Just Call Him Cowboy Cole

Cole has always loved pony rides.  It's a bit strange because he doesn't really care for animals.  Perhaps it's the thrill of "driving" a pony that he enjoys.  Since we have Friday mornings open this school year, riding lessons seemed like the perfect activity for my little cowboy.

We found a place just 30 minutes away that offers riding lessons for kids as young as two.  Cole has been riding every Friday for the past couple months and loves it!

Ready for his lesson

His horse's name is Frankie.  I'm not sure what type of horse Frankie is, but he's a bit on the short side for a horse.  Although that makes him the perfect size for Cole.  His instructor, Eric, is wonderful with him and keeps things very interesting.  The lessons are 1 hour long.  I thought there was no way that Cole would be able to stay on a horse for that long, but I was sure wrong.  They have an indoor riding arena so Cole will be able to continue lessons rain or shine (or snow!)

Cole climbing onto his horse

After riding for just a couple weeks, Eric set up an obstacle course and had Cole steer Frankie around plastic poles that were set up in the arena.  Once around the pole, Cole was supposed to push the pole over.  Cole of course got a HUGE kick out of this!  He even got to trot for the first time.  Watching him bounce up and down while laughing hysterically was pure joy!!

Cole loves driving Frankie, steering him in all sorts of directions and through all sorts of obstacle courses.  His favorite activity these days is playing tag on Frankie where Cole and Frankie try to tag his instructor. He's becoming quite the little rider.

I definitely have a cowboy on my hands.