Horseback Riding in Mulberry Grove

Sela and Eli added horseback riding under the things to do column when visiting Mulberry Grove.  I have been here three years but I just recently found out they have a horseback riding farm in the area. We checked it out last Wednesday.

Liz gives lessons and has many students in shows.  I know because I saw the tack room and it was full of ribbons and trophies.  She started us out grooming the horses.  Sela and Eli brushed their mounts and cleaned out their hooves.  Then we went to the riding barn.

Liz teaches her horses to give people their space.  Eli tested this out by leading his horse around the arena.  If the horse got too close to him he wiggled the lead rope and his horse, Slide, would back up.  

Next, Liz helped Eli into the saddle (Sela got on by herself) and led both horses and riders around the rink.  Eventually Sela went on by herself.  

In the meantime, Eli and Liz continued to walk the rink.  Liz then gave Sela an exercise to do with her horse.  Sela had to practice directing her horse around the rink near the walls.  She would successfully master the exercise if she could touch all the numbers around the rink.  Which, of course, Sela mastered.  

Two days later Sela and Mike returned to join Liz on a trail ride.  I'm told Mike brought up the rear and sometimes was way in the rear.  Anyway, horseback riding is definitely staying on the agenda for future farm visits.