Decided to bag school today and soak up some sun. Threw a couple of horses in the trailer and headed to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for Superboy's first real trail ride. (this picture is Superboy riding at home, not at the Park)

It brings me unspeakable joy to be able to share my love of horses, nature, and our National Parks with my children. Lest you think we did not learn anything this day...

Lessons learned:

1. Things don't always go as planned, but that's OK: the horse I originally was going to take refused to get in trailer. So I took another one.
2. You are stronger than you think, and braver, too: when Superboy's horse, Tommy, freaked out because of a couple of  mules running around loose, he was able to stop the horse, get off, walk the horse until calm, then GET BACK ON!!!! BRAVO!!
3. Sometimes, you've got to let go and trust someone else to take the lead: The best way to get through that tricky patch of loose rocks is to loosen the reins and let the horse pick his own route.
4. Sometimes strength is not what works: Tommy did not want to leave the park. Despite all our pushing and shoving and cajoling he would not get into trailer. But a cookie did the trick!

I'd say these were lessons worth learning. we may do it again next Monday. After all, sometimes you've got to let go and trust someone else to take the lead.