Where's the Cricket

As we all know, the traditional Boxing Day routine for the Broadfoot's is for Peter to stay put with the girls and watch the first day of the Boxing Day test while I, on the other hand, hit the shops in the hope to find a bargain or two, or three, four. Well clearly this wasn't going to happen this year -> no one plays cricket over here and while the shops are open, the biggest sale day is Black Friday on the Thanksgiving weekend; so what to do?

At 7 am all the girls woke to get ready for a special gift from the Barmettler's, the opportunity to go horse riding. Ally is a gifted little rider and attends lessons every week at this particular stable under the tutor ledge of a young horseman, Austyn. It was a rather fresh morning, (0-degrees) so we layered, took beanies and gloves and hoped the sun, although shining would develop some heat as the morning progressed.

When we arrived, the girls had to help catch their horses, then groom them, which included brushing them and picking their hooves. Austyn talked to the girls about the weight of the horse and how important it is to take care of a horse's feet. The girls learnt about the different parts of the hoof and through using X-rays, identified bones in the leg and foot. It was fascinating, and as Austyn suggested to Miranda and Hayley, riding the house is such a small part of the term 'horse riding'. The stables and yards are clearly similar across the world. However, the distinct difference here is that community members (families) help with the mucking out of the stables, the cleaning of the yards, feeding and care of the horses. This is an

excellent idea, and it also meant that there were plenty of people coming and going throughout the morning.

As such, Austyn would be helping the girls and then be delegating jobs, while horses would be coming and going which was fascinating to watch. Barb and Ally were busy also grooming the horses that they and myself were riding, while also helping wherever needed. Further to Miranda and Hayley's lesson, the girls were then assigned a helmet and given a lesson on how to saddle and girth (or tighten the girth) the horse ready for riding. They then had to demonstrate doing this for themselves (they only needed help getting the saddle onto the horse) and managed to place the cloth, and pad and tighten the girth exceptionally well.

In amongst all of this organisation, Miranda and Hayley were feeding carrots to their respective horses, Hayley is especially grossed-out when her horse (Smokey, at the beautiful age of 23) slobbered all over her hand with his big mouth. Miranda, on the other hand, had her fingers chomped on by her horse (Johnny) when I guided her hand too far upwards ..... Tears and an adamant statement about not riding ensued; however, with encouragement from everyone, especially Barb and Ally she did mount her horse.

So it was off to the yards for a few laps to develop confidence and steering ability. For Hayley, this was her first opportunity to ride unassisted (without someone leading) which she enjoyed immensely. Her horse was so good; he would just follow Barb and or Austyn who would be walking in front. After the finger-nibbling incident, Miranda needed to develop a little more confidence. Johnny was a very tall horse and gentle by nature, but was also a little stubborn when given steering directions, which turned into a great battle between the stubborn rider and stubborn horse.

My horse, Sirus was about 5 or 6, a white palomino, who held his tail high, and walked with an enthusiastic step; he was also very alert, VERY alert. He eyed everything - Ally told me that he didn't like anything man-made, he didn't like dogs or trucks or really anything ..... !! In the yard, like all horses, they tend to test-out every rider and like Miranda, steering was also a challenge for me .... but I don't like to lose.

Once confident, we left the yards and went out into the orchard. Now, unlike orchards in Australia, this particular one is owned by the city, so citrus is very cheap, and the land can be used as a trail riding area. So out and about we went through the orchard, Miranda and Hayley's horses both stopping quite often for a nibble of grass (mostly Miranda's) which meant they both had to work hard to get their horse back to the group -> a great challenge which they both won, eventually. While my only obstacle was a dog. When we initially left, a neighbour's beautiful dog came to say 'hello' and did so a tad too close to my horse, who with a swift kick of the back leg set the dog back home. The owner wasn't too worried, his comment "he has to learn one day".

Back to the yards for the groom down, re-yarding and feeding. Austyn took us to see his oldest horse 'Odie' who is 32 .... whose name appears in the Equine Hall of Fame for his success across a series of disciplines at a horsing event. One of a handful of horses who can compete across disciplines and place in the top two or three for each one.

What a great morning we had all had -> more fantastic memories to take with us. And what did Peter do ..... the day started with a game of Premier League Football on TV; then going with Tim to watch a high school game of Football (soccer), pretending he was a scout for a university and then a lovely nap in the afternoon - who needs cricket???!!

The evening was spent for the adults at a concert - a local legend band was playing: "George Clyne & the Peacemakers" while the kids watched movies. This group was fantastic - a Jon Bon Jovi feel and vocals, so we will no doubt be purchasing a CD or two (hopefully) before we leave.

Travel to the Grand Canyon has been moved back a day in the hope Miranda may feel a bit better, and the weather maybe a little less cold ... Peter was able to move our accommodation dates, and this has meant a better chance to get to the Barmettler's cabin later next week.