Even though we work on a horse farm and help train and gentle green and halter broke horses, I have wanted the kids to take real riding lessons for a while, so they can learn exactly what to do on already broke lesson horses! I was so excited to also be able to work with my good friend Gayle, of Cutting Edge lessons, she is an amazing horsewoman and not only knows horses better than anyone I've ever met, she is a champion cutting and western/ pleasure rider and trainer. Many years ago as a single woman I was able to work with her and learn a lot and I'm so excited that the kids now get to experience that too.
Gayle asked each of the kids what their riding and skill levels were and what were our goals in riding, and then she assigned each kid to a horse. Now these aren't just any horses, these are dead broke, super smart, ribbon winning show/ working horses and it was awesome to see my sweet babies riding like pros in no time!
This is Miss E on Snip, they are both perfectionists and easily excitable!
On our first time Miss J and lil man rode Easy, this horse has only one speed, walk, and is a big, calm quiet guy, but smart and completely gentle!
The girls learned hand placement, feeling your horse as they ride and proper commands and responses. Lil Man just rode around like he owned the place, lol!
Our 2nd lesson was 2 weeks later and Lil Man and his "wild mustang" (of which Easy is not, he's a Quarter horse!) How cute is this?!!! Easy is not a little guy either so Lil man is pretty much riding with his legs almost in the splits!
Miss E with Snip again, and Miss J has now graduated to Ellie, a nice quiet mare who does well with a strong hand, and loves kids.
This pic cracks me us so much! They are on their way to the outdoor arena and both girls are in horse heaven!
After warming horses up they went on a trail ride through the woods.
This is the best photo of the day, Easy is half alseep and Lil man is having the time of his life, he kept yelling "when are we doing the rodeo?!"
Practicing turns and stops.
This has been a blast for everyone. The girls are even working and saving money to pay for the lessons themselves....They are babysitting, cleaning houses, and pet sitting. Not all at once or all in a single day, but for the next few months to pay for their twice a month lessons. and later once we move and get our horses we could bring our horses to Gayle, and continue riding and training both kids and horses!
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