She seemed unsure as she began helping to clean my horse stalls. But, she worked hard and steady until she was finish -- without complaint. My step-daughter and I couldn't stand and watch her work alone so we chipped in, Tara hauled the wheel barrow, and I helped rake the edges so the loose stuff could be loaded. I took a few breaks to help my grandson get wet with the hose and follow his favorite path through the woods.
When we were finished cleaning I talked the girls into sitting down for some tea and tuna sandwiches. Of course, Ant (my grandson) only wanted cereal. I'm sure they didn't plan on spending so much time here, but I cleverly made it easy for them to extend their visit. After lunch we went back to the horses. By this time Pappy was home and he and Ant played while we girls continued with the horses.
We discussed horse anatomy and tack as we groomed the horses -- helping to prepare Brittany for her stable interview. Brittany first rode my old mare, Cerise, in her English saddle and jumping hackamore. Cerise is getting on in years, but she can still be quite forward. Cerise has raced, trained in dressage and enjoys jumping -- she is used to a sturdy contact from her rider. After Brittany rode her, I hopped on Cerise to show how she is used to going.
Next, Grace, she is young, big and unpredictable. She goes in a western saddle, Western headstall, an English kimberwick, and English reins. Sounds a little silly, but the western saddle helps you steady if she gets a mind to buck, and the kimberwick helps remind her not to think about bucking. I rode Grace a little, hoping for no surprises. Then Brittany hoped on. Well, okay, she didn't really hop on -- there was a tight jean issue. Modern jeans were not made for horseback riding. We'll leave it at that. She was cautious at first, as she should have been when mounting an unfamiliar horse. Then she and Grace started relaxing a little.
Pappy, Ant, and the three dogs decided to join us at that point. Since Cerise was just standing there not being ridden, Pappy hopped on her and rode around a little. All the while Tara had been helping hold horses and watching. Her desire to ride finally overcame her apprehensions, and she started talking to her dad (aka Pappy) about getting on Cerise. Tara has had some health issues for a few years now that have made it difficult for her to exert herself. And then, there she was on Cerise riding like an old pro.
So, we sent Ant and the dogs down his favorite walking trail with Pappy walking behind, then me, Grace and Brittany, and Cerise and Tara. Go figure, the young girls ride while the old folks and little boy walk. Ant zigged and zagged along the woodsy trail as the dogs darted around the bushes and trees -- secretly testing the
nerves of the horses and riders. Pappy pointed out and explained every sight along the trail, as usual, "There's the old vine." "We usually ride up the easement, but we will only cross 
When we got back to the house, Tara got off Cerise and Pappy and Ant resumed there games. Brittany seemed reluctant to dismount. She finally hopped down. I took Cerise to tie and untack her. Then Brittany shyly said, "May I ride a little more?"
So we tied the old mare up in the sand ring while Brittany continued to polish her riding skills on my young mare. Polish is the right word too. In the span of about an hour Brittany went from being a little awkward with the horses to looking like an experienced rider. She did a good job with Grace. By the end of her ride Grace was relaxed and cooperative.
It was so nice to have the girls ride. I'm hoping to have more days like this. I guess Ant was reluctant to let the day pass also. He asked to spend the night. So he did, and the day ended with pizza and Grammy, Pappy and Ant all snoring loudly, exhausted from the ride and walk in the woods.
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