Kharisma and Clyde
Posted By Melissa on April 6, 2011
Kharisma and Clyde are new family friends. At the beginning of January Samantha was offered an opportunity that had previously been just a dream for her.
A friend at church referred us to his new boss who had moved here without her family, but was bringing her horse with her. She was looking for someone to take care of Kharisma on the weekends that she went to visit her family. We met and talked about the duties. Even though Sam is just 12 years old we both felt she could handle the responsibility.
In exchange for caring for Kharisma, the owner said she would teach Sam how to ride, and eventually go on trail rides.
It has worked very well for our situation! We live 1.5 miles from the stables where Kharisma lives. It has been about every other weekend and twice for a week when the owner had to go away. Samantha and Matthew ride their bikes down there, feed, water, brush, clean stalls, and then ride home.
A few weeks after starting this arrangement, the owner purchased another horse, Clyde. He’s a big guy! But so gentle with the kids. Even my little girls give the horses snacks and hang out in their stables to pet them.
Recently the owner invited us down to the stables on a Saturday so the younger children could ride, and also to start teaching Matthew how to ride. We had such a great time. The photos are from that day – the kids had such a great time!
I don’t know how long this arrangement will last. I have asked Sam a few times if it is too much work for her but she says no each time. She loves being around the horses and doesn’t even mind scooping poop! I’m thankful she’s had this opportunity.
What a great opportunity! Mag cries on a regular basis because we aren’t able to have a horse. So far we’ve not found any opportunity that’s doable for us, but this encourages me to keep praying about it!
We miss our horses and would love to get one again at some point. It’s a great opportunity and I am happy for Samantha. Hope she enjoys learning how to ride!