RMNP - PART 3

Visiting Estes Park gave us the opportunity to fulfill one of Isabel's dreams. We went horseback riding and I couldn't resist getting her these beautiful cowgirl boots so she would look right at home on top of a horse.

Admittedly, I  was nervous. Kids aren't allowed to ride with parents these days and the thought of my little Isabel astride a full sized horse was nerve racking. I should have known she would handle it like an old hat though. Don't her boots look great?

Cole on the other hand decided to use his ear warmer as a nose guard in the hopes of diffusing the smell of horse manure....what can I say? He's a city boy. Unfortunately they didn't have any mechanical horses for him to ride.

It's been many years since I was last on a horse, but I was pretty excited to ride again.

The mountain we rode up was quite steep and more than once I was a bit concerned about a horse losing their footing and sliding down the side. But I should have known better.

Despite being from Iowa, our horses had been up this mountain hundreds of times. Their feet were sure and steady the whole way.

Isabel was quite pleased to be positioned right behind our guide. She talked and talked to her like they were old friends.

We went up for about an hour or so and then changed direction and started back down the mountain. Here we are taking it nice and slow. I'm trying my hardest to concentrate on leaning back and not show any sign of the panic I was feeling.

Both Cole and Isabel seemed right at home. Neither one expressed any concern at all to my great surprise.

Clay's horse kept getting all up in my horse's backside and he did not like that at all. More than once, Rascal, my horse took a detour in the hopes of leaving Clay's horse  behind. It never worked out though.

Isabel has, of course, decided she wants to own a horse now. And lord help me, if I had the money, I would buy her one. Both of the kids were so amazing on our ride. I couldn't be a more proud mama.