Horseback Riding

Jillian has started to show an interest in horseback riding.  Fortunately, I have a sister who can't live without horses and keeps two ponies at my parents' house.  When we were kids, before moving to Bainbridge Island, I always thought I wanted a horse.  I dreamed of the day we would move to the "country" so I could have my very own horse.  I read all the Black Stallion books, Black Beauty, Misty of Chincoteague, and many other horse books, imagining myself galloping through the fields, my hair streaming in the wind.  By the time we moved to Bainbridge, I was 17 and would rather have my own car than my own horse.  But my sister was 11; she still had horse-lust and within a year, she had a horse.  The first time I rode Toasted, she bucked me off, and that really ended any remaining horse fantasies.

Corey has remained faithful, however.  Her two older boys love their ponies.  They're learning to groom Jenna, who is very patient with them.

Jillian is learning on Cisco, who is a little more spirited, but still a sweetie.  Jenna and Cisco both love treats, candy canes at this time of year, and once I gave one to Cisco, he wouldn't leave me alone!

Jillian patiently brushed Cisco before her ride.  I wouldn't have the patience...it takes a long time to get ready to go for a ride!

Ben finally got up the courage to hop down from the fence and give it a try.  He wasn't quite ready to ride yet, though.

Corey is teaching Jillian the basics.  Right now Cisco won't wear a saddle, so she gets to ride bare-back.  Corey is ordering a saddle blanket with stirrups, so they'll give that a try next time.

If Jillian continues to enjoy riding, I'm very thankful I have a sister who can teach her and share her love of horses! 

Jonah is just learning to ride Jenna on his own.  So cute!  Hyrum can ride pretty well, but I left before he had his turn and didn't get a picture of him riding.  He loves Jillian and was so excited to ride with her.