Oh my oh my

I honestly do not know how to explain. Words are not enough. Well, I guess they are. But just imagine that everything I say has about 50,000 times more meaning than usual. 

We got some horses. 

One, named Pax, is Heather's. He's a beautiful guy, inside and out. 

The other, a mare, is mine, and I named her Kara. (Side note: Mom just reminded me that she's not *just* mine, she's everyone's. I know. But she's mine. You know what I mean? Heather knows what I mean. :)) Her name means "beloved", and she certainly is. Only, I don't know if she knows that yet. But she will. She also is beautiful. They both have such kind eyes. You know what I mean by kind eyes? Where it seems like their soul is peeking out, saying "it's okay. I'm gentle, and beautiful." 

Yesterday was the day we got them. It was a many hours-long drive, and my knees are sore today, but it was so worth it. We got Pax first, then Kara. Trailering them was stressful, but we got home safe and sound. 

Today was workout day number one. Heather came over and we haltered them (have you ever experienced a horse who will put his nose into the halter? A horse you don't have to fight? My goodness! That was a surprise!), then we brushed them and picked their hooves. 

I still have to get used to the fact that they're easy going Standardbreds, not hot, fiery Arabians. Wrap your brain around that, Linda. You can in fact walk between their two bums without worrying they might kick you. For the most part. 

After that, we put the saddle on Kara (she's been a month under the saddle - Pax has not been ridden at all), and hooked her up to the lunge line. She is so gorgeous when she's pacing. Just so's you know. 

After that, I climbed up on her back!!! :D :D :D 

She spooked a teeny, tiiiiiny bit when I got up - Heather and I think it's because I'm miles taller than the girl who used to ride her. A little more up there, so I guess a bit of a surprise. 

We walked. I talked. She listened. The day was beautiful. 

She even trotted a little bit. As I was walking, I'd turn her and she'd take these massive sideways steps - she's used to having a cart behind her. She'll get over that. 

By the time we were nearly done our pleasant walk, she was already responding to leg aids quite well. She's a natural. We'll have Christopher up on her in no time! (And then maybe all the nephews and nieces....by the way, we want Pax and Kara to some day have a cart to pull. Would that not be the most coolest thing ever?? A matched bay pair???? Come on. Tell me you're not getting excited.)

Anyway, I am exhausted. Today was a busy day, especially after 6 hours of painful sleep (a mixture of aching knees and worrying about the two beautiful horses in the barn.)

Did I mention they were beautiful? 

See for yourself:

Heather does most of the work:

And began Kara's workout. 

I was watching...

And I DID lunge her, and here's the picture of us walking back to the fence:

Kara foreground, Pax background. His halter says "I love my horse". :D Too cute.

See what I mean about their kind eyes? I mean, look! 

You agree they're beautiful, no? :D