Both my newly-minted five-year old and three-year old decided what they wanted most for their birthdays was to ride a horse.
(as a life-long horse lover, I can honestly say this momma was purty durn proud)
So yesterday, we took a drive about 20 minutes south to Kids and Horses, an organization our neighbors and friends have used for years for riding lessons, where Annie and Bode (and Jonah, even though it wasn’t his birthday!) had the opportunity to ride a bit.
Annie was first, and she had absolutely no fear. She was in her element from the beginning, smiling from ear to ear and loving every minute. Even Darla, the lovely woman in charge, noted how naturally she sat in the saddle… like she was born to be there.
Bode was up next, and was surprisingly the most cautious of the three… but he warmed up pretty quickly. He is still convinced that he first needs to learn how to be a mutton buster before he can work at becoming a horseman. 🙂
Jonah was last. Normally quite reserved and hesitant in new situations, he didn’t react at all the way we thought he would. He LOVED it: the feel of being on the horse, the “bumpy” ride, the dirt, the sweat, the wind… all of it. At the end of his ride, he wasn’t the only one smiling… Mommy was grinning big.
If anyone local is looking for riding lessons, I would highly recommend Darla and her group. She was absolutely fabulous with the kids, taught them even in the short time we were there about the parts of the saddle and a few horsecare tips, and her horses are lovers. Given how much our kiddos loved it — and the fact they’ve been talking about it nonstop ever since — we will definitely be back!
Starrchasers 