For those that dont know, I have a part time job working with horses at a stable about 5 minutes from our house. I feed the horses (about 40 of them, some quarter horses, a couple draft ponies, but mostly Kiger mustangs) Monday through Friday, and clean stalls and do turnouts Mondays - Wednesdays. I didn't know squat about horses when I started 7 months ago, and was terrified of getting kicked or otherwise maimed, and wasnt sure I was going to ever be comfortable around them. I am so loving my job now! I am glad I stuck with it, I really enjoy the time I get to spend with them, and feel so confident and comfortable working with them now. They each have such individual personalities, and its fun getting to know who likes what. We have a trainer that works at the barn, he teaches Natural Horsemanship (which is kind of like Attachment Parenting, but for horses). Its kind of the barn philosophy, to treat the animals with respect and understanding, which I really love. Its a cool place to work, it has a very peaceful vibe.
This week Killian had Friday off of school, so he came with me to work that morning to help feed. He is really a great helper, and he loves being around the horses. Here he is taking hay out to feed LuLu and Holly:
Louie stopped him on the way back, checking for treats. Louie is 34, which is very old for a horse, but he is still in good health, and such a happy guy:
The very best part of going to work with mom? The GOLF CART!!
Feeding Mariah and Fresco:
This is the reason I come home with itchy eyes, and hay in places you wouldn't imagine it could get to....look at all the dust and tiny hay bits flying around everywhere!
Another perk of my job? Free riding lessons! I have taken a couple now by myself, riding bareback, which is a trip. My boss said the other day that she would love for Killy to come with me, and she would give us both lessons, indefinitely, free of charge. I am so grateful for this opportunity, not only because its something I have always wanted, but because its something I normally wouldn't be able to do for and with Killy. Here he is after brushing LuLu (another old horse...she is 28!)
Killian riding:
Taking the reigns and riding by himself (sorry for the sucky picture quality, the barn is very dark and hard to get a good picture in):
When Killian was done, it was my turn to ride Holly (another older horse at 26...I swear we have lots of young ones around too!) who is one of the sweetest horses in the barn. Killian was at the camera for all these. Tacking up:
This cracked me up....its all butt!
It was a trend....the only other shot of me with Holly was also from behind:
Among various shots of dirt and walls, I found this self portrait on the camera:
We both had a great time, and are looking forward to next weeks lesson already!
This week Killian had Friday off of school, so he came with me to work that morning to help feed. He is really a great helper, and he loves being around the horses. Here he is taking hay out to feed LuLu and Holly:
Louie stopped him on the way back, checking for treats. Louie is 34, which is very old for a horse, but he is still in good health, and such a happy guy:
The very best part of going to work with mom? The GOLF CART!!
Feeding Mariah and Fresco:
This is the reason I come home with itchy eyes, and hay in places you wouldn't imagine it could get to....look at all the dust and tiny hay bits flying around everywhere!
Another perk of my job? Free riding lessons! I have taken a couple now by myself, riding bareback, which is a trip. My boss said the other day that she would love for Killy to come with me, and she would give us both lessons, indefinitely, free of charge. I am so grateful for this opportunity, not only because its something I have always wanted, but because its something I normally wouldn't be able to do for and with Killy. Here he is after brushing LuLu (another old horse...she is 28!)
Killian riding:
Taking the reigns and riding by himself (sorry for the sucky picture quality, the barn is very dark and hard to get a good picture in):
When Killian was done, it was my turn to ride Holly (another older horse at 26...I swear we have lots of young ones around too!) who is one of the sweetest horses in the barn. Killian was at the camera for all these. Tacking up:
This cracked me up....its all butt!
It was a trend....the only other shot of me with Holly was also from behind:
Among various shots of dirt and walls, I found this self portrait on the camera:
We both had a great time, and are looking forward to next weeks lesson already!