Young Nitro

Thursday I loaded Nitro and Cody, and trailered to where we do gymkhana; to warm up for Saturday's competition. Nitro did a few laps in the ring, then we stopped by Halls Corners on the way home and went on a wonderful trail ride. The sky was stormy with sun rays piercing through, touching the new cut hay in spots, as we enjoyed the longest day of the year together, high in the mountain. Nitro was feeling great and opened up into a nice canter. The wind blowing through his mane conflicted with the bouncing of it and it reminded me of a July 4th sparkler as the sun rays peppered it. Back into the trailer, I hoped he would have energy left for 's event; but even if not, the longest day ride was worth it.
Friday Nitro got his bath and was kept in with a robe to stay warm and clean for Saturday morning. The gymkhana went well, Theresa did poles on him. Nitro likes going and watching all the horses run and stands still with me on him for hours. All in all, another nice day together.
I had promised a boarder to go for an early Sunday morning trail ride with him but thought Nitro might be a little tired. We tacked up and went up the meadow through the high uncut hay at a nice clip. Then, into the woods where Nitro did his regular jumps over the logs. My friend was impressed, and commented what a great horse Nitro was. We weaved through the trees and brush and then headed down the dry river bed. Nitro jogged down the river stones at a rapid clip jumping over some and sliding and side stepping over others, leaving my friend, and his younger horse, far behind in amazement. Nitro, at 20 years young, tip toed over the rocks faster and faster using athletic skills that boggled my mind; all after two days of work. A wise old man once told me, "when the trail is rough drop the reins and let your horse pick the coarse". Nitro played the river bed like Fred Astaire. Before finishing our ride Nitro went up the river and pawed and splashed like a kid in a pool. "Yep," I told my friend, "Nitro is the most expensive horse in the barn". "Really?" "Yep," I said, "If you were to offer a million bucks I wouldn't sell him".