A few firsts today

It warmed up beautifully today, so it was a good day to do things with the horses. Shayla came over, and the original plan was she'd ride Beamer, I'd ride Rio and we'd go for a tour down the road. However, that left Josie home alone, and you all know how kids left home alone get in trouble! So I changed up the plan; Shayla rode Rio and I led Josie. But just as we were about to head out, my husband decided it was time for Josie to experience her first saddle. What! you say? She's only 9 months old!!! Well, yes, but we didn't think she'd mind much....

A few sniffs... a few side steps.... and next thing you know, she's saddled and ready! (For the Christmas elf, maybe!)

So, after her first saddling, it was time for the first excursion off the property. Well, leading was getting a little boring for me, so I handed Shayla the lead rope and she taught Rio how to pony.

Josie wasn't too sure about it at first; I have never tied her up except in the horse trailer on her trip from Alberta the day I brought her home, and have only led her around from her pen to her turn out pasture.

Rio learned to pull for the first time. Shortly after I snapped this photo, Josie leaped ahead and Rio got a little worried, so I had Shayla drop Josie's lead rope and concentrate on settling Rio down. After that, we walked a bit and then tried again. Once again, Josie took a little exception to things and we had to regroup. But it wasn't long before they all got it sorted out.

I like to see the ponied horse facing the pony horse when they stop, and Josie did this naturally.

It was a good day and a good lesson! Thanks Shayla!

All the photos were taken with my pocket camera; I think I'm getting spoiled with my big camera for the lovely crisp photos I get with it. But this little one is so handy!