This is an approximation of my conversation with my eldest daughter (a beginner rider, 9 years old):

DD1:  What if the horse spooks today when I ride?

Me:  Well, try to focus on sitting deep in the saddle, staying relaxed and being a quiet leader.

DD1:  But I could fall off!

Me:  But you didn't yesterday, right?

DD1:  But I could!

Me:  Yes, but you might not.  And the horse might not spook, as the snow isn't melting as much today. So the arena's roof…

Both my daughters have started riding recently, and it has been a rewarding and learning process for all of us.

Browsing friends' status entries on Facebook, I've been struck by some friends' effort to find and recognize happiness, as well as expressing gratitude (things like, 100 days of Happiness, etc).

This made me pause to think about finding and expressing happiness, via gratitude, when at the barn.  As such, my daughters and I now take a bit of time, either at the end of…