We’re back to riding lessons again (yay, Spring!). Last fall was the first season we were able to go every week instead of only once or twice a month, thanks to the kindness of Jeannie at Wild Ones Youth Ranch. This consistency helped Jackson slide right back into it so quickly, I was a bit amazed. The helmet went on without a fight. He jumped down into the corral, stomped up the 3 steps of the mounting block, swung his leg up (flashing everyone in sight with a ghastly plumber-esque view), and sauntered off on faithful Sahali’s back like a professional cowboy. The ranch hands on either side of him reminded him to hold on to the pommel. Before the first lap around the corral was complete, he was humming happily to the world.
While waiting for his second and third turns on the horse was a little nerve-racking (for me, not for Jackson), he actually engaged with Fanny, the farm dog instead of running away. Not bad. And he even gave Max, the friendliest of several barn cats an inconspicuous pat and sideways smiley-glance that said, “I think I might like you…as long as you don’t come at me.” Both animals produced some independent language and opportunities to follow directions (dog, cat, pat, touch, gentle).
A few sprinkles and the cool breeze didn’t dampen Jackson’s spirits, and he even submitted briefly to the required final “chore” of bushing a horse blanket before bolting out of the barn. Jackson’s glad to be back in the saddle!