Courtney & Ben

You can take the girl out of Wyoming, but you can't take Wyoming out of the girl!

Courtney's new love: horseback riding. Her grandpa had taught her a little bit about riding before we moved, just enough for her to fall in love with it. So I thought if I could get her riding lessons, it might help her enjoy living here more, since she's had such a hard time adjusting. I searched and searched and had almost given up. Have you seen the price of riding lessons??!! Just when I was about to give up, I found this little stable that's only 20 minutes away from us. They are very small, but very affordable, very flexible (you set your own schedule) and so nice. It's perfect. So I signed Courtney up, and she had her first lesson on Saturday. It was originally cancelled because of Tropical Storm Hannah, which traveled right over us. But it was moving so fast that by Saturday afternoon, the sky was clear and sunny. Here's some pictures of her first lesson.



Today's lesson was with Ben, a very sweet horse, who loves to eat and was born in Wyoming the same year Courtney was born. Of course she loved him.


She has to groom the horse before and after the lesson, learn all the parts of the horse, and know how to saddle him.



Learning the reigns.


She rode around the corral a few times, getting used to the reigns and controlling the horse. She even got to trot a few times.


Her instructor was really impressed by how much Courtney knew and how much control she had on her first lesson. Courtney gave all the credit to her grandpa. It usually takes a while before they let students out onto the trail. But because she is doing so well, she gets to take the horse out next time. She's a natural.

Here's the owner, during a barrel racing competition.
Maybe Courtney one day???



I hope Courtney has found her niche and can really get into this. I think having a passion will really make a difference for her. Now Dad, you have to come visit so Courtney can take a ride with you out on the trails!