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.
 

3 Simple Ways to Spend Time with your Kids

 

In the Bible days, there was ample opportunity for parents and kids to spend time together because of how their lifestyle was structured. Initially, the Israelites were a nomadic people and caring for duties together was common. In fact, God specifically told the Israelites to use every opportunity they had to teach their children the law of God.  It was in these moments where they were able to spend quality time together with their children.

Nowadays, it takes more intentional effort to spend time with our children. Whatever we choose to do doesn’t have to take a lot of time to prepare. It doesn’t even have to take any money. Over the years, I’ve done different things to try to spend time with my kids, and a few of them I’ve learned from other parents.  So here are 3 ways that you can spend time with your kid that’s hands on, practical, and doesn’t the break bank.

Hide and Seek

About once a week, my daughters look forward to playing a good ole game of high energy hide and seek with Dad. I get the privilege of witnessing the shenanigans, which usually ends up in tons of laughter and rapid heartbeats. The rules are pretty simple. They choose who will be “it” which is usually Dad at first. The girls hide, Dad counts, and the rush to find them begins. Our home is relatively small so finding good hiding places is always a welcome challenge for them. If you have a bigger home, you may want to establish boundaries. Once whoever is it finds the other person, the game goes for another round our so. Watching my husband play like this with my daughters is so satisfying to watch. It’s such a fun way to have Daddy and daughter time.

Singing while you Work

Here’s an idea I use with my kids. It’s a great way to have fun while doing something productive. When it’s time to do house work together, I like to involve my daughters. Sometimes I’m met with groans and complaining. But that can quickly change when I make a point that cleaning can be fun. One Friday, we planned to fold a large load of their clothes. At first there was a little complaining, but I decided that we needed to do some singing while we worked. I start singing and it was slow going at first. But by the eed of all of our sorting, folding, and putting away, we were in full singing mode. My 8 year old sang with all of her heart with as much exuberance an 8 year old can muster. Meanwhile, my 6 year old added variations, riffs, and embellishments to the songs adding a flare that only she could give. What started out as a mundane chore, ended up being a full-on concert! We had a great time enjoying being with each other while getting work done. Little by little we’re beginning to associate chores, with fun times with Mom.

Family Drawing Time

My friend shared this awesome idea that she does with her family. Every once in a while for fun, they watch a guided drawing instructor on Youtube. She recounts that these times are so much fun because each family member participates in drawing the same picture. During this time, they can joke around, encourage each other, and simply enjoy the process of doing a creative project together. At the end they can all compare their drawings and relish in the joy of having spent quality time together that required no prep and no money.

When I think of how much time God spent talking about how importance it is to raise children. I can only think of how much He wants to spend time with each of His children as well. I’m so glad we have a God that wants to be close and wants to be near us. The time that we spend with our children can remind us of the time that God wants to spend with us.

 “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my Voice and opens the door I will come in to him and dine with and hand he with me.” Revelation 3:20