Thursday July 31st, 2008
Dearest Families, One and All,
What a huge week we have had…My head is happily spinning, just like the lighted rides and the cascading fireworks of the Cheshire Fair. It has been quite something and your kids have been simply TERRIFIC. I could keep this bunch forever, I might even try to see how I would pay for all their colleges!!! They are such fun and so game for anything and everything. It has been a real treat for me.
I can tell that the staff shares my enthusiasm as they are usually beginning to drag as we head into Session 4 and 5. They are all giggles after the long days of teaching and horse fun. They are ready to go camping, on the all day ride or drive, set up the gymkhana or go play with me and the kids in the indoor during a thunder storm! It is such fun to see all the ages of camp get along so well. Anyone who tells me kids don’t want to work or know how can go jump in a lake somewhere. What a great group of young American women. The world will be in good hands when both the staff and the campers grow up and decide how they are going to contribute to the world….It makes my heart glad!!!
Let me back track to Monday and Tuesday night’s camping trips. More than 30 kids signed up to go so we surely had to do two nights. Actually, it is really easier to do two back to back as one group sets up the tents and the second group takes them down. It makes for a much more leisurely arrival and departure, leaving plenty of time to swim, sit by the fire and explore the stream…not to mention play with the ponies and horses we bring.
So…with high excitement and lots of organizing accomplished on Monday…there we sat with the rain pouring down and the thunder & lightening flaring all around us….The weather forecast was for a little cloud cover, not a flash flood. We decided to postpone the trip and do a little more PF Olympics. One of the events was to be Stable Management…which means that the kids use all their knowledge of how to do the Evening Barn Chores. With the staff helping as usual with the feeding and turn out, and then available on site in the event of an emergency, the kids are left to build a team to do the best job possible for the ponies and horses. Wow, did this gang do a bang up job…They figure eighted all the bridles, which is what they would do in a very fancy “yard” in Britain! They raked their hearts out, scrubbed water buckets, cob webbed!!! They even washed some of the windows…Never has the barn sparkled like it did after these kids really set to work. What a miracle to see. Now, if we as parents could only harness this power to get their rooms cleaned on a school morning!
As the sun peaked out and I rechecked the weather report, off we set at about 5:30PM. Never have I had such a late start to the trip but I felt confident that we could set up camp, settle in the horses, get dinner and cook S’Mores before the darkness of night descended too much. I surely was right. Those kids really tucked into setting up the tents. We had all three big tents ready, despite a mix up of tent poles from the last trip, by the time the riders arrived with the horses. We bring enough horses to have each girl get to ride in either the trip up to the site, an evening ride, a morning ride or the ride home. We also bring a counselor horse.…This time we needed 5 horses. These are carefully selected from among the horses owned by the farm as we do not want to risk hurting a camper’s horse or a leased horse. It is not mean feat to have to spend the night in the dark tied to a tree. Luckily there are truly never any bugs but it still is a different experience for a horse to spend the night camping. Certain ones love it because they get lavished with attention. Seeing the girls drapped over the ponies as they are lying down in the sunlight which is streaming through the tall trees is a picture worth more than a 1,000 words! It makes all the effort and sleeping on the hard ground worth it for me!!!
So with tents set up, sleeping bags laid out and the fire burning brightly, we set to cooking hot dogs over the fire. With chips, dogs, cole slaw and oranges, we were pretty full…and then the marshmallows came out. With the same sticks and lots of gusto, I can’t tell you how many S’Mores were eatten. No one went to bed with an empty stomach.
Next, we sang by the fire. We had also told countless stories by a previous night around the Fire Pit at the lodge, but there always seem to be more stories to tell. We focus on the horse stories rather than Ghost stories. It just seems silly to get them all nervous before I casually sent them off to bed in their tents. It is often the first night outdoors for many of the girls and I just don’t ‘do’ Ghost stories for that reason.
On the second night, we hosted Pony Farm Idol. The girls gathered together and came up with songs that they could perform. Again, seeing their beautiful glowing and healthy faces in the firelight, singing their hearts out without a moment’s self consciousness convinced me of two things. First, you all have done an amazing job as parents…and secondly, that the woods and fields and horses and farms are good for kids. I just love this time of singing and dancing. It is just plain simple joy…
Everyone tip toed off to their sleeping bags and went to sleep without a hitch. They were truly tired I think! The staff and I stay up until we are sure everyone is asleep and then we too fall into our bags, ready to dream up more fun for the next day.
