Thanksoliving, part two

The last time Seth's brother, Jason, and his family came to Colorado, Olive was still a wild thing. I didn't feel comfortable putting Gray's younger siblings on her, so Karen's sweet boy, Thunder, was pressed into service.

Thunder is long gone, but it no longer matters. Olive is more than capable of handling the kid detail.

Seth, Jason, Ivy and Milo arrived at the barn after Gray was done riding. I swapped out the saddle for a bareback pad and invited Ivy to climb aboard. Before she did so, she insisted on petting Olive's ears.

I gave her a quick lesson in holding and using the reins.

Then it was time to walk on!

As much as I was concerned that Olive would be too fresh for Gray, I had no such fears with Ivy. Olive understands - and enjoys - the pony ride detail. 

We practiced starting and stopping,

walking over poles...

and stopping in between poles.

At one point, I complimented Ivy on her riding skills, and she told me, "Olive's just doing what you're doing."

After that, I decided we had to do something harder.

Ivy made me promise her that Olive wouldn't actually jump the "fence."

She didn't.

Such a good pony!

Such an amazing kid!

Hugs all around.

It was so nice sharing my pony with Gray and Ivy. I truly hope we can do it again soon.