Kristen has recently been asking about taking horse riding lessons! I don't know why all of a sudden, but she is all excited at the idea of riding a horse. I must admit she's asked before in the past about possibly taking a lesson, but when I told her that it wasn't just a ride on a horse, that she needs to have an interest in the horse's welfare and how to saddle it up, muck out it's stable etc. she seemed to go off the idea, at least she never pushed me to look in to it further.
Well this time, she seems more adamant about trying it out, no matter what it involves. Earlier this week I called a local riding center and talked to the owner. Our first step was to go along and watch a lesson, so that is exactly what we did yesterday (just before we went to piano lesson). I took my camera along . . . .
I've never really liked horses, and have never wanted to go riding, although if truth be told, I like the idea of riding on a horse I'm just too scared to try it! I've been on a horse before but probably only 2 or 3 times in my whole life. Kristen has therefore never really been around horses either
I'm sure she was a little nervous here, but only because she wasn't sure if she should pet him or not. We asked permission first and were told it was ok. This horse had just been out for a lesson and was getting his saddle taken off.
After looking around the stables (and trying not to stand in poop!) we headed out to the training ring.
The lady in the green shirt is the owner I spoke to, this little girl was getting a beginner lesson (I heard the lady, Sharon tell her she wouldn't be holding the reins that day but holding on to the saddle).
We could only stay 10 minutes more, so we didn't see the young girl get on the horse, she was being shown how to hold the horse on a lunge and how to command it to walk, and then trot etc.Our next step is to call and arrange a first private lesson for Kristen. After that if she is really interested in it, we might be able to sign up for a small group lesson each week once school starts. No groups are held during summer as no one can commit to the same time and day each week (so Sharon told me). We have the option of keeping our lessons private or semi-private. But a group lesson is only 3 or 4 girls max. We'll just have to see how it goes.
I'm joining in with 'Outdoor Wednesday' this week. Don't forget to head over to Susan's and see who else is participating. One thing I do know, as summer ends and the cooler weather starts, I think a hobby like this would be great for Kristen. Oh to be outside again and it not be so darn HOT! Roll on Fall
13 comments:
I think she'll really like it. It is a great sport. The lunge lead takes a LOT of anxiety out of the first lessons. Keep us posted on how she likes it!
Hi Denise! I think it's always great to expose a child to anything they show an interest in. You never know where their talents lie. What if Michael Phelp's mom never took him to swimming lessons? Riding horses probably won't be too expensive for the initial gear so it's worth a try and if she doesn't like it, she won't resent you for not letting her try. ;) That will come back to haunt you later! I know, I didn't let Jessica have tennis lessons because she was involved in gymnastics, softball and girl scouts and didn't have enough hours in the day. She still complains to me about that! ;)
Yes another trip planned at the end of next week. Bluesapalooza and Microbrewery Festival in Mammoth.
You are such a sweet mother! And Kristen is courageous. I took my daughter to one lesson and she was very frightened of the horse.
Your pictures are great! I didn't see any poop!
xoxo
Jane
:O) what lovely photos. To answer your Q, yes, it is very horsey around here, and on the more country lanes you are very likely to see people on their horses walking along the road, but no, I'm not a horse person and have never gone riding. I always think it looks lovely, but it's not for me. I'd go to Ascot one day, on Ladies day, but that's more about the hat and champers than the horsies! ;o)
Hope it cools down for you soon. At this precise moment, it's pouring. So welcome, it has been too dry during June and July here. Bleugh!
xx
My daughter wanted to try Horse Back Riding when she was about your daughter's age too. We did it for about a year and she loved it but I could tell she was still timid around them. The next year she decided to do something else. But she gave it a try and we got some great photos that year! Good luck with it!
I think it's awesome that she can try out things that she might like. When I was little we only had enough money for me to do things that I really really really liked, so I think I may have missed out on some potential sports and hobbies because of that. Hope she enjoys it!
You must be a great mom - and very brave, too! I've never been on a horse - not even a pony. But always wished I'd learned to ride. I think it's wonderful that you're giving your daughter the opportunity to live her dream - even if she decides it's not a dream she wants to continue with.
Happy Outdoor Wednesday! from Joy @ Joysweb
Hi Denise, I think it's great that Kristen wants to give this a try. My sister had horses, & only rode the pony a few times, but I was even afraid of him! We all wanted a pony when I was small, & my Dad got us one. He sold it after 1 week, because we were all too afraid to get on it. :-) He said that he wasn't going to keep a pony just for us all to sit & look at it. :-) I loved these pictures! Have a wonderful day. Hope you can stay inside & stay cool. Hugs!
Looks like your daughter is really excited! One of our granddaughters in Tx had a horse but they couldn't handle the stable fees anymore...she was really sad. Have a great week. Debbie
She looks so cute! She is a brave girl. I rode a horse in California and I wanted one that walked like Eeyore:) Good luck to her with the riding.
:o) funnily enough, that episode of Friends was on today! Just makes me laugh so much!
Poor you with the weather. Today, when out in the front garden we found several leaves had fallen from one of the trees. I said to Humbug 'wouldn't it be lovely if they were falling because it was Autumn?'! I hope autumn kicks in early for you this year. Same here. I've had enough of the sunshine rubbish. At least it isn't as hot as it was at the start of June, but it's still too summery for my liking!
Just posted for today. Seem to have turned into an Evening Blogger!
xx
p.s forgot to say. Think your spices might need replacing then!!!!! ;o) xx
How fun! She looks very content with the horse.
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