A GREAT DAY!

This morning I got up early and got the chores done so I could go to a place that gives carriage rides.  I didn't go to actually go on a drive, but I'd made arrangements to talk to the handlers and owner to get as much information as I can because I'll be starting my driving team when I get home.

They were super friendly and helpful and I learned how to measure for collars and also for harnesses.

The handler, Kim, was getting the horses and carriage ready because a small group were expected.   They arrived early and I helped Kim pull the wagon up and watched very closely as she hooked up. 

The owner walked up and suggested that I go on the drive and see how Kim handles the team, etc.  So she then turned around and told the crowd that I'd be assisting the driver today.  LOL  I thought that was funny seeing as how I hadn't even been there that long. 

But of course the group were city folks and they didn't know the difference.  On the entire ride I listened to Kim tell the folks all about the area and the people who own the beautiful farms we were driving through.

Then she told us that the horses that were pulling us were actually famous...  If you saw the last and most recent Pirates of the Caribbean movie, one of the opening scenes is of two black horses pulling a wagon up fast into a castle. 
So good old Duke and Doc were the horses they used in that movie.   They were flown to Puerto Rico at the last minute when the producers other contacts didn't work out.   I remember visiting that castle-like place when my family and I took a cruise from Puerto Rico years ago.
How cool is that.  :)

Later today I had a Parelli instructor come.  This is the first time I've ever asked an instructor to come to where I am and help me. 

I'm so proud of what I've accomplished this winter because the instructor told me what she saw, and what she saw was what I was hoping she would see. 

She helped me shim the saddle for Lily which I was struggling with.  It's not perfect because of the way Lily moves.   Even though she's cantering at liberty more fluidly, she still moves with a stiff body when on line.
This instructor had a couple of good exercises she shared with me to loosen her body up.  So I had her blowing out really quickly.   Love that. 

She also shared a pattern I can do with Will which will move him right along.  She thought I was ready and should be doing much more, so I'm thrilled with that.

I ended the day sharing smores in front of a campfire with my landlady.   An absolutely beautiful evening and sunset.

   :)

I can't believe that my time here is almost complete...I'm leaving for home in seven days.