This morning we had to get up early (6:00) in order to be out the door by 6:45.  Tom had arranged a Horseback Riding 101 'class' at Kaye and Teresa's (in Goodyear) at 7:30.  They've been raising/training horses for years, and until recently always had more than two dozen horses at any given time.  But now they're retired and spending as much time as possible riding (we got to see some great pix of their trail rides in Canyon De Chelly, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, and in Benson herding cattle) and are down to only 5 horses.

The last time Tom rode was in the 1970s, when he rode the mule train to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  Unfortunately by the time he reached the bottom he was so chafed that instead of riding back up he walked the mule all the way back up!  And that pretty much soured him on riding.  

However, he's heading back up to Idaho in October; he and Carlo will be riding horses well into the back country to get at some rock that's not accessible by their quads.  So Tom figured he'd better 'test drive' a horse before he hits the rough trail.

On the way there this morning we had to stop at the store to pick up carrots so Tom could make a good impression (LOL) on Cody.  

Here's Kaye on Cody, demonstrating a few of the basics.

Cpdy has a beautiful markings! 

And then it was Tom's turn.

Here he is putting Cody through his paces... and through the barrels.

Kaye is a good teacher, and Tom is a fast learner, so the morning was an unqualified success.  Looks like Tom has found a new friend!  

I also got to meet Teresa's 'new' cats: 17-year-old brothers Devon and Ashley.  They were her daughter's cats, but Trina has recently relocated to the Northwest and didn't think the cats would fare well during the move.  So (of course!) Mom has them.  They obviously miss their mom, but are adjusting to their new environment (with a couple of dogs and several other cats) better than expected.  Devon actually came out from behind the bed to meet me

although Ashley needed a little 'help' from Teresa.

To celebrate Tom's success, the four of us went out for a hearty breakfast at Cracker Barrel. This afternoon I did make it to the gym today for a work out, but since I am still not feeling 'up to snuff' it was definitely an abbreviated session. 

And now it's time to kick back and work on the Sunday crossword puzzle.