Farrier Field Trip with Uncle Wyatt

 Wyatt recently commented that I should have kept a record of the papers I edited for people and how they paid me.  It would be interesting.  I've been paid in a variety of ways including babysitting, chocolate, and shrimp.  And now I've also been paid in a field trip.

 We're studying the Middle Ages this year--I think I've mentioned that.  Around 900 AD iron horseshoes were introduced and had a profound impact on fighting.  Horseshoes allowed for a more viable cavalry.  Therefore, we needed a farrier demo.  Thanks again, Uncle Wyatt for shoeing a horse for me!!

 The kids were pretty excited.  None of the kids who attended, except mine, had ridden a horse.  The littles lost interest in the shoeing after a bit, but they came rushing back for the riding portion of the activity.  The older kids watched the whole shoeing demonstration and were also pretty thrilled to ride.

 The cats were also a big hit.

 I wish I had pictures of the riding but I was busy leading Smoky around.  Smoky kept wiping his nose on my sleeve.  I wasn't impressed.  After the riding we all went on a hike up a canyon in the Wellsvilles by Mendon.  It was gorgeous.  Unfortunately, the younger kids were pretty tired and I packed Harriet almost the whole time.  She's no lightweight.  Still, it was beautiful and the weather was amazing and I was with good friends.  It was a lovely day.