Andrew, the Shetland Pony

I have over 1,000 pictures to edit and go through but I know you're all waiting for an update about my Shetland pony driving lesson. I hate letting people down, so I thought I'd touch on this topic rather than wait and include it with details about the rest of our (amazing) trip to Scotland and Ireland.

First of all, I got to go out to the pasture and help the owner, Jo, call in their 10 Shetland and Icelandic ponies. I wish I had a picture of them all running towards us, eager to go "work" but I was nervous and giddy and therefore didn't think to take my camera. Jo picked Andrew for this lesson. He seemed to be a good choice when she told me some of the others were a little wild. I like calm when it comes to large animals. We became fast friends. Of course.

Apparently Andrew has a lot of friends, which didn't surprise me one bit. He was a nice guy. He'd even let you sleep on his back if you were tired.

Jo taught me how to put all his "gear" on. I knew reigns and harness but the rest was new to me. A lot goes in to getting a horse ready to pull a cart!

Learning the hand movements to turn him right or left.

My turn!

Off we go!

After my lesson, Andrew took me, my dad and Tom for a ride. It was quite humorous and we didn't realize it cost extra until after it was over. No big deal. You only live once. Everyone needs to be pulled in a cart by a Shetland pony. Don't worry - they're very strong and the weight was shifted more on the cart than on him. I learned all about it.

Andrew back out to the pasture with his friends.

And then, in common Shetland fashion, the owners of the horse ranch invited us in for tea and soup. The people were so nice.

Dreams do come true *smile.