Horsin' Around

Both Sunshine Girl and Nix Nux Nelli have a tremendous enthusiasm for all things related to horses. It is their dream to have horses of their own one day and if Nix Nux Nelli had her way, there would also be ducks, chickens, goats, cats, dogs and rabbits, to name a few.  Sunshine Girl has the ability to connect with animals in an emotional way and they seem to respond with their trust.  Nix Nux Nelli is the one who wants to play, tease and bother them to no end.  She also say's she is going to be a cowgirl one day and learn to rope and ride, but also to be a vet, just for horses!  

So to truly see if my girls would like to follow those dreams, we thought we should give them some close horse exposure.  After much prayer about riding lessons and a clear answer being given, we found a little spot called Sunshine Valley Stables that is about 10 minutes away.  The lessons are not just for riding, but for all that is involved with caring for a horse.  Grooming, feeding, watering, cleaning stalls and cleaning hooves.  We'll see if the horse fever continues when they see that it isn't all glamorous.  

This is Ghost.  He patiently endured my girls brushing him before and after saddling.

Nix Nux volunteered to go first.  The trainer started by leading the horse around the arena to let Nix Nux Nelli get a feel for the movements.  

Once Nix Nux Nelli was ready, the trainer stood in the middle and had N.N. Nelli guide the horse with the reigns into the circle and farther out of it.

N.N. Nelli had to find her voice when she wanted the horse to stop.  Her "ho" came out pretty timid and weak in the beginning, but was starting to show more confidence after a few tries.

Sunshine Girl was up next, and Ghost, having already done an hours lesson was not going to be quite as agreeable with this one.  Every time he circled around to the gate by his stable he stopped, wanting to be done and get his treat.

Another horse watching the lesson.

Sunshine Girl really caught on quick with all the commands and was able to ride on her own by the end of the hour.  She even had her horse back up!  Yay!

The girls had a super time and are so happy that their next lesson is tomorrow morning!