Of Ponies And Horse Carriages

We went to the zoo 2 weekends ago and had a great time on Sunday morning. The air was crisp and sharp, with intermittent whiffs of the fragrant forest air. The animals were highly excited as it was the usual morning feeding time, so we could observe an affluence of animals and zookeepers in action which intrigued the Bees as always. 

We sauntered around the zoo complaisantly, gazing at chimpanzees and orang utans, listening to the calls of the wild and meandering alongside huge placid lakes and virgin forests. Big Bee had grand plans to cover the entire zoo - clutching a map in her hands and directing us assertively on where we should be ambling towards! It does feel nice to be led by our children once in a while :) 

We strolled towards the KidsWorld, and decided to let the Bees take the popular 3-in-1 $10 ride, which comprises of a pony ride, a horse carriage ride around the perimeter of the KidsWorld and one carousel session. 

The Bees were thrilled, of course, and embarked on the carousel ride first - their gleeful expressions with Papa on the ride truly enlivened my spirits, as I stood aside, watching them. 

Next up, they each took a turn riding on King, a 17-year-old horse that looked so gentle and poised. Little Bee was elated, and we might have considered riding lessons for her, if not for Big Bee's previous riding accident. 

Whereas Big Bee - always a horse whisperer - uttered her deepest wish, yet again, of wishing to continue her riding journey. When Hubby asked if she is frightened of falling from the horse again, she looked at him quizzically and exclaimed, "But Papa - falling from horses is very normal if we want to ride!" This statement that emanated from our usually very cautious eldest girl came as an anomaly - this girl loves the carefree feeling of riding on a horse so much that she is willing to put aside her usually well-guarded safety. 

Unfortunately, Hubby and I had not gotten over the trauma of her riding accident yet - so we told her to be patient and wait a few more years. Such is the adoring interest of our impassioned daughter that we try not to douse it away with too much negativity. What a thin line indeed. 

We then clambered up a majestic, elegant horse carriage with Jones as our horse, and had a heart-stirring ride around the lush environs of the peaceful perimeter of KidsWorld, relishing the tender caresses of the breeze on our faces and enjoying the rhythmic and hypnotic clippity-clop of the Jones' hoofs. Blissful indeed - and I could pretend I am Jane Austen for a few minutes! 

Thereafter, the Bees went at close range to interact with the various ponies, horses and goats, not bearing to leave them when we persuaded them to call it a day and head home for lunch. 

Finally, as we approached the zoo's exit, we saw a kiosk for an author's autographing session. Unfortunately, no one was giving this author a second look. Hubby prodded me to take a look at her books, and we had a wonderful time chatting with her about her books, which incidentally, chronicled tales of children who are brave warriors in conservation - the Doughty Warriors. More importantly, the author, Brenda Broster, spoke at length with Big Bee who, though a wee tad shy, could interact with a writer upclose and personal, and receive a personal autograph message from Brenda in her book! Big Bee told me the book was interesting - the fact that she completed the book in less than 3 days is testament to her interest level :) 

The Bees with Brenda Broster, writer of The Doughty Warriors

We will be back very soon at the zoo again - observing different animals this time :)