fun times in DC with Austen + Pig!

So you might recall that Austen from Guinness on Tap recently relocated with her husband and horse and huskies to DC - practically my back yard!! So obviously I had to welcome them to the area! (Sadly Isabel didn't join me... maybe next time?)

look at this sweet face!

We met up at Austen's barn - which is just as gorgeous as described - and I had the pleasure of meeting Pig and his friendly pasture mates when they came right up to the fence to say hi. 

i think he appreciated the fans while getting tacked up

Never mind that it was hotter than hell outside, Austen tacked Guinness up and off we went to the arena - which was also just as lovely as it looks in pictures.

disregard my poor photography and timing skills and check out this arena! (and also Pig's matching game)

The arena was easily 10* cooler than outside, aided in great part by the gorgeous windows (each complete with its own picturesque vista) and numerous ceiling fans. 

seriously, look at those windows!

Of course the real fun was watching Austen put Pig through his paces - they were just up and off and whisking through 2nd and 3rd level movements like nbd in the time it typically takes me to get my girth/stirrups situated and start picking the reins up haha. They made it look so easy!

wait a second - these aren't my typical chestnut ears!?!?!

But then suddenly it was *my* turn - whaa?? I found myself sitting on this lovely TB gelding trying to figure out exactly how quietly I could use my aids while still getting the right reaction (hint: a lot quieter than my usual - I may or may not have inspired a porpoise-like moment in the first canter transition. Austen very diplomatically suggested I ask with a little less next time - sorry Pig! lol). 

Really tho he was just the nicest horse and Austen had me working on things like steering from just my seat and using the very slightest lifting of seat bone and shifting of weight to canter from the walk. Honestly the horse felt like he could probably do it all by telepathy anyway. What a treat to ride him! Now I just need Austen to come to Baltimore and show me how fancy Isabel can be too haha. 

bath time with Pig was much less dramatic than with Isabel - plus omg look at these wash stalls! *drool*

Then it was time for a shower for the horse and a quick visit to the local tack shop followed by a shower for the ppl too (and a tour of Austen and Christian's new house) before heading downtown to take in the sights. And by sights, we obviously mean horse statues and gelato. Obviously!

found you, Gen. Logan!

Austen had done her research and outlined not only the optimal pattern for hitting the nearby (and numerous, omg so many horses!) statues, but also where we might stop for gelato along the way. Perfect! 

this was obviously super exciting. or just ya know, insta-delirium, just add heat lol

this horse looks pretty easy going

but we couldn't figure out where to cross the road to get closer to him...

not a horse but this stag was still pretty awesome

is that you, isabel?

#majestic
(and uh, no we're totally not standing in the middle of the road for this shot lol)

can't beat gelato, horse statues, and brightly lit capital buildings (covered in scaffolding but who cares)

We rounded out the evening with a delicious and fresh Italian dinner (as our server repeatedly proclaimed). I had the squid ink pasta - yum! Then a little more touring of the national mall and various notable buildings in the area, complete with more gelato and horse statues! 

Thanks so much Austen for showing me around your new barn and town, I had a great time!