Horsing around

We had a perfect day for horseback riding yesterday. The weather was uncharacteristically cool for May in South Louisiana. The girls are part of a homeschool girl scout troop and it was this group that we were riding with. All three kids got to ride, because the "brother scouts", as Mallory has fondly dubbed them, were invited to ride as well. The facility, Frazier Homestead, near the Comite River, was very family oriented and the staff friendly. I was allowed and encouraged to ride with the troop and was the only parent who wanted to. The troop was broken into two groups and taken on trail rides. There were a few moments of anticipation as one girl kept dropping her reins and her horse would wander off, but for the most part all of the girls and horses did great.

My three kids did really well and loved the day. Of course Mallory has had 2 years of lessons prior to this. She is currently not taking lessons so the day was all excitement for her. The staff noticed her ability on the horse and were very encouraging to her. They offered her extra time on one of the horses and encouraged her to continue as she could to ride, as she shows some natural ability and affinity for the animals. I knew that, but God isn't providing for her at this time to continue now so she'll have to leave that in His hands.

Daniel did very well also, he's had a handful of lessons himself and remembered the "ropes" quickly. Sarah was my biggest concern. She tends to be more hesitant in these type of situations and she did have a few issues with not being aggressive enough in kicking and leading the horse, but once she overcame that she did great.

We left very tired but content. There is just something about spending the day outside, with God's creation and creatures that is satisfying in the extreme.