I started 2 years ago. The horseKids. I wanted to create a community for Scout of like minded folks. I wanted the kids to see themselves as a community and work and play cooperatively. Even though they are not all radical unschoolers that is how I approach them when they are here. I wanted to show kids how horses (animals) should be treated and communicated with. To learn what having a horse was really all about and offer an opportunity to kids who otherwise would miss out. We have added a few kids here and there over the years but the original core group is still here. Yesterday just seemed magical and perfect, it has turned into everything I had hoped.
The kids here yesterday ranged in age from 2-13, boys and girls. Everyone of them passionate about riding and their friendships with each other. I saw growth from all of them in so many ways. I was amazed when a 10 year old boy, came to me and asked what I needed him to do. After being told he was free to do whatever he wanted I found him a few minutes later helping a 13 year old girl get her horse ready. That same boy was later found playing baseball with a 3 year old girl who wanted to learn how. There is the 13 year old girl who is asking in depth questions about the horses training, feelings, emotions and how to be the best partner she can be. There is an 8 year old girl sitting up in the bird nest reading and chatting with a 3 year old.....if only I knew what they were talking about! And there is nothing cuter then the little ones excitedly using their tiny shovels, wheelbarrows and ride on tractors to work together to clean out the run in or gather hay. What about the 6 year old girl who has been thinking all week about how she is going to trot? This week she rode with reins and no lead line....and trotted on her own! The 4 year old girl who who can sit the trot for an extended amount of time...complete with a HUGE grin. The 2 year old girl who is so happy and relaxed on top her pony that I worry she will slide right off sometimes! The 3 year old boy who never forgets anything I teach him about riding, busts out his skills every week and never stops smiling. And back to the 8 year old girl and 10 year old boy. She came because this was her "dream to ride" and now she trail rides with her 13 year old friend without any help from me. And the boy....he rides off into the sunset with that same teenage girl, complete with a Ninja sword on his back!
Life is Good!
