May horseback riding

After 3 seasons of horseback riding, I realized this would be our last. The kids love it, but it's getting to be too much. It's not close to our house and as our schedules get busier something had to give. Since the seasons were short anyway - can't ride if it's too hot, too cold, or rainy - I knew we could find other sports to take up our time. Hopefully cheaper ones as well, haha.

Sweet Daughter leading Annie

Sweet Son getting all the gear to put on the horse.

Sweet Son doing 2 point with no hands

 Sweet Son having his horse do figure 8's without an instructor leading.

 The kids learned so much and I can't say just how much of a help this program was for us. The increased gross motor skills were obvious, but the increased social skills, the awareness of the needs of others, the confidence were all noticeable as well. If you are able to let your kids try out a good riding program, go for it. You won't regret it.

April Horseback Riding

The kids are still loving horseback riding. Granted, only one of them wants pictures taken.

Sweet Daughter leading Annie who had recently had her hair done.

Sweet Daughter practicing figure eights without a lead.

Sweet Son learning how to lead his horse through figure eights. Then he told me to stop taking pictures.

Sweet Daughter riding on her own around the training area. She had to make sure her horse didn't stop at distractions (other horses, other people, food/water, the gate). She had a very commanding voice and loves being in control.

Sweet Daughter Riding

While Sweet Son loves athletics, Sweet Daughter excels in every sport she tries. Here is a photo and short video of her riding on the second week back.

Why would you hold on while riding?

It's only a 9 second video, but I'm impressed. Balancing like that is difficult, but keeping your heels down while doing it is amazing to me.

Horseback Riding

Spring horseback riding season is here! The kids were very excited to get back into the routine.

Sweet Son leading his horse.

 Sweet Daughter putting the saddle pad on her pony.

Sweet Daughter starting her ride with a smile.

Sweet Son starting his ride. This is the universal look for "Mom, put down the camera!"

Horseback Riding Success

Yesterday's post just showed the start to riding lessons. Here are some more active moments.

The first step in learning to jump. It's a very small step.

It's harder than you might think to keep balance as a horse makes a sharp turn.

Hard work earns a ribbon.

Not to be outdone, he earned one the next week.

October Horseback Riding

Another season of horseback riding started. The kids were thrilled to get back out there.

 Sweet Daughter leading Max. I remember the first time this happened how scared I was and how intimidated she was, now we are both relaxed and she had no difficulty literally taking the lead.

Sweet Son leading Peter Pan. This horse was new to him this season which took a bit of getting used to.

Brushing her horse. I love how her long hair and the horse tail look so much alike.

His new horse is a bit taller. I love the horse brush he uses on the horse.

One of the instructors was sick so the kids had to share a lesson. Here they are both leading Max.

Horseback Riding

The horseback riding season is over. These horses don't work when it's too hot outside and it is often too hot during the Summer for months at a time. These photos came from the kids' last lesson of the season.

Sweet Son brushing Eeyore.

 Sweet Daughter brushing Max, or as she calls him, "Maxy."

Doesn't he look like a tiny cowboy?

The pink tutu over the jeans are a classy touch.

Both kids on their horses with their instructors.

Horseback Riding pt 3

These photos were taken at a different lesson than the last two posts. Clearly my kids love the horses.

Both kids practicing two point.

Someone is a wee bit competitive and decided to try it one handed.

Holding the reigns and telling his horse to turn.

No lead rope. The horse is following Sweet Daughter's commands.

No lead rope. Sweet son is learning how to get his horse to turn on command.

The kids are so relaxed and comfortable in the saddle. I freak out a little less each time I see them take control of a large animal. I'm extremely grateful for the well trained horses that listen to 3 year olds.

Horseback Riding pt 2

The majority of the lesson time is spent riding, however I don't have as many photos of that part. The kids were riding on the trails and we were split up. It is still pretty cool to see what they learned their first time.

Here Sweet Daughter is learning two point. She is standing in the stirrups and holding the mane. 

Sweet Son was distracted by farm equipment near the trail heads. Riding a horse by tractors is every 3 year old's dream.

At the end of the lesson, they have to take the equipment off and put it all away. 

Then the horse gets another brushing.

At the end, the horse gets a treat. Sweet Son chose to give his horse a carrot. One of the ranch dogs is very attentive and always willing to clean up any dropped scraps.

 

Sweet Daughter decided her horse would prefer apple slices for a treat.

I think these two may like each other.

Horseback Riding

In our quest to try new things and help our kids learn their interests, we signed the kids up for horseback riding lessons. This wonderful ranch has a variety of horses for all ages and ability levels. The best part is just how well cared for and trained the horses are, especially with kids. After meeting the instructors, the kids went to get the horses from the field.

The instructor handed the lead to Sweet Daughter and told her to lead him. Sweet Daughter was thrilled. I was a little concerned. This isn't just a large dog, this thing is huge compared to her! The horse followed perfectly and Sweet Daughter looked so proud.

This is the first time Sweet Son met "his" horse. His horse is one of the most unique looking horses I have ever seen, but they were a perfect match personality wise.

Having already seen Sweet Daughter do this, I was more prepared when Sweet Son took the lead.

Before riding, the kids have to get the horse ready. They brush, gather the supplies, and get them ready to ride. Here Sweet Daughter is bringing the saddle pad to put on the horse.

Sweet Son is brushing the horse out and learning to be comfortable with his horse.

Carrying the saddle seems easy, but when it weighs almost as much as you do, it takes a lot of focus and control.

They are ready to ride. Once again they hand the kids the lead and tell them to lead the horse over to the ramp so they can get on.

It's amazing how much pride the kids feel when they are given such important responsibility. I knew they would like the horses and I figured they would like riding, but I didn't realize just how important this part is for them. Come back tomorrow for a continuation of this lesson. (Yes, I take a ton of photos.)