9-18-09 Riding Lesson Day

Frazer has been waiting for Thursdya the 17th since the beginning of August.  He got his "outfit" on and waited surprisingly quietly as we began our drop off at 7:20.  Ran and errand.  Dropped Porter off at the Falls' and then onto the farm.  I asked him as we were driving out there if he was nervous because he was so quiet.  He said, "No, I am excited and want to be calm for the horses."  Okay, I guess he had been listening.

We were greeted joyfully by many cats, dogs, kids and lots of ponies and horses.  Frazer looked as if he was experiencing a moment.
We had a farm tour, met many of the animals, learned about hoof picking and brushing.  I learned new saddles are plastic and can be washed with windex (I can hardly get over that).  He did up the girth.  And off on a trail ride around the farm with the Comeaux's oldest daughter Sarah.  It was just a great opportunity for him.  He shook hands, asked to do extra chores and loved riding on the pony Blue, age 33.

We scooted from the farm to pick up Porter, ran to Ukrop's, fixed lunch, and our project group arrived.  This week one fmaily joined us and another was not able to make it.  The kids negotiated the space, used the clay.  Created and messed about as Anna used to say.  They were very animal oriented last week; this week they used the time a bit to create clay critters.  Miles, Matthew and Frazer worked independently but talked and got to know each other.

Learning how to sit in the saddle.

 

Leaning forward off Blue's back to go up the hill

 

Learning the proper way to dismount.  He was also able to easily mount Blue.  I guess it help to be a 10.5 hand pony.

We had our project group today and one family was unable to attend.  However, Matthew Pike joined us and Miles, Frazer and Matthew messed in the clay while getting to know each other.  No project has formed at this moment even with all the books Frazer and I checked out.  However, I expect that.  Matthew has an interest in sports and Miles brought a lovely photography book of their chicks and animals for Frazer.  I think time will allow an idea to develop.

Porter and Zella played nicely.  And the moms got to watch.  However, I am wondering if we should sit at the table,.  I will need to email them and ask their thoughts.




We scooted to piano, carpool and home to change for soccer.  Letting him play down is great as he is definitely able to keep up.  I do think his stamina has increased.  His age was noticeable to me because he was all business about playing.  It was nice to seem him focused.

A full day by all.  He loved it.  He told the boys during dinner how great it was not to have school and get to go to the farm.  I asked him if he was not likign our time and he said so sweetly tha he was loving our time but it was time for him to start his writing.