Today there was a good turnout. We had 3 young boys & one girl as clients. I was grateful to have 2 helpers today plus me. The new horse we met today is Johnny Cash. The kids had not heard of the musician so made funny jokes about money etc regarding his name. He was happy to get out of his stall but a little overwhelmed by the group. We gave him a short session today and I will continue to work with him before our next Take Flight session.
After getting the kids all set with mud boots, we could walk through the super muddy pasture where the horses live. Past the mud they have a nice area with grass so they can stand on dry land.
We got Sunny and Riley to ride again today. Sunny gets the bareback pad and Riley gets a saddle. Of course first we have to brush all the dried mud off their coats. After such extensive grooming the horses feel extra soft with a long winter coat all fluffy and clean(ish). Of course after everyone rides we give the horses a chance to roll in the sand arena. Then they are covered in wet sand again, and they love it.
Riley and Sunny are good together and even had a little competition where Riley kept trying to pass Sunny, but only in a fun way. Sunny was happy to remain in front. The horses' hooves are also covered in sticky wet mud. It is very satisfying to get the mud off while checking the hooves for rocks or other debris, so we are teaching students to pick hooves and help care for the horses.
All students today have been to Take Flight before. It's nice to be gathering a group who comes back and can learn the tools to really help out. Therefore each kid was able to trot today. Riley is by far our best horse to introduce the trot, he knows how to go forward without making a big deal about it, just trots off, and it's relatively easy to hold on and super fun for the rider. For the nervous rider we hold on to Riley and run next to the horse, holding on fo0r safety. That way everyone gets a chance to see what it feels like going a little faster on this grand beast.
(Names are changed for confidentiality)