We went out today for the first time in absolutely weeks - since 6 December, 3 weeks ago. Often I would feel wound up riding after such a long break, worry about the horse being silly, etc, but today I felt completely relaxed. And Sid was his best hacking self. He seemed really pleased to be going - ears forward, stepping out when I led him to the gate. At the top of the hill where the deer are he gave his usual dragon snorts and bananaed a bit, but he didn't stop. We had a lovely canter up the Sheepwalk - it was early and so quiet, we only saw two dog walkers the whole time we were out.
Just beyond the Kilnhanger livery yard I had heard tales of a new ring of jumpies in the woods, and Sid and I nosed down a little narrow deer track and found them. At least 8 nice little jumps, about 50-70 cm I guess, all natural timber. I didn't want to go mad so just turned Sid to the last 2, which turned out to be 3, and he trotted over 2 - he is nothing if not economical with his effort - pinged the last one effortlessly and cantered 3 cheerful strides before pulling up. Whee!
After another super sandy canter - slightly downhill, which added surprisingly to Sid's speed - we got on to Farley Heath and I saw our dog car parked there, so we wandered around and about looking for Steve and the dogs, but didn't find them. On one new track through the bracken, also slightly downhill, I tried another canter. This was homeward bound and Sid got very speedy, I actually had to close all my fingers around the reins to slow him down But he felt safe as houses.
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We walked and trotted (and at one point, to my surprise, cantered down the muddy middle-mannetjie) home along Green Lane, stopping to chat to a riding friend and a neighbour, just as relaxed and cheerful as you could wish for. I walked the last half mile with my arm around Sid's chin to lead him and he huffed in my ear.
What a diamond he is. My
precious perle wythouten spot.