As I traipse around and around (and around and around) the yard, teaching Cub and Wrecking Crew about the pony they are mounted on and how to RIDE him, I can't help but reflect back on my very first pony. Who, incidentally, could have been Snicker's relative. Blossom was the same size, with the same thick lovely mane and tail, the same fantastic forelock, and the same beautiful silver dapple color. Blossom was awesome. I loved that pony with all my heart, and spent countless hours mounted on her sturdy back, exploring the woods around our home. That pony was my best friend and one of my fondest memories.
These days, it sure seems that my kids are pretty lucky to have a stand in like that. And it is more apparent everyday just how much ponies and horses have to offer kids of today. So many things have gone by the way side, and so many children live lives entirely differently than we did. But having a child around a good pony or horse? Wow what they can learn!
A good pony brings out confidence.
A good pony brings out physical strength and coordination.
A good pony brings out a sense of responsibility.
A good pony teaches the child about manners.
A good pony teaches balance- not just while mounted, but through the responsibilities that come with it.
A good pony teaches about Love.
A good pony shows kindness.
A good pony teaches patience.
A good pony teaches skills that will be needed later in life- compassion, empathy, and the value of "hard" work and it's rewards.
A good pony brings out physical strength and coordination.
A good pony brings out a sense of responsibility.
A good pony teaches the child about manners.
A good pony teaches balance- not just while mounted, but through the responsibilities that come with it.
A good pony teaches about Love.
A good pony shows kindness.
A good pony teaches patience.
A good pony teaches skills that will be needed later in life- compassion, empathy, and the value of "hard" work and it's rewards.
Why should children be around ponies? Because in the right hands, a pony or horse will give the child the world. They'll show the child how to be a leader through kindness, or what might happen if you get too big for your britches and decide to be a bully. They get the kids outside, in the fresh air, playing and moving around. Riding uses muscles, and balance, and helps keep our kids healthier and stronger. And we all know that time spent grooming a pony is soothing not only for the pony, but it does wonders for our souls as well. Many of us have been through troubled times. Many of us can reflect back and look at the warm, strong, silken hide covered shoulder we could lean on and draw strength from.
I wish... oh how I wish... every child could get to know a good horse or pony.
And I sure am Thankful, every single day, that my two Little Mens have that chance to ride and play with horses.
22 comments:
Here here! I never had a pony as a child because we lived in the city, but riding through my teenage years taught me a lot about the person I wanted to become in all aspects of my life -- confident but modest, kind and compassionate but not a pushover. Also, there is nothing like being at the barn all the time to keep kids out of serious trouble (like gangs, not like good ol' sex, drugs and rock-and-roll).
Amen!
I so agree, all I ever wanted was to give my kids what I had as a kid. So far we have been able to do that, horses and a country life, and the last one is almost grown. Grandkids next?? he he he
I agree with you 100%! Ponies & kids are a great combination under loving guidance.
Amen girl! I totally agree! Just think if every child had that, how great that would be!
Sunday Savannah helped me push cows at our church's Working Ranch Horse Competition and she did great. She was telling me how to do it! LOL! What memories for us and them!
Glad to be back! Been crazy here! Love ya!
Beautifully said sista!
Well you know I agree!
Great post! I never had a pony or horse as a child. As an adult I have learned the same things and am lovin' every minuteof it!
you have a very compassionate heart.
will i ever learn the christ-like way of fervently hoping for the best for others, even total strangers? it's good to know you mrs mom!
~lytha (7 hours and counting..)
I had to wait a very long time to make it happen for myself, but it was too late for my already-grown son. I hope to be able to give it to a grandchild one day.
Ditto! I had a pony as a kid and it was so great.
I love seeing my boys with the horses, but their (mostly the older one) admiration is usually short lived to be left once someone else to play with comes to the barn. I wish I knew how to make it more fun and enticing to them.
Kudos! Great post! I'm so sorry that I didn't get Zoe into horses as a small child, opposition, city boy ex-husband. However, I did make some progress this past week, she did help me Kola's first hose treatment and she did a good job! baby steps! I so wanted to get her a pony as a child!
I couldn't agree with you more. I think children learn great lessons from horses and ponies: both about being empowered and about being responsible for another living thing. Great post.
And p.s., yes my little silver dapple shetland taught me what happens when I try to be a bully. The dirt and I had a quick meeting. Good life lesson too.
I totally agree!! Ever since I found that old Peanut horse for my kids, it has been totally different around here. They love to go ride, and they love to help take care of their Peanut. Wonderful post!! And I love seeing your cubs with their pony and horse!! Too cute!! Great pictures
Great post! I couldn't agree more. I cannot imagine growing up without horses in my life.
Amen! I so totally agree.
Truer words...
I can't imagine having grown up without my pony :)
I agree too - I had a pony when I was growing up, was the best thing in the world for me.
What I don't get is why some people have such a hard time with them. I hate seeing them at auctions or at rescues - it blows my mind. Pony's are not hard to take care of and yet it seems like they are some of the first to be abused or neglected.
I often refer to them as the poor sh!t upon ponies. :(
Awww truer words have never been spoken, my friend. Such a beautiful post...and lovely photos, too.
I wanted to say "And being around horses teaches you to be safe around electric fences" lol!
So you had an Awesome Blossom?
I would love to see photos of her. Are they in your archives?
Have you already shared some of your pony memories, too?
I'm so envious of others who have grown up around horses. I was the girl who dreamed of a horse every Christmas and Birthday...and it never happened. :(
Until I was older and crustier. lol! But my kids get the opportunities, and I'm grateful for that.
~Lisa
Getting kids involved with horses is one of the best things you can do for them. It really helps with self-confidence. I wish all kids could have some exposure to horseback riding but these days that's not practical.
Dave
I am a late in life horse owner and am lovin every thing about it. I wished I had my kids grow up with horses, but they do visit now often to see and play and ride with ours at least.
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