Carrots, Grass & a Saddle

One of my kiddo's favorite memories of visiting Grandma Sue & Grandpa Steve's several years ago was feeding the horses in their backyard.  The horses actually belong to Grandma & Grandpa's neighbors, they are just boarded there thanks to them having an empty corral, but none the less the kids associate going to Grandma's with feeding the horses. 

We never could convince John to come over and help, but Sarah & Jacob's eagerness made up for it.

It didn't take long for Jacob to catch on as to how to feed these gentle horses.  He smiled and laughed each time the horse would take a bite.

It was fun watching Jacob pull up a bunch of tall grass by the roots then tramp through the grass to carry his precious gift to the horses.  He was so proud of his accomplishment.

The kids received an extra special treat when the neighbor offered to let them go for a ride on Oreo, the smallest and gentlest of his horses.

Sarah was the most eager, so she went first. Tony, the kind neighbor led Oreo by a rope down the street and back.  But after Sarah saw that Elizabeth got to ride "all by herself" she wanted another turn.  I was surprised to see how quickly Sarah caught on using the reins and at how much she enjoyed herself.  We may have a little cowgirl on our hands.

Rachel was next . . . she enjoyed herself . . . I think!  When I saw her face in the pictures I took I began to wonder if she enjoyed herself or not?

It took a bribe of a box of milk duds to get Elizabeth to take a turn.  She did great!  I was shocked to see her coming back up the street controlling the reins without Tony holding the guide rope.  Good job sweetie for being so brave!

John was not interested in a turn, he preferred to watch the ants on the driveway.  But Jacob took a turn!  One nice thing about him being so little, you don't ask, you just pick him up and set him on the horse.  He didn't ride but just sat in the saddle with a look on amazement and curiosity.

I am thankful for Grandparents who live in the country, for their patient & kind neighbor, and for seeing my kiddos get to experience something new. A beautiful thankful moment!