zeek, jay and gwin

Today, Zeek and I took Jaymee to meet Gwen. She had never seen a horse except for the Shetland Ponies at Bay Beach. She was very excited. I was glad that Gwen is the kind of horse I could put my little girl-pants Glynn on and not worry about any trouble.

Jay was so amazed by all the horses at Linda's. She told me that she never knew horses were so big. She thought they were much smaller.

She was intent on following me around the barn to prep. the isle for Gwen. Then she and Zeek joined me in bringing her in. Jay, again, followed my every move, asking questions, listening, watching, soaking it all in and I groomed, saddled and bridled the horse. She was smitten, and I could relate. I was proud to be the one facilitating her first horse experience.

I rode Gwin in the indoor ring to check her out. Then Zeek rode her.

This was his first day of riding her all on his own. 
I led Gwin for him about five minutes, and then he took the reigns and went on his own. At one point, Gwin wouldn't do what Zeek wanted, and she started walking sideways to get her way. He said, "well, she's side passing." 
And she was! It's so awesome that he knows what the is and feels like from the position of riding at SIX years old! :)

I was so happy for him. He did really well with her.

Then it was Jay's turn. She was a little scared at first, but within 10 minutes, she was pulling on the reins and asking me to teach her how to steer.

SHE rode by herself, too. First time ever, and she blew me away. She was so calm and assertive and confident. Gwin did every single thing that eight year old girl asked her to, and I did cry a little in joy.

Also, while the kids were playing after their rides, I took all of Gwin's tack off. She was playing bare in the ring with me, and I decided to do a little prep. work for readying her to ride bareback with me. 
This is something I approached in the past and she was not okay with. 

Well, after about 20 minutes of work, I was on her back with NOTHING on her. Not even a harness, so I was a little nervous at first. 
Eventually, I was laying forward on her, rubbing her all over and desensitizing her to the feeling. 

So many proud moments today.

Proud of my boy.

Proud of my Glynn.

And proud of my horse.

Couldn't be happier.