Can I go horse riding?

Now we’re back into the school routine, I’m looking back at the school holidays with more fondness. Before them, we’d discussed the plan of attack – my husband even drew up the “battle plan”. The kids needed to spend a week in camp, and to our interest and delight, science camp was the winner for both.

As an incentive though, my daughter asked to go horse riding. Putting aside the fear that this is a slippery slope to a very expensive hobby, we found one that promised riding, brushing, and mucking out the stables. Not just glamour – perfect!

My son decided he would have a day with dad so I dropped her off at her first solo all day event. I am not sure she even noticed me leave.

When I went to collect her she came running toward me with a huge smile on her face. So far so good.

As we climbed into the car, I had my best listening face on and I was armed with lots of active questions.

Two in, she looked at me and said “Mum, shall we get this show on the road”.

Independence – tick!