A GM - What is, imo, a total, tranquil one, too...

I went on a little trip today. But the best way I can summarize it is this:

Arrived at house. Got instantly leapt upon by this half insane young girl, who admonished me greatly that I hadn't been to see her, 'for way, way too long'.

Glad of the very warm welcome, went to see mom & dad. Spoke about a lot of things. Money-wise, now all straightened out. A proud showing to me of their accounts - the way they've turned things around, without the previous pressures, is amazing. This gives me faith, that all anyone needs is a nudge or small helping hand, and from that, they will do the rest themselves. I'm so happy for them, I really am - nothing to do with money, it's the fact that they've worked so hard on things, and have done so much.

After this, I went for a very long drive with Leanne. It's her birthday next month. I know just what she wants - I'd been in discussion with her parents for the past two weeks about this.

It was an hour's drive from where she lived, but it was worth it, I think. A young colt for her. I'd picked him out myself, whilst I was spending my time out. A lovely chestnut colt, with the best blaze I've seen for a long, long time. Lovely temperament. Strong, but quiet. I knew the colt, somehow, and the seller assured me that whilst he's feisty, he's still gentle, and suitable for a beginner... I'd ridden him and groomed him myself, and knew that he would be perfect. Horses were my love, once... So, I put the money down, last week.

We sat for a long time, on the paddock fence, watching him. I hoped that she would like him, and she seemed to. She had no idea what was coming...

I asked her 'Do you wanna ride him?'

'No way!' she responded. 'I can't! He's not mine!'

'Well, I know the owner.' I say. 'I figure she'd let you ride him, if you want. It's ok.'

So, as if by magic (a big wink, here!), riding helmet and boots were swiftly supplied, and he was saddled and tacked before you could say 'iota'.

She will need lessons, that much is obvious. As I saw her riding like a sack of potatoes on his back, I knew that she could use some help, that's for sure.

But that doesn't matter. She has a love for horses, and she treated the colt so kindly, even when he intially made a fuss, and anyhow, lessons will be following. The stables have been bought, and she will have to look after him. It's about time that Leanne learnt some responsibility, and this is an ideal opportunity, I think. Not only that, but she doesn't have much to call her own. About time that changed...

The colt's name is Honey. Not my choice, but her's. The moment Leanne realized that he was her's (after her little jaunt around the paddock, to see that they were matched) she nearly fainted. But, he is.

The stables aren't too far from where she lives - around 15 minute's walk. I have also taken the liberty of buying a part share in 10 acres of land, where the horses can wander when they are put out to field, in the summer. I truly hope that Honey and the other the horses like it - it's beautiful land, and I would like it to stay that way.

And, Leanne is a beautiful person. She is sweet, and kind to others. And she deserves Honey.

Tril.