Phew!

I think I am still tired from yesterday...in a good way!  The big move went off without a hitch.  My boy is settled in his new, humongous paddock with his cutie new girlfriend and seems happy as a clam.

I headed out to the barn after work to load up and ship out to our new barn - a whole 10 minutes away from where we are now - and wouldnt you know our chiropractor showed up at the exact same time!  He worked on Pongo while I hooked up the trailer.  I walked down to Pongo's stall once the rig was set and chatted a bit with Dr. P, he said Pongo feels surprisingly good!  He is still "stuck" in his neck and a little in his back, but nothing major.  He made a small comment about his feet and some suggestions for my farrier to consider which I appreciated.  We said goodbye, I loaded the horse up and we were off!

I didnt have any rush of emotions leaving, I just feel so secure in the decision to go.  As we pulled up to the new barn and unloaded Pongo's eyes looked like they just might pop out of his head, but he kept his cool.  Our friend Terri (who also used to ride at my old barn) showed up and honestly, it was so nice to see a familiar face.  We found the trainer and chatted while Pongo munched on some grass - yes real GRASS.  We took him to his new paddock (about 3 times the size of the one he was in at the previous farm) and introduced him to his new roommate, a 14 hand, dun colored mustang mare who is the most adorable thing you've ever seen.  I dont think she's broke to ride yet - but when she is, I am first in line.  I LOVE her.

They snorted and squealed, ran around a little bit and then were fast friends.  Pongo was overwhelmed and just stood under the shelter looking out and about.  I headed up to the arena and watched the trainer teach a free lunging lesson in the arena.  She is such an amazing horse woman.   I love how she operates.  All about respect, subtle cues, asking not demanding things of her animals...they are LASER focused on her.  I love it.  I want my horse to be like that with me!

As I left later that evening I just felt solid in the choice I made.  I know I sound like a broken record, but I am really going to miss seeing my friends from my old barn every day.  But, I know we'll stay in touch, especially since I still plan to train with Alexis and Lisa.  With that said, I cant wait to work with this new trainer too to sack him out again.  I cant wait to just go for a trail ride.  I feel like a weight has been lifted off - all the pressure I put on myself to do something with this horse is gone.  I just get to enjoy him, he gets to enjoy being a horse.  It feels fun again - like we could bop around, or buckle down...and no one really gives a hoot which way I choose to go :)  For the record, we are going to nothing but bop around for the foreseeable future until I feel like getting back to business, and I have no idea when that might be, thank you very much :)

I went out to the barn early this morning before work to check in and see how Pongo had fared overnight.  As I drove in I saw him romping around with his new lady friend, cantering around their paddock.  As I walked in to check him out I found no bumps, cuts, bruises or swelling.  He looked great, he was calm.  That's all I could ask for.

Here are some pictures from yesterday's move in....

 So you want me to drink water out of this scary tub?  I could drown!!!

 He smells funny!!!

 Taking it all in

Glamor Shot!

 Mooo....not looking forward to riding past these long horns...He's gonna spaz.

 A ladybug that was on my car when we arrived - good luck sign!

Happily eating dinner, all settled in now