Horse Back Riding Lesson!

Dreams were made this summer. While in Tennessee, we found a horse stable that did riding lessons. We made an appointment for a lesson and the kids were excited. Cosette most of all. Henry was little nervous, but he was the first one to the car when it was time to go. 

We went riding at Denjo Stable located in Loudon, TN. Beautiful drive out there. Those East Tennesee trees, beautiful. Makes my heart sing to see all that green. 

The lesson starsted with the kids learning how to take car of their horses. They learned how to brush, and saddle their horse before they went riding. They cleaned their hoves too. It was really cool experience for them, and me and Grandma watching. The instructors taught the kids to talk to the horse while getting them ready to help the horse stay calm, and also to put their had on the back of the horse when they walk around the back, so that the horse knows they are there. It was a really great hands on learning experience. 

Then it was time to ride. They each lead their horse to the corral and mounted them. The instructors taught them how to use the reins to turn the horse which way they wanted to go, and how to stop. Then they let them go, except Rapha. He was led around and I am totally okay with that. It was amazing to see them lead these large animals around all on their own. Their instructors kept telling the kids to not let the horse lead them around. They were the boss and the horse had to do what they said. 

I was so proud of them. Henry was a little nervous, but he did so well! Cosette was in heaven. She has loved horses since she was little. She keeps saying if we move from the city, she wants to move to a rural community and have horses. Rapha was just the cutest. He rode on a pony named "Apache", but he couldn't say "Apache", so he just called him "Pache". Henry had the biggest horse, but was the most gentle. His horse was named "Joey". Cosette rode a beautiful chestnut mare named "Cora". It was the best afternoon. 

I made a short little video from our afternoon there. Makes me smile so big I watch it. They are looking forward to doing this again. 
















He kept saying the whole day, "Pache likes me". As you can see Apache nuzzling him here. Such a sweet pony. 


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