Split Stops

Definition:   Stopping for a picnic halfway through a horseback ride with a split sized bottle of Champagne.

Photo by Peggy Jones

Champagne Sister Peggy recently coined this phrase and I would like to enter it in our dictionary.  Seems appropriate as this has become a ritual.  We look for a bench somewhere along the way, preferably with a water view, where we can sit and enjoy a picnic.  There is a particular spot in the Grasslands that has become our favorite split stop spot.  A picnic table sits on a little knoll under a shady tree in front of a tranquil pond.  This has become our favorite restaurant because it’s outside, has a great view, and our horses can come along.  Fine dining at its best – granola bars and Champagne!  Carrots for the four legged ones.  Even our horses race toward this spot in anticipation.  It is so peaceful sitting in the sunshine, listening to the ducks splash and quack.  The horses take it all in with their big, soulful eyes as we clink our mini bottles together and toast the day.