Thanksoliving, part one

Ten days ago, Seth's brother, Jason, flew from Missouri to Colorado to help Seth move their parents into a bigger apartment. 

Jason stayed with us until Wednesday, at which point he joined the rest of his family - who arrived by car late that evening - in a vrbo across town. When they came to visit on Thanksgiving, eldest child, Gray, was wearing riding clothes. I took that as the hint it was clearly meant to be. The two of us got in my car and went straight to the barn.

The temperature had dropped significantly overnight, and Olive was definitely fresh. I rode her until she settled. Then I turned her over to Gray.

To keep Olive's mind busy, they worked on transitions, circles and poles.

Then we left the arena and went for a short ride/walk around the retention pond.

Olive did her usual stopping and staring act.

Too scary. Can't move.

Not too scary for grabbing food, though.

Gray rolled with it,

and pretty soon Olive fell into line.

After that, we went back into the arena and did some trot work.

Despite the too long stirrups - that's as short as they go! - Gray did a really nice job. 

Here's where we ended.

They look so good together!

It's been eight long years since I spent a horsey Thanksgiving with my niece.

I hope we don't have to wait that long to do it again!