Dear Bud

 Dear Bud,

We've had some good times this week.  Especially yesterday when we went out on that long ride together.  I could tell you really wanted to go when you refused to walk back into the pasture after I got on, we hit the road and I realized left my helmet in the barn.  Truly, that was cute. 

 And your excellent turning skills pleased me very much when we arrived at that big grassy field to try out the new bridle I made you.   I am more than pleased with how it turned out and also how well you were reining considering you could just do whatever you want because it's basically a halter with reins, but you don't.   You look really cute in yellow too!  I still found it amusing how every time we turned toward home, you walked a little slower.  Definitely did not want to go back home, did you?  I really like a horse that's not barn sour, did I ever tell you that?

The last of your broken foot is almost grown out now and apparently that is the worst area where your hoof wall separated from your sole so you'll have to wear your boots until this grows out more.  You remember how you did not like that piece of gravel that got lodged in there, right?  Of course, now that your feet are almost healed and very petite, I only have two boots that fit you.  The other two are way too big now.  Hmm.  I'll be glad to leave the days of boots behind us.

I, and all the other people who enjoy the trail really appreciated all the grass you trimmed off the side as you passed through.  Many people got a good laugh at you chewing up gigantic mouth fulls while walking along like you owned the place.  I am glad I can ride you with a bitless bridle so that you can eat and enjoy yourself along the way.  My first horse used to eat along the way too, only she wore a bit and ended up looking like she was foaming at the mouth or drooling for most of our rides.   You stay a lot cleaner than she does, I'm sure there was a reason I called her "The Piglet."  Just wait til the apples are ready and people see how you stick your nose straight up in the air to smell and pick the highest sweetest ones yourself.  I just don't think you can get any cuter.   

I really appreciate the fact that you don't find people, skaters, bikes, strollers, loud cars, semis, motorcycles and even fireworks offensive anymore.  That really makes our time more enjoyable, don't you think?  But I do want to remind you that water is water.  Doesn't matter if it's a puddle, a creek or a stagnate mosquito breeding pool.  You live with water all around you so why do you think it's so scary when you leave your field?  Please explain.   And also, you remember that rock wall you've walked by a hundred times......okay, four times?  It's rocks!  You see them every day. Just because they are stacked neatly doesn't mean they will jump out in front of you if you don't watch them really carefully.  Just walk by.  It's fine. 

Okay, gripes aside, you did really well yesterday.  Yes, I know I say that after every ride but truly, each ride is better than the last.  I love how I can ride with a loose rein, and sometimes just drop the rein because I need two hands to do something else and you just walk along happily.  I also love how when cars drive by us on the road, you just could care less.  That huge truck and loud trailer full of ATV's didn't phase you at all which is good considering there was no shoulder on the narrow road for us to get over on and that truck really did not slow down.  You're really coming along well!  We're slowly but surely becoming a team. 

I love that we got to the part of the trail where we used to take Samuel although I admit it looked a lot different to me on your back.  For whatever reason, you calmed down quite a bit on this leg of the trail and seemed to enjoy it even though it was by rushing water the whole time. And those two mock bridges you crossed like a champ, I was very impressed considering your usual attitude at anything that looks remotely scary is, "No way."  I guess you are starting to figure out my motto while on your back is "Keep walking."  Very different than "No way." 

You were sure a tired boy on the way home.  What were we out for?  2.5 hours?  Mostly walking, a little trotting, and not balking, that's really good!  I think you were hoping I would walk that last mile home because you were really droopy- but you made it. 

We made it.

Just wanted to say thanks for being my Bud.  I've waited a long time to be able to do all these things with you.  Still cannot wait to take you swimming in the creek.  Remember those cute little boys who were there that last time who came up to tell you how fun swimming was and that you should not be scared?  Well, they are right.  Swimming is fun and you'll like it.  The weather is getting hot so we'll have to go try again soon.

See you soon.  Oh, and one last thing.  Thanks for always coming when you're called.  And even when you're not called.  Sorry about all those "drive by's," freaking you out.  I just like to make sure you are still walking, still muzzled and not getting yourself into trouble again.

  You're truly a good Bud.

Love,

Your Mommy