Suzie, Carl and I rode.
Last year at this time I was alternating between spending hours trying to do chores, and warming up inside cursing the weather. I cursed enough for it to qualify as a cardio activity.
We had gorgeous weather — cool but sunny. NOT snow. That’s all I care about.
My goal on the challenge has been to try to develop some muscles on Nigel’s “topline” — the top of his neck and back. I don’t know if it’s possible, only that he has a bony back. Could be that’s just who he is, but I think that we can see at least a little change.
For now, since we’ve been off work for a couple of months, I’m starting pretty slow. Just easy, hopefully brisk walking and letting him stretch his head down and forward from time to time. And, some mellow hills. Those all contribute to building up that topline.
His past few ventures on the trails he was on high alert. New place, new activities, new rider. He’s a gentle and kind horse, he just was understandably lacking confidence that everything was going to be just fine and had no reason to believe I might be of any help to him at all.
This ride went completely different. He calmly explored new things, didn’t get bothered at all, but was definitely curious about the new equipment and activities around him. They are pruning in the vineyards now, so that can be different for them.
He ended the ride calm and happy, I was happy for him. It’s the first time I felt he was really content on the trails and enjoying his job without any skepticism.
We all had great rides.
Took two quick rides — one on Axel, one on Wrigley to just check in with them and let them know they’re on the roster now.
Then I called Eve and she answered the phone with, “Hi. Chess? Get over here now!”
One stalemate, I took her queen once, and no bishops went missing. Our games also lasted more than 5 minutes, which is encouraging.
Any day you can hang out with great friends, ride three horses and play chess in front of a fire is a good day.
Challenge Status:
Rides: 2/30
Hours: 2.5/40
