My little ponygirl...

I couldn't resist sharing this. My mini freerangegirl has become ponygirl and I couldn't be prouder. She's been hankering after riding lessons all year but I had to draw the line somewhere as she was dancing and swimming and all the other stuff that seems to be de rigeur for the average 6 year old (Its no wonder they just want to lie down a lot when they're teenagers, they're probably exhausted!) So when she decided to give up dancing we said she could have some riding lessons...and shes loving it!

I know I'm biased as I used to ride a lot as a teenager, but I just think its a great sport for kids to get into. Riding has certainly boosted ponygirls confidence as she proved on Sunday when the pony she was riding was spooked by a stray dog (who knew there were stray Alsatians wandering the country side). Before we moved to the country she was terrified of animals, but now she was able to hold tight and carry on  - no tears, no hysterics, she even laughed about it when she got home and was very proud to have a tale of daring do to share at school.

BH is not so sure, he thinks Ponies are like motorbikes with a mind of their own, so why would we put a six year old on one. I kind of see his point  but then I'm terrified of motorbikes and I know I'll go nuts when they come home saying they want one of those!

But for now, I'm just going to get my old Thelwell cartoons out and look forward to rereading the Pony Club sagas with my girlie - before I know it she'll be wanting hair straighteners and be too busy texting her friends to talk to mum, so I'm making the most of it!