Horse Crazy Girl

Kylie's big Christmas gift was some riding lessons.  She has been taking them for a little while and we thought we'd contribute to the cause.  Kylie really loves horses and we were excited to go see her ride.  It was a very cold February morning when we arrived at the stables.  Thankfully, the instructor decided to conduct the lesson in the large indoor ring.

 Kylie was really happy to see us here this morning.  She told her little friend that she had, "people coming to see me ride!"  Cracked me up.

 I don't know all the appropriate terms since I'm not a horse woman, but I'll do my best.  Kylie brushed her horse and picked any debris out of the hooves before helping to saddle her horse.

 Kylie walks her horse outside and mounts her horse.

 Kylie rides by herself across the road to the indoor ring.

 I have not done much riding, and I am so impressed that Kylie is doing great.  This horse follows her lead pretty well without Kylie getting frustrated.

 Posting.  Kylie didn't hesitate and followed the commands of her instructor easily.

 One happy little girl!

 Kylie was a little afraid to hold her hands out and just use her thighs to control the horse.  Well, she's only 5 after all!

 I'm impressed that she immediately starts to brush her horse and take care of blanketing him.  She seems to have no problem taking responsibility for taking care of him at all.

We were really tickled to see Kylie use her Christmas gift.  My Aunt Pat was quite a horse woman and I'll bet she's looking down on Kylie with glee knowing that finally there's another horse crazy girl in the family!