One word…Dignity. He has it in spades. He has gained (and is still gaining) nearly 260 pounds since you saw him last. His ribs have all but disappeared, his coarse parasitic coat has taken on a healthy glow, and he carries himself with the confident air of the newly employed. We rode him for the first time today, in preparation for a potential adopter. He pushed past the half halts, eager to clarify that he has plenty more to give…his big rocking horse canter begged to be opened up into a bigger, bolder stride. He eagerly eyed the small fences that had been set up for Seamus and Finbar, leaning on our outside leg as if encouraging us to allow him to show us what he is capable of. He was forward and willing, not wanting to allow us to suggest that “enough was enough”, and while we ended the light hack without the satisfaction of a flying change or small fence, he stood proudly in the cross ties for his rub down, perhaps just a wee bit boastful, and a tad bit smug ( we gave him a smidgen of bute…just in case his first “workout” in months resulted in sore muscles) ….but he felt useful, and valued. Tomorrow he will show us a bit more of his nearly 20 years of training, and on Sunday he will meet a special person who will drive hours just to meet him, it is A-OK with us if it isn’t the right match this time, we think that the spotlight will be on this fabulous Oldenburg import….who gets to feel important and sought after for all the right reasons. Grande is truly a grand horse who has plenty to give, and a restored dignity. Watch out world…Grande is getting his second chance!