A Horsey Afternoon

The kids got a special treat this afternoon.  A friend of mine was in town staying with her aunt, and she invited us up to the house to visit the horses.  Both kids were excited about the visit and pointed out every horse along the way. 

When we got there Tessie hurried down to the stables to see the horses.  Her first question was which ones were girls.  Then she talked to them for a while and shyly reached out her hand for them to sniff, jerking it back with giggles when curious horse lips nibbled at her fingers.

Christian was cautiously interested.  He did not like the horsey lips at all and got very concerned when his shoes were sniffed.  I expected him to want to pet them but instead he was quite clear about keeping his distance.  You can’t win them all.

I was fortunate to grow up next to cousins with horses.  I learned to ride and take care of them, and most of all I learned a life long love for them.  Because of this, I want my kids to have some experience with horses as well.  As I watched Tessie feeding one of the horses a carrot, with absolute joy painted across her face, it was hard not to get caught up in her happiness.  It was a beautiful sight.  Now to tell Nick we are getting horses...