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Author: judyleejenkins

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Today we started with rain. I decided not to cancel and the rain only lasted for about 45 minutes. While it rained, we all got on mud boots and started our program inside the barn. First we spent time with the mini donkeys, Daisy & Fiona.


They got brushing, general love, and attention. After that, we visited some horses in their stalls and then did a chore to help support the barn maintenance. We swept the barn isle. It’s an easy chore, but the kids needed training to learn how to sweep effectively, then they got to it.

By that time the clouds had finished draining rain and we got the horses out for general grooming and preparation to ride.

We had three returning kids and one new boy who showed up after the rain stopped. The horses were a bit damp, and still happy to visit and hang out with us. Our new boy was older and told us some stories about the horses in his life at home. The returning students got right to it, even helping with the hoof cleaning - an advanced skill for grooming.

The sand arena had big puddles so we mostly rode on the driveway (trail ride).


The horses were mellow today and the kids had fun guiding them around the farm.

Due to Reilly healing from a minor issue, the kids rode him full bareback - no pad or anything. It’s an intimate way to ride and feels a little slippery but warm too.

We finished up playing fetch with Bubbles.


A good day even with some rain drops.

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Today was a fun easy day. We had 3 girls, all who have come before. It’s great to see the kids bonding with the horses and each other. Today, the older girl helped out with the younger ones in a supportive, kind manner.

We had fun with the mini donkeys, Daisy & Fiona. They will be leaving the barn soon, so we made sure to show them big love and gentle activity. These small creatures are so perfect for the shy kids who need to grow some courage around the 4 footed/hooved ones. Much gratitude to Fiona & Daisy, plus their owner who loves to share.

Riley was able to join us today, with the restriction of no girth strap. That meant we ride him bareback - no pad - which is new for these kids. It can be scary, fun and a little scratchy but feels uniquely intimate with the horse.

It was gratifying to see the younger two girls bond today. I sent them off on a chore together and they set off at a trot and were connected in the challenge and successful in the outcome.

Another beautiful day at Take Flight by Pegasus!

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After a fluid beginning with last minute schedule changes, we had three clients today. All three have been to our program: for one boy it was only his 2nd visit.

His transformation was notable: not as fearful, braver when on the horse, and attempting to talk when called on (this is especially hard for him). He really opened up today laughing at jokes etc.


As usual, we started with the mini donkeys. We will sure miss them when they go back home. Fiona & Daisy are only at this barn for four months out of a year. So we are grateful for their donkey energy. They got some good grooming and attention from the kids.


For the riding part we were lucky to have Riley. He’s gotten very popular and isn’t always available as in the previous years. The young boy, who last time was adamant about not riding, got on Riley this week and did a full circle around the arena, without support holding the horse. He was quite proud of himself! As he should be. To conquer a fear is a big deal.


As a bonus, our little girl who comes often, (at least 11 different sessions), was quite pleased to be able to trot on Riley - such a fun challenge to bounce with the horse and keep a strong core.

healing horse and mini donkeys


Thank you animal friends - see you soon.

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We had 3 clients today: two new people and one returning youngster, who comes often and has gotten quite skilled with her riding.


We started with the mini donkeys. Good for grooming and walking.


We got Johnny out for some gentle exercise. A good way to work up to riding a big horse.


Then we met QT a nice quarter horse who belongs to Karen.


QT got lots of lovin with grooming, some horse cookies and a short ride for each client.
QT is a gentle mare who has introduced many, many children to the magic of being with horses. Karen was kind enough to share her love of QT with the kids.


We all appreciate Karen, she has such a big heart.


We finished the day with a snack and chatted about horses and how glad we were that the heat has broken and we had a nice cool day at the ranch together.

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Bubbles got lots of love today as well as plenty of ball play time.

Bubbles


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.

Horses and kids


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.

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Today we had a whole new group of first time clients.

We hosted a brother & sister with their cousin, all small children mostly quiet & scared to start. Of course that changed and we had good participation and communication.

Daisy & Fiona are good ice breakers so we started with them.

Grooming and exercise was on the menu and we actually got them to trot a little. Fiona does not like anything fast, but she was a trooper and tried a little.

This activity got the kids loosened up and ready for more.

Then we did some hand walking with Johnny and Riley

Ok, now ready to ride. Riley was our horse for today. He melted hearts and increased their confidence with his calm and willing demeanor.

A good day today with snacks and dog play to round it out, Bubbles was too wiggly for a picture, but she got major loving and soaked it up.

Almost the end of summer 2024!

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Small group today - makes it more intimate group & less like a session. Anyway we started with scooping horse poo. Not a favorite chore but it does feel satisfying making it cleaner for the horses.

The small group included Kisenette today because Siem was on a job interview. She was a fantastic helper, I was glad to have her with us.

We took Pawnee & Johnny for a good walk so they could share some energy with us. Even without riding a horse, there is still a lot going on with kids trying to lead a 1,000 pound animal.

The horses got some gentle grooming and hoof picking .

Final event is the ride - all enjoyed it and learned some new skills this week. The physical work-out riding provides strengthens our core muscles and improves balance posture and coordination, not to mention the confidence boost {it is magic}.

And Bubbles had some fun with fetch.

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We squeezed some time in for a snack and some circle time too.


When we get clients coming back several times - we get to bond a little and start to trust in the group, nice work.

(Names are changed for confidentiality)

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Summer has arrived and it’s heating up. We start early now and finish before the major heat of the day.

We started the day with a chore - everyone’s favorite - scooping horse manure. Hey it’s a good skill to perfect and gets us all moving & working together. Please note I heard no groans or complaints and they did a good job. Horses poo a lot about 8 piles per day so there’s always an ample supply.

We then got horses out for a walk - it takes some skill and leadership qualities and all were up to the challenge.

After that we groomed the horses -which includes brushing as well as hoof picking ( a harder skill) and the boys are getting better.

Of course Bubbles my dog gets right in for some attention plus ball tossing.

Then the part we are all waiting for. Let’s ride!

The kids have all been with us before and their riding skills are developing nicely.

By the end of the session all were satisfied and a bit tired.
Looking forward to our next meeting.

(Names are changed for confidentiality)

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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)

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Bubbles, my rescue dog, came today for the first time. She was such a hit, I’m pretty sure she will be a regular participant. She is obsessed with ball chasing and gives everyone a chance to learn how to toss a ball with the ‘chuck-it’. It’s a great tool, helping each learn how to throw a ball.

This session was face-paced, yet safe, and all three participants got to ride both Riley (with a saddle) and Sunny (bareback with pad). Riley is tried and true with beginners who are getting their confidence up and figuring out the balance and rhythm of riding a horse, he is so patient and sturdy.

Due to his steady personality many kids are excited to get to trot and keeping it safe we start the trot on-line or in-hand. The kids quickly get the hang of it and start trotting around solo, a super feeling of confidence unfolds.

As the rider begins to feel the rhythm of the horse's gait she/he begins to go with the flow. The help of a kind gentle horse creates a sense of safety and empowerment in us. We send gratitude out to our animal allies. It comes back to us 100 fold and we rest in safety.

Today we had two returning students and one new fella. All had a chance to ride both horses. First Riley with a saddle, then Sunny bareback, with a pad. A rider's body has to relax yet grip while riding bareback. It allows one to feel more connected to the horse and a little scary with no stirrups to anchor one’s body firmly atop the large animal.

(Names are changed for confidentiality)