Shetland Ponies and Europe 2010

Tom and I are off to Scotland and Ireland for two weeks! We're pretty pumped for many reasons, but I am beyond excited for one reason in particular. I just got word that I am going to get an official Shetland pony driving lesson.

My life is complete.

Well, after I live in the same neighborhood as my sister, but this gets me one step closer.

I have a mini obsession for miniature horses and Shetland ponies are pretty darn close.

Per Wikipedia, the Shetland pony is a breed of pony originating in the Shetland Isles. Shetlands range in size from a minimum height of approximately 28 inches to an official maximum height of 42 inches (10.2 hands, 107 cm) at the withers. (11.2 hands for American Shetlands) Shetland ponies have heavy coats, short legs and are considered quite intelligent. They are a very strong breed of pony, used for riding, driving, and pack purposes.

We will be in the Shetland Isles in between our time in Scotland and Ireland. And it is in the Shetland Isles where I will be having my driving lesson. My dad set it up - he's the best!! I hope the weather and everything works out so this can actually happen. You better believe it'll be one the highlights of the trip *smile.

Don't know what a Shetland pony looks like? Let me show you...

This is basically what the fields look like over there. Pretty sure I'll be in Heaven.

Stunning.

Dear Lord, help me...

Seriously?!

It's too much...

Don't worry, we're doing a lot more than just seeing Shetland Ponies. We'll be visiting Glasgow, Edinburgh and taking a day tour in Scotland, then we're meeting my parents in Shetland for a couple days for a Sinclair family reunion of sorts, and then we're off to Dublin where Tom and I will begin our Seven Day World Tour of Ireland with Vegabond Guided Tours.  We'll wrap up the tour with a castle stay at the Ballynahinch Castle to celebrate Tom's 27th birthday - how fun is that?!

I am so very excited and grateful for the opportunity to travel and see the world with my hubby. I loooove that we both love to explore and visit new places, and I so treasure making memories together. I'm not sure what access I'll have to the internet or the time to blog so if you don't hear from me for two weeks, don't be alarmed.

We'll see you when we get back - get ready for lots and lots of pictures! *smile.