The first ride

Comanche hadn't been ridden in about 4 years. I decided today was the day … he was full of himself. This was taken after I'd been on him for about 15 minutes and he'd had a chance to get some of his "ya-yas" out. It's tradition : every spring, I'm his first rider because I trained him; I know what he'll do; I know what he'll not do — most of the time. He'll test other riders but he won't pull stunts on me. I know him too well. He's not mean. He's just a practical joker.

I took him out the driveway to the road and he wanted to keep going. He remembers our rides on the mountain. He loves to go. Next time I'll take him further.