10 out of 10 on the smugness scale

'Mr F' is the master of smugness since his return to 'Buttercup Farm' and the cosy stable which he shares with his new best pal 'little Sam'. They have been together before but he was never very interested. However, one cannot have everything even if one tries, and 'Mr F' tries hard at having it all.

The clocks have gone back last night and this brings the short evenings. 

Yesterday young we arranged to go out for a ride, young 'Jem' on 'little Sam' and myself and Mr Smug. 

I realised while at work that not only was the light diminishing after 14:00, it also was a very murky autumnal day. Still unusually warm, although this is going to change now, according to the forecast.

Considering the quickly drawing in dark evenings I rushed at work so that I could be back at 'Buttercup Farm'  for 15:30-ish. We had a quick cup of tea while tacking up and gathering together anything hi-vis we could find and fit somewhere on our tack and ourselves.

I hadn't ridden 'Mr F' for pretty much 3 months, instead we have just been out on walks almost everyday. There wasn't enough time to test a the new saddle, I will do that when I am on my own and when I am not making anyone wait. 

Last time I had the hoof boots on they were twisting at the back a little so this time I wrapped a thing layer of vet wrap around 'Mr F's hooves to make the boots 'stick' rather than twist around his hoof. 

They had just been trimmed yesterday. Interestingly: I wasn't sure on the verdict of the state of his hooves but apparently there was nothing to be concerned off except the usual winter wet / damp mud matter. I was lucky that I caught those deep holes in the solar area of his fronts those 3 weeks ago and dealt with them.

We got tacked up fairly quickly and went on our way. Each time I ride after a break it feels fresh and each time it feels more natural, in a way. This time was perhaps the longest break. I was experimenting with minor seat adjustments, trying to listen to 'Mr F's body and how he reacts. We did some trotting, too, which I was surprised to find that my leg muscles were OK with the posting (without stirrups). 

'Mr F' was quite interested in it all and had a steady gait, not like before when he was like treacle. Overall he seemed pretty relaxed with being ridden, no angry tail swishing or head shaking. A few times he pointed out that I wasn't in a for him comfortable position or that I was reacting in a stiff manner. He was quite right too, of course. Often when I was talking to young 'jem' I wasn't with 'Mr F'. I generally prefer to ride silently and be with the horse (I.E. feel the horse rather than being just a passenger). But young 'Jem' is lovely and I don't mind a bit of chatting.

I was pleased to see that the boots didn't not twist this time and stayed nicely in position all the way. We were only out for perhaps a little more than an hour as it was getting dark so quickly. We managed to get back to 'Buttercup Farm' just in time before it was basically night time.

It is time to invest in some LED gear to be seen.

Back at the farm, 'Mr F' was peeking out of his stable with the smuggest face I have seen him have. All his requirements seem to be met. He had his feed and then both of them tucked into some tasty soaked hay served in the hay nets. 

I sometimes wonder if he is still growing ... each time I dismount (jump off as no stirrups) I come to realise just how tall he is. Inside the stable he looks even taller. His rear end is higher than me ... 

Once more I have to mention just how great this 'Barefoot' Physio ride-on pad is. I have bought it now over 18 months ago and it is still doing well. It's very good quality and well made, I can only recommend it. And not once has it slipped.

We shall see what tomorrow brings (appart from work) - I now have my breakfast at 'Buttercup Farm' together with 'Mr F', as usual.