Donkey Riding!!!!

Trooper and I went for another walk along the Chehalis Western Trail, to get him used to bikes and skateboards and people and dogs and horses. He did very well, all dressed up in his saddle and an empty saddle pack bag on his back. We got back in plenty of time, so I thought I'd dress him up with his riding bridle and bit.

Well, here I was with a donkey all dressed up for riding. At the trainer's we had ridden around a barn in circles, partly on a rural road, so I thought it would be pretty easy to ride around in a circle in this parking lot. This particular location even has a mounting ramp (soooo handy!), so I didn't have to mount from the ground.

So we did it! I had my first solo ride on Trooper! Just in time for Birthday #50. Sweetest birthday present ever. And let me tell you, riding the donkey is tons more fun than walking really fast next to the donkey and telling him to please slow down!

I am so proud of Trooper I could just bust. Thank you, Trooper! Trail ho! Trooper is only 3 1/2, so he only gets light occasional rides. Next spring, though, with this level of competence, we can really go on a trail ride. So nice.

I hope you do something nice for yourself. It's really worth it.

- Auriel