Smile from ear to ear...

Went up to the barn today... surprisingly, Alee allowed herself to be caught rather easily. Stood in the cross ties while I removed at least the top layer of mud from her - you pat her and little *poofs* of dust go flying up - oh well, too cold to take care of it now, no biggie. But found where she likes to be scratched... she nearly hums, with her half closed eyes.

Saddled her up - she was pretty frisky, took her into the arena - OMG does she have a sensitive mouth. She hates the Kimberwick, she's never been in anything but a Tom Thumb, I was told. But she kept trying to break into a trot, so I'd get ready to post, but there wasn't anything to post to for at least 1/2 the arena, then she'd go back to a walk. The barn owner frowned and told me to speed her up again - I did, she trotted for about 2 steps, lowered her head and all jolting stopped, I pushed a little harder and she began cantering - like silk. I was so confused I didn't have time to get nervous about the canter, and it was so smooth that it wasn't frightening in the least.

We stopped after a couple of turns around the arena. Terri laughs and says "Well, you have a gaited horse!" She said the intial gait out of her walk looked like a speed walk, 3 feet on the ground, and the one where Alee dipped her head was like a TWH gait. I understand now why they're so popular.

I took her around a few more times. I really enjoyed myself - she's a great horse to ride, and already shows signs of softening towards her new situation. Riding her was a blast.

While I was busy walking on air, I forgot my camera at the barn, but pictures tomorrow, I promise!