Take a Deep Breath...

..and lets go on a fantasy vacation - back in time... when no one is in a rush, where details raine supreme and elegance is in every part of every day!

Come with me to gather a few horses..

..from our back pasture....

..close your eyes little foxes.  No one here will hurt you.

There is the house through the brush..

and you will need to choose your preferred equipment from the tack room..

.. we have very handsome grooms to help you..

..and the handsome horses make the groom appear..... drab...

 

 

 

.... well maybe not....

 

When you tire, Becky will help you.

..offering you tea if you please..

 You may choose to chat with some friends.. but be forwarned - they love to gossip!

If you choose to not have company - you may enjoy a book..

..and a bit later we can all gather for dinner..

 

 

 ..and isn't he just the most handsome boy...

                                                            

                               THE DOG....I WAS TALKING ABOUT THE DOG!

Come, Relax..Let's Have Tea..

Wear your most elegant hat ..

..while we chat and get to know one another.. we can enjoy some tea.

 I will get out the best silver...

 ..and when we are done, we can go out and make some new memories to talk about nest time!

Well ~ If You Are Going To Dream ...

DREAM REALLY BIG!! 

There are a few things that I long for.  Obviously, they have to do with riding and riding aside.  I have a secret dream of opening up a sidesaddle academy called .. ironically Riding Aside! I would have to have a covered riding arena, maybe like this....

No, no... let us dream BIG now .. so something more like this!

Something I have had issue with lately is mounting blocks.  They are irritatingly made for astride riders, being both too small and too short!  So, in MY covered riding arena, the mounting block will look a bit like this! 

There must be a private area, if you get my meaning.  Here is the entrance. 

..and a small private area to meet & make GREAT BIG PLANS for the future!

So what do you think??  My favorite part though is the imaginary look on the girls faces as they master each new manuver with their horses.

One Last Ride..

After getting up early and grabbing a light continental breakfast..

.. we head back to the barn.

It is early.. the sun is just about to rise and the cool mist is in the air. It just looks more beautiful than words can describe.




This ride is not quite as energetic as the others have been.

I am not sure if is because everyone is a bit sleepy,..

..or if they are just trying to soak in the last minutes of our special weekend...


I keep looking around at all the riders..

Each is so different and yet courageous to take on a sport that in the name of progress, has almost been shunned.

Each has worked hard at not only learning how to do something that at times can be difficult.. but has encouraged others to do the same and worked even harder to preserve a part of our history.

..and each has the determination and drive to keep moving forward. I am proud to be a part of such a group of ladies!

When you return to pack.. I left each of you a memento .. just something individual to each person to remember the last few days.

..and when the last trailer pulls out, I am left feeling sad.

Farewell..but I am sure there will be a next time!Okay - now I need a nap! snicker snicker..

Reality returns tomorrow!

The Rest of The Afternoon..

..and early evening are open for you to enjoy as you please. You can change and go back to the barn and visit with your horses or even take an evening ride if you please..

..or if you are in for something a bit more relaxing, you can stay dressed up and are welcome to roam the grounds and gardens.



This is the perfect time of the year to enjoy them..

If you are into whimsical art, you may enjoy the modern sculptures. Every time I look at them I have to smile!

You can also visit with our sheep.


..and don't mind the Peacocks. As beautiful as they are, they do make a lot of noise, but no worries as they will not bother you.

Dinner will be served at 8 again tonight. I left a little treat on your beds.I think by now, you have figured out that I have a terrible sweet tooth!

Tonight we will feast on Cornish hens baked in a wonderful lemon sauce...

..with wild rice..

..green beans that I grew in my garden..

..and a buttery chardonnay!

and for dessert, a white chocolate covered cheese cake!

It is hard to believe that the weekend is coming to a close. We have all become such good friends. I have been invited to a clinic where I actually may learn how to jump aside..and later in the Fall to a Hunt. I want to come and visit everyone and see your home towns.

I asked everyone to come out to the balcony so I can thank you so much for coming and making this such a fabulous weekend. We still have one more ride tomorrow before it all comes to a close. We shall meet at the barn at sunrise. But before we call it an evening.. look up!