Kentucky Horse Park

One place in Lexington the kids never tire of is the Kentucky Horse Park.  It is the one thing Grace said she wanted to do while we were here (well, other than doing crafty stuff with Grandma).

My kids love the story of Ol' Red. 

Man O' War 

I don't know how many times I've been to the horse park, and we've never ridden on one of the horse drawn trolleys - but today was the day! 

 

We always enjoy the Hall of Champions and seeing all the retired race horses and hearing their stories.

 

And then there is the Parade of Breeds: 

Today must have been our lucky day because we were able to tour barns that haven't been open in the previous times we've been there.

The workhorse barn. 

I have never seen a horse with a blue eye like this.

Miniature donkeys

 

They had a fun area outside the Kid's Barn where the kids could pretend they were horses and jump over the gates they had set up. 

I'm not sure she can get much cuter. 

I really hope this is not a sign of things to come.

I liked the rodeo and all, but I don't want my boy to get hurt riding saddle bronc (or bulls either!) 

The kids had an opportunity to ride horses while we were here. 

Waiting their turn. 

Had we known what it truly meant, we probably would've skipped it since both of the kids had just spent a few days on the farm riding by themselves on a bigger horse. 

My kids love to role play...

As long as my daughter continues to love horses, I imagine we will return to this place many times.

More Farm Fun

Well, Nebraska has redeemed itself.  While it's still cool, the snow is gone, and it is more suitable for the one thing Grace has been looking forward to doing.

Holding onto CC while Chase saddles her up. 

This was all the horse Naomi needed!

Nikki was so great with her, and Naomi loved every minute of it. 

Riding with Chase as her "training wheels" 

"Tiny", as the girls came to call her, was a trooper!

She didn't even complain with this little girl got her hands on her.  I guess she knew she'd be better off just riding out the storm. 

I had a little fun shooting.  So did Grace, but I was inside with my sick baby boy while she was playing. 

Naomi had so much fun chasing all of the animals.

This kid is a natural on a horse. 

Naomi didn't think that Chase was the best person to ride with. 

But her daddy proved to be okay. 

Meanwhile, Uncle Dana took Grace and Emily for a tractor ride. 

Wichmanns brought over a couple of pigs while we were there, so there were even more animals around for the kids to mess with! 

Grace was all about helping Chase - as long as she got to be on horseback. 

T R O U B L E. 'nuff said. 

 

The kids have had a blast while we've been here! And I'm so glad that we've had this time with family, but I'm not so sure that Dana and Joanie aren't trying to gain another 3 farmhands...