Express Clydesdales
The kids and I took a little trip out to the Express Clydesdales barn in Yukon, OK this morning for the first time. They have a beautiful facility about a 30 minute drive from NW Edmond that is free to the public. There is an Amish barn with gorgeous wood and lanterns and of course the amazing champion Clydesdales. All in all we spent about 45 minutes walking around the barns and pastures petting the horses, barn cat, and barn dog. Definitely a fun little morning trip for a pleasant summer morning.
Hannah + Horseback Riding
When Lorelai was three she announced that she wanted to take horseback riding lessons. At first I dismissed it as the whims of a three year old, but she kept after me...hounding me really, to take her. We happen to have a riding facility right near us, so I made a call and got everything set up. When we arrived we met Hannah, whose bubbly personality swept my daughter up in the excitement of it all, and after a couple hours she trusted this young woman to put her up on a giant horse. My three year old...on a horse!!!
Three years later, she is still up on a horse. She doesn't look quite as tiny now, as a matter of fact...on a horse is when Lorelai looks the tallest to me. Not because she's up high, but because she's confident, focused, and determined. I wish I could take credit for all of that gumption. Some of it is parenting, a lot of it is natural drive, and a heap of it is due to Hannah.
When Lorelai grows up she wants to be Hannah. On career day she dresses up in jods and puts her hair in a ponytail. Sadly, we learned yesterday that Hannah is taking a job at a new facility, in a different state, but we will always be grateful for the path she set Lorelai on.
Lorelai likes to take the summers off from riding, but she had a couple of private lessons she received for Christmas and Hannah was kind enough to squeeze one in with Lorelai before she leaves. It meant the world to Lorelai, and I know she'll treasure that lesson forever. Thank you, Hannah! You'll be missed more than you know, and best of luck. They're really lucky to have you!
Halloween Barn Show 2014
Following Halloween Cross Creek Stables hosted their Halloween Barn Show. I am constantly amazed by how talented Lorelai is on a horse. And while here she has a helper holding on to Sweetie during the competition, in practice she rides alone for the most part and with the focus and confidence of someone much older and with much more experience. She and Sweetie have such a crazy bond. They make a great team.
Lorelai competed in one event (although she probably would like to do more). In a group of seven kids, she being probably a good 3-4 years younger than everyone else in the group...she came in fifth!
So...I give you our pink ribbon winners.
I do have video that I need to load to Youtube so there will be a bit of the competition for you to watch as well. :)