Last night, we took Shelby and Jesse horseback riding for Shelby's birthday gift. It was amazing and of course the kids want a horse and a farm now. The sweet woman who gave them an hour long lesson on the basics of horseback riding is a homeschooling Mom of 4. They have a ranch not far from our house where they also raise chickens (our new organic egg source!) pot belly pigs and a goat who thinks he is a pig. Their kids take care of the chickens and gathering and selling of the eggs and they get to keep the money. We are totally doing that if we ever have some land!
Here is Shelby puckering up to kiss Sprocket forward. They learned how to get the horses to walk and how to steer them. Tracy and her 10 year old daughter led them around for about 10 minutes and then they were free. They practiced turning and going around barrels. She even taught them how to trot for a few seconds. The wonder and excitement in their eyes was priceless. I am so thankful we had this opportunity. The kids say they want lessons. We'll see how they feel in a week or so.
Riding off into the sunset...
Jesse's horse was named Popcorn. He was super gentle. He was raised at a farm where he was ridden on by mostly mentally handicapped children so that shaped his temperament.
Tracy shared with me that they had to put a horse down this week and it was so difficult for their son. The way they chose to do it was so interesting. Usually when a horse has to be put down you have to pay someone almost $400 to take it away and it might go to a landfill to rot with the other garbage. Expensive and inhumane. Another option here in AZ is called the Circle of Life. There is a drive thru zoo here called Out of Africa that has lions and all kinds of wild life. They will accept horses that have to be put down and put them out in the wild to be food for the other animals. No cost and no waste...How it would happen in the wild. Their son went with them to take the horse and while he was sad, he was pleased with the choice they made. What an amazing learning experience! 
