Our gift

The new resident five year old, S, loves horses.  We have books about horses, we have play horses, we dress up like the Lone Ranger, and we have countless horse stuffed animals.  However, he had never been on a horse.  The husband and I arranged for him to go horse back riding on his birthday.  I never know how he will react in new situations.

Mrs. Lee is a friend of ours from church.  She is introducing the boys to Willie.  They all brushed him and decided that he was really dirty.

She educated them about their horse shoes.

Her job was to sit there and look cute.  Check.

Here is everyone getting outfitted to ride.

We offered to let S go first, but he decided to let biggest brother lead the way.  S was a little timid.  He told me later that he thought that horse was going to run away with him on it.  That would explain the fear.  Willie is a great horse for kiddos.  He was gentle and the owner described him as lazy so no fear of him running away anywhere.

J did great.  She led him around a few times and then taught him to steer.  He got the hang of it.  Turns out that the same noises we use to make Baby K laugh, are the same ways to use to control a horse.  Go figure. Later J felt confident enough to ride out of the pen.  

S decided he was ready after watching big brother.  He held on to that saddle horn like his life depended on it.  He never would hold the reins.

Seeing that smile was worth it all.  He really enjoyed riding.  (and apparently got over the fear of the horse running off with him)

He thought it was so funny when the horse walked backward.

W finally got his turn.  He loved it as well.  He did a really good job steering the horse.

W was also busy giving everyone names like J, the black rider.  S on the golden stallion.  This kid has an imagination.  

They all had a great time.  It was a fabulous way to end his birthday. Thanks Mrs. Lee was sharing Willie and your time with us.