Fridays

The best part of Fridays for Charlotte is heading to the barn to ride Holly.

The best part of Friday's for me is heading to the barn to watch Charlotte ride Holly.

There is just nothing better!

It is such a wonderful way for both of us to end the busy week together.

She sure works hard.

 

and she is very concentrated!

Mr. McDonald is such a good instructor.  Patient.  Gentle.  Kind.  Inspiring.

This hour on Fridays is the best hour of the week. . .for both of us!!!

 

Though she stretches her hour to an hour and a half by brushing Holly down and offering to put her away. . .

She told Mr. McDonald today she wants to work at the barn when she is older.

He said he'll be holding her a spot!!!

Then she inquired about boarding a horse of her own. . .

And I told her it was time to GO!  (She is my sweet dreamer!)

Charlotte Rides Again!!!

Charlotte was a little thing when she rode in Arizona. . .

happiest days of her little life I think!

She loves horses more than anything else.

It was sad but necessary (for a number or reasons)

 when we made the decision to discontinue lessons.

She has ALWAYS wanted to ride again.

When we arrived here in Houston, 

I was told about a precious little stable just five minutes from our home.

I inquired about lessons and was so pleased with their overall philosophy

we decided to commit to a Friday afternoon riding time for our horse lover.

I drove her out to the stable a few weeks ago to see it.

{not telling her that she was enrolled}

She was so excited to see the horses.

When I told her she was going to come for lessons,

she started crying tears of joy!

and today was her first lesson.

In her words, it was "awesome" and "a little bit scary"

Afterall, it has been a few years since she's been on a horse.

Next week she'll be back in a familiar english saddle

This is a tremendous blessing for Charlotte.

We are so pleased to be able to see her do something for which she has so much passion.

and something that brings her so much joy!

The day I told her she was going to ride again,

I overheard her bedtime prayers -

she was thanking God for answering her prayers

and letting all things work out so she could ride again!

Indeed we are so thankful, too!

Travis McDonald, the equestrian center's director says,

"when you find the power of the horse and the gentleness of his spirit,

you have found a true treasure."