visiting horsie friends

What a wonderful day! I took Baasha out for our second ride, and he was so much calmer. *whew* I promised him we'd meet more horsie friends today, and I pointed him toward the riding school I rode at last winter. We were just gonna ride by and say hi to horses, not people. But suddenly this lady on a flea bitten gray Arabian ran up behind us, and as I pulled over to get out of the way, she stopped her sweat covered horse, and I noted immediately that her horse was outfitted in endurance tack, just like mine. We even had the same stirrups. I couldn't let that just go on by. I introduced my horse, she introduced hers. A Shagya Arabian endurance horse. I pointed to Baasha, "Retired, just arrived from America Wednesday!" She said she was going to the riding school, and I said, "Well, I have some friends there, I'll join you if you don't mind going slow." Her name is Ina. As soon as we arrived, I saw an old acquaintance, Steffi, and she said "BESS!!!!!!!!" and hugged me. That's how they say my name here. Then Ina took her horse and put him in a stall, and Baasha, after only 10 minutes with him, started calling to him and fretting. I call that "bond-o-matic" or "super-bondy-horse-2000" - TERRIBLE. *sigh*

I feel so blessed. Steffi wanted to know where Baasha lives. I said, "At a private pasture down in the valley." She said, "How much is the rent there?" and I answered, "Well, I have to pay for what he uses, but no rent." She said "Is there room for mine?" and then I realized how very good I have it. God was really taking care of me when he directed me to that place, because at a normal stable, I'd be paying who-knows-how many more Euros per month. Now I just have to get stronger, cuz cleaning up manure is back-breaking work. But I feel stronger, today, I really do.

Baasha was in heaven, so many horses! This is a GOOD PLACE TO BE!! I took him up to the pony ring where Gabi was giving a lesson to the kiddies. Those ponies secretly received countless sugar cubes from me last winter. I hugged Gabi and introduced her to Baasha. She was so happy for me - she understood how important it is for me to have my own horse, here with me. Gabi showed up as a surprise at our wedding in March, with 4 horses. I had no idea there would be horses at my wedding. I am so touched that these people went to so much trouble for someone they barely know.

Baasha actually nickered to the ponies as they went around the ring. What is that, how can he talk to horses he doesn't even know?

He was very good as we left, totally calm. I can't say how wonderful it is for me to be on my own horse, and in my favorite saddle. The combination just feels, well, like home. As I led him down the hills, he was respectful and did not pass me. He keeps his nose at my arm and I can feel his breath. That's a good place.

I washed and combed his tail til it shone like silver and gold, and put neosporin in his frogs. I'm getting really good at that mustang roll trim. I finally have technique! But rasping hooves is very hard work. I found that it's more comfortable for him if he stands on the rubber mats while I do this. Lots to learn.

I tried to buy the horse license plates at city hall today, but they are only open mornings. *sigh* I borrowed Galim's license plate again. Tomorrow I'll try again.