reunited just in time!

I don’t think winter is fully done with us yet… but hot damn, it’s been LOVELY this week!

casually watching me search fruitlessly for her lost shoe. no doubt she knows exactly where it is, too…
also omg her nostrils… she is so extra lol 

Like, all my windows at home wide open type lovely. Warm, sunny, mild, all the nice things! And the horses are definitely appreciating it too! 

casually considering a little light dog-icide

And even better — my farrier was able to swing by and set a new shoe on Doozy’s stricken limb, hallelujah! I still have so much PTSD from Charlie’s foot-related fragility that it’s hard for me to relax again until the horse is fully shod and demonstrably comfortable. 

“i’ll let you live this time, but i have my eye on you!” — doozy, no doubt

Doozy, it should be noted, however, does not share my PTSD. And it was so nice out after her shoe was reset, and so many people were out and riding, it honestly felt like it’d be a crime to NOT throw on some tack and swing a leg over, ya know?

omg finally — our first hack of 2026!

I had intentions of meandering up the hill to the indoor where a few friends were already mid ride, but Doozy had other ideas haha. She set off on a marching pace straight down the lane toward the back hay fields. And who am I to deny her???

presumably the woods are still slippy sloppy mud, but the fields were perfect!

Honestly can’t remember the last time we hacked out, actually. The farm is so hilly and it’s been so snowy and icy and wet for so long… It’s probably been at least December, but maybe actually maybe even November since we’ve been out there…

it was legit almost 80*F out too, omg

Doozy clearly missed it tho, and was happy to wander around the hills, grabbing occasional bites of grass bc she’s obviously spoiled rotten haha. 

all these shrubs are gonna start sprouting buds any day now

I’m not getting my hopes all the way up yet, but it also looks like the outdoor ring might finally be opening for the season too!!

happy hacking <3 <3 <3

Obvi I’m beyond grateful to have indoor riding spaces, it’s made all the difference with keeping us on a more or less even keel this winter… But I also won’t be sad if we don’t have to ride inside again for the foreseeable future LOL!

oooh and a quick little bridle tag DIY mod!

Especially as we start thinking about gearing up for the season ahead, it’ll be good to be more out in the open, moving about in wide open spaces while staying accountable for our pace and balance without the passive influence of solid walls lol.

sure, i could have just bought a new number holder that was designed with a pin… 

I’ve also started doing a little light inventory work of all the various pieces of equipment that scattered every which way over the off season. In particular, Doozy became increasingly funny about things touching her ears last year. Her hair is a primary annoyance… but we also had some issues with my bridle tag too. 

So my hope is that a little light modification will transform it semi-permanently into a saddle pad number holder instead. Repurposing > buying new (if it works lol).

but eh, this’ll do! probably!

It’s also maybe time to shake out all the show clothes, do a little laundry, see what’s what. See if anything needs any attention or fixing / cleaning up before going out in public again. Not that I’m exactly a shining example of style and grooming, let’s be real (lol), but you know how it is. 

Spring cleaning season is officially upon us, as far as I’m concerned! Anybody else feeling the same?