During the winter, the dam goes up, and the river cannot be safely crossed. Our trail access then involves walking down the shoulder of a rural, one-lane-each-direction highway with traffic zooming by and not always respecting equine space. In previous years we have encountered motorcycle packs, gravel trucks, and in one memorable occasion, a tour bus literally two feet from us. (One horse teleported up the steep hillside; Confetti paused to graze.) Good news: Fetti is actually pretty solid with traffic. I have no issue leading her down the highway even after a year or two off.

Our first ride in the park every winter/spring has historically been a nervewracking event. Brains are lost. Everything is new and shiny. Zooming is desired but can’t be done because footing and fitness.

I guess the perks to semi-retired ponies include keeping their brain instead of trying to go back to work right away?

Fetti was an excellent example for a friend’s pony with zero road experience. Then I hopped on at the park and had Zen Pony right away – and it stuck. Polite, civilized walking on the buckle with occasional diving for grass. Just another day, this is what we do. Deep and slippery mud. Culvert with rushing water. People and questionably behaved dogs.

Life is good, y’all.