My group lessons are going really well, I think. The property has been owned by the same family since 1922, some 230 acres of what is now some of the most expensive real estate in the country, near Stanford University. In addition to lessons and horse shows they grow organic produce and their farmers' market is about to open for the season -- I can't wait to shop before I ride. (Click to enlarge photos.)


I don't know this little Fjord's name yet but I was told he has a girl's name. Betty? Olga? He's very sweet and always willing to pose for photographs. To me he looks like a zebra hooked up with a stegosaurus, and I mean that in the most loving way possible.


He has such a cute little head and ears and lovely eyes.


But it's really about the mane, isn't it? He's the greeter at the ranch, the first horse you come to after a long meandering stretch past open pastures.











I just caught a glimpse of the pony himself, but I couldn't resist the sign.


















I loved the grass grid in this empty stall.














This is Elianna, called Ellie, a five year-old Haflinger mare I've fallen for in a big way.













She looks a little cheeky here but she's really a giant puppy dog.


















She wins the Big Hair Award for sure.



















Ellie's halo profile.













Doesn't it look like Milo is smelling these irises in a planter box outside his stall?











The adorable Franny, Milo's next door neighbor.












The top end of the polo field. My trainer said she sometimes does her lessons in here. I am giddy thinking about not having to turn!










The geldings hang out at the other end of the polo field.













Here I am on last week's mount, Cruise. He was a bit lazy at first but once we got going he was great. I'm starting to get comfortable at the canter...hell, I think I'm getting addicted!
















I really like this one, one of those accidental stop-motion shots. How's my position?