Saturday Riding Lessons

Saturday is my favorite day of the week because I get to go horseback riding. I take lessons at Liberty Stables in Verona WI.

The horse I ride is named Rhea. She is a Paint-Arab which means she is two different breeds: Paint and Arabian. Arabians have a small muzzle or nose and have a high-set tail. Paint horses have big spots and mapping which is lighter coloring around darker spots.

The first thing I do when I get to the barn is say 'hi' to the horses and then I start to brush and pick Rhea's hooves. First I use a curry comb in circles on her fur. Then I use a soft and hard brush one after the other. Then I lift up each hoof and pick out all the debris. I have to put boots on her next. They are boots that go around her ankles and not really boots she wears on her hooves. Then I have to put on her saddle pad which looks like a felt mat and protects her back from the saddle. Next comes the saddle, I ride with a western saddle which is VERY heavy. Next I get the bridle which includes the bits and the reins. I use an English bridle. In the winter I warm up the bit in my hands to make it more comfortable for Rhea.

Here is a picture of the tack room...look at all those saddles and halters.

The stable owner Mandy has lots of horses. Here are some of my favorites.

This is Sunny.

Look at Bullseye and Ranger getting ready for a ride.

Look how cute Mesa is!

Here is my favorite horse Rhea!

Springtime means lots of mud at the stable!

 

Here are some of my instructors, Heidi, Sam, and Erin. They know soooo much about horses and ride beautifully. I want to be just like them.

 

Rhea and I had a great ride today. Here's a little video of my lesson...watch what happens to my saddle.