Jersey #1 loves horses. She made certain to wear her horse shirt just for the occasion. She has had a few horse riding lessons in the past. She could hardly wait for her turn...
Jersey #2 has been afraid to ride a horse or pony for years. When she was 2 years old, I have 1 picture of her riding happily on a pony at a fair. A few months later, I have a picture of her crying in fear, at the attempt of letting her ride a horse in the lap of an adult cousin who was in the saddle. We have no idea what prompted the fear. She has refused to ride any horse or pony since.....until today. It was clear to all (including the cowboy leading the horse) that Jersey #2 was facing a big fear. I was a bit concerned by how pale she had become. This cowboy earned her trust quickly, taking cues from her as to when to take a step, and when to pause and breathe! By the time I took this picture, Jersey #2 had ridden around the arena once full lap, had let go with one arm, and had given the cowboy a high-five! She was smiling from ear to ear the rest of the day. She had conquered a big fear. She rode a big horse!
Jersey #3 thinks he is a cowboy. He likes to dress in a cowboy hat and boots, quite often. So, when the opportunity to ride a horse came up, he was ready to saddle up and ride!
I let Jersey #4 & Jersey #5 sit in the saddle in the cow ropin' arena....
When I asked Jersey #4 if she would like a turn to ride the horse, she looked at me and said, "Dat not a horse, Mama. Dat a COW!" She was right. I guess that is why it is called the cattle roping area!
Jersey #4 is one smart girl! And it does surprise me Jersey #2 was afraid - she is such a fearless child in most other things!
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