The Great Equestrian

Last Saturday Avery took in some more British culture. She started horseback riding lessons, Bristish style. They say riding horses in the UK is very different from the US, but other than a different saddle, it looked the same to me (or at least the horses didn't look any different!). Avery was excited to start the lessons. Last Christmas, she had asked Santa for a real live horse. Now, this has brought the thought back up again! In fact she asked Bruce if she could get a horse upon return to the states. She is taking lessons at The Chessington Equestrian Center near our home. After papers were signed and she was fitted for a hat (an equsterian hat, not a cowgirl hat), she watched a class ride while she waited for her class to begin. I don't know if she was nervous. She didn't show it if she was! She mounted a horse named Simon and the kids were then led out into an arena. They practiced their posture, starting and stopping, and how to stand up & sit down in the stirrups in a trot. Avery did a good job, but she hasn't quite mastered the standing and sitting technique to minimise the impact from the saddle during a trot. After about 45 minutes of riding time, they had stable management for about 45 minutes. Avery said they cleaned some saddles. Its good the kids see its not just about riding and having fun but it's work also! She really had a good time. She wants to go again next week! So I guess we are headed out to buy her a hat so she does not have to wear a rented hat; GROSS! We are also going to buy her some riding pants, but wait on the equsterian boots as they can get pretty expensive.

Avery getting instructions

Avery and Simon

Avery at a trot!