Scary Horsey

We had our weekly Thursday night get-together last night, and my friends Greyson and Jonathan came with their three kids in tow. Their middle son, J, is a little bit younger than Scamp, so she is always trying to "help" him. They both wanted to go upstairs to Scamp's room, so I went along to help them find some toys.

Scamp has a horse that's made specifically for toddler-sized riders. She started climbing on it, and J looked really excited about having a turn, too. I didn't want them to get hurt, so I picked it up and told them we would take it downstairs. Well, as soon as I did, J started crying. I thought he must have wanted a ride immediately, so I encouraged him down the steps.

He started the descent, wailing all the way with me tailgating right behind with horsey. His mom came to the rescue, and I told her, "He must think I'm not going to let him ride the horse." She grabbed him and as we reached the bottom, I placed the horse a few feet away from him. He went hysterical. He saw the cat a few feet in the other direction and cried even harder. Well, duh!! He was terrified of the "monster" horse, and there I was stalking him with it.

I took the once harmless animal back upstairs, but poor J was inconsolable for 15 minutes. Will I forever be known as the "Scary Horse Lady?" I hope I didn't traumatize him too bad. He did eventually settle down. I'll have to make sure the horse is well hidden next week and maybe win his trust back with some candy!