On Monday, July 27th, I had the honor of giving two young people their first rides on a pony. One of my dear friends from one of my schools brought her three children over a visit. We have been planning this for two years Interestingly, Dylan was really excited about this too. I guess he was bugging his mother about asking me IF I had a helmet that would fit him and was SO worried that I wouldn’t that he made his mother put his bike helmet in the car. He wanted to make sure he could go for a ride. NOW is that awesome or what that he was so worried about having a helmet!
After a nice lunch, we headed down to the barn and I brought the two sisters in. I knew that leaving Maggie out while DL was in would only lead to distraction. I put DL on the crossties and showed Chloe and Dylan how to groom and her favorite spots. DL was in total heaven having TWO children grooming her at the same time. DL got that dreamy look of total enjoyment when Chloe got her favorite spot on her neck. Dylan got her favorite spot on the other side!
I saddled and bridled DL up explaining what I was doing and how to mount. Chloe went first. I had her do it a couple of times so she would get comfortable with this new experience. DL stood like a rock even with some minor clambering going on. I explained to Chloe that DL was voiced trained and wouldn’t walk until she asked. With a firm ‘walk’ said by Chloe we started off to the side lawn and the shade. Chloe’s face glowed! I was extremely pleased with Chloe’s body position (she takes dancing lessons) and how quickly she got comfortable with DL’s walk. Personally, I was very taken with Chloe’s guts and total willingness to listen to what I said. Dylan was watching and listening to everything I said from mounting to Chloe riding.
After a few minutes, Chloe said that her brother could have a turn (knowing that she could have another turn) so we went back to the barn. Dylan just blew me away! I asked him if I needed to repeat what I had said to Chloe. He said “No” and I helped him swing into the saddle. He took to everything like a duck to water. He told DL to walk and off we went.
After a few minutes, Chloe said that her brother could have a turn (knowing that she could have another turn) so we went back to the barn. Dylan just blew me away! I asked him if I needed to repeat what I had said to Chloe. He said “No” and I helped him swing into the saddle. He took to everything like a duck to water. He told DL to walk and off we went.
After more than a few minutes, Dylan said we could return to the barn for Chloe’s second go. Chloe was very happy for her second ride and spent longer. Chloe helped me untack and brushed DL off for me. She then gave DL a little grass/grazing as a treat. Both children left with glowing smiles on their face and Jen couldn’t believe what a kind, loving pony DL was.
As you all know, I love my DL to pieces. She is just about the best pony anyone could hope to own and even more so to have bred. She has always been a saint for my grandchildren that rarely visit. I really felt sad yesterday after Jen and the children left. Jen has promised to bring Chloe and Dylan back for another visit soon. DL really deserves to have children in her life. I am now plotting about HOW I can steal Chloe and Dylan… I don’t think it will happen but I can dream as I am sure DL is.
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