I have been meaning to post for the last week or so but have not found time to update the blog so here it goes.
On Friday the 26th of February, Ruffi recieved her first round of mesotherapy! The vet who performed the treatment was very optimistic about her prognosis and we are very excited. She can start under saddle work come this Monday the 8th. She has seemed less in pain and we are also waiting on a Pessoa system to help with her building up her back muscles.
On the 27th Bacardi and I went out on our first ever TRUE trail ride. We hauled out with 4 of our barn mates to Fall City and rode up into the foothills. Initially Bacardi was very anxious in the arena where we parked the trailers but was able to calm down and once we got out on the trail, you would have thought he was a seasoned pro! He really blew away everyone who was on the ride since everyone knows how anxious and up he can be in new situations. He was as steady as they come, even when one of our trail mates had a melt down and backed into him, he stood there like nothing was wrong. I am so, SO, SOOOO proud of this milestone for us and I will be more excited when we can get him out more.
Also, when he was being anxious in the arena, we were able to work past the behaviors together and there was no dismounting, planned or otherwise. I was very proud of myself as a rider in that moment.
In the clear cut 
On the trail 
Looking out over the the Snoqualmie Valley 
Barn Babes and their Steeds
Bacardi and I have been working diligently on his behaviors and what exactly is appropriate and not appropriate especially under saddle. We are coming along well and I have hope for the future.
Happy Trails,
A+B+R