Island Time

Normally, my excuses for not posting are lame, along the lines of "I don't really feel like it" or "I just don't have time" ... I always manage to have time to go to the barn and procrastinate with my friends, but I convince myself that I can't possibly donate 5 minutes more to write a brief post. However, this time I have a legitimate reason! I'm in Turks and Caicos for spring break, haven't seen Limerick since god knows when, and until today, hadn't been on a horse's back for nearly two weeks. Not whining, as I'm in love with this island and would gladly pack up and move here on the condition that Limerick tags along. I do miss the pony boy though :( He's enjoying getting fat on newly green grass and is occasionally getting ridden by G, so hopefully he won't be too chubby/psychotic when I get back.

Back to spring break. I read four books this week, caught up on sleep, lazed on the beach, ate really amazing food, went scuba diving on one of the top ten reefs in the world, and rode on the beach! Her name was Ruby, and she now holds the key to my heart. Seriously though, I would take her home if I could... here are the details on her from the company website:

RUBY is from Grand Turk. She stands at 14.2hh, born in 1996. We have two of her foals, Mango and Tuesday. She is a great mother and a wonderful ride...A little stubborn, as all red mares are, but lots of fun!! She loves to swim, and has a great canter. She's as sturdy as a Clydesdale and as elegant as an Arab.

We waded up to my thighs at one point, which was awesome for both of us because it was in the high 80s and the first half of the ride involves roads and trails that lead to the beach. The more experienced riders got to head back to the beach a few times and we galloped down the sand, laughing and smiling the whole time :) It took a minute for me to adjust to tiny 14.2hh pony canter/gallop, as well as to the western saddle and stirrups, but there was no stopping us after that! Ruby is a feisty and stubborn little mare, and a ton of fun, but still relaxed enough that I rode back on the buckle. Lord knows how much it would cost to take her back to the U.S. with me, but it'd be awfully funny if I had two chestnuts who could not be more opposite! I would name her Lady in Red, Red for short (Name stolen from one of the younger girls at my home barn..). 

Here are some pictures, feel free to be jealous ;)

Don't know what to do with myself... Western?!

Pretty mane

Happy

I demand treats

tiny little girl!

FAVORITE! 

Doesn't get much better than this

trying to hold my phone, smile, and steer

one of the guides

pretty girl

Don't know what happened with this one..

mule ears :)

If any of you ever find yourselves in Turks and Caicos, here's the link for the company: https://www.provoponies.com