(following was a letter I sent to Andrea, hey it doubles as a blog entry)

The move went smoothly. I'm glad a lot of people weren't at the barn cuz I would've started crying! Actually I did while I was driving away.. I'm going to miss Creekside.. :(

Isabella was awesome on the drive and unloading, she was very quiet and everyone at the new place fawned over her (after all, she *is* the most beautiful horse in the world..) She arrived at the new barn and I put her inside the indoor arena and she just watched me for a while unloading my gear, then went to roll.. she lied there on her stomach watching everything for a while which concerned me (thinking colic), but everyone else seemed to think that she was just cooling off and was relaxed. The people at the new barn are so incredibly helpful and nice. A lot of people went out of their way to make sure we were settling in okay which was very nice (they all seem older, semi-retired folk). People are ultra-clean (opposite of me) and there are a few strict barn rules to follow, but it seems most people that arrive at that barn are there for years and years (we're talking 30+!).

We went for our first ride yesterday and I think Isabella thought we were at a competition ride because she was RARING to go.. all ansty and excited. We rode for about 3 hours and the trails are beautiful.. redwood trees everywhere, very shady and lots of hills. She was great on the trail and seemed to enjoy herself and China came along with us. The trails are really busy with people though.. there are a lot of runners and bikes coming around the blind turns which spooked Isabella a little bit.. she'll have to get used to em. When I came back to the barn, people were worried I had gotten lost because I spent so long out there. :)