Spring is finally here (I hope). After blanketing the pones one last time (I dare dream) for the season, we look forward to the coming of spring. Grass is tentatively starting to sprout in the fields (C'mon grass!). The "arena," albeit a bit muddy and assuredly going to be so for a while with the spring rains, at least holds more appeal than it has the entire winter. But what I - and dare say we - are looking forward to is hitting the trail and catching up with some of our old friends. I say old friends and I actually mean new friends. Meaning we have not done nearly enough trail riding in the last few formative years to know them real well.
Bottom line - we've GOT to get our butts out there. And the friends we're looking forward to seeing? They may sound a bit familiar to you too.
First, we have Loggy McLogface. A real nice guy. Solid, unmoving. Sometimes needs stepping over. Other times, needs leaping over like he's a four foot fence. He means well, just chillin' there. But in the right (or wrong) light, he can be crazy scary, like a swamp creature ready to grab your baby.
Then, there's his buddy, Branchy McBranchkin. Also, a pretty nice dude. Just chillin' too. Waiting. For your pony to take you under him, then - whack! - he slaps you across the face for no reason. Not a nice guy, actually. But your pony thinks so, especially when he helps with that itchy spot on his wither...
One of the friends we look forward to seeing the most is Windy McWindersail. She's breezy (haha). A bit lofty (eye roll). Actually, she's beautiful and wonderful, until she blows and makes your beloved do crazy acrobatics for no good reason. Problem is, the pones think there is a good reason - a bag flapping, a branch waving (hi Branchy!), or just Windy herself, bringing in different smells. Can't wait to see Windy.
Next, there are the sisters, Birdie McBirdsh!t and Ducky McDuckcrap. They all seem innocent, but actually they're a bit vindictive. They wait, on the side of the trail, in an overhanging tree, a nearby bush, or in a stream you are crossing. Then they jump out, all perturbed, that you dare disturb the peace, share the trail, and stir them from their slumber. Or they're just mean.
A better friend we can't wait to see is Rocky McScaryrock. He's cool. Again, just chills there. Looks the same every time we see him...but different. My babes claim he's different. Every. Single. Time. But he's the same. I like him. Good mounting rock when the pones go flibberty jibbet.
One of our faves is Boggy McBoggerswamp. Walking along in a field of grass is so nice...until it morphs into Boggy. He's kind of the friend who sneaks up at a party only to change the music, eat all the snacks, and get too drunk.
But then there's his bud, our very bestest friend ever, Puddy McPuddlebutt. We cannot WAIT to see him. When we're feeling courageous, that is. But then there are times - many times - when he is super creepy, like a big black hole ready to eat us. Then, we must do whatever it takes to avoid him...dance around, pop up a little, then, eventually, maybe, jump over like an eventer who meant to clear it. Wait, don't most eventers go through puddles?
Oh, and I almost forgot, Puddy's sister, River McTrickleton. She is also loads of fun. We like her, even drink from her...until we decide we can't see into her and what lurks beneath.
Needless to say, we just NEED to get out more and see all our friends. That way, we can get to know them a whole lot better, make nice, and enjoy the trails. We cannot wait!!! Gooooo spring!