VIDALIA &045; Twice a day &045; rain or shine &045; Charles and Doris Lewis load a bale of hay into their pickup and ride to a barn at the Shields Plantation south of Vidalia to feed their horses. For them, it’s more than just a chore.

&uot;I’ve been riding all my life,&uot; Charles said as he snapped a rope to the halter of a 3-year-old Pacifino named Tiny.

&uot;That’s my baby. We gave her my nickname,&uot; Doris said as Charles trotted the golden philly in circles for exercise in the barnyard.

The Lewises keep another Pacifino, a Paint and a quarterhorse at the Shields barn. And at home, there’s a 5-year-old Appaloosa.

&uot;He’d make two of these horses,&uot; Charles said.

Feeding and caring for the animals can be expensive. Charles pays from $2.50 to $3 per bale for hay and has the horses examined by a veterinarian regularly.

&uot;They’re all in pretty good shape right now. We haven’t had any problem with West Nile or any diseases. I guess we’ve been lucky,&uot; he said.

Despite her love for horses, Doris has not ridden &045; yet.

&uot;I want to learn how, but I haven’t gotten on one yet,&uot; she said.

But the Lewises have three young boys &045; the oldest is 7 &045; who are eager to ride.

Charles let’s them practice and get acquainted with the animals under his supervison.

&uot;Tiny loves kids. I can put the boys on her and she’d never throw them,&uot; Charles said.

As the boys learn to enjoy horseback riding, Charles also wants them to take an interest in caring for the horses.

&uot;Hopefully, in a few years they can be coming out here to do this,&uot; he said.