Lia's First Horse Lesson

Lia has loved horses for years.  I think that Merida is to blame for this.  Regardless, Lia has been in love with horses for a long time and has always wanted to ride one.  Sadly, the best that we have ever been able to do is pay for Lia to go on the little pony ride found at the Spring Fair where she gets to ride one in a circle a couple of times around in a tent.  Pretty pathetic, right?
Well, this all changed when Ron got a new job this past summer and learned that one of the ladies who works in the counseling office owns TWO horses!  After telling her how much Lia loves horses, Sabina immediately offered to take Lia out riding one morning!  What?!  I couldn't believe my ears when Ron came home from work that day and shared the exciting news.  So, a day in September was set, and the waiting began and it finally came today!  Luckily after a rainy Friday, we were blessed with a beautiful, autumn day.  We drove the 20 minutes out to Graham and met Sabina and her husband at an amazing horse riding park that is open to the public.  Lia got to help brush the horses before beginning her lesson.  I was amazed at how calm and brave she was around these large creatures!  She did a great job.  Sabina then had her ride both horses (Buck and then Honey) for almost an entire hour in two, different arenas.  Lia was so calm and confident riding both of the horses with Sabina at her side.  It was so dang cute to see her riding these horses with her little, riding helmet on her head.  I just loved it!  Afterwards, Lia then helped Sabina and her husband feed the horses before they loaded them back up on the trailer.  It was such a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.  And, as you can imagine, Lia L.O.V.E.D. every second of it and wants to begin horse riding lessons tomorrow.  I'm afraid to even look into how much this will cost and the amount of time I will spend driving to from them.  However, since Lia is already involved in four activities after school right now, I think it will have to wait.  But, maybe one day, we'll make her wildest dreams come true!  We'll see...

Lia brushing Honey with Sabina's help.

Lia petting Buck.

And brushing Buck.

Sabina helping Lia get up on Buck.

Ready to go!

Lia beginning her first time around the arena.

Lia and Buck from a distance.

My smiling, happy girl!

Sabina leading Lia and Buck into the second arena.

Lia and Buck finishing their first lap in the second, larger arena.

My little equestrian. 

Sabina's husband helping Lia change horses.  For some reason, Lia really loved Honey and bonded with this horse.  

Logan patiently waiting to play at the park after Lia's riding lesson was over.

Lia, Sabina, and Honey finishing up another lap.

Lia petting Honey while Sabina tried to convince Logan to sit on the horse (it never happened).

Sabina kissing Buck with Lia and Honey in the background!