PONY RIDES!!



Six very lucky kids from the Downtown Afterschool program were given a chance to visit stables out in Philly!! When they first got there, they walked through the stalls, peering in to catch glimpses of whatever was in there.



They then were led out back where there were two corrals of horses, which was a great opportunity for the kids to get used to being around them. Getting bolder, they would reach into the fences and pet the horses' noses or try to feed them hay--a very cute sight!!



The big excitement of the day was actually being able to ride a couple of the horses!! BUT they had to work for their rides by brushing the horses first. The kids worked hard, using the three different brushes needed to properly brush down a horse. And if they even thought about slacking off on their job (as Richard can attest to), someone was there to remind them that if they're not working, they're not riding either. When the horses were all brushed down, they were led to a corral where the kids took turns riding.




At first the kids started off with someone else leading the horse around the corral, but were then able to move onto leading and directing the horse themselves!!




So if you ever want to know how to guide a horse, just follow the advice of our new experts!
As Jalissa (grade 4) puts it:
"If you want the horse to go left, you pull on the left side. If you want it to go right, you pull on the right side. If you want it to stop, you pull up with both hands. AND if it gets lazy, you give it a good kick!"