Pony Love

If you've followed this blog at all, you are well aware that Ashley loves ponies and horses and unicorns and any sort of equine friend.  

So when she had the opportunity to ride a real, live pony at the zoo, she was ecstatic.  The fact that the ponies simply walked in a circular pen did not dampen her enthusiasm.

Ashley carefully selected her first, second, and third choice ponies.  Since she was first in line, she easily claimed her favorite--this brown and white cutie.

                           

Ashley was sure it was a girl (because of course all ponies must be girls).  I did not verify her claim.

She was thrilled to finally be up on a real, moving pony.

And then, as she continued the ride, I watched with pleasure as a dreamy, tranquil, contented look spread over her face.  Her body relaxed, her feet dangled comfortably, her hands felt the leather saddle horn.  

She played with the pony's mane.  (She and the pony were meant to be friends, Ashley decided, due to the braids that decorated their hair.)

Ashley smiled peacefully.

I think she truly felt at one with the horse.

When the too-short ride was over, Ashley gave the pony one last pat on the nose and immediately began chatting about "next time" with her new friend.

Maybe we will just have to make that happen.