Despite the initial forecast predicting breezy conditions with a hint of showers, we were pleasantly surprised by a calm, overcast day that wrapped us in a cosy grey embrace. It was one of those days that felt like an unexpected gift.
As our members embarked on their third ridden rally, some began to feel the chill in their hands. In a heartwarming moment, one of our instructors encouraged them to lift their hands and wiggle their fingers vigorously to generate warmth—a delightful sight indeed!
For this rally, we thoughtfully divided the children into two groups based on age: one for the younger kids aged 2 to 5 years old and another for the older ones aged 5 to 10 years old.
The air buzzed with excitement as they engaged in activities like walking, trotting, and pole work alongside their ponies. The more seasoned riders even took on jumping and cantering—an impressive achievement for these young equestrians!
During the unmounted portion of our rally, we shifted focus slightly towards earning our horse colours and markings badge. Using both horses and magazines as learning tools, the children eagerly tested their knowledge about different pony colours and markings. Their enthusiasm for identifying everything from dapple greys to piebalds filled the atmosphere with laughter and chatter.
Simple activities like these are crucial; they not only build riding skills but also nurture an enduring love for horses among these budding equestrians!