I am not referring to the iconic character most recently struck down by the swine flu... This Kermit is the horse who I am exercising and working on manners with; in order to get him back into shape for his upcoming lessons.
I volunteer at a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center in
Bozeman. It is a VERY amazing operation that has come very far with some VERY smart horse and special needs experts working together to provide horseback riding for children and adults with special needs. My job includes glamorous tasks such as: removing mud that he has rolled around in during the day, grooming him to remove some of that winter hair, and picking up after his bodily functions that occur while in my care.
Note: my lovely muck boots, as his pasture is knee deep in mud in various portions due to all of the snowfall last week. (Snow continues to fall here despite it being spring!) It was Mother's Day today, so I spent it with the family. Moose was very helpful in warning me when he was nervous by whining when I was going to fast...
It's great to be able to be around horses again. It's been a long time since I've been able to ride
regularly, so this is wonderful. I ride a horse at an amazing barn and do not pay a penny (except for the necessary horse apparel: i.e. some killer cowboy boots and my own helmet)... On top of that, I'm helping an amazing organization. I really couldn't be more lucky!
On an even more exciting note - TYSON is FINISHED with his first year of school!!! We went on a hike yesterday to enjoy his newly found free time. I think I heard him say at least once an hour "Wow, I keep forgetting I don't have to study tonight!" Enjoy some scenic shots from our hike to Indian Ridge yesterday. We drove through Ted Turner's ranch and saw several bison and a mother and baby moose. It was a beautiful day!
