January horses: Olive

All my life, I've wanted a horse.

It took fifty two years, but I finally got one.

We've been together for more than year, but I am as obsessed now as I was the day she stepped off the trailer. Rain or shine, I look forward to spending time with her every day.

There is nothing that can keep me away.

But this month has come close.

It has been so cold,

so snowy...

and so icy.

I'm so, so, so over it.

Because I've been tracking my rides for PonyUP 100, I can tell you that I sat on Olive eleven times this month. Most of those rides took place in the cozy confines of the indoor arena.

I also went on a couple chilly trail rides...

and walked around the snow covered outdoor ring once or twice.

The other nineteen days were turnout days.

Olive loves turnout days...

especially when she's turned out with friends!

This month, Olive has gone out with Thunder,

Saphira...

and Judge.

I'm pretty sure Saphira is her favorite.

No matter who she goes out with, there's always chasing...

So... 

much...

chasing!

and an occasional, horrifying moment.

How she survived this one unscathed I will truly never know.

This is the picture that will haunt me for years to come.

Fortunately, it was a quick recovery.

And then it was like nothing had happened. Phew.

I really love watching Olive interact with other horses.

It hasn't been a good month for riding, but it's been a great month for turnout.

Here's looking forward to a warmer and less snowy February!