Freedom is now 12 weeks into recovery. He’s been walking under saddle for 45-50 minutes at a time without problem and . . .  drum rolls here . . . he can trot for short bursts.

So Monday, we took the plunge. Who would think that 20 seconds of trotting could be so much fun? We did four of those short trots over the course of a 50 minute ride

But Freedom didn’t just trot. He strutted. He arched his neck, flicked his toes and floated for those few seconds. He felt great.

I’ve really enjoyed riding other people’s horses but there’s little better than riding my own. He just feels right.

It was a beautiful day for a ride; the rhododendrons are out in full bloom and the grass in the hay fields brushed my feet. It’s such a glorious time to ride! I love walking through the tall grass and watching the birds dive into the grass and swoop through the air.

Of course, after trotting I was on the edge of my seat for the rest of the day, going back twice to check on his leg and make sure there was no heat or swelling. I decided to apply

some Sore No More poultice to play it safe.The good news is that the leg looks fine. I’ve ridden him every day this week and done a few short trots nearly every day. Fingers and toes remained crossed but so far his recovery is coming along nicely.

I am taking a very conservative approach to rehabbing this ligament. I just hope Freedom is aboard — he’s feeling very good right now and it’s getting hard to keep him quiet.