This run was super fun. Finished feeling like I could have done a 3rd round of ramps. Included a screenshot highlighting my fastest pace.

Photos: scenery on the way to visit Gracie. It’s between Warrenton and Middleburg. One of those features a property that has a lake and riding arena. The photo of the horses is Gracie’s herd; she’s the one with the dark brown body and dapples. She ran right up to me, then leaned in for a hug. (Even though Carlos was the one that always fed her and he was standing right next to me.) She stayed with us for a good half hour while we chatted with the farm owner in the field. She wouldn’t let the other horses near us, “These are MY humans!” 😂 She stayed with me, specifically, for a good half hour. The whole herd adores her, but she is besties with the boss mare - it was good to see that she has a close friend. (Gracie has always been second in command in larger herds)

There came a point where she turned around and walked back to the bottom of the field. The herd followed her: we had been dismissed. It was such a beautiful gift that she was so happy to see me. I never talked about this, but her and I did dressage at an unexpectedly high level, especially for a gaited horse. In the process, I pushed her way past the point of resistance: I had always said we would stop when she said “No”…and then I totally ignored the “No” when she started saying it. Repeatedly. It took her repeatedly walking AWAY from me in the field for me to finally get it - she was done, and had been done for while.

It took a long time for me to forgive myself for not noticing sooner.

Despite that, she forgave me long before I forgave myself, as horses are wont to do.

So every time she comes galloping up to me, specifically me, like she did today, and then also leans in for me to wrap my arms around her neck in a hug…well, it’s the greatest display of love that this amazing mare could possibly give me. 🥰

After our visit, we headed into Warrenton 20 min away to The Galloping Grape to drop off my endurance saddles and pads. (I included a photo of the storefront - they did indeed have a huge wine section at the back of the store!)

Last photo: twin peaks in Virginia that reminded us of Las Tetas de Cayey!