My oldest, 9 year old Elizabeth, has always loved horses. She even chose to have a horse-themed birthday party when she turned six years old.
Despite her love for horses, she has never actually ridden a full-size horse. Well, this summer Adam and I decided she was old enough to handle the responsibility and danger associated with this sport so we signed her up for a week long horse camp at our local equestrian center. Her Granny and Aunt Erica hooked her up with some sweet cowgirl boots and trendy new bedazzled t-shirt.
As we drove to camp on the first morning I asked if she was nervous.
"No, I'm not nervous at all. But I am imagining that it is going to be a small place with one little horse that we all have to share. That way I won't be disappointed."
Who does that? Sets their expectations low so they won't be disappointed. (Her dad! Her dad! Her dad!)
It's so funny to me because I cannot relate to that life strategy. I tend to expect great things and then sometimes I am disappointed. But Elizabeth and Adam both share this strategy of setting their expectations low so they can instead be pleasantly surprised.
Well pleasantly surprised she was!!!!
We pulled up to a huge barn with 32 horses!!! Each girl got their own horse to care for and ride.
When I picked her up after Day #1 I learned that they not only rode their horse by themselves but they also went on a 3 mile trail ride and even started trotting. Day #1!?!?!? She was so excited!!! Even someone like me with high expectations would have been happy with this day.
Day 2-4 continued to improve as she learned how to post (going up and down in the saddle), trot, gallop and jump!
On Day #5 all the parents were invited to the horse show where the girls were able to present their horses in the ring while riding for us and performing their skills.
Elizabeth did a great job!!She certainly enjoyed the week and is already looking forward to the next time she gets to hop in the saddle.
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