Friday favorites

Seth's brother, Jason, and his family traveled to Colorado this week.

It was a short visit with lots of planned events, but favorite niece, Gray, and I were adamant: We needed to spend at least a half day together at the barn. That happened yesterday.

I borrowed my favorite not-mine horse, Kaffi, from favorite barn friend, Karen. Gray rode him first.

They worked on the basics, and Gray got to try a tölt.

So fun!

We switched horses, and Gray climbed aboard Olive.

Another nice pairing.

Good girl, Olive.

Karen came into the ring with Bowie, and because she's the best friend ever, she let Gray ride him, too.

He's the kind of horse who always tests his rider, and the first part of the ride was a little bit difficult.

It wasn't too long, however, before they were working nicely as a team.

At this point, we'd spent enough time in the ring. I asked Gray who she wanted to ride down the trail, Olive or Kaffi? She chose Olive.

This was the first time anyone but me has ever ridden Olive on the trail.

It could not have gone better. I am so pleased.

We got back to the barn and unsaddled both horses. Kaffi went in the field, but Olive still had a little more work to do. 

After Ivy's "lesson", I let Gray get back on Olive.

It's been months since Olive has had a day like this.

You would never know it. She was absolutely perfect.

This was my absolute favorite kind of day, spent with some of my favorite people and all of my favorite horses. I am filled with gratitude and my heart is still overflowing.