A New Chapter

Natalie had her horse lesson today. We have been talking about going down the lease road for a few months now, and I think we finally have to come to some decision. It cannot be shoved under that table or forgotten any longer. Hmmm.
Natalie has told us quite a few times that her "goal" is to show a horse. Well, you kinda need a horse to do that. So, fast forward to today's lesson. The horse that Natalie rides is a 26 year of mare. She's seen better days and way past her prime. Her coach mentioned today that Natalie is now asking the mare to do things that the mare can no longer do. In English, Nat's outgrown her. So, we were presented with the option of leasing 2 horses. Warrior or Szanghi?
Natalie is attracted to Warrior because he is a paint. He's young and has some "pep in his step." Way opposite of the current riding situation she is used to. Then there is Szanghi. He's an Arabian, slightly older, and very good with kids. Natalie has rode Szanghi before, but has not rode Warrior yet. Test drives begin next week.
It's an exciting opportunity thats coming, however bittersweet. We will surely miss Ghalli with all she has taught us. But its time to begin this chapter of starting a new, lasting relationship with a new horse.
So what's it going to be Warrior or Szanghi? To be continued......

I need a vacation!

I did not realize that life would be busier once school let out. It seems like I don't have any time left at the end of the day to do anything, and I feel like I have neglected my blog. Maybe its because the weather is nicer and we've been spending more and more time outside. Natalie's garden is coming along nicely. Her tomatoes are coming along great! Natalie is starting to get back in the swim mode. But its really all about the horse riding right now. We have made several trips to the stable just to give carrots and apple treats to Duke & Golly. I'm still wondering if this is a phase or a real deal!
Well since I've been neglecting the blog, I have been working on a website for Natalie and her new hobby. It's still under construction, but I think its coming along well. Click here to view.
We leave for vacation on Saturday, we are going up north and there is no wi-fi where we are going. There are also no phones. It will be tough, but I will suffer through :)

The new hobby

Today was the day of Natalie's first lesson. She was so excited, she could hardly contain herself.
On the first lesson, Natalie had to learn to groom a horse. Her horse today was "Miss Mandy." A 25 year old Mare, who was just a sweet heart. Natalie had to groom her hair, brush her mane & tail, and even clean her hooves. We learned today that having a horse and caring for one is very hard work.



The highlight of our day was actually sticking our finger in the horses mouth! I learned alot today as well. It was a good time. Our next lesson is Tuesday, more to come!