Finished work and straight to an appointment. Then full steam ahead to the horses. EJ and Billy are getting to grips, quite literally, with bareback riding. We went out a short hack, EJ breaking the boundaries of her past comfort zone... And nicely at ease with that. Me and mop head (her mane is currently growing out) took to the road and had a thoroughly lovely ride. We did a longer route than I'd first intended and had a superb long canter. Today was also the first day she hasn't rushed like (Alice in Wonderland's) The White Rabbit all the way home. And she even halted nicely on the last stretch of road where she'd normally be White Rabbit on amphetamines. She's still an absolute pain out in company... But slowly, slowly, that will come too. Good job I'm patient! She's one tough cookie.

This shot is of the view from the top of the hill, looking over Hoy. We'd just had our long canter and I was able to drop the reins and take a photo, another first! 

Sorry to all the non horsey folk, I just want to keep a record of breakthroughs. 

On the way home, there was a nuclear explosion over Orphir, see extra. 

This was the start of the rain that me and Gorgeous ended up walking in at Birsay. The sky was fab though. I've broken out the G&T in celebration of a rare night at home.