The Infinite Energy of Little People
Sometimes the sheer energy of children really shocks me.
Yesterday, after a week away and a late night arrival home after two days of travelling, I debated whether to take our two to the local school swimming carnival. They were a little hot and cold on the idea, but I decided to take them (despite the mountain of unpacking and washing that naturally confronts all mothers after a week away).
I made a conscious decision NOT to photograph them swimming this year – partly because I am a little drained from our busy week and partly because I just wanted to be a ‘normal’ mum yesterday. Cheering from the sidelines without documenting every stroke they swam. So there are no photos of the carnival, despite some pretty heroic efforts by lots of kids. Dash and Violet competed in almost everything – they even took part in 50m and 100m events in ALL strokes. Including butterfly. (I am pausing to get you to picture Violet’s little arms doing four laps of butterfly here… yep.)
So when we got home at 4pm, I thought they might flop.
Instead they headed to the yards to saddle up…
Their horses Sandy and Chimmy (who was recently introduced here) were looking and feeling quite well and skippy, after a couple of weeks break and access to a big bale of hay while we were away.
Sandy was particularly bouncy, and tried a few crow-hops with Violet.
He’d forgotten who he was dealing with apparently. She might weigh about 1/20th of his weight, but what Violet lacks in size she makes cialis online generic up for in fierce determination.
Remember her now, Sandy?
I think it’s all coming back to him now. Heh. He’s nicely collected and showing a MUCH better attitude.
Dash and Chimmy are working nicely together.
Although all that rest and tucker is making Chimmy feel like he might be Boss too… he kept wanting to cart Dash straight back to the hay feeder…
So Dash had to get a bit serious and show him who is in charge.
Look at Chimmy listening to Dash now…
MUCH better, boys.
One of the issues with kids riding around the house and yards paddocks, is that horses can get into the habit ‘racing home’ all the time. So to break this habit they need to learn to walk calmly all around the open areas without taking off or getting excited when they are turned towards home.
Our two had legs and hands working hard to keep their steeds headed away from where they are normally fed.
Pagi arriving home in the middle of their ‘away’ walk was a little distracting and Sandy may have done a little dance when the horn was tooted.
Nevertheless they were soon back on track…
Chattering to each other and encouraging their horses to think of something OTHER than their tummies.
This is always the pivotal point. Literally. Will their horse want to take off immediately they face those yards?
And… no. A relaxed stroll back down the road. Perfect.
Chimmy is even on a loose rein. Very nice.
A good afternoon’s ride. Before they proceeded to groom their horses, play with the puppy, feed the dogs, play with the ducks and then feed them too. And THEN try to party on with the adults (on Pizza Night at Granite Glen).
Honestly. It wears me out just watching them …(my ‘child at heart’ clearly not reflected in ‘grownup energy levels’)!
🙂
13 Comments
Colin Huggins
Hope you have had some rain??
Doesn’t look like it.
I think it has forgotten how to rain here in Brisbane.
The kids, Dash and Violet, didn’t take too long to get back on the steeds. Fantastic to see.
BB of Oz
20mm in two falls Colin… more than some. Rained in Bris last week didn’t it? Did on the southside while we were there!
🙂
BB
Colin Huggins
Yep – it rained last Tuesday 29th evening. Looked like we were going to get an almighty storm with all the “Huff and Bluff”, but only lasted for about an hour. Gave the gardens and lawns a good soak. I suppose that was better than nothing, but a follow up would have been very much appreciated.
debby
Tickles me to see how both Dash and Violet have the same determined set to their jaw.
I seem to remember that Jack was a bit uncertain about riding…it looks as if he has certainly gotten over that.
debby´s last blog post ..A tale of two kitties.
BB of Oz
I know Deb… I think losing Pickles shook him up a lot, and he’s detirmined to make the most of having this horse.
julie in aust.
Your kids are amazing to watch BB…very impressive. To think such little people can control such huge animals…I love to watch them doing that. Very interesting post…thanks!
BB of Oz
I am not going to lie Julie, my heart is in my mouth sometimes too… even though I grew up the exact same way! They learn early that size and strenth are way less important than detirmination and skill.
😉
jeanie
Sigh. Another post I can’t show my daughter – because the words “when” and “Winchester” and “unfair” become litanous.
🙂
jeanie´s last blog post ..Golzeme
BB of Oz
LOL – sorry. Get her to tick it off on the calendar… 🙂
Nancy in Iowa
Your kids are super amazing! Love the expressions on their faces and the beauty of their steeds. Dash and Violet show both determination and joy!
Andrew
I know what you mean about taking photos. You can miss a lot of what is happening and fun when you watch through the lens of a camera.
The late afternoon light is nice in the photos.
Andrew´s last blog post ..Sunday Selections
Jayne
Love those pics, your kids have such a wonderful background of real security in that setting and those horses are lovely 🙂
Jayne´s last blog post ..October 29 Wot ‘appened on this ‘ere day
Lynda M O
Good to see Dash doing so well. He’s amazing to me and a role model for Violet and so many of us, too. Love seeing them ride esp together. Siblings are the best.
Lynda M O´s last blog post ..Halloween – Many Kids, Lots of Dark Clothing…