My daughter's first Horseback riding lesson
By creematee
@creematee (2810)
United States
August 2, 2007 11:58am CST
Grandma was pretty generous this year for birthdays, and purchased a whole month of lessons for my daughter. Sydney really loves horses and wants one more than anything (except maybe another cat.)
She learned the proper way to approach a horse, how to tie them to the post and leading them. She also learned safety and grooming. Finally, she got to spend a few minutes riding her horse, Tobasco.
I'm impressed how well she did. She loves horses, but she is intimidated by their size. 'Basco is a pretty small horse, but as you can see, he's still bigger than she is. The instructor said that she's happy that Sydney is a little scared, as she'll be less likely to get hurt, or hurt the horses. AS time goes on, she'll get used to it, and grow more confident.
Thanks for letting me share. I'm just proud at how well she did today.
2 people like this
4 responses
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
9 Aug 07
yes horses can be a bit intimidating to a young child as they seem HUGE to them. My children still want a horse. The cost of keeping one stabled has gone sky high lately here in Minnesota. Good luck to her also. rated and commented on the photo as well.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@creematee (2810)
• United States
9 Aug 07
Sydney did really great leading that horse around. Tobasco is such a loving creature, that he kept trying to snuggle with her. Sydney's intimidation let her keep him away from her and keep him where he was supposed to be. Fortunately, the instructor had a smaller pony to do other practicing on.
I keep telling Sydney when she can afford her own barn and pay a farmer to raise hay for her, she can have a horse. Oh, she also has to learn how to clean the cat box. When she learns how to do that, she can learn to clean the stables. (YUCK!) LOL!
@creematee (2810)
• United States
9 Aug 07
I wanted to answer your question from the photo comment. That's Manda, she's Sydney instructor. She's showing Sydney the proper way to hold on to the lead when walking the horse. Notice her boots are as red as Sydney's! My hubby thought that was way to funny!
@creematee (2810)
• United States
3 Aug 07
They are so wonderful. The instructor is so helpful and patient as well. Her lesson was supposed to only be an hour long, but we were there for almost 2! This week is the Iowa State Fair, so she won't have lessons this week, but she's looking forward to the next one after that. :)
@horsesrule (1957)
• United States
2 Aug 07
That is so cool that grandma gave horseback riding lessons as a gift! What a great grandma! I wish I'd had a grandma like that too. But I did eventually get a horse of my own when I was a kid and it was a wonderful experience! You daughter will have so much fun!
@creematee (2810)
• United States
3 Aug 07
My kids are truely lucky to have such wonderful grandparents. They are so spoiled, it's pathetic! LOL! When we needed a place to stay (between houses) we lived with my hubby's parents for about 6 months. Grandma taught the kids that they could have dessert every night before bedtime. ARGH! It's been 3 years since we've moved out, and the kids STILL expect dessert before bedtime. Oh well.
@sumofalltears (3988)
• United States
2 Aug 07
That is awesome, I always loved horses too and I took to them quite naturally, their size never bothered me but I was still very careful with them. I am sure she will enjoy it tremendously and hope she can continue.
@creematee (2810)
• United States
3 Aug 07
I hope so, too. She really does love horses, and has been kind of bashful around them. I'm hoping that she'll take to them like a fish to water. :)
