Friends and Strangers

Hi Friends!

I trust I find you well.  I can't believe it's the end of April already!  I've enjoyed the early grass and just yesterday my field at Hodge was full of buttercups.  Very pretty, but not nearly so tasty as the grass.

The past two months have brought both positive lessons and a few challenges.  About a week after my last post, where I filled you in on my jumping lesson and photo shoot, I suffered a setback.  I bruised the sole of my right fore hoof.  It was very painful that first day and created a scary swelling around my knee!  Fortunately the swelling went away as K helped me back to the barn, where she soaked and bandaged my hoof.  After two weeks of padding and a visit from Jamie, my fabulous farrier, I was as good as new.  But, I was very unfit.  Again.

Once my foot healed, K and I started working on fitness once more.  We went outside, taking trot and canter sets with our pals up and down the hills at the front of the Hodge property.  This is great fun! 

I've also started working with K in the arena by myself.  K says this is to get me used to one-on-one time.  I don't like being without my friends, but it isn't so bad that I can't do my work.  I must say that if I must work without my friends, I prefer it to be just K and I.  I worry about strangers in the ring with me.  K tells me that I will get used to it.  She says it's good practice for going to horse shows.  Horse Shows?  Are they like races?  I keep hearing about horse shows, but I've yet to go to one.

Speaking of strangers, I'm now in a field full of them!  I have moved to the same farm on which Sweepit lives.  This way both Sweepit and I can enjoy equal attention as K no longer has to commute between two counties.  I shall miss my friends; Sarah, Buttons and Oreo, but I am looking forward to new friends and new adventures too.

I shall endeavor to keep you posted on my progress.  In the meantime may you enjoy the buttercups and green grass.

~Polo