Rascal the Teacher

Saturday the little wranglers from the Permaculture Farm down the road came over for a horse lesson. Ki has been brushing Rascal and learning some of the basics in the round pen. Rascal is so good with him, standing quietly engaged and attentive. At 8, Rascal is showing a  level of maturity that is quite different from even a year ago. I cringe when I think of those who start riding and even showing 2 year olds. They are BABIES!  They do not have the physical maturity, the balance or the emotional maturity to do as they asked. I wish so much that people would give their horses time to grow up!

Here is Rascal at 2 and a half.. such a baby.. Uncertain and into everything. At 3 I got on him a few times and we did some walking for 5-10 minutes. He was unbalanced and unsure.

Ki is 9 and used to handling tools on the Farm, he is so very tuned in to the horses, noticing everything. Like how relaxed the horses muscels are.. the way the hair forms cowlicks, and what direction feels best for Rascal to be brushed. He holds the rope so naturally, giving Rascal room to move.

 Up and down the driveway they went.. Ki leading Rascal better than many people I see at fancy shows!

I think he was pretty proud of himself!

Niah likes Shaman.. she brushed him a bit, but he is so furry and dirty it was a huge job!
She too has been learning about backing the horse and teaching him to stand and circling. Shaman is a firey guy, but sweet with the kids.

Naturally she wanted to lead a horse too. Shaman had different ideas.. like grass, but she did really well and he only got an a few quick bites. Niah is crazy about horses and even though she is only 5, I know this is a child who will ride!