Saturday, June 28, 2008

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!

21 comments:

  1. I love the look that kids get when they get to ride a horse!

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  2. Oh yes, always room for one more pony girl. I agree with Linda, the looks they give are so precious.

    I can't help wondering what state you live in.

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  3. She looks so proud of herself up there!

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  4. Love those big smiles - now that's the look that we all should have when we get on. Or off, for that matter!

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  5. That sure is one big smile that Cousin H has spread across her face. How cute is she and how excited and happy she looks. I think we have another convert in the horsey world.
    Dusty is cute too and looks to be such a good boy. Unlike my palomino mare Dusty, who has her good days and bad, depending on her mood.

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  6. Wow. That is one huge grin. What fun.

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  7. What a FAT horse! Tell your mom not to worry, that horse looks good and healthy!

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  8. Yup, another cowgirl in training! I love the grin ... I'm nearly 39 & I still feel - & look! - like that when it's horsey time :)

    Your mum's horse is gorgeous - definitely not thin though! Lovely & glossy. So cute how he follows her around ... "I love my mommy"

    - Jules from Oz

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  9. I love her 'bling' horsey gear - that's awesome! She looked like she enjoyed herself.

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  10. ...I don't know...Cousin H and Dusty make a really cute pair! Your mom may have to find herself a new horse-just joking! (lol)
    You can always tell a true horsey girl, or boy, by their giant grins. You and your sister may have just found yourselves a new riding buddy; and one that dresses well too!!!

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  11. Yeah Cousin H and Mom! It sounds like your Mom is doing great with her horse!

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  12. I joked about retiring Dusty to Cousin H someday, and my mom didn't think that was too funny, lol! She plans to keep and ride her Stardust forever. I do think he's a challenging enough horse that she can continue to grow with him.

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  13. I suppose you'll be right on about that pony.

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  14. Cute little kiddo. Dusty does not look underweight to me. Yup, little cowgirl in training!

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  15. Kids and horses-love it! She looks so very happy! CIT-COWGIRL IN TRAINING!
    LOL about your mom not thinking it was funny! Us horse people do not take it kindly when people talk about getting rid of our horses!

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  16. haha! Stardust looks robust and healthy to me. And your Mom is adorable! I can see why you turned out so cute. :)

    Your niece's smile just made me smile. That is definetly another contender for Pony Girl status. ;)

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  17. Cousin H is a cutie pie! Great pictures.

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  18. She looks soooo excited! I remember how I felt the first time I got to ride!! And your mom's gelding is just perfect!! He looks well insultated for the winter time!! LOL!!!

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  19. Love Dusty...and it looks like he makes those around him SOOOO happy.

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  20. They both look so happy! Awesome pictures.

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  21. My hubby and I just took riding lessons and lerned so much. Good for your mom to have a good instructor, we also had a super instructor that was funny and made us want to learn at the same time.
    Cousin H is adorable! Congrats to her on her first ride.

    I am going back into your blog to read and comment. I am doing a major amount of reading trying to do some catch up.. LOL

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I love hearing from my readers!! I truly enjoy all of your feedback, advice, helpful tips, and stories. You all make me laugh and I learn so much from you, too. I will try to post replies to your comments as often as I can.

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