Small Ponies. Big Dreams.

Shetland Pony Club, Cobham, Surrey

We had a weekend planned that sounded amazing on paper: French toast breakfasts, Legoland, Pizza Delivery, and a Pony Party. Yet still it had some tense moments. I often obsess about timing and plans. I like to have every minute planned with rationale. This doesn’t always stop me/us from being late, but in my mind it helps keep us moving forward in an organized (read: controlled) manner. This is the controlling part of me. I like to control what each of us does all the time. Sometimes this is helpful, but often it doesn’t go over the way I intend.

I’ll spare you the details, but I’ll just say that Saturday got off to a rough start. Nevertheless, we continued to LegoLand for a very crowded day at the park. Dave and I ended the day watching, “The Game.” We were still a bit edgy with each other, but didn’t go to bed mad.

And then came Sunday. The Pony Party.

Small ponies…Big dreams.

That’s what the brochure said. K2 was invited to his very first pony party. Twins in his class invited both Pre-K classes (18 children) to ride ponies for their birthday. We didn’t know what to expect, but I had a feeling it would not be the deal where ponies are hooked up to a turnstyle and simply go around and around. I was right. 

This was straight up “Legends of the Fall” territory but mini. Possibly the most adorable event I have ever seen. Each child had a pony that they helped groom, saddle, bridle, and feed. It was very hands on and wonderful. The kids rode around the Surrey hills while K2 played back at the ranch. K1’s pony’s name was Batman. He loved that. The adults had sparkling beverages while we sat waiting on couches made of hay bales. The event finished off with a snack box, fancy cupcakes and goody bags. I have to say, it was a magical event for the kids AND the adults. At least for me anyway. A pony party was something in my 6 year old dreams. 

So perhaps the lesson I need to walk away with is to try to let go of my need to control everything and remember to just let things fall into place. Small ponies. Big dreams.