Have You "Herd" the Road Trip Rule?

When I was in 7th grade, I took a 12 week drawing class at a local art school (Saturdays). While I desperately wanted to take the class, it was also intimidating as I would probably not know anyone else there and I was terribly shy. When I walked into the classroom that first day, I saw a girl I knew from school (one of the "popular" girls, who never EVER spoke to me at school). I remember wishing it could have been someone (ANYone) that I could at least halfway get along with for the next 12 weeks...
Imagine my surprise when Polly Popularity completely disregarded "the rules", came over and sat down next to me chattering away. She sat with me every Saturday for the entire 12 week session. Interestingly enough, she STILL never spoke to me at school. It was a good lesson for life with horses: "Better the devil you know".

We opted to add a special adventure this year by taking Champ and Lady to FFA's (Future Farmers of America) "Farm Day" at the elementary
school. Because Lady and Champ are in separate herds and pastures, they would not normally get along if we put them together at home. In a new environment, however, this rule can change completely for horses just as it does for people (like it did for my Saturday art classes :o) Isn't that something?

The horses were a huge hit with the kids and extremely tolerant of all the little hands reaching up to pet them. Many of the children had never seen a horse up close and oohed and ahhed at how soft their muzzles (noses) were. I was touched by the many expressions of wonder and amazement (not to mention the huge smiles) I saw on so many little faces throughout the day; it was a fabulous experience for all of us.


Champ was very interested in all of the other animals that were there, so we introduced him to a few of our favorites...



First he met the little chick, he thought it was pretty neat (he sniffed her most carefully :o)
















Next up was the bunny rabbit (Champ liked him too :o)




Last was the piglet. He was really interesting right up until he squealed loudly in Champ's face (this resulted in Champ hiding behind Lady for protection and brought an abrupt end to his interest in "meeting" anymore of those scary little critters that yelled :o)

All in all it was an exhausting, but absolutely wonderful day and I am so glad that we were asked to participate. It is truly a blessing to be able to watch the delighted expressions of hundreds of children seeing and touching these magnificent animals and knowing how happy it made them.

MORE INFORMATION ON FFA:
The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Organizational Name: National FFA Organization;

Changed in 1988 from Future Farmers of America to reflect the expanding career field of Agricultural Education.

Founded: 1928

Current Membership: 507,763

Number of Chapters: 7,439 in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands