Hey Sweetie!
Started out as a fairly lazy morning, did some computer work on the trail marking system here, and got a couple loads of laundry started before finally saddling up Apollo for what was supposed to be a quick ride today. It seemed, however, that a whole lot of elements came together to create quite an adventure today. Maybe it was the little treat of alfalfa I've been giving the last week (just a few handfuls with each meal), or maybe it was just because it's been awhile since we went riding (well, not THAT long), or maybe there really ARE horse-eating hogs out here, whatever, there was a conspiracy to frighten Apollo, so today's ride was more like schooling a three-year-old who'd never been on a trail before, rather than my 26 year-old usually bomb-proof senior horse! This forest is FULL of wild pigs, even close to camp, but Apollo was convinced they were all out to get him. I had to change my trail plan in the beginning just because I couldn't even get him down the first trail. We went down the road for a bit, until we finally turned into the woods, but even then he was hesitant. I was holding the reins tight in one hand and hanging onto the horn of my saddle for dear life with the other, not knowing when he was going to spin around like a cowpony, which usually ends up with me on the ground, but not today! He got really stubborn in a couple of places, but I just let him stand there trembling until he finally got past it. I was actually quite happy when we finally did see a big black pig meander across the trail in front of us, so he could see it, and hopefully realize it wasn't after him. A few minutes later, several younger ones passed by even closer, and he watched them fiercely until they disappeared. He stood stock still for awhile, and when they didn't come back, he finally moved ahead. Eventually he settled down a bit, the last mile of our 4+ mile ride was a bit more relaxed, thank goodness, but I stayed vigilant. I was determined not to end up on the ground! So it was not a very relaxing ride, but I'm glad we made it through, four and a third miles that took us nearly an hour and three quarters with all the stops, starts and standing. Regardless, I was on the back of one of my horses of Christmas Eve, so I'm still a happy camper! Got back and everyone settled, then settled myself for the evening with another Christmas movie and a couple of Eurekas before heading to shower and bed. Good night, my darlin'! Love you!
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