Getting back on the horse

I went riding today!!!! I have never not ridden for this long (it's been more than 2 months), so it was SO GOOD to finally get back on! I came to San Diego with the intention of trying to ride again, at my best friend's barn and our pet project Laughing Pony Rescue (laughingponyrescue.com or on facebook if anyone is interested). I have broke or otherwise been very involved in the training of most of the horses there, so I know them very well, and they are started from day one to be super quiet beginner's horses. My first victim, Gino, is perhaps the quietest horse ever. He was napping when I arrived and I don't think he ever woke up...case in point:

Not blinking, actually sleeping

He was the perfect horse to have my first ride on, and to handle from the ground/get tacked up for the first time since the accident. He literally did not move when I was tacking up, and was quiet and well behaved to ride. I was trotting and cruising around all over, and loving every second. I was so happy to be back with the horses that I forgot to be nervous at all!

Not a western rider, but I think I fake it pretty well!

We also have Gino's mother, who is one of my absolute favorites at the ranch, and I was having so much fun that I rode her next. She was a little scary to catch and get ready, so I had my bestie help me out. Barbie is just so much more sensitive that I was a little nervous, and once I was worried I think she could tell. However, once I got on she was awesome! I have always had a really special connection with her.

See the resemblance to Gino?? Two crazy blue eyes

I rode for probably an hour total, and boy am I feeling it now! I haven't been on a horse or even moving much since father's day, so I am the most unfit I've been in my whole life. While I'm in San Diego I'm hoping to have time to ride again, maybe even go for a trail ride!

The best view in the world...I've missed it!