Blazing Saddles

Yesterday we returned to the big kids' favorite activity..horseback riding lessons. Or "cowboy lessons" if you believe Cornell. We used to take from our fabulous older cousin, but her barn was so far away, we just didn't go. So, we joined a much closer barn and after more than 6 months, the kids got back in the saddle.

Taylor rode Abner and Cornell rode Pepperoni. Pepperoni was really more of an oversized Saint Bernard due to his excessive drooling. But, drooling is super cool to a six year old boy. So it was a match made in Heaven.

At one point, Cornell was cheating by using the saddle to help lift himself up while posting. Miss Erin asked Cornell to let go of the saddle. Cornell, being well....Cornell, let go completely, of everything! Reins, saddle, his inhibitions. For a few glorious and terrifying moments, there he was... holding on to nothing, trotting faster and faster, as if Pepperoni knew this was Cornell's big moment. He had his arms spread completely out to the sides and the only thing wider was the grin spreading across his face. My mouth dropped open in disbelief, as I was about to see my child thrown from a horse.

Then, as suddenly as it happened, it was over. Cornell took the reins back and Pepperoni, sensing the adventure was over, slowed to a walk. I finally breathed.

Well....they are called Cowboy Lessons.