We were out doing the morning chores today when Maria astonished me by hopping up on Fanny’s back. Fanny was a bit startled and circled a bit, then settled, and then Maria hopped off. She said she just felt the urge, and I was not able to move the camera fast enough. Maybe next time. I have had that impulse too, our friend Aidan hopped up on Simon’s back and rode  him around the pole barn. And Fanny loves and trusts Maria, she wouldn’t harm her. I wonder if she’ll try it again. She says she doesn’t know.