Horsing Around

When the Groupon showed up saying there was a discount on horse riding lessons in our area, Mom knew the importance of signing up.  Both girls received their first lesson in horse safety, care and riding tricks.  When we arrived, we had a hard time finding the trainer.  She was at the back of the barn.  As we walked in through all the horse stalls some let out loud whinnying sounds that startled the girls.  We looked at all the horse names as we waited for our turn to learn about the horses.

After watching another girl end her lesson, the girls were introduced to Solie, the horse they would learn to ride.  The girls started to get used to Solie by learning how to pet and brush her fur.  They also learned how to clean out the horses hooves and how to get her to stand with one leg raised.  After learning how to take care of Solie, the girls walked her out to the indoor arena.

Emma got on Solie first.  She showed great bravery when she was asked to trot with Solie as well as stand up on top of the horse and raise her hands up in the air.  But she couldn't top Analise who wanted to try the most brave stunt of all, riding backwards.  I am sure Emma will be asking to ride backwards if we decide to return.  Analise's gentle hands calmed the horse and the horse keeper let her know how the horse was responding to her.  Her ears when forward to show she was happy and her belly gurgled which was a good sign.  Analise gave the horse many affectionate hugs while she rode.

From the way it currently looks, we will be returning for more lessons soon.  Besides real horses, Emma has been horsing around with her hairdos as well as styling Mom and Dad's hair too.  She is becoming quite the ponytail expert.

 Learning how to pet the horse and brush it

 Feeling the tailbone and horse hair

 Analise riding backwards with a big grin on her face

 Emma getting on Solie for the first time

Emma "horsing around" with her hairdo