We were still in Virginia when I started researching Malta and knew I wanted to go horseback riding! I was prepared to go it alone, if needed.
When an actual departure was in the calendar, I reached out to the barn to see who might be allowed to join me, in terms of size or age. Their response, “as long as they don’t refuse, we can take both children.”
Whoooaaahhh hhaaaaa ha!! There it is!
So, I asked both kids and BOTH said they wanted to go! I figured I’d get one on board, but not both! Over a month’s time, I asked several more times – just to make sure. Still a resounding ‘yes’! But I didn’t let them know I was excited. I was afraid they’d turn into skittish forest deer, and run the other direction as soon as they caught a whiff of the elation seeping through my pores.
So off we went! As we approached the barn, I was incredibly nervous. I didn’t want them to “refuse” at the last minute. It was a one-hour ride, which is certainly longer than T2 has ever ridden. I didn’t want to get half way through the ride and then have someone turn miserable, leaving us to return on foot. I didn’t want anyone to get spooked and never mount up ever again. I didn’t want to arrive and find horses I didn’t like the health of. I just didn’t.
But we arrived and the horses looked lovely. Check. The kids put on helmets and mounted up. Check. We took off and everyone was safe and content. Check.
And so began a nice hack around Golden Bay! There were no sounds coming from them, which I took as a good thing. In fact, every time I looked back, T2 had a smile on her face.
On the way home, horses will be horses, and there was some trotting. No one freaked out. They did awesome!!
As soon as we dismounted, T2 said, “Can we come back tomorrow and do that again?” She was walking on air! I was so incredibly proud of them both! I just might have a future riding partner! But don’t let them know I’m elated! I have to be strategic about this – things parents love are uncool, ya know.
Use Your Accent 