A Day of Firsts

We experienced many "firsts" out at the Ranch yesterday....

Jersey #5 rode a horse for the first time. He was a sight to see, too. He was standing in line with all the other kids, trying to put on a helmet. A Ranch volunteer caught eye of him and asked if he wanted to ride too. I was about to explain that he was too young, but my comments were lost in the wind of Jersey #5 rushing past me to get through that gate! The Ranch volunteer held out her hand and he took it and walked with her.....not even looking back to see his Mama with her mouth hanging open. Well, I recovered quickly, and raced through the gate with camera in hand to capture this momentous occasion of my fearless toddler on a horse.

He did not smile. He did not laugh. He did not fuss or cry. He simply took the entire experience in stride. The volunteer lifted him up on that horse, and he grabbed onto the saddle. He went around and around the corral, showing no emotion. I called out his name and got him to look at me and give me the slightest smirk for the camera. Other than that, he was serious. He was focused. He was intense. He cracked me up. (I did not realize he was this much like his Daddy). When his turn was over, he walked away and waved goodbye to the volunteer and the horse. And then he smiled. He was mighty proud to get his turn to ride.

Next came Jersey #4. She had not desired to ride a horse this entire season at the Ranch. She preferred to look at them, maybe pet them, but not ride. The evening before our visit, she mentioned that she would like to ride this time too. I told her she could. When it was time to put on a helmet and get in line for a turn, she was hesitant. Well, seeing her baby brother push past her to take a turn on that horse must have removed all doubt.....she was determined to get her turn just as soon as that gate opened again!

I was highly entertained by the sight of my pink princess cowgirl, dressed in her pink clothes, pink boots, and pink helmet...being assisted by the "pink lady" volunteer at the Ranch. Those two were a sight to see.

For the first time since learning about this Ranch, I actually had a nervous thought about safety when I saw Jersey #3 on the horse. He was eager to ride. After going around the corral a couple times, the Ranch volunteer asked Jersey #3 if he wanted to learn how to hold the reigns to steer the horse.

Well, Jersey #3 was totally excited to try that. Unfortunately for the horse, and for my nerves, Jersey #3 was SO excited that he was just a tugging and pulling, and going crazy with those reigns. To be honest, I would not have been surprised if that horse stood up and dropped my child off its back!

Thankfully, that horse was extremely patient and understanding. So was the Ranch volunteer. Apparently they have encountered impulsive 5-year old boys before. I'm pretty sure that horse looked at me as if to say, "Don't worry, he will eventually learn." I know the Ranch volunteer reassured me with something to that effect.


As if the morning was not exciting enough, Jersey #2 was able to get back in the saddle again. At just 9 weeks post surgery, she could not wait for her turn to ride. She had been coached by one of the volunteers at a previous visit how she could stand on a bucket and lift herself into the saddle, mostly with her legs, when the time came that she was cleared by her doctor to ride again. That would eliminate the Ranch volunteers from doing any lifting under her arms, or any motion that might cause her pain. She was empowered with that coaching, and could not wait to try it out. It worked! She heaved herself into the saddle, and away she went.

Coincidentally, she was able to ride the very horse that she had the opportunity to paint last month. Such a sweet horse too.

I also received the opportunity to meet my very first real, live vocal anti-homeschooling individual. He was a journalist who was planning to do a story on the Ranch. Until that morning, I had only heard stories of such boldly negative folk. He was real excited to chat with Jersey #2 about her experiences at the Ranch, until he learned she was homeschooled. After that, he didn't want much to do with her, and she didn't want much to do with him. She is a good judge of character. He floored me when he made a comment about how homeschoolers lack proper social skills. He learned such a fact from his ex-wife, who apparently met 1 single homeschooler, who was a quiet kid. (The sweet Ranch owner quickly interjected that many homeschoolers come out to their Ranch, and her experiences with them have been positive.) I held my tongue, hoping that his bias from meeting me would not sour his ability to write a good story about the Ranch. As I was driving home that day, I could not help but marvel at the experience. Wow, such people really do exist. Before that day, I had only heard of them through stories and on the internet.

One of his questions (did I do any equestrian lessons with my children prior to our Ranch visit), reminded me that I did intend to do a horse lapbook with my older girls this summer. We have been so busy learning about all things Cardiology, that it completely slipped my mind.

So, at least I can walk away from that crazy "first" with thankfullness for that educational reminder....from a guy who detests homeschooling.