English Style

Before we left Arizona, we had a visit from our very kind friend who lived across the street. She wished us the best, hugged us good bye, and gave our kids a generous going away gift. She wanted us to get them something they really wanted. We thought about it for the past weeks and then realized the perfect answer was really, really close.

The house we are leasing this year is very close to an equestrian riding center and all three kids have been admiring the horses since we arrived. Perfect! All three kids took their first riding lesson. What a fun gift, and the memories will last forever...

They walked up to the top pasture of the farm and returned with a quarter horse named Hostess. Abigail and Samuel brushed her down and learned how to put her blanket, bit, reigns, and saddle on. Then they led her to the arena for their lessons.

Abigail rode first. She was great at steering around the jumps. She sat straight and had great control... all without a lead rope. Then they worked at a trot, and learned posting. She was beaming.

Samuel was up next. He worked a bit on steering and starting, and then it was his turn to trot. Around and around they went, with Samuel posting right along. The faster they went...the more he giggled. He has loved horses since the first time our dear friends Danny and Kacie let him sit in a saddle at the age of 9 months, so this was pure joy. For him, and to watch.

Uncle Grant, look out! You have a nephew who is dreaming of horses.

After a very long wait, that was spent climbing fences and playing in a dusty gravel pile, it was finally Ethan's turn. He put on his helmet and raced into the arena...no fear. I was a little afraid when I saw him up there alone. Saddles should have seatbelts :) Thankfully he was led by his instructor, our kind neighbor Nicole. You would know Nicole by her famous lasagna.

He sat very tall and rode all the way around the arena, while Hostess cooled down a bit. Then he got to ride all the way back to the barn. Big stuff, very big stuff.

After another brush down, Abigail and Samuel led Hostess back to her grassy field. They are in love... with Hostess, with Nicole, with riding. Hopelessly in love and plotting all the jobs they could do to continue this new hobby. Anyone hiring?