We caught three horses – Kappi, Iacs and Haakon.

We each tacked up our own noble steeds – Daisy helped Flossie.

She also helped her onboard.

And then The Day of Days – I went out riding with my two daughters.  I have never ever done this before.  Never all three of us on board separately with no lead rein, tears or shouting!  This is a first and a great day for me.  Probably never to be repeated but even so, a real tears-to-eyes moment.

Of course, their horses behaved perfectly while Haakon did his best to be miles ahead in front and generally unhelpful.  But as long as everyone else was calm and enjoying themselves, then that was all that mattered.  I kept Haakon vaguely under control (he seems to have lost the art of walking) and we argued in silence like a married couple at a public event.

Daisy was riding Kappi and his job was to remain calm and relaxed.

Flossie rode Iacs whose job was to look after my youngest above all things.  He was a good boy and followed without question.  Floss even remarked riding was easy as you just sat there and did nothing!  (I bluddy well wish – tussle, fight, tussle – Haakon FFS!)

All was going very well when I looked behind me to see a certain small fur person running down the road after us……

BeAnne Duvet.

So she joined the ride and took the lead in an officious way.  She hasn’t been on a ride for ages – so I don’t know what brought that spurt of energy on.

  

So that was us.  A perfect afternoon before everyone goes back to University (Daisy to Scotland and Flossie to Beijing).  I shall remember today forever.  It was a first and something I have wanted but never dared to suggest for many years.

I will remember this day when they are all away again.

     Sniff