On Bank Holiday Monday a riding school near my mums held an open day and I thought it would be nice to take a look around. This was for two reasons, the first being that I have a passion for horses. I must have pestered my mum about it from a very young age because I had riding lessons at the age of five, but we all know this is an expensive hobby so I don’t think these lasted long. Perhaps my mum’s nerves couldn’t take it, I can’t remember why the lessons stopped but I always remember asking for a horse called Sinbad. I was very fortunate that one of my mum’s close friends had a horse so I was able to get my horse fix every now and then. I have also been pony trekking on a school trip in Wales and horse riding in St Lucia which included taking the horses into the sea and swimming with them, an absolute amazing experience and one that I will never forget. I have one unfulfilled horse riding dream and that is to go horse riding in Walt Disney World, hopefully I will one day get the opportunity to do this.
Secondly the sign for the riding school states that they cater for disabilities so I wanted to find out more as I have read that horse riding can have a positive effect on people with autism and can help improve communication.
The open day had attracted lots of attention and as we were walking towards the riding school I could see that they were offering pony rides. I didn’t think Ethan would be able to ride a pony that day so we decided just to walk around the stables and show him all the horses.
Darren showed Ethan how to say hello.
After saying hello to all the different horses we could see it was quieter on the pony rides so we decided to ask them if it was possible for Ethan to ride today. We had debated a little about this before hand as we didn’t think that Ethan would want to put a hat on or even sit on the pony, he proved us wrong yet again!
I explained Ethan’s situation and the lady told us she had the perfect pony for Ethan. Within minutes his hat was on and he was all set to go, not once did he try to get off of the pony and as they set off he flashed us the most amazing smile.
How lovely to see all the horses and how cute he looks riding one – great experience!
Thanks, he looked so grown up on the pony, I was so proud!
What a magical day it turned out to be, looking at that video it looks like he has a natural feel for the horse and moves easily with him. It is a lovely sport and hobby if he stays interested, my 11 year old is learning and it is his favourite thing as 3rd in a family of 6 there isn’t much he does along but this is his thing. I hope Ethan enjoys it as much. Thanks for sharing on Country Kids.
I would love to do this with Ethan more as he gets older, especially if it helps with communication.
OMG this is fantastic, i am loving the video and his smile 🙂 thanks for linking this up with #magicmoments x
It really was great, I think it’s safe to say he enjoyed it lol
Glad you had such a nice day. Ethan does look like he’s enjoying the ride – and it is not something everyone takes too, so I’d say stick with it if you can and he wants to. I love horses, great desire of mine to do a beach ride (only attempt failed due to high tides and over-excited horses) didn’t know you could ride in Disney…but that sounds cool too!
I think we will try to make it a regular thing as he gets a little bit older, money permitting. Yes Disney has a farm on site where you can ride horses and they do pony rides for the kids. Fingers crossed some day in the future we will get to try it.
This is so amazing. I’m so pleased he enjoyed his new adventure! Definitely magical!
Thank you, I think we all enjoyed the moment ;0)