Every little girls' dream: Horseback riding!!

Julia took an art class on post during the fall semester.  She enjoyed it so much and came home with so many beautiful projects.  Here's a few examples:

Here's a penguin that she made by adding layers of plaster over a mini water bottle.

These were entered into an art show by Julia's teacher and she got 2nd place in both!

This picture is done with pastels and hung up in a local coffee shop with other Christmas drawings from kids in her class. 

After Christmas came and went and it was time to sign up for art again, I asked if she wanted to take art, and Hope was now old enough to take art also, and she said she would like to try something else in stead.

"Like what?"

"Horse back riding!"

"Horse back riding, in January?  Really?"

"Yup"

"Me too!  Me too!"

"You too, Hope?  Horse back riding?"

"Yes, yes, yes!"  In perfect unison.

And so began riding lessons.  To see these girls so unafraid of the 1200 pound beasts who tower over them is so fun.  They go to the pasture and get their horses, groom them, bridle and saddle them, and out to the ring they go.  It's been a blast to see them enjoy these amazing creatures and feel comfortable on them.  Mr. Wood, the instructor, is very old school, full of wit and wisdom and reasons behind traditional riding.  He takes a lot of pride in knowing traditions of the US Calvary.  It's fun to listen to his stories and laugh along with him.  Hope asked me one time on the way to the barn.

"Why are barns always red?"

Me:  "Good question, one I have never thought to ask.  You know who will know, right?"

Hope:  "Yup, Mr. Wood!"

And he did.  With out hesitation.  Wanna know?  Red was the cheapest paint to make.  It was just made from oxidized iron.  White was the most expensive, it was made with lead, and was saved for houses.  There, now you know.

Here's some pics of the girls and their horses:

This was their very first lesson.  One horse, Piero, a former race horse and a very gentle spirit, was saddled up to see if the girls liked it, and to see how well they would do.  He is so big and so beautiful and so gentle with the girls.

This is Mocha Chip, aka Mocha, who is Hope's horse for lesson.  Mocha is quite the diva and thinks that she is above lessons.  So you have to approach her with the lead rope behind your back and trick her.  The first few lessons Hope had a hard time getting her to come, but after that Mocha let Hope catch her easily.  The hard part was getting her to move.  :)

This is Julia's lesson horse, Annie Oakley, aka Oakley.  Julia is in love!  She is 4 years old and still learning, but so gentle and patient.  She loves lessons and usually follows Julia easily.

Grooming

I love this picture.  Can you see the love in Hope's eyes?

Julia & Oakley

The girls starting jumping during their first lesson.  It's fun to see them progress.

Walking back to the barn with Mr. Wood.

Jumping in the big arena!

What a smile!!

Learning to balance

I don't think this was Julia's favorite part, though she did great!

Learning to play Polo!

Cantering up the hill!

Beautiful girls.  Beautiful horses.