The Peytons: Pony Rides

While still on our little vacation at Hyatt Lost Pines, we decided to take the kids on pony rides especially since Ainsley loved watching the horses outside our room so much. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing but I'm so glad that we worked it in because both Ainsley and Bailey loved it each in their own ways. That morning when we asked Ainsley if she wanted to ride a pony she excitedly said yes, but then changed her mind and said she wanted to ride a unicorn instead. We explained several times over the next few hours before the pony rides that unicorns were just for pretend and that she was going to get to ride a real pony. She seemed to understand each time but was quick to forget and always defaulted to wanting to ride a unicorn. I was thankful that when we got there that she was actually happy to see the ponies. Ainsley rode a pony named Strawberry and she was all smiles the whole time.

Bailey rode a pony named Elvis and was so brave and well-behaved. I was proud of him especially in light of a boy about his age that was throwing an absolute fit about riding a pony. Bailey let out an excited smile right when he got on the saddle but then got very serious about it all.

Each of their rides lasted for about 20 minutes and two guides took the kids on their horses out on trails through the woods. We just got glimpses of them every now and then. Such big kids!

When they brought Ainsley back the guides said that she had been chatting happily the whole time although some of it was about unicorns. As soon as she got off the horse she asked if she could ride again! Here she is thanking Strawberry for the ride.

When Bailey came back around he looked as serious as ever. His guides said that all he would say to them was 'uh-huh'. Not surprising I guess, but as soon as he got off his pony he flashed the biggest smile! You could tell he was so proud of himself and had loved the whole experience. It was precious to see and I love watching the differences in expression with these two kiddos.