spring is coming

Shuga has begun shedding, bringing hope to all who are tired of winter.

It's been a while since it's been warm enough to sit while she eats breakfast. This is also a welcome sign of spring's presence just around the corner - even if there is dense fog today.

Shuga is obviously impatient to start working regularly again. I love that she loves spending that time with me.

In other news, I didn't share the bonus picture from yesterday:

26/26

My birthday started off with a trail ride. Shuga and I worked very well together. We actually led the group for about 1/3 of the ride - which is kind of incredible if you know Shuga and me. I was told that it's the most relaxed I've ever looked in saddle. Progress!

We ended with a small birthday party with friends and family. One of our friends brought her cockatiel, Cheek, as begged by the kiddos.

personal stalker

It truly does not matter where on the farm I am. She listens and watches for me. Waiting. Asking. Demanding. Begging.

Especially when we haven't been able to ride recently.

my shuga bug

Shuga has a very big personal bubble that she takes quite seriously. She doesn't care for giving or receiving physical affection. If you are very touchy-feely, she steps aside to show that it is unwelcome. This is a part of her personality that probably won't ever change a whole lot, and I'm okay with that because it's who she is.

But she's definitely becoming much warmer toward me. Today she not only allowed me to infiltrate her personal space, but also to rest my head against her. And she allowed me to stay there long enough to snap a few pictures! I can't express how hugely big this is to me.

breakfast

Once I drove 50 miles just to sit with Shuga for a spell. Now I only have to drive 10. One day soon, I will only have to walk outside my backdoor.

dash of white

When I discovered last year that there was some white hair just at the end of the bridle path, I decided to move the bridle path back a touch so that it would grow into the forelock. It is only about a quarter of the forelock length, but it no longer looks like a tuft of forgotten bridle path.

mane event

I now swear by the "pink stuff." Six months later and I already see a difference. Her tail is a full inch longer and is a touch thicker; her mane is starting to thicken up a bit more and the flaxen coloring is becoming more noticeable; and her forelock is looking a lot less scraggly.

big girl

I met Shuga's hoof trimmer yesterday, and the vet walked me through the shots issue today.

This meant that the kids and I could hang out with our future horse some more. You know, since we were out there anyway.

Lila started screaming any time I or the kids came anywhere near a horse.

Soon, though, she was feeding Shuga treats. Then she was helping me groom her.

And finally, she was adamant that she would get a turn riding, too.

I am so proud of her.

soulmate

We went to visit Shuga today. She was gorgeous and patient and gentle, as always.

We kind of like her.

A lot.

The kids took turns riding and leading her around.

As I watched them interact with her, and she with them, I realized that she isn't just my perfect horse anymore.

As I continue to get to know her better, I find myself completely stunned.

Surely such an incredible match can only be found in a soulmate.