My kids have dreamed of riding horses since we arrived in Belgium 18 months ago. Riding is HUGE here, and watching the locals ride around on their horses everyday has been torture for my kiddos. I was dragging my feet on lessons due to language barriers I was afraid we would encounter. Recently, a dear friend enrolled her kids in lessons and raved about the barn and the instructor who spoke English. So, we went for a visit and fell in love. The kids couldn't wait to start. This was on a Monday and lessons would start on Sunday. Of course, they had to be outfitted (I highly recommend Decathlon for very affordable riding gear) and the long wait for Sunday would begin.
For the first lesson, the kids shared a pony named Dolce. The first order of business was to teach the kids how to tack. Brushing and cleaning the horse, as well as cleaning his hooves, are necessary before riding. They also learned how to saddle the horse and how to properly put on the bridle.
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| That pesky tail :) |
Then, the fun could begin. Marc took turns with each of the kids. They learned how to sit properly, make the horse go, turn, and stop. And, they even started to post while they trotted. Not bad for a first lesson.
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| Love that posture. |
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| Look at that smile! Priceless! |
Allison's turn!
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| She was so serious! |
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| So happy! |
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| Hiding an apple behind his back to share with Dolce. |
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| Giving Dolce a well deserved sweet treat. |
We are now more than a month into lessons, and they still love it. Thomas did fall off a couple weeks ago, but they got him right back on the horse (as the saying goes.) It's so rewarding to have them in an activity they can't wait for each week and are all smiles about when it's over. That is money well spent!
Until next time,
Wendy
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