Jonquil and Violet Time

It’s still “early” spring here in Maine – jonquils poked out a hello just in time for Easter last week, and the maple trees show a slight haze of red, a harbinger of leaves to come. But we can still see the Sheepscot River through the bare trees down the hill. Cool nights, almost no rain recently and brisk winds as the days warm up, mean we’ve been spared our spring attack of black flies so far. It’s even too soon to worry what this dry spell may lead to come summer – for now we have enough hay to hold out, just in case.

Head-turning Violet

So I’ve been walking out along side roads and land reserves to enjoy this perfect weather while I put some mileage on Violet, a lovely old blue roan appy who joined our herd last fall. We’re just getting acquainted, she and I, and she seems to appreciate her leisure pace after several years as a camp horse. She’s discovered a softer hand at the reins of her bitless bridle, but those hands and weight aids also expect her to respond when she is addressed. It’s always fun to watch older horses as they assess this new life they’ve entered.

There are few horses in the immediate neighborhood, and the locals take note when we ride by. There’s that nostalgia factor – once a realtor pointed us out to prospective buyers: I can only imagine the conversation. This spring, Violet is turning many heads. To seasoned horse people she’s fairly unremarkable, but to my neighbors, she’s a beautiful vision. I’ll admit it, I enjoy the ride, especially in this season of promise, but the smiles, waves and people slowing their vehicles as they pass all add to the delight of a spring ride.