I do believe we have a problem

The problem could be that I regularly lose my car in parking lots because it in no way resembles a white pickup truck.

Unfortunately the problem is bigger. Much bigger.

Apparently the definition of "sufficient" time off for a tendon injury is as follows:

Horse will lose all signs of previous conditioning and assume a shape that can only be defined as round. Non-horsey people will ask if your mare is pregnant, never mind she's in flaming heat currently.

Wrenching the girth on (there *may* have been a well placed foot on the expansive belly to help this process along) reminded me of trying to squeeze into my lap swim suit after 4 years and jumping in the pool - unpleasant.

Farely didn't seem to notice. She was too busy trying to clean up her selenium and Vit E laced Stable Mix (a VERY small amount, let me assure you) mash to notice anything as unpleasant like the fact she was going back to work.

As I led her out to the long private road my parents live on to mount up, a thought struck me.

It's been 5 months since this horse has seen a trail. Five months since I've done anything but a 10 minute bareback hack around the arena. And here I am, saddled up ready to leap into the saddle ("leap" being defined as a rather vague "haul my ass up in the saddle and not get bucked off in the process). Farley was being a bit snorty, as if to say "what the hell?????" and as my Dad roared up in his disel truck, felt the need to tell me of her galloping, bucking antics in the pasture a while ago. At that point I decided:

1. Our 10 minute walk just got moved to 20 minutes. After 3 months in pasture (controlled turnout before that) running around, if 20 minutes broke her, then it just isn't meant to be.

2. Farley is probably too fat to buck me off.

With those assurances I put a foot in the stirrup, contemplated doing a "stand still" lesson - decided that was one battle I was NOT having on our first ride back - swung a leg over, and pogo-sticked down the lane.

After about a quarter mile Farley down business. She settled into that 4.5 mph walk that is no where to be found in the dressage court or at an endurance ride showed me once again why she has a forever home. My parents live in a "rural" area which means I can *probably* walk on the road without being hit, and during certain sections, there *might* be an orchard or two that as long as they aren't flood irrigating, is of suitable footing for walking along side the road on. Even after a long time off, zero prep, and in an environment of many distractions, she took care of me and showed that she is still my little sensible pony.

Did I tell you my parents had a grass fire across the road from their property a couple weeks ago? Complete with fire engines with sirens? Apparently Farley just stood there watching. The fire fighters commented how calm she was. "Did you tell them she was a crazy arab????" I asked.

Two more very positive signs:

1. She wasn't ouchy on the gravel lane, the asphalt, or the dirt footing. Even considering the weight she gained.

2. She seems to be happy to go back to work. When in work, she likes getting out every day for SOMETHING - whether it be grooming, arena, or trail. After being off for a week or two - or even a month, she can be very grouchy and pissy about going forward. Apparently, a couple of months is her idea of a "suitable" vacation. I brought a dressage whip on our ride which I did NOT need.

However....all is not well in the world of Team Faubel:

After our 20 minute walk I was sore. My legs *may* have been a bit wobbly. After a 20 minute walk. Oh baby, this is going to be an adventure.