Avian has had a healthy obsession with horses for the past couple years.

It seems to have begun a year ago Labor Day – we were picnicking at the beach at Bodega Bay, when I looked over and saw her riding bare back on the beach… seriously…

She had met some people who brought their horses down to the beach for walks, and she asked them if she could go for a little ride. Fortunately, my friend’s husband, who had been walking with her (and his daughter), was spotting her and there was someone leading the horse, but still. After getting over my initial shock, I was excited for Avian and we spent a long time talking to the people and learning about their horses.

On the drive back through Sonoma County, we saw a beautiful sunset with… more horses.

The next day, we went to visit some friends, who had…horses.
Avian got to spend a couple hours learning more about caring for horses and she got to go for another little walk.

At the beginning of the summer, we were invited to a donkey camp in the high Sierras. Serious fun with over 100 horses camping right next to us.

After the donkey camp weekend, Stephen became nearly as enthusiastic as his sister, and finally, yesterday, we visited an equestrian center in Truckee where the kids will begin riding lessons very soon. They are beyond themselves with excitement.