Bubbles got lots of love today as well as plenty of ball play time.
She's a good canine ambassador, with her soft white coat and wiggly body, climbing into a lap that stays still long enough. I always keep a close eye on all the animals to ensure they are enjoying the attention, and have a chance to retreat for a break from the activities when they need it. It might look easy but this is work for the horses and other animals. So it’s important to monitor each animal and make appropriate choices of how they interact with our clients. For example, not all dogs appreciate being hugged.
Our group today had the same clients as last time, plus one regular kid who comes often. Repeat kids can really drop in to the experience and go deeper in their communication with the horses and connection with the program. Their confidence level rises measurably, to the point of being visible and very gratifying. The horses respond with kindness and like the gentle attention we provide.
The mini donkeys are a crowd-pleaser and just the right size! They get grooming,some exercise, and peanuts and celery treats for fun. Fiona & Daisy each have their own personality and show us how individual differences exist within the same species.
Chores help us remember to give back and work as a team. It’s refreshing to see the enthusiastic response we get when asking for help with chores. It takes a lot of work to manage and run this program and every bit of help makes a difference.
Sunny continues to be a favorite horse to ride. He offers the challenge of riding bareback (with a pad), which is much harder without stirrups. This gives the riders' core a good workout with balancing & staying coordinated on a moving 1,000 lb animal.
Riley, however, is loved for his calm sitting trot. Even the beginners want to try it after seeing the others trotting around on a big gelding like Riley.
We do not ride Pawnee, but get to find confidence leading a horse from the ground. He is retired from riding, yet still has lots of lessons to teach and loves to share.
This is our last program for the summer of 2024. Next time we meet it will be after school and sometime in September.