Today, I went for a ride for the first time in two years! I have really missed riding – and going again reminded me of how much fun it is, and how much I enjoy it. I love all the ritual of grooming… brushing his glossy summer coat, and brushing his tail – combing out his thick mane.  His tail was a bit of a mess, but with Fiebing’s Satin Sheen, it makes it really easy to brush out.

Nick (fatty boy) was a bit spooky, but all in all, for a first ride in a long time, he was really good. We (my daughter and I) went to our old haunt, Campbell Valley Park. We did not attempt the 14km around the park, as none of us is in any shape to go that far, but just rode to the water splash and back. Nick is such a great little horse – and for 22, he’s sure doing well.  His trot was bit short and choppy to start, but I think that was as much the rider (wink) as it was the horse.

Dodge, my daughter’s horse, has really nice gaits. He has a lot of suspension in his trot, and I’m sure once he’s fully trained, he’ll be awesome. He’s a little green and wobbly, and he was quite nervous going through the trails. He behaved himself admirably though, for a ‘green’ horse.

The horses were tired at the end of the ride, and Nick could only manage a canter half way up the hill. Dodge trotted the whole way up – a good indication they both had had enough. A good sponge bath for them at the end of the ride, a quick spray of Chapman’s Premium to ease any muscle soreness, and they were glad to be going home.

Overall, a fantastic day with a wonderful ride! I can hardly wait until the next trip out! Oh yeah, and I’ll be using some of that Chapman’s Premium on myself tonight.

Andrea