Pictures from yesterday's ride

Last year at this time, Olive and I were just barely beginning to ride off property. She was still explosive around bikes, and I wasn't willing to chance it. We missed a lot of rides, but that was okay. We just weren't ready.

This year, we're making up for it.

My phone is bursting at the seams with ride photos.

So many rides.

So many happy pictures.

Although Olive definitely prefers to follow another horse,

or a whole bunch of other horses,

she's happy to take the lead once we get past all the urban challenges.

She's no longer worried about meeting other horses...

or dogs on the trail. She's even mostly over her fear of bikes.

I feel safe on her.

Unfortunately, all that riding came to a screeching halt this week. It was really hot, I was a little bit sick and there was a lot of family drama. I still went out to see her everyday, but mostly I just sponged her down,

took her for little walks...

and put her in turnout.

According to Olive, that was a pretty good week.

Today was cooler, and I felt better. Karen, Taylor and I hit the trail.

We rode to Coal Creek Arena, which Olive has seen but never entered.

It's a nice, big, public ring with good footing.

Karen and Taylor put their horses through their paces while Olive and I watched.

We're still working out some foot issues, but Olive, soon this will be you.

Before we left, Taylor set up some barrels for us to race around.

We all did it. We were all slow.

The ride home was just as fun.

I told Taylor to put her arms out in what Karen refers to as the "thank god I'm a country girl" pose. She decided to do it backwards.

Oh, to be young and fearless again!

Olive's post ride reward was a sponge bath and turnout.

Mine was a cold drink and a hot meal.

Last summer was good, but this is better. I can't wait to see what Olive and I will be doing next year!