Tuesday, October 4, 4:36 PM. Claire.

Dear Diary, listen to this! I taught Daddy how to ride today. He wanted me to teach him so that he can help teach everyone else. I rode Princess and he rode Cloud, the gray gelding. I taught him how they taught me at riding lessons. He is a good learner and always follows directions. I gave him an A-.

I showed him how to put on the harness and the blanket and saddle. I showed him what the near and off sides are. I could tell that he was kind of scared about getting on. I showed him how I did it on Princess. He put his foot in the stirrup, but when he climbed up, the saddle started to twist. He didn’t cinch it up good enough. That’s why I had to give him an A-. He did everything else good.

After that he got on just fine and we walked around the pasture. I think Cloud was happy to be ridden again. I showed Daddy how to make him stop and go and turn. One time the horses started to trot because I think they were excited about us riding. Daddy said that hurt his bottom, so we stuck with walking. I told him I’ll teach him to trot and gallop another day.

I am kind of a horse expert now. Daddy and me will teach everyone to ride, but mostly it’ll be me.