Gracie Loves Horses

Last weekend we were able to meet up with Rudy and family at Gracie's
first riding event. There is a couple who offers their ranch to teach
interested 4-H members how to care for horses. They teach proper grooming, how to handle the horse, saddling up and riding.

The couple does all of this for free, just because
they like it. What a neat experience for the kids. Gracie completed all of the "book work"
and lessons and was able to take her first ride alone on this very tall horse.
They don't skip steps - she brushed the horse and cleaned under the horse's feet first.
We were so glad to get to be there for Gracie's first ride.

Then came the saddle pad, and saddle.

Then the bridle. Okay, she did have a little
help getting the saddle on and tightening
everything up.

Almost time to ride.

And, there she goes. Gracie was very serious
and listened carefully to instructions from the leader.

She looked like a seasoned rider from the beginning,
and soon she was allowed to trot the horse a little.
Please see the video in the last frame.
Do yourself a favor and slide the volume all the
way down, to miss the croaking camera/video again.