Riding A Horse Of Course

Where else but Texas should a child first learn to ride a horse? Mary has a donkeys, miniature horses, ponies, and full sized horses on her ranch. She offered to teach the kids how to ride. She got out her two Hafling horses Nomad and Lola. Lola had an injured leg so she was just there to keep Nomad company while he worked.

First the kids learned how to brush down the horses.

Brushing Lola

Brushing Nomad

A Very Hard Job For Such a Small Girl

Then saddle them.

Mary Explains How You Attach A Saddle

Eli Pensively Waiting To Ride

Finally Eli got to ride.

Eli Getting Seated On the Horse

Hannah Really Wants a Turn

Eli Learning How to Look and Steer At the Same Time

Mary Explains the Theories of Holding the Reigns

OK Eli, Tell Him Where You Want Him To Go

The day had been hot. The horses had been brought out around sunset and as the air cooled the rest of the animals, both dogs and horses, on the ranch got restless and started acting out. Nomad became nervous and so we had to cut Izzy's turn short.

Izzy Gets On Nomad

Nomad Is Not Listening So Izzy's A Little Nervous

The next morning the kids got a second chance to ride the horses, this time with a bareback saddle.

Eli Has An Easier Time Finding His Seat Bareback

He's Starting To Get More Comfortable

Everyone got a turn including Hannah. Thank you Mary for being such a great horse riding teacher!

Hannah Gets Her Turn Finally, She Loved It