Kidz and Horses and Learning

It was a clinic for Gold n' Grouse 4-H Horse kids who wanted to learn more about basic strategies for competing in trail classes at a horse show. 

The kids got to work in the same arena where a national champion trail horse had learned his basics. 

Parents came.  Horses came.  And, resident horses had a good time serving as part of the audience. 

My sisters, Barbara and Laurie hosted and taught the clinic yesterday morning at their Tibbs Arabian Ranch in Colburn north of Sandpoint. 

From start to finish, the program proved productive as kids unloaded their horses, groomed and saddled them up before heading to the indoor arena.

Inside the arena, several trail obstacles were set up, and, one by one, Barbara and Laurie presented the basics of how to approach and complete each obstacle. 

Three hours later, the students had tried and succeeded at most of the obstacles, individually.  With time, they'll be learning how to approach each test within the realm of an entire trail course. 

It was fun to watch and especially fun to see the progress with each horse and rider. 

And, as usual, I think a good time was had by all, including the audience standing at the doorway wondering why they got left out of the fun. 

The Gold n' Grouse horse members are impressive on their horses and as just plain great kids with great parents. 

Good job on the part of all---instructors, leaders, kids, parents and, of course, the horses. 

Happy Sunday.