It was a lovely night for riding, yesterday.  My boyfriend got in the saddle before I got there—I got caught in traffic.  I saddled up Cruiser, and away we went to meet his buddy Starry.  Cruiser knew the game, and as usual, I had to keep slowing him down.  We met them about 20 minutes later, and I talked my boyfriend into turning around and continuing with us until the next river crossing.  it was such a pretty night, that it didn’t take much coaxing.  Even his horse didn’t mind turning away from home—but of course, he had his best friend, Cruiser with him.

   I rode Cole in the indoor arena.  You may recall that I have had some confidence issues with him in there.  My confidence, not his.  Well, I rode with 4 other horses, and I trotted all around with them.  I think I have finally slain the dragon.  He was as well-behaved as always.  I think we will be able to manage winter with riding in the indoor arena with all the other horses just fine, this year.  He was doing his “big trot.”   We were riding with big TBs and a QH, and they were quietly plodding about.  Then here comes tiny (14.2) Cole Train—boom-boom-boom-boom…trotting like a dressage king.  He doesn’t go that fast.  When he trots like that, he slows the beat down and steps with great power.  He was quite a contrast to the horses we were with.

   He was doing so well, that a couple times, when we took a stretch break, I dropped the whip intentionally so he could pick it up for me.  He loves that game.

   The boys get the day off, today, so I can catch up with things at home.  I have a Thursday and Friday off—they are predicting a lot of rain…