A Family Portrait

It's hard to get a picture of all of us together: Hubby, me, the dog, and the horses. It's usually only two of us at a time.

During my Spring Vacation, Hubby surprised me with a barn visit. He brought Tobias with him and asked if I'd show them the way to the river so that Tobi could swim and play. Our only access to the river from the barn requires trekking across private property so I agreed to take them down there.

Hubby leashed up Tobi, and I threw on my helmet and hopped up on Speedy bareback with a halter. It is really great to have such a dependable pony. He hasn't always been that reliable of course, but it was fun to walk down the trail feeling relaxed and "safe."

I was really pleased with how calm he was about the dog as dogs haven't always been his best trail allies. But Tobi is well behaved, especially for an adolescent Labrador Retriever, and they both minded their manners.

When we got to the river, I (wisely) hopped off while Hubby unleashed Tobi. He threw a stick for Tobi, who bounded through the water, happy as a clam. Speedy, of course, blew wildly and flipped his tail over his back as Tobi careened around the beach and through the water. I just held the reins loosely and let Speedy act the Wild-Child. Tobias enjoyed himself immensely, and I think Speedy actually enjoyed showing off!

While Hubby put Tobi back on the leash, I found an embankment and hopped back on. We walked back to the barn along a different path and both boys, pony and dog, heeled like perfect gentlemen. Just before we got back, we saw one of my barn owners out on the path taking a few snapshots of our little family. What a great surprise!

Hubby and Tobias and me on Speedy G