A day to remember

We made a pact last Saturday to get together with Art and Vicki today and ride. No excuses. So we packed the trailer with saddles and bridles and loaded first Gil, then Banjo (I almost felt cheated-they both just walked right in!!!!) and went a mile up the road to their farm. This was great practice for us all.

Once everyone was groomed and saddled, we walked around in the front pasture for a few minutes. Gil was great. Banjo was acting up. I could not get to Banjo's side without him doing circles around me (he has a wonderful pivot, though). So I got on Gil and Art led Vicki on Winrod (they're not sure of him yet), Alexis rode Thunder, and Bob walked Banjo. Through a couple gates, up hills and down to a beautiful pond.

I cannot say enough good things about Gil. He did not run down the hills - instead he slowly and carefully found his way down. Up hill, he only walked. Fine in the middle, OK in front. Very controllable.

When we came back, Banjo had settled down and Bob was able to stand at his side. So I took a deep breath and got on Banjo. He stood still and waited until I told him to go. Then he took off at a pretty good clip. Whoa doesn't work on him and he doesn't flex to the side so we fought a bit until I got him under control. Man, is he fun to ride, a bit of a challenge, but he is soooo smooth. While I was figuring out Banjo's moves, Bob quietly got on Gil. They look so good together. What a great day.