Little Farmers and Jr. Horsemanship

This last week Ashlie, Madelyn and Alia all learned about taking care of farm animals at their Little Farmers and Jr. Horsemanship classes. Ashlie's class was one day for one hour and was a "mom and me" class. Madelyn's was a couple hours a day for three days "Little Farmer" class. Alia's class was a two hour a day for two days Jr. Horsemanship class. During each of the lessons I would play at the park with the other two girls.

All of these classes were done at one of our favorite park's small "hands on" farm. This park also has tons of playground equipment and even a water "splash park". The park also has an indoor pool on the property which is where the girls took their swimming lessons.

Little Farmer Ashlie

Ashlie got to feed chickens and ducks. She got to learn about and pet the goats, cows, bunnies and horses. She also got to see the pigs and ducks.

After her class, Ashlie and I walked around the farm for awhile. Ashlie found this goat in one of the barns. For about 5 mins she gathered up bits of straw from the ground and piled it up for this goat to eat. The goat eventually just layed down and munched away at it. I think it appreciated the "lunch service".
All my girls loved this little lamb on the farm named Lizzy. They would look for her each day when they were at the farm.

Little Farmer Madelyn
Madelyn got to learn more in depth about each of the farm animals in her classes. She also got to make up a goats pen with fresh bedding. On her last day of class she got to learn about general horse grooming and then got to help groom and ride one of the horses.

Helping brush the horse named Summer.
Helping carry the saddle blanket
Riding the horse named Sabrina.

Alia's Jr. Horsemanship class taught them all about the basics of horse care and grooming. Alia had a lot of good questions for her teachers and had a really enjoyable time being with and riding the horses. After her class her teacher told us he thought she did really well and that he thought she did the best in the class.

Cleaning out the horses hoof. (This picture makes it look like she is in back of the hooves, but she really was to the side. )
Riding the stallion named Fire.
Alia's teacher told her that in order to pass the class she had to get the horse to ride in and out of these poles without touching them. Alia is proud to say she did it and passed the class.
Madelyn and Ashlie were very patient during Alia's class since we had to just watch for awhile so I could get some good pictures. Madelyn was occupying herself with something for a little while and then said "look mom I made my name out of bark". Sure enough there was her name...

Playing at the splash park after class one day.

This is about as much water action as Ashlie wanted - splashing in a puddle. She wasn't too keen on the idea of getting sprayed with cold water.