Sad times - and not everything is about shows and competition

 Last week we had to say goodbye to Bella, our lovely senior lady. She had only been with us for nine month, but we loved her dearly. We knew when we adopted her that she had had a rough life on the streets after being abandoned twice, and that at 12 years old with a heart murmur time would be limited. Still, it didn't make it easier when she started to have breathing issues and had trouble getting up. The young vet at the emergency clinic gently asked to consider letting her go - and it was the right and kind thing to do. Bella passed away gently in our arms.

Godspeed Bella - we miss you💝

The weather has been pretty unpredictable, but we were able to get on some relaxing trail rides. Last Sunday Chambord came to a dead stop (very unusual for him) as a big female turkey was in the middle of the trail. She wouldn't go away, and we found out quickly, why: A whole flock of little turkey chicks came out of the bushes, ran underneath Remy, and went to the other side, herded by momma turkey. Quite the sight! Remy was so surprised he just stared after them, like "what the heck was this??".

Otherwise I have been feeling quite a bit out of it. I feel left out even though it's my own decision (I know, pretty stupid). As trailer-ins we are not part of the barn community, we haven't gone to any shows this year, and I opted not to do the four day dressage clinic based on our last -not so good- experience with the clinician. It's that nagging feeling we should be doing more, and be farther ahead. Our lessons can be quite frustrating at times, it's like being stuck in the mud and not making much headway. 

I'm working a lot and it's physically tiring, but also very uplifting to help horses and owners. Yesterday I had a client appointment and before starting to work Claudia and Julie had a lunch spread laid out at their barn for me, including waffles and Nutella. (Claudia remembered from 20 years ago that I love waffles and Nutella) 😍 That just made my day! Also because they made me remember that not everything is about shows and competition.