Pictures from today's ride

The last time I went on a trail ride was Halloween. That was three days after Stealth died and fifteen days before Olive arrived. I think it was a good ride, but honestly, I barely remember it. It feels like part of a whole different life.

Since then, I've ridden a lot, but it's all been little baby horse rides on Olive. I'm not complaining. I'm really invested in going slow and doing right by her. If she needs a million trot circles, I will let her have a million trot circles. Truly, we have all the time in the world.

That said, I do want her to be a trail horse, so - in addition to trot circles - we're also working on basic trail skills. 

One of these is riding in company.

Olive really did not like doing this when I got her, so we've spent a lot of time riding behind - and occasionally next to - my friends all over the Kenlyn property.

Progress ground to a halt during last week's big winter storm... 

but today we were right back at it.

The arena was too slick for comfort, so Karen and I rode around the outside of it, a million slow circles until Olive was completely relaxed.

Then we rode down to the gate at the end of the twenty runs and left the property. Olive was surprised and a little balky at first.

Eventually, however, she relaxed and followed Thunder's lead.

We didn't go far, and Olive did get a little bit pushy on the way home. Still, it was a really good first effort, and I am just so pleased with her.

It might take a million more little rides like this, but I think she's going to be a fabulous trail horse. 

Good pony, Olive. Let's do that again tomorrow!