There is something about the outside of a horse

...or in my case, there is something about the back of a horse that is good for the inside of a woman.  I got to see those cute fuzzy ears from the back and hug my girl after a long walk from the saddle :)  I had my first ride on Riva, last evening, for the first time in over a month and it was great!  We walked, and walked, and walked some more.  Spent about 45 minutes riding her in walk.  We spent half the time in the indoor arena, then went out to the outdoor dressage arena.  She was relaxed and moving nicely.  Another rider was in the indoor and everytime we passed the pair, who were working mostly at trot and canter, Riva would ask "can I go faster too?"  Not yet girlie.

After our walk, I brought her in to untack and took her back in the indoor with her halter and lead to check her gait.  Husband watched me hand trot her twice down the long side of the arena and she was moving well - no lameness...thank goodness!

Will ride again Wednesday after the farrier sees her.  We are to stay on a 4 weeks cycle with the farrier for now.  He will be on vacation next week, so we are having her seen a week early.  Then, probably no riding until Sunday.  Daughter has a dressage only show in Edinburgh on Saturday.  Her trainer, who she is working for, is not showing this weekend (scribing instead).  So, we will be driving up to get daughter and horse to haul them to the show on Friday evening then back to trainer's on Sat. night. 

I was pretty bummed about not being able to show Riva - had planned to show whenever daughter did this season.  But I am so thankful Riva is improving and know that we have years ahead to show.  Just loving being back up on my girl.