Spencer and Grace got the biggest treat of their lives this week--HORSE CAMP! Thanks to Vista Horse Farms for a great time and to Grandpa for the financial backing for the adventure! They got to learn all about how to take care of a horse and best of all got to ride, ride ride.
Today all the kids in the class (there were about 9) put on a horse show for their families so we could see what they had learned all week. It was a lot! They learned how to groom, saddle and bridle the horse. They learned how to handle them safely with a halter and how to exercise (longe) them on a long rope.
The first part of the show they did some obstacle courses with the kids leading the horses on the ground and also did a halter class like they would do if they were in a horse show. They were judged and won ribbons. Then they got to mount up and show us their stuff on horseback. Spencer and Grace did such an awesome job! They handled those horses like they were pros. Spence especially had that horse under control. Buddy was Grace's horse for the week and Cy was Spencer's. Spence had a little difficulty getting Cy to do anything but walk, but by the end of the week (and with a little manual encouragement you can see Spencer carrying) Spencer could get Cy to trot on cue.
It was such a great experience for both of the kids. They could hardly wait to go back each day and hang out at the barn. They were awake and dressed by 7 a.m. every morning even though we didn't leave for camp until 8:20! Each student had a mentor that was an older experienced rider. They were extra kind to Spencer and gave him a male mentor as he was the only boy in the class (thanks to Charlie for stepping in). Grace loved her mentor, Stephanie, and rummaged around last night to find something to give her as a gift. She ended up with a little ring and a caterpillar she had made with pipe cleaners (or "chenille stems" for those of you that do crafts and use the fancy name--not me). It was very cute.
Grace's first question when were done today said it all, "When can we go to horse camp again?"
Oh my goodness! I have never seen Spencer grin so big! Both Grace and Spencer look very comfortable with their horses. What an excellent experience for them.
ReplyDeleteYou do know that horses WILL trample you!!!! HA! I know that you guys have always loved horses, and that is so neat. What a nice Grandpa to do that for them. From the looks on their faces you can tell it will be a memory for life!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Spencer and Grace, You both look great and are totally handling the horses so well. They look like Arabs - my favorite! I bet you had so much fun. Wish I could go to Horse Camp, too! XOXO
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