Carrie didn't stop looking for a summer free lease for me when the last one didn't pan out.
Her search led us to a barn near Staunton.
That's right, us. Shane and I came along for the ride.
Carrie's plan was to ride the horse to feel her out. Then she'd put me on the horse to see how she did with a newb.
Shane's plan was to catch a barn cat.
There were seven!
He caught zero, but it kept him entertained for a long time. It was more pleasant for him than locking him in the cat cage would have been (I was tempted!).
The barn owner had moved from Colorado. She'd taken on some extra horses from friends who were moving and was already overextended. She was happy to let Carrie work one of her horses for her!
"She's got buttons!" Carrie said.
What that means in horse lingo is "If you do _______ she knows to do _________." Certain commands through the seat could make her shuffle sideways, etc.
Buttons are expert level fun. Not beginner friendly.
Carrie was worried I'd hop on and my butt would punch all sorts of buttons until the horse ran back home!
I didn't get to ride, but I did photograph. One brave barn cat trotted around the arena with Carrie and even laid down in the runway!
Shane played on his own really well. He worried Carrie scaling ledges some, but the owner and I just smiled. Her granddaughter was a gymnast who used to walk across the tops of the fences!
The one awkward moment was when Shane ran up and said he needed to do an emergency poop. There wasn't a bathroom at the barn and he had to go in the house!
He nearly clogged the toilet! They were in there a while! Oh, Shane...
I didn't get to ride, but I did get Chic Fil A on the way home. It's been a while!
We went through the drive-through. In typical CFA fashion, our order was handled with military precision. There were masked employees out who took the order, the pay, and handed us our delicious, delicious food.
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