Posts tagged family fun

Sorry it has taken me so long to write you. We’ve been really busy. I just was telling a friend again about what a great ride we had with you. She may be up in your area next month and if her schedule works out, I will give her your information so she can call you.

Paul and I are well and continue to improve as riders. Paul rode in my lesson this morning (its so hot here in Chicago we’ve been doing lessons early in the morning rather than in the evenings) and he jumped his first line of his life today (not bad for 55). I was really proud of him. It’s been an long and eventful year for us. When we were up in Vancouver I was just starting to ride my blind Appy, Eddie again. Now are back in group lessons on the flat and Eddie and I are even group cantering with one or two other horses at the same time. I’m finally sitting up straight again (as I’m sure you’ll be glad to hear). It’s been a long road back for me, dealing with the changes in Eddie and gradually getting my confidence back after a my fall with him and the bad fall I took after I had started riding another horse. Paul and I worked really hard with Eddie this past winter helping him gain his confidence to be able to enjoy turnout, navigate the arena, and ride again. Eddie is an amazing horse, and continues to surprise me with his ability to adjust. I don’t remember if I shared a picture of Eddie when we were up there, but I’ve attached a picture taken about six months before he went completely blind.

I’ve found a horse at our barn, a paint named Picasso, who is quiet and patient and very good at helping me get back into show form. My girlfriend (who had to retire her horse about a year and a half ago) and I have a full lease on Picasso and are starting to jump again as our confidence and fitness improves. Picasso takes a lot of leg, so Pat and I are thinking about showing under the name “Thighmaster.”

I’m attaching a couple of pictures from our ride. They aren’t the best pictures, but they remind Paul and I of how spectacular the mountains were and what a great ride we had with you. We are looking forward to getting back to Vancouver soon to ride with you again. We’re hoping we can get a couple of the others from our barn to join us to give you a very “horsey” group for a couple of rides.

Talk to you soon. Hope you and the horses are well. Kiss Maverick and Thor for us.
Susanne M. Papas