What Horsemanship Teaches My Kids

Norah's first time cleaning hooves 

 

Shiloh cleaning Jet's hooves

 

 

One awesome thing about homeschooling is being able to make time for cool classes. I've wanted the girls to get into horse riding classes for so long and finally an opportunity opened up. I'm so glad we chose this activity over say piano or gymnastics. Those will come in due time, but for now this is what we'll be sticking the time being. We're a musical family so we have plenty of moments to practice music. Horse riding is something that takes them outdoors and is completely novel from their everyday home school life.  Here are a few things I think it will teach them. 

Character Development

The life lessons that come out of spending time with horses is enormous. By observing the horses temperament and training the horse, my children can learn obedience because the horse has to obey orders. They'll have to learn assertiveness because you have to be strong, direct, and in charge when guiding the horse. They develop patience because it takes time to train a horse. Horses simply do not become tame overnight. Lastly, something special happened listened to the instructor teach. She was using the very words I use at home to teach my kids character lessons. I was so pleased that I text my husband right on the spot. What I teach at home is emphasized their class. They get character development on both ends.

Camaraderie

Shiloh and Norah with some new friends

The horsemanship group is small and intimate creating the perfect condition for camaraderie.  On the girls'  first day, I observed how the kids encouraged each other while practicing new skills.   The camaraderie seems like it will take place quite naturally. When everyone gets to experience the same lesson and learn together, a tie and bond forms. Team work becomes important as they work together in caring and training the horses. I'm looking forward to more instances of the group building camaraderie.

The Great Outdoors

 

Balance practice on Cocoa

Lastly, horsemanship classes further cements in the children a love for the great outdoors. Where we live already gives credence to that, but being active outdoors in the fresh air is far more desirable than what an indoor gym can offer. The grit, the thick skinned, the courage that's required to work outdoors in difficult weather shapes their countenance in such a beautiful way. Any reason for me to be outside enjoying nature is a plus! 

 

Looking for the Fruit

Overall, I'm so excited about what's to come with these classes. The instructor is patient and highly skilled in how she teaches. She clearly presented the risks and benefits of working with horses and her passion for horses is evident. We'll see how it goes throughout the year. Ultimately, I am blessed and I am grateful I get to do this with other mom friends. I am grateful. I am blessed.