Elisa and Garrett got 5 horseback riding lessons each for Christmas. Elisa has always loved horses, but through her excitement, Garrett has become interested as well. The lessons are quite expensive, so getting 5 each as a present was a big deal.

They used their first lesson the other day. The horses at the stables are old, but reliable and good with kids. Unfortunately, they are also somewhat slow. Too slow, I’m afraid, for my burgeoning cowboy Garrett. He wants to ride the wind already, and is sort of bored with the dry instruction and slow-paced lesson. Elisa is more patient. Just being on her favorite animal is enough to satisfy her. Getting it to obey and/or go fast is just secondary.

The instructor at the stables confirmed what I’d thought was going on. He said that boys are often too interested in action and adventure for the lessons to engage them. Girls are just so in love with the horses, period, that they don’t care what they’re doing, as long as they’re around them.

I think Garrett is going to give his remaining lessons to his sister. I’ll have to think of something else to do with him instead. Parachuting or something…just kidding.