Horseback Riding Season 2026!

Charlie is lookin' for cookies.

Because of the extremely soggy nature of our winters, where we keep our horses, we give our horses the winter season completely off. Yesterday I got Charlie in the round pen, for a very short and light re-introduction to working out. What can I say? She did great. Her actions and re-actions to my cues were only the slightest bit rusty. Her gait was a lot better than the last time I'd had her in there (she's got that slight arthritis in her rear hock), and she seemed very glad to be doing something again. When I turned her loose, she didn't run off, but instead she followed me as I walked away. I know she wants to work, and so do I, but to be honest we're both out of shape, so we need to start out slowly.

As I went out to catch her, led her around, groomed her, and had my hands on her I got that amazing rush once again of just how much I adore her. She's so well behaved while she's being handled. She still has an 'in your pocket', curious, and fidgety nature. She likes to see what's going on, test and touch everything with her wiggly upper lip, and beg for girth scritchy-scratches. She's just a good girl.

My 'new mom' era has been amazing in so many ways, however it has made riding nearly impossible. I'm looking forward to the coming season, and getting back into the saddle once again. I'm also looking forward to getting back in riding shape, starting my weight loss journey (fingers crossed), and just enjoying the great outdoors this summer.

Thank you for reading, and God bless you.

-S.B.