Recap from the trip "home"

I just got back to WA after visiting my parents in San Diego. I was there for a week and had time to do some awesome horsie stuff (including riding, covered in the last post). I thought I'd do a quick recap before I dive back into Sid stuff.

Sid and I in happier times, our first WA winter

I'm going to visit Sid at the trainer's for the first time in 3 weeks tomorrow (been away traveling). I've been talking with the trainer, the awesome Britt Roden, periodically and she says that Sid has been really good. Which is honestly not surprising....other than being a tad lazy he is always really well behaved. So hopefully I'll have some new pics and video on his progress tomorrow. I'm super excited to go see him, especially with riding again in mind. I want to get on, I just never want to have to lead/groom/tack/bathe again haha! The Dr. told me to be really super careful till October, so I'm trying hard not to take things too fast.

Benni pony begrudgingly pulls the cart

Anyway I thought I'd share a pic of my pony, who I have had for more than 10 years, to indulge everyone's necessary intake of cute. He is 22 and spends most of his time bossing everyone around...he runs the whole ranch!

I also visited my beloved Maximus, after he was done teaching me to ride dressage and was not going to hold up for upper level work/showing I gave him to a lesson program in Del Mar. The contract states that he comes back to me when he is an old man and can't work anymore, and although I hope that is no time soon, I will always be honored to take care of such an awesome horse. He gives lessons most days, which is great because he needs to stay active, they give him his special meds, plus some smartpak supps, and TONS of lovies. He looks fat and happy, which seriously could not make me feel better. If anyone is SoCal wants a lesson on a super upper level horse check out Paul Cook in Del Mar.

Me and Max chillin at a horse show in Del Mar

Swimming Tommy in Mission Bay

I went and hung out with my friend and sometimes trainer Leslie Schnieder, a trainer with a predominately H/J barn in Escondido. She helped me with my horse Tommy, a rescue and lovebug that I had for 5 years who I eventually gave to a good friend of mine when I went away to school. He comes back to me she ever has to rehome him. It was good therapy to go out to Leslie's and be around all the sporthorses and riders working hard. Made me miss it!

Me and dearest Garbanzo, aka Garby

Visiting my doggies was another great perk of being home. I brought only one dog and one cat with me to WA (the ones most suited to apartment living), and had to leave the other three dogs, and two cats. Garbanzo (pictured) is my absolute sweetie pie best boy rescue dog who I have had more than 7 years, since puppyhood. I can almost not bear to be apart from him. Eventually, in a million years when I'm done with grad school, I'll have a yard and we will finally be reunited for good! In the meantime he and the others roam the property and run the house in San Diego.

Anyway, I know I already said it, but I am SOOOO EXCITED to see Sid tomorrow. I will update ASAP!