friend, which is what I set out to do anyway. A slightly different organization, but it worked.

I went the long way: it was very dark when we got back, and a cold 42 degrees. I had fun, C felt better, and Major got some carrots and grass for being such a good boy. I'm very proud of him, he can be such a jerk sometimes, but he really is inherently good. (Or maybe he still believes in Santa, he is only 8, and wants to make sure he is on the Nice and not the Naughty list!)

It's the holiday season, 'tis better to give than to receive.