Yee Haw!

Son1 never rode a pony until a friend's pony party. He refused a pony riding opportunity in California last summer, and big surprise, insisted on a train ride, instead. On our island we pass horse ranches on the drive to the North Shore and Windward side of the island. This time, seeing a pony up close and personal through his three year old eyes was a real kick in the pants! Son1 was raring to go and ready to ride! This little video clip shows what happens when ponies ride up into a suburban Oahu neighborhood!



Son1 was so eager to ride the pony that he was oblivious to the pushing kids and anxious parents. He patiently waited his turn and was content to walk alongside the pony while other kids rode. Oh to be a child and look past it all! I definitely could have taken a lesson. I was quiet but took note of the disorganization. Shame on me! I did feel a little vindicated when the female handler told the other parents and children the NEXT child to ride was Son1 and that they all had to wait their turn. She even made another dad take his daughter off the pony and let Son1 on. I know I shouldn't have been smiling on the inside, but I am sinful and need Jesus. I was BEAMING. He rode the ponies a few times and shouted , "Giddy Up! Yee haw!" This time he rode Fire, a male pony. Other times he rode Pua, the female pony. Pua means flower in Hawaiian.After some time, the handlers declared pony brushing time. I am sure this was to give the ponies a little break. These ponies are from the Philippines. They have a colored marking that travels down their back all the way to the tip of their tail hair.
Now here is a little problem with preschoolers being so close to the ground, and having a relaxed male pony. This pony had talent. The kids cracked up watching him show his parts and then retract them over and over. No matter how much the handlers and parents pleaded for them to stand up, they were too busy enjoying the show. I happened to take a picture of my child watching, but they all watched.All of the "paniolos" (Hawaiian word for cowboys).
Son2 was also an invited guest. In Hawaii people often offer to hold your baby. I had to get over my germaphobiness since living here, and my tendency to quarantine my small infants. When anyone sees a mother struggling with a baby it is common to offer help. I don't worry so much now with Son2 getting older. But here is where I caught Son2.

On top of the bounce house

Mounted on a pony

Here is my Hawaiian paniolo being guided by the handler and another mother.