Riding for a Cause...

St. Judes Children's hospital and AQHA trail riding.... what a great combination!!  Yesterday we had the opportunity to participate in a local trail benefit ride for a great cause.  The scenery wasn't near as pretty as it usually is due to the extreme drought we are in but it was still beautiful and lots of fun.  We caught up with old friends and made some new ones along the way!!

Sonny, Dobie, and Moon were gracious enough to take us along so we had a great afternoon of fun with them.  In return, they got a bath and a bucket of grain so everybody was happy!

Nathan and Dobie are ready to go!!

The first steep hill and creek bottom crossing! Thanks to the drought there was no water to cross!

Our leader, Terry, bringing us to the end of the ride!

Heading to the finish!

Quality family time with NO electronic devices!! Mom is happy!!

Horses of every size, shape and color but they were all beautiful!!

After 2 1/2 hours, horses and riders were all pretty tired but everybody made it to the finish safely.  It was a great way to raise money for a great cause and we will definitely do it again next year!  Maybe you can join us!!  We can always round up an extra horse or two!!

A girl and a horse

There are few things in life that can match the bond between a little girl and her horse.  They can share secrets, a good cry, a hug, or a long talk.  I've seen Ally and Paige do just about all of this since the horse has come to live with us and I sometimes wish I'd have had that same opportunity as a kid.  I have no regrets though because it makes me appreciate these moments all the more.  I can see the life lessons we're all learning and wouldn't trade it for the  world.

Here are just a few things we've learned lately...

If you stray from the path, it's ok to let go of the reins.  Your best friends will always lead you back home!

Your attitude flows directly to those around you.  If you want others to cooperate, you'd better show them your're a team player! 

It's ok to spend $70 for a new pair of shoes every 6 weeks...

Never run when you can jog. Never jog when you can walk. And never walk when you can stand still.

Love those who love you back, especially if they give wet, slobbery kisses!

No matter what... always have fun.  The friends you make along the way are worth more than any ribbons or trophies you'll ever receive.

What have you learned from your horse lately?!

Horse Show...the last summer fling

One final horse show of the summer. One final fling before the tack is stored and the horses are ignored allowed to roam free in the pasture.  One final gathering of new friends made over the summer.

I guess all that is true but it doesn't seem possible that it's September already.  This was more of a relaxed, fun show up at the Curtis Ag Tech School.  It was so cold that week I couldn't stand the thought of giving Sonny a bath with ice cold water so we did a "brush and go" this time.  And FYI...I could get used to that!  The nice thing about the smaller show was that they let the little kids do a walk-trot pleasure class so Nate actually got to show a little bit this time.  As usual, he was all smiles and he did great.  Ally had a great day too and competed against some much older kids so it was a good "learning" experience.  All in all, it was another fun family day and we are glad Gail got to join us fairly early. I'm not the horse person in the family so we are all relieved when he shows up! Especially when he's there in time to back the trailer out for us!! 

 Have a great weekend!!

Horsin' Around

Yesterday Gail and the kids had the horses out messing around and I was loving the view from my kitchen window.  Everytime I looked up I would see them weaving in the trees or chasing each other.  I couldn't resist grabbing the camera and capturing a few moments.  Wish they would stay little forever...

Ally decided to ride bareback.  It does wonders for improving balance and riding skills... plus it saves a lot of time from saddling him up!!!

Throw 'em on a horse and they turn into best buddies!

My little one looks SOOOO Big on his paint horse!

Nate was all smiles yesterday.... the horse must have been cooperating for him!

Every little girl's dream....

Sonny has strict instructions to take good care of her... So far he has listened well.

Hope you all have a GREAT labor day weekend!!!

Horsin' around

Doesn't every little girl dream of riding her own horse? I know I did. And I KNOW my daughter does....

Although I didn't have the opportunity growing up, we are fortunate to be surrounded by hungry hay munchers at our house today. So what happens when a 7 year old beautiful brown eyed girl bats her eyes at daddy and begs to join the local riding club??? You guessed it! Off we go every Tuesday night to the arena in town. Lucky for her, she has inherited her dad's amazing talent and natural horsemanship ability. She rides like a pro on a horse that is not particulary considered a traditional "kid" horse. Maybe it's protective mom instinct or maybe my former horse experience that lead to a broken leg and shattered ankle overseas, but I tend to think worse case scenario when she climbs aboard. However, she is quickly convincing me otherwise. As hubby says, "don't underestimate what she can make that horse do". I'm starting to believe him.... kind of.

Last weekend we had the opportunity to participate in a horse clinic where I got to practice my "pulling the trailer in town" skills and the young kids got to ride all day at the arena with clinicians working on various horse skills. It was a wonderful opportunity for them and they had a great time. We are thankful for those who volunteer their time for these kids to grow and develop not only in their horse ability, but in confidence, maturity, and life skills in general. When I think of all the issues with America today, it's refreshing to see young kids learn to communicate, become passionate and caring for God's creatures, choose activity over television, and learn to give back to their community among other things. Likewise, I cannot end this without mentioning the generosity of a retired rancher from the area who has generously donated the funds to build an amazing arena at the local fairgrounds that is used nearly ever night for all sorts of activities from horse practice to concerts, rodeos to traveling circus shows, expos to church services, etc... No government bailouts here... just hard working American's who are proud to give back to the community and people that they love.

Kind of makes you want to go out and give back, doesn't it?!?!