On the Tuesday night trip, we had gotten to the grounds at the usual time so we were able to take the Evening Ride without it being too dark by the end of the ride. However, for the Monday trip, we had to do two Morning Rides before we left to go home. Sadly, I could not do those as my dad is still not doing very well. I had to take him with my mom to a round of doctor apt. to follow up his hospitalization, so I missed the fun of the morning of the first trip. The girls swam in the mountain pool, splashing in the cooooold clear water and enjoying taking exploration trips up and down the rushing mountain stream. One of the benefits of all the rain is that the stream is really rushing and there is a big fountain of water that runs over our smooth rock from which we slide into the pool. It makes for easy entry into the cooooold water but it sure is refreshing.
Each morning we love cooking breakfast over the fire. We eat scrambled eggs galore, sausage o’plenty, cook toast and drink OJ…Of course, there are a few left over marshmallows that go down the hatch pretty well too! Following that, we clean up camp and then are set to explore the area, ride some more and return to camp by 11:00 to get unpacked and help with noon feed. Luckily rest hour follows lunch, so it is a good time to store up some energy for things to come.
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’, the kids had great fun as well. It is so funny that the older kids mostly choose to stay home from the camping trip. They get to speed through barn chores and then do more elaborate and slightly older evening activities. On the first night, they held a great sounding play. It even had some political overtones as one of our 3rd Year CITs has just returned from being a Senate Page in Washington. She is very into the green candidates and ready to save the world…so I guess it was very good and most entertaining. Good for her! On the second night of the camping trip, they played a rousing game of Capture the Flag…I am glad to have missed that because it sure entails a lot of running. I would much rather sit by the fire to hear them sing than to have to run after flags and capture territory…each to her own!
The campers who did not go on the trip also got a lot of serious, good instruction. With smaller numbers, they got quite a bit of individualized attention. One of the activities that happened was the Puissance, another big camp favorite. It is where the instructors set up two jumps with a very specific amount of space between them. It helps the horses and ponies find the right place to take off to jump. The first jump stays the same and the second jump goes higher and higher until the counselor stops the rider, or the kiddo says its time for her to stop, or the horse says it by running out. In all cases, we are very careful when we do this but it is great fun to test the limits in a well managed manner. The kids love it. The staff stopped it at 3’9”…so that is pretty darned high!
After morning lessons, lunch, a good job of barn chores and rest hour with showers….off we went to the Cheshire Fair. This is truly a highlight of the whole summer, with many staff returning from former years or sessions this summer. It is quite an event. We rent a large bus to get to the fair in Keene NH. With wild ride, carnival games, all the best junk food you can imagine and loads of horse and farm animal events and exhibitions, there really is something for everyone. The girls did it all….Not one girl missed a check in meeting and everyone stayed together in a great way. Not one girl was left to ‘hang with the staff’ because no one wanted to be with her…This is such a great thing for everyone. Hats were bought, fried dough and french fries were eatten, the horse show watched with delight….and then the fireworks set it all off. With a glorious display, we all were mightily entertained.
I took a car load of kids home who wanted to go alittle early. These were the kids that had spent all their money in the first hour and eatten a ton of cotton candy. They were happy to talk like magpies on the way home and then hit their pillows hard when they got back to the lodge. The other kids came in about 11, happy, tired and ready to retire too. A grand day with not one ‘boo boo’ was had by all.
Today, they are sleeping late, thus allowing me time to write this. These kids keep me hopping so it is hard to find time to write. Between all the kids want to do and getting ready for our big American Camping Association accreditation visit which is scheduled for next Tuesday and my dad, I sleep well at night!!!
