Phoenix's pony ride

Sunday we dicided to go back for another pony ride. This time we waited until after naps so that Phoenix would be able to participate in this childhood experience. We stood in line for about 20 minutes; the kids were happy eating dorritos in line and just looking around.

As soon as I set Phoenix on the pony, the screaming began. I dug in my pocket and found a pcaifier. The screaming continued. I thought that if I could comfort him until the ponies started walking, he would be fine. The screaming rallied. Finally the ponies started walking and Phoenix calmed down for 2 turns around the circle. He started to scoot my direction on the saddle so I lifted him back to the center of the saddle. The screaming followed. I guess he thought that I was picking him up. I thought that if I hugged him a little and could comfort him, he would calm down. The screaming persisted. The owner/trainer of the ponies asked if I wanted him off the ponies. I wanted to try one more circle. He calmed down a wee bit. I tried to get him to look at Patrick for a photo opportunity. The screaming returned. I took the owner up on her offer to take Phoenix off the pony. In the blink of an eye, she had unbuckled Phoenix, taken him off the pony, and swept him into my arms. The screaming ended.