over the last year or so she'd been on my friend's horse a couple of times and loved it. this friend used to give lessons and such at a nearby equestrian center and though she doesn't technically teach anymore, she was open to giving Claire lessons in trade for childcare and painting help and other miscellany. and so, last Friday was lesson number one. first Claire led the pony, Radish, and curry-combed him. then she got on the horse, Vinca, and the fun began. for at least a half hour she was up there, working through different exercises to get her comfortable and steady and confident. I'm thrilled for her. I'm a little thrilled for me, too.... because what did I do during the lesson? I sat in an adirondack chair in the sun, knitting and drinking tea and watching my girl up there all confident and smiley, and I breathed in the sweet smell of horses. I also happened to be holding onto Radish's lead so he wouldn't get up under Vinca while Claire was riding him, but he was rather good company.
lesson number two is coming up in a few days and we're both pretty excited~
How wonderful to be back out in the great outdoors and your beautiful daughter to be learning something new, exciting times.
ReplyDeletespring is really filling up my cup this year- LOVING the sunshine and birdsong.
DeleteHow wonderful...for both of you :)
ReplyDeletetoday was her second lesson and again so fun to watch witness :)
DeleteI love the rabbits, chickens, play set, AND horses all in the same yard, behind a normal backyard privacy fence! Behind ours we've had about 20 chickens, 9 ducks, 1 rabbit, and 7 dogs at one time!
ReplyDeleteI took riding lessons from the time I was 8 years old until I left for college. I loved it, though I was always a bit too apprehensive, and I hope my daughter is interested one day. Sounds like you have a good deal worked out!
oh man that yard has a LOT going on! definitely a fun place to visit. she seems to really be enjoying it so far- today she trotted and used the reins a bit, and seemed very comfortable up there! very fun to witness.
DeleteWhat a wonderful experience... We are looking into a riding lesson for our daughter for her birthday this year. See if she likes it. She loves horses, but has never sat on one. I'm sure she would adore it!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, your knitting is beautiful... Is that a seed stitch pattern? If so, how do you get your stitch so neat! I've been trying to master the seed stitch for ever now and it always has little holes everywhere!!!
Deleteoh thank you! it is a double seed stitch baby blanket- my first knit that isn't a scarf or hat. I can't say I have any tricks- just knit, pearl, knit on and on and on and on and on. takes forever but i love the nubby look and feel!
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