Horses Will Cure What Ails You

And I know I am preaching to the choir ...

To say this has been a busy work week would be a grand understatement. I am a 5th grade teacher. That should be enough said, but just in case you don't have kids, there are only 8 days of school left. We are trying to wind the school year down as the kids are winding up for their summer vacation. Think about Halloween, Easter, Christmas, and a birthday party all happening on the same day: that's what these past few days have felt like.

My barn time has been very limited this week: I had a lesson on Monday, the boys saw the chiropractor on Tuesday, I had an appointment on Wednesday, there was a school event on Thursday where I worked from 7:00 a.m. straight through until 7:00 p.m., which brings us to Friday afternoon.

On my drive home, all I could think of was a chilled margarita and silence. But as I looked at my car's thermometer (sub 80), I knew that I couldn't skip a third barn day especially on such a pleasant afternoon. I waffled between needing to ride and needing to just relax. By the time I pulled into the garage my decision was made; I would do a short ride only.

Tobias, cutest dog ever, greeted me with a hopeful, but resigned expression. Hubby was going to his nephew's baseball game which meant Tobi wasn't going to get an evening run. I didn't really want to ride anyway and Tobi needed some fun, so my afternoon was set: he was going with me!

As soon as I made the decision not to ride, my afternoon got a lot better. Tobi jumped into the backseat eagerly, and we headed off to the barn. He has turned out to be an excellent barn dog. He seems to know where the property line is, and he is developing a respect for the horse zone. He's not allowed in any horse pens or the arena. He is also not permitted to chase Little Red Hen. He needed a few reminders about the rules, but overall, he enjoyed himself without causing any trouble.

Tobias hanging out in the barn.

I turned Speedy out while I cleaned both stalls. Tobias ran around the barn checking out any poop piles I had missed. By the time I had finished cleaning, Speedy was brought back in and Sydney was turned out. Knowing that Tobi would love a walk, I popped up on Speedy bareback with his halter (with my helmet, of course) and took Tobi for a "walk" around our section of the neighborhood. Tobi was quite happy about the walk and Speedy seemed to enjoy the rambunctious company. By the time we got back, Sydney was ready to come in.

All sense of being tired and cranky had long since vanished. RM, my BO, came out with a Smartpak box that I knew was my latest order. I pulled out my new Passier laced reins and Speedy's new fly sheet. I gave the reins a quick conditioning and tried out the fly sheet. It was a perfect fit!

This is the whitest it will ever be!

Tobi and I puttered around a bit more, but after an hour and a half we were both ready to head home. He got his afternoon run after all, and I drank my margarita in silence. Ponies can really fix whatever's got you down. 

We're heading to the cabin this morning for a quick overnight visit so you won't hear from me until Monday. Have a great weekend!