Riding with my boy

Is there any better feeling than riding a horse out on the trail with your boy?  I think not.  My son has been really itching to ride lately, and so I told him that tonight would be the night.

Of course, this meant that when I got home, I was immediately assaulted with verbal pleas from the boy.  Since it was 5 o'clock and over 90 degree's, I talked him into playing a video game for an hour or so till it cooled down a tad.

That time flew by, and soon it was time.  The wife had gone to a pampered chef party, and it was guys night out.  If you were to ask my son what that means, he would respond with a loud "IT MEANS WE HAVE FUN!!!".  Duncan was a perfect gentleman and once I tied his rope halter on, Riley escorted him over near the garage.  We then brushed him down good, and began saddling him up.  Once saddled, I walked Riley around a few laps so he could get over some initial fears, however, he'd tell you that it was to "make sure Duncan is calm for the ride".  That kid cracks me up.  I then turned him loose while I went and got Rachel and saddled her up.

Riley did really well.  I was very happy with him.  He showed a lot more control this time in the saddle.  I had to keep on him a little bit about letting the horse have the line back after he points him in the direction he wants to go, but he showed major improvement.  I was very impressed with Duncan.  I could not have a better horse for him.  He was calm, and very patient with Riley.

I hopped on Rachel, and we were off.  This was where Duncan really impressed me.  Duncan basically showed his trail riding wisdom by just following me.  If ever he seemed to be slowing up behind, I could just yell for him and he would start walking towards me.  This is wonderful!  It allowed my son to gain a lot of confidence, and have a lot of fun, while at the same time, allowing me to not worry about them getting into trouble.  A while back we borrowed a pony named Smokie that was this way.  Smokie is an amazing pony, and it's awesome to see Duncan have similar traits.

We went riding in the 100 acres behind my house.  I got permission from the owners to ride on it, and it's pretty good.  No trails, but some nice pasture and tree's.  It was a nice peaceful ride.  I had a wonderful time.

What a night.  I love doing things like this with my son.  His talking is just music to my ears.  He says some of the funniest stuff.  I'm real proud of that kid, and so happy that we share the same hobby.  It doesn't get much better than that.

Pictures are attached.  One is of Rachel all saddled up.  Another 2 are of Riley just posing on his horse.  I snapped a picture of my goslings.  I have to say that my friend Kim is right as can be on ganders raising goslings.  I still have all 5 goslings and that gander makes sure nothing gets near them.  I also snapped a picture of feed time.  3 happy horses eating after a nice ride.

I should note, that Pam was going bonkers in the pen.  I had the sprinkler on to help the grass not burn up, and I got to watch her totally wipe out as she tried sprinting through the pen.  She went down and slid on her side about 10 feet.  Then she got up and acted like nothing happened.  So funny.  I think you had to be there though.