Back in the saddle!

I've had the go-ahead from the Vets to put Duke back to light work a month ago, and we've been doing ground work, but I'd been waiting to ride until the snow was gone. Well, since it looks like the snow is going to melt some time in August at this rate, I bit the bullet and saddled up today to ride up and down our barn aisle.

Duke was wonderful! He didn't do any of the cinch-bound things he has done in the past, and he listened to me perfectly, which after almost 8 months off was something I was a little worried about! I was so proud that he remembered all the things he was supposed to, I only wish he'd forgotten how to nudge me off the mounting block!

Being back up on him made me so happy, and now I'm starting to be a lot less pessimistic about our prospects this upcoming season. Maybe we'll even be in good enough shape to participate in the breed demonstration at Equine Affaire (I've already volunteered him as a breed ambassador for the booth, but it would be nice to be able to strut our stuff too), but it also depends on if the show cart will be back from being re-finished.

And now for some news about the rest of the happy bunch:
Skinny is outside now, where he can walk around at will and eat hay constantly. If that doesn't put weight on him, nothing will! Nut is at another barn for work in an indoor and Boo is down in Kentucky for training, so Belle and Ramora were both lonely. Now they are stabled next to each other, and have a grand time running like mad in the snow. Adam got a haircut today, and his bridle-path and forelock were so long I'm considering sending the hair to Locks of Love to be made into a wig!

One last thing: Toby, the gaited horse, has such fluffy soft hair as a winter coat - he feels like one of those very expensive plush toys!

That's all from Saddlebredland for now!