Girl Guides First Horse Encounter
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Riding has slowed down for the winter months. There’s lots of snow and cold, and little motivation to go out in it and ride. I did spend a whole day at the barn recently, because apparently the Girl Guides don’t notice the cold and snow, and came for a lesson and sleigh ride. There were 24 girls, bundled up in their winter gear. The stable aisle seemed packed, with four horses and everyone about twelve inches wider than normal.
Most of the girls had never been near a horse. And it’s always interesting to see how tentative they are. Everyone seems to want to pat the horse’s nose or stroke its forehead. It’s odd to me, that when a horse is so big that’s what they choose to touch. After all, that’s not what we do when we first meet another person. I usually show them how to scratch manes and find the itchy spots.
Grooming is the next step after the introductions are made. Again, the touches with the combs and brushes are tentative. And, after wearing winter blankets, the horses really want a good rub-down. Some of the girls get it, but some don’t seem to understand and never get past dabbing at the horse’s side and looking confused.
Mounting up, even with the help of a nice high stable mounting block is quite an exercise. You can give instructions, suggestions, hints, but you can’t make someone do what you’re telling them. And please, land lightly in the saddle. It’s painful to watch horses looking like their saying ‘oooof!’.
Those first few steps are pretty scary for many of the girls. This time around, only one burst out in tears. All was going well, and we were almost at the end of the lesson when one girl unaccountably started sobbing. She was doing so well, so we’re not sure what she was thinking and never did get it out of her. That’s one of the downsides of only meeting one time.
During the lesson, we go over some horse facts, quiz them on colors and do some fun exercises like touching the ears and tail from the saddle. We never got out of a walk of course, but it’s very satisfying to see many of the girls start to understand how to use the reins, and turn and stop with a modicum of effectiveness.
After their lessons, the girls were treated to hot chocolate and a visit with a Miniature in the shop. Here the girls got a bit bolder with the brushes, and the pony was lucky to have any hair left. The smaller size was less intimidating and who couldn’t be excited about a pony that hops up for a truck ride in the back seat. After that, they were driven part of the way back to their camp on a horse drawn sleigh. My mom’s big Anglo-Arabian pulled loads of five to the back of the field so they could climb over the fence and be on their way.
Suggestion for surviving a full day at the barn in mid-January. Those little disposable hand warmers are a must. And the foot warmers work well too, but leave little bunches under your foot. I hope that the cold wasn’t the most memorable thing they girls came away with. It would be nice to see them again this summer. |
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