Nic and I arrive at the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, and to our mutual delight, it is just charming. We instantly love it and Dottie, the innkeeper, makes us feel right at home.
After unpacking and changing into what would be our attire for the next five days, i.e. breeches, boots and chaps, we head over to Adrienne’s farm. I cannot wait any longer to be reunited with my horse.
I knew Adrienne would still be at an Event (which we found out later that she won) but I wanted to go early to see J and hang out with her.
When I meet up with Jaliska, she cannot keep her nose off me, it is hilarious. She is so happy to see me, and I feel the same way.
The stable and property here are just beautiful, and I am thrilled with the field where J spends time (which she shares with Adrienne’s 25 year old mare). She looks so relaxed and content. I can tell she has filled out with some new muscle.
After finding all my tack, Nic and I proceed to lay down in the field with our heads resting on our jackets to soak up some of the warm Aiken sunshine. I haven’t done this since I was 14. Ah, yes.
Adrienne arrives and we quickly attempt to brush off all the dried grass covering our back sides. We tack up and hop on our horses. Jaliska for me and Chex, a quarter horse, for Nicole. We have a mother-daughter group lesson, something we haven’t done for over a year.
I love it. It’s so nice to be on my horse again, riding alongside my daughter, in the warm southern air.