Horse Painting

We had the great pleasure of visiting that magical place, Galloping Grace Youth Ranch, last week. Jersey #2 was able to spend a little time visiting with her heart friend, Cowboy Max. He praised her amazing recovery. He offered her a ranch critter....a cicada....

She surprised me by being brave enough to hold it. She enjoyed a good laugh when Cowboy Max put his cicada buddy on his shoulder and walked over to a group of kids to see if anyone would notice the bug on his shirt.

There was horse fun at the ranch too.

Jersey #1 amazes me with her comfort level riding a horse. She loves horses. She loves to ride. She learns more and more each time we visit. She is learning how to ride independently, holding the reins to direct the horse, and following the instructions from the ranch volunteer. It stuns me to see her riding on her own like this...

Jersey #3 took a turn riding a horse too. He likes to hold the reins, but has no concept of directing the horse that way. Yet. His favorite part is riding right up along side the corral fence and capturing a plastic horseshoe toy off the fence. His balance and comfort on the horse improves noticeably each time we visit.

Since Jersey #2 was only 5 weeks into recovery from her heart surgery, she is still on restriction from activities, such as horseback riding. Cowboy Max & his lovely wife, Michelle, had a special horse activity planned just for Jersey #2...

PAINTING A HORSE!

Jersey #2 took her time painting a beautiful rainbow on the side of this most patient horse. She had a blast. What a treat!

Jersey #5 thought that painting looked like a lot of fun. He got a hold of a brush with blue paint. Only, instead of painting the horse....

He painted Jersey #4!

Proof of his mischief remained for the rest of our ranch visit. Jersey #4's blue stripe gained quite a few laughs while we scooped poop at the work station.

Thankfully, she did not notice nor care. She was preoccupied with picking the pink rake that matched her pink cowboy boots.