Horsing Around

Words don't always come easily, and I guess it's one of those weeks.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of horses, and a few converted horse lovers:



Ready to go!



Who wants to halter Darlynn?

The usual volunteer.

Waiting to begin the real work...

The Real Work.



Patient, patient horse (as they stick labels on body parts).



Buddy, not quite as patient, wondering what's going on.

Horsey Hairdresser.

A moment of sweet, from my little Miss Sassy.

Checking out the latest horse fashions.

Learning how to tie up the horse.

Brushing Darlynn.

Kiana lunging Darlynn, helping to get the friskies out
 before they ride.

Miki's turn.

Malia calling Darlynn over after lunging her.
A bit apprehensive?

Learning to fall off the horse.

Trying to stay ON the horse.

The real horse lover in the family, confidence slightly shaken. 
They're so....BIG.

My favorite part of the whole day. :) 
Teaching Kiana how to show the horse who's boss.

These pics are from a 3-day Beginning Horsemanship series* the girls did this week; so much fun, and a valuable learning experience for each one of them.  It's interesting to see a shift in confidence, after learning they are capable of being the boss of a 1300 lb. animal.  I trust they won't try to use any of the methods learned on their mother.

Happy Thursday!

P.S. Thanks to Heidi for all the pictures in the roundpen.

*This program is offered by Tina Meekins.  The following is her description of the program:

   "This will be a real life horse experience in which your child will experience all aspects of horsemanship, starting with stall cleaning, grooming, ground manners, riding, and everything in between. A trail ride may be possible, depending on the confidence of the rider, the weather, the horses, and whether mom or dad is willing to side walk alongside your child. I will use a modified version of the 4H Horsemanship Manual as a curriculum as much as possible in this limited time period.

Please note: I am not teaching lessons, but rather, this is a chance for your child to experience having their own horse, with my oversight, for a short time.


I can take two children per week, extra siblings can be an exception depending on if mom or dad can stay and help me, since the safety of the children is the first priority. I have had children as young as two riding Darlynn, so I will leave it up to you as the parent to decide if your child is old enough for this, ie., their maturity level, and what you feel your child can handle."  

For more information, contact her directly at gilligansginger2@gmail.com .