Respite

When I got home from California, all I wanted to do was groom Olive.

Karen did a really good job getting her out while I was away, but the weather was wet, the ground was muddy and no one grooms like I do. 

After ten days, Olive was looking a little bit feral.

You have no idea how satisfying this was.

My grooming kit mostly consists of expensive Haas brushes, but this eight dollar Epona shedding flower is my favorite tool for lifting mud and removing old hair.

This was originally recommended to me by Pat Coulter. I've owned it for years and think of her every time I use it.

After almost a week of grooming, Olive is looking a lot more civilized.

Her forehand is almost summer coat, and I can see the first hints of dapples.

So shiny!

We've also gone on a few little rides. Most of these have been bareback toodles around the property.

Today, I rode her in the ring. We trotted, and she felt strong, forward and sound.

Fingers crossed, maybe we'll be back to real rides soon.

But not right away. Tomorrow, I am once again packing my bags and boarding a plane. Although I am looking forward to this trip, it still feels entirely too soon. I really wouldn't mind another few days of grooming Olive.