Simon says, "Trot"

Tonight was Emily's first horseback riding lesson. She won a gift certificate for 2 lessons at an event at Vinnie's daycare last October and we finally signed her up for lessons which started tonight.

We showed up and they don't let the kids get afraid of the horse. They gave her the lead and told her to stay there while they went to get the saddle with instructions "just pull back if she starts walking away". Emily didn't even hesitate and stood there like she had complete control over this huge beast. Then Emily lead the horse through the stable areas and into the arena all by herself. The instructor put her up on the horse, adjusted the stirrups and then walked away and told Emily to walk to the back along the wall. The instructor went back and closed the door. I was a nervous wreck watching from the viewing area, but my girl did awesome! I mean really, really awesome. I wish you could have seen her. She grinned from ear to ear the entire lesson. She was just beaming! She had a great time.

She walked around the arena. Then the teacher lead the horse to trotting and let Emily take off while Emily went around and around the ring all by herself. And the the teacher set out 4 cones in the middle of the ring and told Emily to lead her horse through them ... that was the only instruction. And Emily did it! She didn't even hesitate.

I just loved seeing her take to something so quickly! She has tried so many different things and has had fun at them, but she has never taken to something like this. No nervousness. No floundering. Just Emily and the horse. I really enjoyed watching her.

More pictures found here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94862&id=657663199&l=89653