Thankful for the best pony, who took me out for a four-mile bareback jaunt with our best riding friends.  We spent most of the time in the lead, mostly by Fetti’s choice, and had a lovely marching walk mixed with smooth and fairly consistent jog.  She alerted to multiple deer and politely waited for them to cross the trail.  There was one spook that involved a beautiful quarter-spin on the haunches, but I did not fall off and she stood still and awaited further instruction at that point rather than bolting off.  Good pony!  It is entirely unclear what she was spooking at, but she was very convinced that something was worrisome.  Fair enough.

Thankful, too, for good friends to share rides with and beautiful trails right by the barn.