For me, the thought of Portugal instantly connotes the thought of horses. That's where it all started. I lived down there for a year, and worked at a riding school there. It was basically living and breathing horses (for good and for bad, haha), and it made a big imprint on me. It was also the reason I went back, many years after. And there, amongst the horses, was Mr. Payne. He was such a handsome stallion I decided to bring him home and use him for breeding. And the love story had begun!
Wonderful then, that my daughter(s) show a love for and interest in horses. And even better, Ronja can have her own memories about horses and Portugal, when she rides either at my mother-in-law's, or at the riding school where I worked. And best of all, she is starting fresh after the horrific accident, regaining trust and just enjoying the view up there.
Below: Ronja on Patti, the first horse I ever rode in Portugal. Freja watching Ronja having a riding lesson. Blixen and the afternoon light.