riding lessons

Several people have asked for more information about our horseback riding. We had our first real lesson last night. But first, let me tell you how we got here.

I know nothing about horses. I think I rode one once, at camp in 6th grade. But my dad grew up on a dairy farm, and I have a sentimental spot for farm life and farm animals. Henry shares that interest- either he was born with it or I created it in him- and we enjoy going to the state fair together and visiting that dairy farm that we last went to on Mother's Day.
Last year at the fair, Henry showed a lot of interest in the horses. I had read about some other kids taking therapeutic riding lessons and thought "well, I'll look into that." I don't know about the rest of you, but lots of times "looking into" something is easier said than done. Grandma and Grandpa had offered to pay for Henry's lessons as a birthday gift last August, and we are just now starting them!

Kate has a friend who rides horses, and we know a woman at church who rides also. I asked both of them if they knew of anyone who did therapeutic riding, and waited and waited for their answers. I searched online and found quite a few promising stables, but they were all an hour or more away from us, and I was sure there must be something closer.

Finally, 6 months later, Kate's friend came through with the name of a woman who boards horses at her same stable. I called Pam, and grew so excited as I talked with her. She is a psychologist who works at the state Department of Mental Health as well as being a Certified Riding Instructor and "Certified Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist" and 4-H adviser.

I'm sure that the cost would vary, according to where you live, but Pam charges $30/1-hour private lesson, $20/half-hour private lesson. And she is letting us pay-as-we-go, rather than making us commit to 10 lessons up-front or something. (Although if things continue to go this well, I think we'll be doing this year-round, along with the swimming lessons.)

Last night she had Henry help her get T out of his stall and groom him, all the while telling Henry the names of all the equipment she was using.

Then they walked T outside, and she asked Henry to pull the gate shut. (Dumb mommy lesson #1- Henry should wear jeans and sneakers next time. Not shorts and CROCS.)

Note Henry's posture in the below photo. This is one of the things they will work on. Pam reminded him several times to sit up straight, and it was almost as if he wasn't sure what that meant. He will gain strength and muscle tone, just by riding and holding the reins with proper posture.

I was asked to help walk the horse (so I am learning too), while Pam walked alongside Henry. He remembered to say "walk on" when he wanted the horse to go, and "whoa" when he wanted to stop. Pam kept quizzing him on the parts of the saddle, etc. and reminding him to sit up straight and proud. That was one thing that struck me last time, when we watched the girls having a lesson: how proud, poised, and confident (but not arrogant) they seemed.

And I was really struck by the fact that horseback riding is not only about learning a skill- it is also about the relationship with the horse- the respect between horse and rider. I mean, T could have effortlessly tossed my kid 40 feet over a fence if he wanted, but instead he swished his tail so patiently and walked so well with me, even though I'm sure he could tell I didn't know what the hell I was doing.

Just like last time, Henry's internal alarm suddenly went off, and he was ready to be done. I hadn't really paid attention, but Pam said that he had ridden about 20 minutes, and she seemed genuinely pleased and proud of what he had done.

So, it took us almost a year to figure this out, but I think this picture speaks for itself- it was worth the wait!