Alphabet trail

We put the alphabet onto one of the trails last spring. It is always there and it gets used when the kids show interest.

Last spring when Scout and the other little kids rode we just sang the alphabet as we rode. Sometimes I would point to the letters as we sang. Sometimes Scout would point and ask what letter it was. Sometimes she would point and say what it was. Sometimes she was right, sometimes not, but I always celebrated her awesomeness each time.

The older kids were intrigued by the trail. I started games for them. "Stop your pony at each letter and name something that comes from the sea that begins with that letter" was one example. They loved it and forgot they were learning to ride. Each week they would come back wanting to know what the game would be.

Now she is singing the alphabet herself and still asking questions about the letters. We are talking about words that begin with each letter. She is so interested in language.

These games also helps riding. Talking while riding makes you breath. Playing games work on riding skills without it being mundane. The kids don't think about being nervous, just having fun. That makes them very relaxed. That makes the pony very relaxed.