It all started back in Hawaii. Grandma and Grandpa
have horses. Zach adored them from the start but grew to LOVE them as he helped take care of them each day. And then he got lessons out there and... game over. He's a now horse kid. As for my feelings about all this, just
check in here. In short, I really dislike the tempermental, stinky beasties. I don't trust them and I generally try to keep my distance.
But being a loyal mom who wants to encourage her boy's passions, I looked high and low for a way for him to continue riding back here at home. And I found this fabulous, somewhat local barn that offers homeschool horse back riding classes at what was easily half the cost of all the other lessons around.
But there's a catch, I find out. I guess the reason it's so darn affordable is the required parent participation. Yes, I am required to be by his side the whole time. No sideline parenting in this class. From the barn lessons in grooming...
To saddling and even leading the horse around while the instructor teaches the kids the ins and outs. Yes, this is a lead rope in the photo going from Ralph the horse to me. And I have to be there on the end of it for the better part of an hour.
At least I do for the first session or two until the kids have complete control over the beasts themselves. Sneezing, pregnant, and so out of my comfort zone it's not even funny... I do it for one reason...
THIS:
Can you see the love in his eyes for this big stinky beastie. How could I not?
Giddyup.
13 comments:
a horse + a boat =a pirate, right?
I see the appeal.
How cute is that! Elizabeth did the horse thing for a while too, and she loves them too. Me, I'm kind of with you. ;)
You are a good, good, Mama! love, Beth
You are a good momma!!! Love the look in his eyes while he's staring up at that darling horse.
Ahhhh THAT look, I think all moms know it well ;) Isn't that why we do MOST things??
oh yes, I know that look, and the things I now love because of it.
this is a beautiful post.
awe! what a tender moment! maybe you could wear a bandanna over your nose, funny as it may look, it may help with those allergies! don't fight the urge to go and fall in love with a horse now...
Such a good mama! It's amazing how BIG horses are when you are right there beside them. Keep up the good work.
lisa
I know what this is doing to you and how hard it is. I am proud of you - good mama-ing....
Oh my goodness. Do you know how happy this post made me?!?!
You may see them as big stinky beasts (you get used to the smell, I swear!) hee,hee but I grew up riding and showing horses and miss it so so much. <3 Thank you for sharing this <3 That last picture is so perfect, I love it!!!
true unschooling style! : )
your sweet boy will be thanking you mama for letting him follow his bliss! hope you are feeling better xo
hi! horses and kids just GO together, dont they....
xxxx ps. i'm just lookin at my aussieflag over here on the live traffic feed, thats a cool little apparatus!
My daughter lived at the stables her whole teen years and ended up becoming a riding instructor before beginning a family of her own. One of the wonderful things about raising kids is watching them try on all of these different lifestyles until they find the one that fits. Thanks for the blog. I especially enjoy the For This Moment Friday pictures.
Deb
S/V Nomad
Port of St. Louis, MO
www.theretirementproject.blogspot.com
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