Cowgirl Maryn

In a lucky turn of events, we've been able to set M up with "horseback riding lessons" this summer. In reality she gets to visit Shannon who usually trains serious riders and horses for shows. But Shannon agreed to let M ride her horses and is showing her how to go, stop, turn, not get killed, etc.

It's pretty much the best thing M can think of doing, well.... maybe if we could find a way to add in a trampoline it might be better, but still.

This Friday M got to ride Lola, just about the sweetest horse you could think of. 

But Big.. and skeptical.

Lola is wondering why, why is this creature here? She had been a good horse, hadn't she?!

Finally M gave Lola some carrots and Lola decided they were best friends.

Shannon taught M to brush Lola and some of the names of the equipment. 

M looks like she is listening, but she's probably just thinking about how soon she can give Lola more carrots. 

 They led Lola down to the arena.

The view from on top of a horse allowed M to see that not only did Shannon have horses, but she had lots of other animals... some of which we have at home but that are super exciting at Shannon's house. There were some distraction problems...

"Shannon has CHICKENS?! MOM!"
"Yes honey, chickens, please HOLD ON."

Shannon had to teach M to say "WEE!" when she is excited instead of "WHOA!".. Evidently Lola doesn't get the difference between an excited Whoa and a please stop-Whoa.

M didn't fall off, so the arena time was a success. 

They got to walk Lola out to the pasture and out to a washing area. They sprayed her down with water (not Lola's favorite) but then gave her some more carrots so all was forgiven. 

We're already looking forward to this Friday!

When is that carrot dispenser coming back?!