As a child around the age of twelve, I was obsessed with horses, as most girls that age are (or used to be). I read every book about horses I could get my hands on and even learned to draw a pretty decent horse, and I can’t draw at all, just ask my kids. Horseback riding lessons were out of the question financially but my mom did do her best to find friends who had horses I could ride here and there. I’ll never forget a horse named Vanity, who spooked while I was riding her and ran into the barn, giving me a blow to the back that I swear still gives me problems. Talk about a scary experience. Had that door been a few inches shorter, I would have probably broken my neck.
So when we started reading the Little Britches series to our boys and they started begging to ride a horse, I didn’t argue that we can’t afford it (we can’t) when Jonny started calling around about lessons. He found a place that would give a one hour group lesson to all three boys (my 6-8 year old little boys hardly need a private one hour lesson) making it a bit cheaper. The other cool thing is that with horseback riding lessons at this farm, and many others, I believe, you pay by the lesson, rather than the month. So if one month we can afford to take the boys twice, and the next once or not at all, it’s no big deal. There aren’t any contracts. We just call and schedule the lesson when we want.
Okay on to the pictures!
Horse Crazy
This is just priceless. It was love at first sight for Seth. You never forget the first horse you ride. In my case it was a Palomino pony name Pretty Boy. For Seth, an Arabian pony named Fancy.
First thing, the kids took turns currying Fancy. Gabriel did not jump right in like Seth and Keats did. In fact he decided that he wanted to stay in the office with Larkspur, but we convinced him to stay, reminding him that he has been asking to ride a horse for months.
Each boy took a turn cleaning out one of Fancy’s hooves. Again Seth and Keats were fearless, but Gabriel, was wary.
See, we convinced him that he could do it, but he kept his distance!
We released Lark from the office and she was her usual fearless self.
After leading Fancy around the ring a couple of times on foot, Seth got to ride for the first time. The trainer had originally put an English saddle on Fancy, but we quickly requested that she swap it for a western saddle. These boys want to be cowboys, not fox hunters!
Keatsy baby holding a pony and probably thinking about something totally different like ice cream or fishing.
When Fancy started trotting Keats almost fell off. The trainer noticed almost immdiately and helped him right himself.
By the time Gabe’s turn arrived he was over his fear and ready to ride.
Fancy was getting tired and at one point she decided she was just going to start trotting away. Gabe didn’t panic, he just quickly pulled back on the reins and calmly yelled out, “halt!” and she did. I was pretty impressed with him.
Till next time Fancy!
V says
Awww! That is too precious!I'll never forget the first horse I rode at Horse/Bible camp when I was about 7. His name was 'Frisky'—and he was just that! He got all crazy in his stall and stepped on my little foot! Thankfully I was ok, and my love of horses never changed!That's a great thing you're getting your boys involved in–even if it's just once in a while!
Bill and Christina says
That is awesome!!! I too read every book about horses but was blessed with 5 horses. I still love horses to this day and long for the day when I will have them again. It a special bond between a girl and her horse and it is like no other. I am so glad for you that you are able to offer this to your children.