Cutter Billy

Cutter Billy, the man himself.

On Saturday morning, Dr X, Terrier900, the Mouse and I headed out for 'the barn' (British viewers, read 'stables') to visit Dr X's horse, Billy. I'm no expert, but I reckon Billy (full name, Cutter Billy - hence the title) is a very fine horse indeed. He is huge, but very well-mannered and you can sit up on Billy and feel quite at ease.

He was good enough to give rides to the four of us. The Mouse was initially alarmed by being up so high (did I already mention that he is very big?) but she did really well and later told me, 'I felt a bit nervous, but I did it and I like Billy.' The last time I rode a horse was when we were here three years ago, so I was also a little nervous. Plus, the few horse-riding lessons I have had have been in the UK, so riding Western style felt a little different. 'Hold onto the reins with one hand? Whaaaaat?!?' I had a go at walking, jogging, trotting and cantering (I know - Zara Phillips, eat your heart out!). Quite frankly, I didn't have a clue what I was doing and just let Billy get on with it. I wouldn't be quite so happy about that if I didn't feel that I could trust him but, as I say, he's a good horse.

The Mouse and Terrier900 ride Billy.

It hasn't snowed again yet, although it was very cold outside and I didn't really feel warmed through until I'd enjoyed a nice relaxing spa bath, back at the ranch. The Doctors and the Terrier have, I think, four bathrooms, although only two of them have baths in. (You have to call them bathrooms though - the mouse and I have learned that it is bad form over here to request 'the toilet'.) The en-suite has a spa bath, complete with water jets. Very relaxing, although a trifle noisy. If you can imagine taking a bath in a Kenwood Multichef...