Charlie and I went too, of course. You think Cubby is going to go visit a pony and leave Charlie behind? HAHA NO, said Charlie*. So off we all went after dinner last night in search of adventure in the shape of a small pony.
Ponies don't actually look all that small when you're only four years old, however.
Meet Cheney the Pony.
And I bet they really don't feel that small to a four-year-old when he's perched on top of one, wearing a helmet "just in case you fall!"
Also wearing his sandals with socks under them because I couldn't find his shoes. Appropriate footwear? What's that?
The lady who owns this pony--who is, incidentally, the sister of the MiL's riding instructor and has great-grandchildren she is teaching to ride on this pony--led Cubby around the arena for awhile, instructing him to sit up straight, look right between the pony's ears, and sing.
I think the singing was just to keep him relaxed. In any case, it was pretty funny to watch him very seriously clutching the pommel of the saddle, singing "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star" as he rode around.
"Old Macdonald Had a Farm" might also have been featured.
Cubby seemed to enjoy it, but he was ready to get off after about fifteen minutes. And then, of course, we know what had to happen next.
"Anything you can do, I can do better . . ."
Charlie only sat up there for about thirty seconds before the pony decided she was done and started stomping irritably. So that was the end of the riding.
But there was more fun to be had! While the MiL was in the house having a glass of wine with the pony's owners, the resident dog decided it was time he had a little attention. He was a really good dog.
And Cubby totally lost their game of tug o' war.
Tearing Cubby away from his new best friend Mack the Dog was not without drama (read: enraged screaming), but we did eventually get back in the car to go home to bed.
Cubby is already asking when he gets to go back. That's kind of up to the MiL. Maybe I should find his shoes before then, though. You think?
* What he actually said is, "Charlie? Pony?" over and over and over ( AND OVER) again. And then again, in case I was so foolish as to think of leaving him behind.
Get that boy some pointy-toed, killing-roaches-in-corners boots! His late cowboy great granduncle would be appalled (but proud).
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I can see that the MiL might have some riding companions in her future. Mary in MN
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting a helmet on to ride! Makes me very happy to see. Wish Charlie had one on too, even just for those few seconds. Things happen quickly with ponies.
ReplyDeleteYay! Proper footwear!
ReplyDeleteWhat? Wasn't that the point of the post?
I just do not know how any children made it to adulthood without helmets and seatbelts in the olden days. :) Beth
ReplyDeleteMany of those children that didn't wear helmets and seats belts "in the olden days" that ended up suffering traumatic brain injuries are now homeless adults living on the streets due to the consequences of their injuries.
ReplyDeleteAlmost half of the homeless men you see, are TBI survivors.
Helmets can dramatically reduce the severity of a brain injury and absolutely prevent avoidable death.
Its stupid to not strap one on.