Olive update

It has been exactly three months since Dr Williams sewed Olive back together. Officially, she is considered recovered.

She looks and feels absolutely fabulous.

Except for a line of white hairs on her belly, you almost can not tell it happened.

Even before I left for California, some of my barn friends were encouraging me to sit on her. I told them, no. It was fine. I didn't mind waiting.

And I didn't.

But every now and then, I'd line her up next to the mounting block and think the thoughts.

I did not think those thoughts the first couple of days after my trip. I was so physically and emotionally spent, all I wanted to do was sit with Olive and watch her eat.

But then, I started thinking the thoughts again.

Three days ago, on a whim, I decided to let her carry me from the mounting block to the mare field. 

That could not have gone better.

In fact, it was so normal, it almost seemed like nothing had ever happened, except for one thing: Even though she looks nice and round from the side, when you're sitting on her, Olive's back is surprisingly bony.

She's always had a little bit of wither in the front, but now you can feel her spine the whole way down.

Those dapples, though.

I guess there's only so much fitness you can build through handwalks and carrot stretches.

It's fine. I'm not in hurry. We'll just keep doing our walks,

stretches...

and little rides until Olive's back is ready for more.

Even fifteen minutes at a time, I am just so happy to be looking through these ears again.

This year has taken a lot from me, but it didn't get Olive. For that, I am forever grateful.