No more, no less. I did think it would be a good idea to have the Bright Lights Book Project in a horsey setting. Now I realize that my thinking was off. I am no closer to finding a balance between my horsey and book lives than I was before this fair started.

I have reconnected with a few old friends. but all I am to them is a blast from the past, no more no less.

Today’s cast of characters includes Terry, who I had not seen in two years. She and Pete were in the competitive trail ride, Pete riding Tyra. I was having hip problems so I could not ride. There she was with her horse Dinni, who I helped her pick out. They were entered in a western trails class.

She talked at me for some time before the class, telling me about her adventures in the Pacific Northwest on Dinni. I then went and watched her ride him in the class. She was the fifth entrant. This was an equation class with a handful of obstacles. You had to open a gate, hook a rope on a mailbox post, side pass over a pole, walk over a pallet, and in between walk, trot, and canter.

I watched all these horses do as expected – I could not see where they erred in their gaits or going over obstacles. Dinni did as well as the rest of the competitors.

After, I spoke briefly to Terry, actually she spoke briefly to me, asking if Dinni was too strong. I think she meant forward. I said he did just fine.

Then I went on my way. Terry, the entire time, asked just one question and that was, “how are the horses doing?”

I also saw Jonathan, who is one of the Hale boys, the youngest member of the Pilgram family. He has a wife and four boys and seems very happy. I did an impromptu story time and read to his kids. Maybe sometime we’ll ride together.

And, lo and behold, who walks in the door of the equestrian center but Terry Ewing, who I have not seen in ten years. She rode Tinni a few times. She mentioned this but did not ask how he was doing or if he was still around. She now has two horses and seems happy. It was good seeing her.

I did not, during this fair, make any horsey friends, nor did I rekindle any old friendships. Coincidently, I did reconnect with my friend Heather who I might sometime get together with.

I think in order to make any horsey friends I am going to have to move. Best to just accept the fact that I am not going to have any horsey friends and again become obsessive about riding. Right now it’s hunting season here – and I have eight more days of the fair left – then there will just be a smidgeon of good weather left.

In my head, I must now move on.

Next: 233. 8/31/26: Another Month Comes to an End