What a thing of beauty to sit at the table and look out the window and see the horses.  It just makes me forget how much pain I'm in all the time. Well, at least for a few minutes anyways.  At some point we will put fence up around the field and then I can lay in my chair and watch them graze.

So they went for their first ride yesterday.  We have to get one of the bridals adjusted, but amazingly, Colton was able to handle Charming with just a halter and lead rope.  For a 2 1/2 year old, that is amazing.  He did have the saddle on her.  When Colton got on Treasure, she didn't want to move for him.  Seriously didn't want to go anywhere.  Then we all just backed up, because we thought she might be confused with us all standing there.  Nope, she just stayed put.  EO had already been on her just minutes before and had no trouble at all.  He cantered her around the little field.  (all of this we did in the horse pen, for their first time, we figured we better.)  But she wouldn't move for Colton.  Then Steph got on her and she hesitated going but she went for Steph.  Colton then got on Charming, and no problem going with her.  Steering was a little tricky with the halter and lead rope, but she was happy to go with him.  

We tried to explain there are certain things they need to do, like when you are ready to go, you kind of lean forward.  You have to have "the boss" tone, not just tone, but "the boss" energy.  Not being mean, just showing you are in control. A squeeze of the legs. Those are things you have to learn.  If you hesitate, and don't have confidence the horse knows that, so they will too.  Steph figured out what we were talking about and then she didn't have any problem.  I think Treasure has been trained in such a way, she needs that type of rider.  After just a few minutes Steph had control.  Now Colton and Steph will be able to ride more and they will get more experience in handling them.  Steph has learned so much already.  

The weather is so perfect for riding now.  The bugs aren't bad at all.  Although we have bug spray, we have only had to use it once, (the first day) because it was hotter and the bugs were awful.  I think they might go riding again today when Steph gets off work.

I did help EO some with the hay, and boy are my arms sore.  I didn't do much but then with my wimpy arms it doesn't take much.  

I did post a bunch of pic of them riding on my  ObysPics.yolasite.com  I have a page called "horses".