When I took Gloria to Abby’s place to ride horse, Abby asked if I wanted to bring the boys back in two hours so she and Gloria could give them rides.

That made two boys – Ian and Jared – very happy.

Jesse didn’t think he wanted to ride horse.

Abby and Dusty (quarter horse) gave Jared rides. Gloria and General (appaloosa) gave rides to Ian.

Abby is our only married grandchild. She and Nathaniel live about a mile and a half from our place. You can see our wood lot to the left of Abby’s head.

After Ian and Jared became comfortable, Gloria and Abby made them go faster – to the boys delight.

After awhile Jesse was ready to ride behind Jared.

Then he wanted to go fast!

Changing horses.

Racing!

Next they learned to ride alone – without Abby or Gloria holding the reins.

And Jesse was ready to be in the saddle alone – if Gloria held the rope.

They each came a long way in one hour.

The boys wanted to see Gloria and Abby race.

Then Jared raced with Gloria and General

Ian’s turn to race General.

Jesse getting a turn on Dusty.

“Look Grandma, I am only using one hand!”

They wanted to ride some more.

Jesse watched them from a nearby tree.

Gloria wanted one more ride before we went home.

She showed the boys how to canter.

Jesse’s final ride.

Removing Dusty’s saddle.

Cleaning out his hooves.

Gloria preparing to remove General’s saddle.

Teaching the boys how to store saddles until the next ride.

Gloria cleaning General’s hooves.

Taking the horses to their pasture.

So ended the horse rides on Cousins’ Week.

Thanks, Abby and Gloria. That was so nice of you to think about the boys.