Cue the music....

The last 2 days have been beautiful (albeit cold overnight) So I was inspired to bring Gussie into the round pen to assess her . Yesterday I just worked her at liberty for a few minutes, then today I brought her out and saddled her. You should have seen the look on her face when she realized I was going to saddle her! I took this shot after the saddle was on....

Oh Gussie, tell me how you really feel!

Bonus is that the saddle I bought for Ruby fits her- whew! Gussie was always hard to fit.

I longed her first, and there was no funny business. I opted to ride her in the bosal, which apparently she agreed with- no cold steel in her mouth in this weather. I hope to continue to ride her in a bosal and will be looking for a lighter one as this one is actually for starting colts. Those big stirrups were perfect and my winter boots fit in them with room to spare. 

Gussie is very out of shape as you can see from her neck in that photo- she needs lots of work to get back in riding shape and get nice and rounded out in her neck and back. In her defense, she hasn't been really ridden in at least 3 years. 

I did a short ride in the round pen just to see where she is mentally with being ridden after such a long break. It was like coming back to an old friend! So light and responsive. We will build on that with longer rides as we go; I will stick to the round pen for a bit as I build her strength and muscle, but I am so looking forward to riding once the snow goes. 

You can bet I was grinning ear to ear! So happy to have my old friend back.