The kids enjoyed the opportunity to go out to the ranch again. I know they like horses, but I am still so surprised by how much the younger ones enjoy scooping horse POOP!
I praise them for working so joyfully. It is a great opportunity to get to visit the ranch and ride horses. This time out, they also had salamanders...
I was a bit surprised when Jersey #2 stepped right up at the opportunity to hold one. She actually went back to that station a few times throughout our visit. I had no idea she was such a *critter* kid.
This time around, the older three kids were working more on learning to hold the reins and direct the horses themselves. Jersey #3 has a ways to go. He forgets which pull and tug is meant for which direction. He concentrates hard, but the ranch volunteers have to help him and lead the horse quite a bit.
This time around, the older three kids were working more on learning to hold the reins and direct the horses themselves. Jersey #3 has a ways to go. He forgets which pull and tug is meant for which direction. He concentrates hard, but the ranch volunteers have to help him and lead the horse quite a bit.
Jersey #2 enjoys herself whether she is using the reins, or whether the volunteer is leading the horse. I think she is just happy to be riding again and to not be afraid of getting up so high. She chatted with the ranch volunteers the entire time she was in the saddle.
Jersey #1 had quite an experience. She was placed in the group with the more experienced riders from the start. Since I was with the younger kids, I did not get pictures of her working around the ranch. She likes having her independence away from her Mom like that. Thankfully, she still lets me know when it is her turn on the horse, so I can come running with my camera.
The horse was being very stubborn this time, and Jersey #1 did not have the assertiveness to let the horse know she was in charge. I found the situation to be entertaining. Jersey #1 found it to be a bit disappointing. She felt like she was sitting still on the horse for half of her turn. She just could not get him to go in the direction she wanted. She did get him to turn in a full circle, like the ranch volunteers suggested.
When we chatted about it later, I explained to her that this was part of learning how to ride a horse. It is a good challenge for her to become more assertive. Her previous disappointments dissipated as soon as she realized that being on the horse on her own, with the reins in hand was much more of a "big kid" experience, than having the volunteer lead the horse around the corral like they do for the younger kids.
I assured her that being frustrated with her own limitations is part of the growing process. She developed a new resolve for next time, as I encouraged her to rise to the challenge the horse was presenting to her. What a blessing to have this opportunity.
By the time The Referee came home from work that day, Jersey #1's version of the story about her experience switched to how she received the opportunity to steer the horse all by herself, without assistance from the ranch volunteers. She dreamed big about what she was going to work on next time.
The horse was being very stubborn this time, and Jersey #1 did not have the assertiveness to let the horse know she was in charge. I found the situation to be entertaining. Jersey #1 found it to be a bit disappointing. She felt like she was sitting still on the horse for half of her turn. She just could not get him to go in the direction she wanted. She did get him to turn in a full circle, like the ranch volunteers suggested.
When we chatted about it later, I explained to her that this was part of learning how to ride a horse. It is a good challenge for her to become more assertive. Her previous disappointments dissipated as soon as she realized that being on the horse on her own, with the reins in hand was much more of a "big kid" experience, than having the volunteer lead the horse around the corral like they do for the younger kids.
I assured her that being frustrated with her own limitations is part of the growing process. She developed a new resolve for next time, as I encouraged her to rise to the challenge the horse was presenting to her. What a blessing to have this opportunity.
By the time The Referee came home from work that day, Jersey #1's version of the story about her experience switched to how she received the opportunity to steer the horse all by herself, without assistance from the ranch volunteers. She dreamed big about what she was going to work on next time.
Jersey #4 had no interest in getting on a horse this time. She did not put on a helmet at all. She was content to scoop horse poop and play.
Jersey #5 put on his helmet and walked through the gate to the corral. He was ready to go...
Jersey #5 put on his helmet and walked through the gate to the corral. He was ready to go...
...and then he changed his mind as soon as he got close to that big horse.
He decided to ride the slide instead...
He decided to ride the slide instead...
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