December 17th, 2021

Hey everyone,
I wanted to update you all on my new adventures so far this winter! I got to have a nice 2 week break after Fall Session, and then Cherise gave me a fancy winter haircut and told me I was going to spend the winter at a different barn! On November 15th, 2021, Ashley loaded me up into her horse trailer and took me to the new barn. At first, I wasn’t sure where we were going, and I was a bit nervous. There were lots of new smells, sounds and sights. It was a lot to take in, but I am now quite settled, and I like it here! The new barn I am at has an indoor riding arena so I can keep learning through the winter and stay in shape. Ashley and Cherise have both been spending time with me and riding me, and so has 1 young community rider, Nora. I have mostly been working on staying light in the bridle and maintaining my rhythm while trotting – this requires me to pay attention to my rider and stay focused. At first this was a bit challenging for me because there are lots of new things in the indoor arena that I am not used to! (Like a tractor, a roping shoot, a big mirror, and dog agility equipment). Ashley, Cherise, and Nora have been very patient with me and make sure to spend time with me on the ground in the arena as well as riding so that I have the chance to check out the things I am not used to. I especially like to touch everything with my nose! Grazing my whiskers over objects helps me process what they are and understand that they are not a threat to me. I am mostly curious about seeing myself in the mirror and I think it is funny when I whinny to myself and my reflection whinnies back!
I am getting very excited for Christmas this year, I have been a really good horse, so I hope Santa brings me a big, orange carrot! 
I wish you all a safe and special Christmas with your family.
Talk to you in the New Year!


Xo – Nala