Our friends came to visit us and brought their three little girls.
They were cute and curious, all giggles and curls.
We asked the youngsters if they'd like to ride a horse,
knowing perfectly well what the answer would be, of course.

So I saddled up Hoss, the safest horse that we had
and in sequence each girl was lifted into the saddle by her dad.
The girls were a little nervous and gripped the saddle horn hard
but gradually relaxed as I lead the easy going equine around the yard.

Their dad built up the confidence of his young prot¨¦g¨¦s
By advising and encouraging them with lots of fatherly praise.
We could see how much they were enjoying the rides they were taking
and it was plain these were future horsewomen in the making.

It was wonderful to see the kids have so much fun
and they were so disappointed when their rides were done.
But the frowns on their little faces changed to smiles a mile wide
when I asked them if they would like to see their daddy take a ride.

I was right when I figured that my city friend had never
Really tried any ranch stuff, especially a horse riding endeavor.
It was interesting to watch as he gave excuse after excuse
as to why he couldn't possibly take a ride on our cayuse.

His daughters tried to coax him but to absolutely no avail.
He said they were running late and had to hit the trail.
I reassured him Ol' Hoss was safe but he steadfastly refused
and herded the kids to the car as we stood there, amused.

He said they had to go now, and that it was a pity
because it had been a while since they'd gotten away from the city.
I knew he was nervous but I didn't want to press him anymore
because I had gone though the same fears many years before.

I told him before he left to be sure to bring the girls again.
As they drove off into the sunset, I put good Hoss back in his pen.
It was all in fun and we laughed at the way he saved his pride
but what gave us a sense of joy was seeing those young girls ride.