Full Celebration! Rosie and Her Gal

Here I am, fat and sassy and a little bit sunburnt, after my back-to-back driving lessons!

Full Celebration! Rosie Takes an Interest

I loved her long pricked ears in her blue wind protectors. You'll notice that her reins are rather thin and made of russet leather. I learned that brown reins, regardless of the color of the rest of the harness, is the preferred choice because it doesn't stain anything. Also, the reins are thin to fit women's smaller hands. I am going to remember this custom when I make Violet's purchase!

Full Celebration! Rosie Skitters and Gads

We drove by this little pasture fence and were about to step into the field where Rosie began her calls of love to the stallion. And right after this photo was taken, Rosie did a little jump skittering start and I told her "Oh, be quiet girl, Don't be silly." And Leslie told me that she could tell that I ride thoroughbreds. Yeah, thoroughbreds and explosive little registered stock Paints!! Everyone needs a little word of encouragement when they skitter and start. Namaste.

Full Celebration! Beauty as Far as the Eye Can See

Namaste.

Full Celebration! Crossing the Prairie

I love this photo because it gives you not only a sense of what it must have been like for our relatives in the 19th century (and even early 20th), but also because it shows you the beauty of Gayla. The pastures and fields we crossed were active hay-producers. And in the Spring cool breeze and sunshine, it was just the most amazing experience.

Full Celebration! Rosie Steps Out!

Here we are, beginning our adventure. Rosie had a lighter feel to her than the more heavy-headed Breimer. She seemed livelier and more interested in her surroundings. It was actually kind of fun to drive two such very different horses back to back. I learned a great deal from that process alone!

Full Celebration! Rosie the English Dale

On that Friday, April 24th, my second lesson of that eventful day was with Rosie, a very rare English Dale. She was beautiful. She looked like a Hailee-sized version of a Friesan. Her trainer, Leslie, just quickly and efficiently did a beautiful job of braiding her lovely mane and forelock and putting on ear protectors and so here you see her, lovely and ready for a drive! Rosie is such a rare creature that when she was taken to a breed show, judges from England were so very excited to see her. They are thinking about breeding her. And I have to say, I hope they do! When we were on our drive, Rosie shouted out girly opinions to the stallion on the next farm over, and he called longingly for her. Their vocal flirtation was pretty humorous!