And Dreams Are Horses

They had their very own horse for half an hour, today, and they couldn't have been any happier. You should have seen those faces - Hahaha! The three had found something they all loved, all at the same time.

The SconeLady had always wanted her own horse, and often dreamed of how fun it would be to see the world from that immense height. Never mind that one must also know how to take care of the horse and its gear. I thought all of it was oh-so romantic, and wanted these three to feel the same. I was almost positive they would.

The smallest was only 2, and there was some slight doubt as to whether he would make it onto the back of a horse. It could have gone either way, truth be told. All week he would be playing happily, then stop suddenly and say, "I NOT going horse ride!" The rest of us would smile and act like it was no big deal. Right up until the moment, we just weren't sure.

But when it came time, each of them climbed up with amazing skill. The 7 year old was an instant natural, as if he had been on a horse all his life. As his mother later said, he  seated his horse well. His sister and brother followed his calm lead, and listened carefully to all the things the horse lady told them. She told them how to make their horse go (squeeze and kick their sides, make a kissing sound, and shake the reigns slightly), stop (pull gently back on the reigns, saying "Whoa!"), and how to pat it to make it know you are nice.

They learned how to go up a hill and down again (lean forward when going up, lean backward with down), and how to 'jump' your horse ... well, there was a log for their horse to step over. But it was a beginning!

The place was simply crawling with horses - 30 of them in all shapes and forms. There were some mules, too. Or perhaps they were donkeys? I wasn't quite sure. They sounded dreadfully mulish, come to think of it. And then there was the obligatory Alpacas, seen everywhere in this central land of pastures and paddocks and pines. 

The grownups had as much fun, just watching. Mommy and Daddy helped to spot the two smaller ones, just in case. And Grandma followed along with her ever-ready camera while Grandpa walked behind, smiling and laughing as all loving grandpas do. It was all so terribly satisfying.

There is something pretty grand about being away from the asphalts of California, finding space, and lush greens, and huge blue skies. Makes you want to take a real deep breath and hold on to the moment, while you have it. 

Three small and drowsy heads will sleep comfortably, tonight. The stars in their eyes match those hovering above this sweet woodland cabin. There is one last day of the visit now left, a day in which to find adventures, and frogs, and to dream of horses and paddocks. I know of one lady sitting up tonight who wishes for more days like these, and who will be sorry to see them end.

The quintessential SconeLady. The one with the camera. 

Grandma.


See you along the way!
the SconeLady

Many thanks to Diane's Riding Place!