The most eagerly anticipated event/camp of the summer was without a doubt, pony-riding.
We frequent one of two local stables near Issigeac: La Cavale which is wonderfully accepting and laid back in atmosphere. I am not sure if it is specific to those stables or generally France equestrianism but they do place strong emphasis on the riding levels and it seems like every child is striving to make the grade and not just ride for pleasure. Seb definitely falls into that category, though he also sucks up the atmosphere, feels very mature, responsible, and capable. So capable that he announced that he was going to pass the next level with only 1 short lesson and 5 afternoons of lessons and pony care. And he did! I was floored (and double checked French comprehension with Maryse, the owner) but yes, he had been promoted and so tried out pony cart driving and higher jumping (...). So proud of him. And so, he got to lead a young pony rider around Issigeac during the medieval day! Now to top it off, he wants his own helmet and grooming kit...
Meanwhile young miss had set her sights on pony lessons this year and through the school year, was willing to go to French Club and have the occasional French babysitter to prepare her for riding instructions. As the week approached, she kept asking us to review what was going to happen and say certain words in French (like left and right). So we opted for a preliminary 1 hour lesson with her brother just to see if she wanted to do the full week. After only 10 minutes, she trotted by (yes, trotted) and let out a gleeful "This is Fuuuunnn, Mum!"
And all of this sweaty work on top of heaving mammal in the midst of a massive heat wave.
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| Siblings that lead their ponies together |
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| stay friends forever - or something |
We frequent one of two local stables near Issigeac: La Cavale which is wonderfully accepting and laid back in atmosphere. I am not sure if it is specific to those stables or generally France equestrianism but they do place strong emphasis on the riding levels and it seems like every child is striving to make the grade and not just ride for pleasure. Seb definitely falls into that category, though he also sucks up the atmosphere, feels very mature, responsible, and capable. So capable that he announced that he was going to pass the next level with only 1 short lesson and 5 afternoons of lessons and pony care. And he did! I was floored (and double checked French comprehension with Maryse, the owner) but yes, he had been promoted and so tried out pony cart driving and higher jumping (...). So proud of him. And so, he got to lead a young pony rider around Issigeac during the medieval day! Now to top it off, he wants his own helmet and grooming kit...
Meanwhile young miss had set her sights on pony lessons this year and through the school year, was willing to go to French Club and have the occasional French babysitter to prepare her for riding instructions. As the week approached, she kept asking us to review what was going to happen and say certain words in French (like left and right). So we opted for a preliminary 1 hour lesson with her brother just to see if she wanted to do the full week. After only 10 minutes, she trotted by (yes, trotted) and let out a gleeful "This is Fuuuunnn, Mum!"
And all of this sweaty work on top of heaving mammal in the midst of a massive heat wave.
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