Florida Fam: We Ride!

One of the first things Kyle's family wanted to do was to visit the horses and go for a ride. We went early in the morning trying to beat the heat, but already the temps were climbing.

Curt, Lukie, Cory, Whitney, Braden, Melissa, Addie, Kyle, Ashley, me, and Craig on the veranda of the new barn.

We often pop kids up on Hokey bareback as he is gentle and trustworthy. So, with the heat and all, I just put a halter on him, brought him into the small paddock behind the new barn, and the rides began. 

Going for a ride was a family effort - someone needed to lead Hokey and then we needed a person on each side of the rider. Here I am leading Hokey with Kyle and Curt as side helpers. That's Lisa standing on the flatbed trailer - we used it as a mounting block.

Cory was especially excited to be at the barn - she would like to be a farmer when she grows up. (Isn't that a good picture of Hokey?)

I didn't make it around the paddock too many times - heat bothers me, so Lisa took over for me.

Melissa's first ride on a horse! And no doubt it is not her last one - not with me as her Grammy!

The other kids waited in the shade of the new barn for their turns. 

Even a couple of the adults took a spin around the paddock. 

Curt.

Braden. (Another pretty shot of Hokey.)

Addie. (She'd have ridden all day, even in the heat, if we'd let her!)

Hokey was such a good boy. He never balked or argued, and walked carefully around the paddock no matter who was on his back. (He got peppermints and apple slices for his efforts.)

More on our barn visit to come. Stay 'tooned!