Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Training for the Kentucky Derby

Avery and Athena went horseback riding on Avery's birthday.  Several months ago, I found a Groupon for a "Mommy and Me" grooming and riding session for young kids at a riding stable on John's Island.  Avery and Athena had an absolute blast!!  I highly recommend the Stono River Riding Academy to anyone here in the lowcountry!  We would go much more often if it wasn't so darn far away from the boonies, where we currently reside.
 
Avery enjoyed wearing (and still wears them!) his new cowboy boots from MawMaw.
 Athena is posing for the camera and showing her super cute cowgirl riding outfit, complete with pink rhinestone boots.
The owner of the stable, David Folden, gave Avery and Athena their lesson.  He was absolutely phenomenal with these two young kids; he kept their interest levels high while patiently redirecting them back to task.  He was extremely generous with his time.  We are so grateful for this experience! 
Avery showing off his boots again. 
 This horse's name is Honey and she was the horse the kids groomed.  Sweet baby!  I stayed away though....the wounds are still fresh from pre-vet school, haha.
 Mr. David allowed Avery to ride Honey from the pasture to the stables...bareback, and without a helmet.  Made me kind of nervous, but Avery held on tight!
 Phil kept a tight grip on both kids.  Where are the seatbelts on these things????
 Awww....sweet Honey.
 A grooming lesson from Mr. David.
Avery brushing the dead fur off of Honey (and there was a LOT!). 
Anyone want a fur coat? 
 Avery and Athena combing Honey's mane.  I like Avery's hand on Athena's back.  This was good bonding time for these two cousins.
Athena giving Honey a super sweet hug.  She is such an animal lover!
Can't forget the tail!!
Avery showing off his riding helmet.

Uncle David and Avery.
Athena got to ride a dark brown horse.  She transformed from Athena to Merida from the movie "Brave" and called her horse Angus (from the movie).


Avery riding Honey...saddled up.
 








 


 
 

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