Hunter's First Riding Lesson

Like I mentioned in the last post, for Dada's birthday, he got to celebrate at a horse ranch. Last year was Hunter's first time on a horse and he LOVED it! So when we saw a Groupon came on our email about a horse riding lesson for cheap, we were not going to pass up the opportunity to see Hunter smile like that again! So Saturday morning of Dada's birthday, we drove to Greer to Clear View Farms which was located on a beautiful road facing the mountains.

We took a picture of their entrance sign because below Clear View Farms, it says Hunter Jumper Equestrian Facility...how fitting for our Hunter!
After arriving at the farms, Hunter was introduced to his horse for the lesson - Tigger! Both of my boys liked hearing that I think! The instructor told Hunter that before each lesson, the riders make sure that the horse is groomed and ready. So she let Hunter actually brush the horse himself! He really enjoyed getting to do this!
While Hunter brushed, Peyton decided to introduce himself to Tigger. Although Peyton LOVED Tigger from the arms of Dada, he wanted nothing to do with actually getting on Tigger! I really like how it looks as if Tigger posed for this picture! haha

After Tigger was groomed and all of the riding equipment was assembled and placed on Tigger, it was Hunter's turn to get on. He looked so cute in his riding helmet! I was worried that since he hadn't been on a horse in about 11 months that he may be afraid, but he was not hesitant at all! It was as if he did it daily!
The instructor knew that we really weren't too serious at this point in bringing him weekly for lessons but instead just another chance for Hunter to ride a horse. So she was great with him and walked him around the farm holding a lead rope but still having Hunter hold the ropes as well.


We stopped at various spots around the farms to get some great pictures of him and his smile!


Hunter liked the thought of getting close enough to the jumps to look as if he really were jumping them with Tigger!


It was such a beautiful day for his lesson and the scenery around the farm was even more beautiful!
She also showed him how to trot for quite a while with Tigger as well. I think Hunter really liked that!
It was a sad time saying goodbye. I'm sure he would have rode all day! Tigger did allow him to give him a hug though before leaving.
He was also able to feed Tigger a snack before heading home. I know Hunter had a great time and I hope we are able to go back to the farms one day to let him ride again! I know it made Dada's birthday even better to see Hunter that happy!