Don’t worry; the next installment of the “Mother Road – Route 66” is coming. I took so many photographs at the Petrified Forest that I am way behind. This last week or so have been busy at work, and most of my free time has been occupied by the Dart – my 1972 Dodge Dart. More about the car will be coming too.

Anyway, my granddaughter, Malayna is in 4-H for the little ones. She is 6 now, and I thought you might like to see a couple of pictures from her last “mini riders” competition. The 4-H organization teaches youth about life skills and helps them develop attitudes and skills to become “self-directing, positive members of our society”. The organization was founded in 1902! It focuses on hands on learning and was developed to promote agricultural skills among other things.

Malayna’s father, Brian, was in 4-H in his youth and became a teacher/counselor. That is actually how my wife’s daughter, Amanda, met Brian. Well, Malayna has become quite the cowgirl over the last couple of years. She didn’t have the competitions last year due to COVID, but is back at it this year.

Malayna got Ridge a couple of years ago, and they adore each other. He is the most gentle and sweet horse, always looking out for her safety. I guess horsemanship runs in Sheri’s (my wife) genes. If you have followed me for awhile, you have seen some of my posts about Sheri’s competitions.

After her Speed Barrels class I asked Malayna what those strange orange spots were on Ridge’s shoulder. Malayna replied, “It’s popsicle; it melted a little.”

After the competition it was time to get Ridge ready for the ride home. I caught Malayna in this cute pose with Ridge while her Dad was getting ready to take Ridge’s tack gear off.

Well, I hope that you enjoyed my post about my granddaughter, Malayna, and her 4-H competition. She has a good time, and is beginning to make some good friends too.

I promise that the Mother Road series will continue soon – as quickly as I am able to get through my mountain of photos. Thanks again for visiting my blog.