Cousin H's First Ride

While I was visiting my parents last weekend, I went to the barn with my mom to see her gelding Dusty. My mom's boy is happy and looking good. At his previous barn, he was always itchy due to damp saltwater air and lots of mosquitoes and gnats, so he had rubbed out half of his mane. I finally cut it short and evened it out last fall, and now it's grown out nice again.

My mom was worried that Dusty had lost some weight. I thought he looked perfect. I think my mom is a good horsey mommy and a worrywart. Now I know where I get it from!

My mom's riding lessons are progressing well and I could tell a huge difference in her confidence. She was trotting figure eights and posting on the diagonal. Wow! She really likes her instructor, who makes her work, but has a great sense of humor and uses gentle prodding.

My second Cousin H came along to see Dusty, too. She is a little timid around horses, but wanted to ride. She was all decked out in her bling horsey shirt and pink cowgirl hat.

My mom free lunged Dusty. After he galloped and bucked around the indoor arena, she walked him around to cool him out. He follows her like a puppy. Dusty is like a big copper colored Golden Retriever. I think he has an identity crisis.

Then she saddled him up for Cousin H to ride.

Cousin H is a little excited about her ride. Can you tell?

There she goes! She couldn't stop grinning.

I suppose before too long, Cousin H will be wanting a pony of her own!

Cousin H, there is always room for more Pony Girls in the world!