Ed and I just got back from our vacation. It was a lovely time, with the first part just the two of us in Sedona. It was a bit cold and we ended up hiking in light snow. Which was kind of hilarious. Fortunately, it didn't stick around (which is what happened there later in the week).
the sun came out later |
After Sedona we headed south of Phoenix and stayed with Ed's brother and his wife. They were lovely hosts and it was wonderful to spend time with them. It was an 'easy' vacation with hiking and other activities but not go-go-go. I was able to hike in the desert and enjoy time in the sun. It's amazing how moving south and to lower elevations makes a difference in temperature.
After 10 days away we headed home feeling rested and recharged. I was happy to see that, while we were gone, all the snow and ice had disappeared. And even happier to see that my ring was in great shape. I've been able to work with the horses twice since we arrived home on Thursday. This is the longest time I've spent not riding. Usually I can get a few rides in over the winter.
Carmen was absolutely filthy. It took a long time to change her colour from mud to yellow tinged with some darker splotches. I didn't mind though. When Carmen first came she hardly ever rolled. I believe that she's feeling happier and confident so comfortable to roll and get muddy (don't burst my bubble).
I lunged and did groundwork with Carmen first and she was fine but it was clear that she felt a bit tense. I found myself feeling fine about mounting though. So I got on and, while she thought about things, I was able to be calm and clear and she was fine. It was a short workout because we're just starting.
Me: yay! Carmen: Oh. this again. |
Cordelia: horse training is boring |
my handsome baby genius |
Quaid: this is best way to use the ring |
Good to hear from you! Sedona sounds like a lovely vacation. I'm jealous. I like the idea of a back-to-school review. Great to see you back in the saddle after a particularly rough winter.
ReplyDeleteSedona is lovely. I think you’d like it.
DeleteThat does sound lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt was just what we needed.
DeleteHow lovely to be back in action! Quaid has grown up so much <3
ReplyDeleteHe has.
DeleteThat's excellent that things dried up and warmed up while you were away. The pictures of the horses in the ring with the blue sky background are just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI do love a blue sky.
DeleteNothing like coming home after being away.
ReplyDeleteQuaid may still grow some more, he is young yet. I had one gelding that grew a full inch at age 5.
I think he will grow a bit more too. Iberian breeds tend to mature late. But even if he just fills out (I expect he’ll be a very solid horse) I am fine.
DeleteSounds like a lovely trip - I love the Southwest! Glad to hear the horses have been so good for getting back into the swing of things too !
ReplyDeleteI find that the southwest feels very exotic because of the desert landscape. It’s just so different from here.
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