Horse Lessons Update

OK. So I put on here how Meredith did during the fair. It was a very stressful time for her.

The week after the fair, we didn't do the lessons. But we did go the week after that. Girl had a major fit! She didn't want to go. Didn't want to ride. Just plain didn't want to even be there. She was crying and pouting all during Hayden's lesson. Finally, I sat her on my lap and just held her awhile. I don't even remember what I said so let's just pretend it was truly profound, shall we? Finally, it was her turn for her lesson. She got on that horse and had the best lesson so far. Dunny was paying attention, Meredith was paying attention. Even when the horse did something she didn't want him to, she didn't get upset, just pulled him back and kept going. Apparently, this was the first lesson where she didn't cry or get upset because "the horse wasn't doing what he was supposed to." It was also the first time I stayed thru the whole lesson. Usually, I'd drop them off and John would pick them up on his way home after work. Yeah, so I'm staying for the lessons now.

Since then, Meredith has just been getting more and more confident and at ease on the horse. She is turning into a little "cowgirl." One week when she was riding, someone threw something into the arena (from outside, they didn't see her) right in front of Dunny and he spooked, of course, but even that didn't faze the Girl; she just held on and got him back under control.

We've also been out there a couple of times to just ride. The kids like the chance to do what they want instead of getting told to do certain things! They both like to trot, or jog as they tell me its called in Western riding.

I should say that one reason they are doing so well is because the horse is getting all kinds of attention now. The manager at the stable, Katie, is riding/working him about 3 times a week so he is learning a lot! And she is also the one teaching the kids, so when they ride, they do it like she does.

Anyway, I'm interested in seeing how this plays out in the long run. Meaning, will her growing confidence in her ability to control a giant animal translate into confidence in the real world? (I hope it works for high school - I'm already worried about high school!)