Reunited

After returning from France, I was home for about 12 days before heading to San Francisco. During that time I was excited to see friends and family, check out the old haunts, eat Asian food and partake in various activities, one of which was horseback riding with my friend Emily on the beach at Ocean Shores. This had been one of our favorite things to do back in the old 4-H days, and although I no longer had my horse, Emily assured me we’d find something ride-able.
The day before our ride, Emily took me out to their friend’s place to “check out what horses and tack they had available”. As we were coming up the drive way Emily suddenly turned to me and said, “I have a surprise; the horse you’ll be riding is Raj!” (my old horse). I couldn’t believe it; I’d sold him over 7 years ago and I’d completely lost track of him, and there he was out in the pasture! I’d like to think he remembered me although he certainly didn’t start whinnying nor jumping for joy, but when I rode him, aside from being a bit arthritic, he seemed to remember it all.
The beach was fantastic, we cantered along the sand, played in the waves (the horses were thoroughly confused that the water was salty and that there was no grass), and jumped over drift wood. It was great to be back in the saddle, although I was really sore, and it was such a wonderful surprise to be reunited with my old buddy Raj. Thanks Griswolds!