My dad and horses

It's been FOREVER since I've last blogged. I do apologize. I have taken many blog-worthy pictures in the last 2 weeks, but finding the time to blog about them is another matter.

Today is my dad's birthday. You can read my heart-felt message I wrote him on his birthday last year here.

When we lived in Ouaga, about once a year Dad would take us horseback riding. I LOVE horseback riding. Truly. When I'm riding a horse I feel free, powerful, and my imagination is set loose. Cheesy? Maybe. But, it's true. I think of movies I grew up watching like The Man from Snowy River and Return to Snowy River, Hildago, Black Beauty, The Black Stallion, National Velvet, etc. (As a side, if you have not seen The Man from Snowy River or it's sequel, you now know what you're doing this Saturday night.) When I think of horses, I think of "untame America." I think of England, where I am a much-sought-after lady of leisure who goes riding every morning and evening on my favorite horse, while in-between I have tea-time and lessons in piano and literature. I think of all of those "horse" books I read growing up. I think every American girl goes through a "horses are my favorite animal, can I please have one" phase.

Anyway... I deviate...

Dad would take us horseback riding once a year in outside of Ouaga on skinny horses and it was a blast. Every summer's highlight. What a special treat -- what a special dad.

Yesterday, several of my housemates and I were invited to go horseback riding. As the weather has been beautiful, we jumped at the chance.

 Doh rode Cash.

 I rode Dude and then Cash.

I am rather sore today.
So utterly completely worth it, though.
Thank-you, Standerwicks, for the invite. You made 4 girls VERY happy.

Dad, I thought of you so often while I was riding.
Oh, and I made sure to tell all of my students that today was your birthday!

Melissa, Andrew, Erika: True of False - Dad worked at a ranch 2 summers where he did "real riding."