We had our first visit out to the barn this morning after the long European adventure. Both E. and I were so excited to get out to visit our boy Curly. I felt like a giddy child as we drove up the driveway and saw our friend, the barn manager, out in the arena.
While we were away one of the other kids out at the barn helped care and exercise Curly. As an additional surprise (she is also in the 4-H club), she spit-shined him the evening before our arrival and braided his mane and tail so he would look beautiful when we first saw him. Of course, we would have thought he looked beautiful even if he was covered in mud - but it was nice to see him all shiny and clean!
Unfortunately, Curly strained a ligament in one of his front legs while we were away and is healing at the moment. E. tried to ride for a short while, but he told her in no uncertain terms that he was not ready - he tried to buck her off 3 times in just 5 minutes. We gave him a bit of bute since he was beginning to limp again and released him back into his run.
Because of Curly's injury, E. will not be able to compete in our county fair this year. I think she is (not so) secretly relieved. She has yet to have a fully positive experience showing - and honestly, her horse hates it. So not being able to show at fair takes a huge amount of pressure off of her.
This evening we went back to the barn for a pot-luck/horsey play-date. E. rode Jalema (the barn manager's horse) and R. rode Q....and I think both had a grand time.
E. riding Jalema.Neither child wanted to leave when I said it was time to go.
I am still re-adjusting to our local time (it's 9 hours off from where we traveled) and can barely keep my eyes open....ahhhh, the joys of international travel and jet lag......
