The changes around the farm were not limited to just the house or weather this weekend. For the first time in a year and a half, Katherine and Casper went on a ride together.

In August 2005, Katherine was involved in a riding accident that almost required the replacement of her left shoulder. She was taking a lesson on a strange horse when it went crazy and malicously evicted her. On the way down, her foot got caught up in the stirrup. Katherine was able to free herself, but instead of being drug she ended up landing squarely on her left shoulder. The impact caused her humerous to be completely broken at the neck and the head to be fractured in 3 places. A titanium rod and 3-4 screws were inserted into the humerous to reconstruct the bone. The recovery took 6-8 months.

Then, when Katherine was finally able to ride again, she was struck by a Suburban while walking across the street. Once again, she was looking at surgery and a lengthy recovery.

So, after two surgeries, months of physical therapy and workouts at the gym to regain strength and lose weight, she was finally ready to return to riding. Then, the artic weather settled in and it was too cold.

But, that all changed this weekend. It was a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning. The temperatures were in the low 20's with little to no wind. Katherine decided to take advantage and finally get back into the saddle.

Katherine had to make due with an old pair of tennis shoes and jeans since her riding clothes were still packed away - thanks to the renovation. Her saddle of choice was her good old trusty western saddle.

When Casper was pulled from his pasture, he was not too enthused since this normally meant that the farrier was waiting for him. But, as soon as he saw his old saddle, his head shot up and his eyes got bright. Katherine threw the saddle on him and away they went.

They wandered down the road a short distance to the gate into their neighbor's field. Casper scaled a 3' snow bank into the field. Once inside, he did his usually antics. Casper was prancing all over the place hoping Katherine would notice that he'd like to run. Katherine soon gave in and the two were off, dashing through snow drifts.

Katherine and Casper returning from their first ride together since August 2005.