Just horsing around

If you are a horse girl then you probably once dreamt about waking up Christmas morning and seeing a pony in the yard with a big red bow around it's neck and a tag with your name on it.

It's a given, all little girls who love horses have secretly hoped for one on Christmas day. 

Well it happened to our new little neighbor girls whose family moved into our area 6 months ago.  They are a young family with four girls between the ages of 8 and 2. 

As we've been getting acquainted I found out how much they love horses. 

I'm like BINGO! Girls who love horses are right up my ally, well any kid who likes horses are right up my ally. The key is not being allergic to them.

You see It's not uncommon for me, while tending to my friends kids, to take the children to see our horses as a fun activity.

The repercussion is watching their eyes become puffy, itchy and watery not to mention the constant sneezing.  

Who knew?

Then I report to their parents, Oh we had a great day! By the way your kids are allergic to horses.

Since then, I have to be extra careful and ask if anyone has allergies to horses when they express an interest in coming to our farm.

This time I struck the jackpot. Three little girls who love horses and aren't allergic.

In a conversation with their mom I offered for their family to come to our farm and see the horses. This is when I learned the girls were getting one as a Christmas surprise.

You woulda thought it was for me. I jumped for joy in pure excitement while all my childhood feelings came to surface.

A pony for Christmas!! Best surprise ever!!!

Well this little pony is full of surprises. She's a young 3 year old with a good start but has a sassy personality. The girls mom has some horse knowledge but their new little addition has some ideas of her own.

I offered my unprofessional help as I know nothing about training a young filly but then again, how hard can she be? I'm bigger than her right?

The girls named her Penny and simply love brushing her and putting bows in her mane. 

Penny loves the attention. 

After many days of us working on calm and quiet, we finally felt she was ready for the the girls to sit on her while we walked her around the arena.

I lead the pony and their mom walked along side as security in case Miss Penny tried one of her tricks.

As it turned out it was a huge success. Penny was relaxed and walked without incident.

 Around and around the arena we went and after a few rounds the girls confidence grew to the point of asking their mom not to be so close.

We were so proud of Penny and the girls. 

The pony may have been their Christmas present but the real gift has been their love for Penny and in return, Penny's trust in them.