and on that farm she had a horse...

We've been trying to find a special activity for Paige. When she was three we attended a "Mommy & Me" gymnastics class. She liked it, but it wasn't something she was excited to continue with. We tried dance, and although she seems to have natural talent there and LOVES to move, she wasn't excited about an actual class. For the past year she has been BEGGING to take "horse lessons." We have gone back and forth over those 12 months trying to decide how we felt about the idea. She is so little, which freaks me out since horses are, well, um...HUGE!! At the same time, we felt like it could provide her with a great opportunity to get to know an animal. To learn how to care for it, to see an end result in her hard work and dedication. To learn about responsibility. We also thought it would be a great way to build her confidence.

Meet Paige's new buddy, Rosie...

Today was our second time visiting Rosie. We LOVE this place! It is a small stable in a private community. The horse is timid and calm. We are taking things VERY slowly because of her age and size, and because she just responds better to baby steps. She is able to have riding lessons, but we aren't going to rush into it. She LOVES just being with Rosie. We took some apples today and she really enjoyed feeding Rosie. There was a small pony in the stable who Paige fell in love with. Gesture is the perfect size for Paige. We are hoping that when she is ready to start riding, she'll start on this guy.

She was brushing them, petting them and even watched them get their "shoes" cleaned. It was amazing to watch their personalities. When Paige would feed an apple to Rosie, Gesture would start rubbing the ground with his hoof, as if to ask for another one. They were clearly jealous of one another when Paige would offer attention to one over the other. It was obvious to me how people can love these horses. Paige is already there! She can't wait to go back...and she really can't wait to get some cowgirl boots, which I've learned is not an easy task! We are hoping this will be a great experience for Paige. Something that is just for her and that she can take pride in. We see benefits already...and she has moved from begging for a puppy to asking when she can get her own horse. Uh-oh! Her fish fits nicely in our family budget for now!