Tuesday, January 19, 2016

A Visit with Shadow

Remember Shadow from the Danada Fall Festival? And after we went there, Gavin did a school project about Shadow? Well, I sent a photo of it to his owner, Larissa, and she said it made her day, and if we wanted to schedule a lesson with Shadow over winter break, we could. So we did!

Shadow is boarded up in Woodstock, so it was a long drive and clearly a one time experience. Jenny, the barn manager there (Silver Spurs Equestrian Center) was fantastic and explained everything to Gavin in detail, about grooming and riding.

Shadow gives lessons to children while Larissa is away at school, so he is very gentle and patient. Gavin was rather quiet at first, but he listened to everything Jenny told him and he had a great time successfully riding Shadow:

Getting on (with help from these wooden steps):




Listening to instructions from Jenny about how to stop, start, and steer:







And off they went! 



 There were a couple times Gavin didn't turn Shadow quickly enough as they rounded the ring, and they ended up facing a wall. Shadow would just stop and stand there, waiting for Gavin to give him a signal. It was adorable.







Larissa was able to come over and say hi!


 Feeding time after the lesson. Shadow was trying to investigate Francis's coat pockets for treats. He didn't have any, and all I had was cough drops, but Jenny said Shadow actually likes cough drops so I gave him one!


Shadow looks a little shaggy because his winter coat is grown in. I have never been up close to horse with its winter coat!



When we got home, Gavin said," I LOVE Shadow. He's the best horse ever!" 

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