Pony Party

Tessa's friend had a pony party for her birthday.  The kids rode horses, played on the playground, ate cake and even had a guided tour of the barn.  I love that the horses were bedazzled with sparkly paint just for the party.  It was worth the long drive to visit such a nice horse barn and we had a great time.  The birthday girl is on the right.  We didn't even plan to have these three musketeers color coordinate, but aren't they cute?   

At first, Tessa didn't want to ride.  Weird since she loves horses and has happily ridden before.  It came down to a battle of wills over the helmet.  The kids were all required to wear one and Tessa refused to let me put it on her head.  She really, really doesn't like helmets.  No problem, just go play on the playground then.  So while I am chatting with other parents I realize I can't see Tessa anywhere on the playground.  I ask one of the kids where she is and am informed that Tessa went to ride the horse.  Sure enough, when I get to the paddock I see one of the stable hands putting a helmet on my child and boosting her up into the saddle.  Great!  Apparently it just had to be her idea and at a time of her choosing.  She ended up riding with the birthday girl and they had a blast.