A true barn baby

[PhoenixRising]

A quick Gilbert update!
He’s growing like crazy lately. About to be 21 months, so he’ll be 2 next time I blink.
He’s wrapped everyone at the new barn around his little finger, including the barn staff. I’m so grateful to have been at two barns now who love having him around, or else I would never be able to ride!
He’s showing more and more interest in the horses. He loves to pet noses and offer to share his juice. He knows spurs go on your feet and helmets on your head.
I haven’t had him on a horse yet, but Phoenix seems to really be growing up this last year mentally. I’ve been thinking I might have him sit on her with me this week.

[khall]

Great pictures!

My DS was all of 3 days old when he first went to the barn. Kids are very good at desensitizing horses. Mine grew up on the farm. He did ride a bit as was actually a lovely rider but not his passion.

They grow up fast! DS turned 22 this year. Hard to believe

[Chisamba]

How lovely.
Like khall it brings memories of bringing mine to the barn too. He is all grown but still a great help when he has time.

[exvet]

Yes, let the adventures begin! Both of my children grew up at the barn/around horses. They both still ride at 29 and 26 though neither own a horse right now due to finances. Both still plan on purchasing a horse one day but in the meantime continue to ride/leg up horses for others. My kids comment many times how they now (not always back then) appreciate having had the opportunity to grow up outside around animals and mostly on horseback. They keep up with their old mounts, some still living and breathing, serving others. I think what I appreciate the most is that those who have employed both of my children as adults go out of their way to tell me what fine young adults they've become and are grateful for their work ethic. All those poop runs, watering and dragging the arena, feeding......slave labor......well it paid off in many, many ways

[Kyras_Mom]

.

Susan

[PaulaO]

Love that he shares his juice! Cute pics.

[texsuze]

Is this the same tyke who just yesterday fit wonderfully into a lobster pot? . He'll need a pony real soon!

[PhoenixRising]

He sure is the same kid who dressed as a tiny lobster last year!
This year, he’s going to be a pirate!

He did ride for the first time and seems like he likes it! He’s been on a handful of times now.

His grandma said the same thing about him needing his own pony LOL! I would love that for him, but we struggle to afford Phoenix as it is. *sigh* maybe one day!

[exvet]

He sure is the same kid who dressed as a tiny lobster last year!
This year, he’s going to be a pirate!

He did ride for the first time and seems like he likes it! He’s been on a handful of times now.

His grandma said the same thing about him needing his own pony LOL! I would love that for him, but we struggle to afford Phoenix as it is. *sigh* maybe one day!

While I'll be the first one to say, "They grow up fast." You have time. I had everyone insisting that I was going to have mine on horses before they could crawl and ponies filling up the barn. That's 'not exactly' what happened. My daughter was 3, almost about to turn 4, before the kids had their first pony. That was thanks to my farrier who was helping someone rehome a section A Welsh so that she could get her daughter a larger pony. We sold that pony when I learned I was moving to Arizona (My daughter was 7 by then). My daughter didn't get her next horse until she was 9 and I gave her my horse who had earned me my bronze and needed to step down. My son got his first horse when he was about 10. After the pony each kid had to prove to me that they really wanted to ride and would take care of their horse before getting the privilege to say they owned one. Of course having a herd at home meant that they almost always had access to riding.