This is a story about a happy Gnome- the kind of gnome that says, "My wish came true", after hanging out with horses for an afternoon.
It was Gnome that prodded us through the gates of the Keystone Stables, lit with the hope of horseback rides. And it was me, laying on my back on the gravel, my legs extending beneath the horses, who took these horse-face photos.
After deferring her desire for a few days, Gnome's insistence made it clear this was more than an expensive fancy but something she longed to do.
When she reported one morning having dreamed about riding horses all night, the song of the stables lured us straight into a fun (though pricey) adventure.
Gnome and Prophet pet the horses' noses and declare them to be "wet and maybe snotty".
The Eldest prepares to ride Tex.
Gnome gets excited watching her big brother mount his horse. She cheers once he's established in the saddle.
Brian shows the Eldest how to use the reigns and stirrups.
Tex gets frisky and tries to run noses with a nearby horse. Brian and the stable employees immediately warn the Eldest and other trail riders against allowing horses to rub noses.
The Eldest gives the impression of feeling safe and secure atop Tex, even after Tex stomps his feet and gives a little snort.
I helped get Gnome and Prophet situated on their ponies. We were warned not to run or allow them to bicker with one another. Prophet and her pony, Sage, somehow resembled one another in their nut-brown lankiness.
Prophet tries to get in the rhythm of Sage's walk- but it's hard for our most competitive little person to enjoy pure, unabashed leisure.
Gnome couldn't get enough of riding this pony named Stormy. "I never want to get off my pony," whispered Gnome when she overheard Prophet asking Bunica when the ride would end.
"Thanks Tex," says the Eldest, who is now a horse-trail riding enthusiast.
