A Perfect Autumn Day

Now that show season is officially over I really want to focus on doing fun things with Carmen. Not that showing isn't fun but you know what they say:  all work and no play makes Carmen a cranky girl.

So when I received a text from Nancy inviting me to a group hack at Coveside saturday I was all 'hell yes'.  I checked to see if Tanya could come as well and the answer was yes. The group at this stable are all so nice and welcoming.

The weather couldn't have been more cooperative: sunny and warm but with few bugs. Carmen was a bit reluctant to load - I'm pretty sure she was thinking that we were going somewhere to work hard.

Tanya and I met at the parking lot. I tied Carmen to the trailer to get her tacked up. This is the first time I have tried this with her and she was a star. We mounted up and headed up to the barn. There was about 10 other riders (I didn't count so not sure). It was a mixed group of ages and experiences but we were all excited to head out.

Carmen: that's a lot of horses

Carmen was a bit excited and 'up' but not too bad and we walked out she settled nicely. I normally give her a free rein but I couldn't this time because I didn't want her crowding other horses.

off we go! 

Tanya also really excited to head out

I wasn't sure what she would think about going out with so many horses but she didn't care. There were a couple dogs that came with us who wove in and out of the brush. She didn't care about that either. The woods were stunning.

I love ferns, especially this time of year

We stopped at a big open field with 360 degree views. It was stunning. One thing that was really cute. I was letting Carmen graze and relax in the sun when I remembered that I had a carrot in my pocket. Carmen I said, leaning forward and she nickered at me as though to say yes?  It was so adorable.

hey, did anyone remember to bring a flask? 

maybe one day we will canter this field

It was just what we needed.

look at those relaxed ears

We were gone a little over an hour. I think. I need to remember to set my watch! Jackie and Nancy invited us to put the horses in a stall and stay for snacks. Note: I never turn down snacks.

turns out that goats like snacks too

We headed out after chatting and eating. It was a perfect day for Carmen and I.