I would like to tell you just a bit about ACA Accreditation as we are proud of the work that we do. This visit happens every three years, making this about our 10th time of being accredited. We feel this is so very important as it assures you of our good management of your children. It is not enough that the kids love camp. In this day and age, things like Criminal Background Checks, water samples, nursing procedures, sound, careful financial management, temperatures in the friges and vehicle logs are also most important. Although I knock on wood every morning and say my prayers every night, it is not just prayer and luck that keeps kids injury, sickness and accident free. It is detailed, highly organized and carefully thought out planning that goes along way to having never had a severe injury in 37 years nor had camp sued for anything. We are extremely proud of all that we do in the background and before camp even opens that makes camp what it is today. Thanks to excellent input from families over the years, the guidance of ACA, and the accreditation process, we are truly proud of the camp we run. We hope you might take a look at our materials that we have prepared for Tuesday when you come on Saturday. I think you will be impressed by the detail and depth of what we need to do to achieve a good score. We are shooting for a fabulous score….Let’s see what Kris and the team can do. We will let you know in upcoming materials but keep us in your thoughts next Tuesday when our visit will take place. It will last all day and we think we will do very well indeed!
Today, the girls will have one long ride instead of two. They will do their Gymkhana, which is games on horse back. They will compete as Olympic Teams and accrue points f or their team. The final scores are building for the prizes tomorrow night at our big Dress up Dinner and Candlelight. They will compete in games such as Gambler’s Choice, Sit a Buck, the Cracker and Soda Race, String Reins and more depending on their levels. They will compete within their own riding groups, bringing back the points to their team. This will end with a late lunch and rest hour. This afternoon, they will do a shortened afternoon of driving the minis, vaulting and bareback. These will be the Specialties that they will do for you on the Exhibition Day.
Tonight, they are doing the last of the Olympic Events…a game of knowledge of current movie, singing and dancing stars…This is a game I just can never play. I am definitely not in the swim of current stars for teens. They adore this game and it is hotly planned by categories by the staff. Everyone loves this and luckily I get the night off. My girls and grandbabies are coming, along with my sister and brother to see my dad and to celebrate my birthday tonight…Yipee…
Tomorrow, the girls will ride in their lesson groups for one last practice before you arrive. They will then swim, write their Candlelight speech about what camp has meant to them, play with the farm animals one last time and pack. This day will culminate in showering and dressing up for a special dinner. We will then gather around the pool to float candles out into the pool in heart shaped tins adorned with flowers. With the lights twinkling and the torches burning brightly, it is a beautiful site to behold. I love hearing what the experience has meant to the girls. It is most rewarding to an old camp director to hear their beautiful words and watch how much their love each other and their ponies. I sure beats the heck out of what else they could be doing!!!!
Then, Saturday is here. I am NOT eager to return these great girls to you but I guess you probably are as eager to have them back as I was to get them! We will expect you at 9:30. We will have the exhibition events ready for your review. We hope you are impressed by all that the girls have learned. Despite the rain, we sure have packed in a lot. We hope it shows.
Please do remember to bring your picnic. We will provide drinks and dessert for all. The entire event should be sadly over by about 1 or 1:30….With your kids happily packed and in the car, the tales will begin. I hope they are as happy in hindsight as I think they have been in reality.
I do hope you will also plan to attend one of our off season camp family events. We will have a Harvest Festival weekend in September, followed by a Fall Foliage Farm Weekend in October. The pumpkins for both carving and pies are growing like mad, as are all the decorative gourds and Indian corn. We will have lots of fresh veggies out of the garden to eat and loads of fun. We will then turn our attention to the two Mother Daughter Weekends during the first two weekends in December. Next year, we will have our Father Daughter and our Spring Fling….so, lots of fun times lie ahead. We love these weekends because we can see our favorite campers again before next summer…and we get to know the parents, too! It is a terrific time of riding, carriage driving, singing, sitting by the fire, fun theme crafts and events, some shopping if desired…therapeutic massage and reiki….and lots of good food that someone else fixes and does the dishes…Do try to join us…Dates will be forthcoming and …wait until you see all the work that is being done on the lodge right after camp is done. We think you will be impressed by the ‘facelift’ it is going to get.
So, I end as I began, by thanking you for lending us your children. They are truly terrifically fun. It has been a joyous and happy two weeks. Here’s to you as parents and them as kids.
All my very best and with huge fondness,
Boo & all the staff…..
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunny Days Ahead!!
Monday July 28th, 2008
Dearest Pony Farm “Extended Family”,
It is soooo fun to hear through the phone calls and emails that so many of you read these blogs. I have heard from people far and wide who are keeping up with the happenings here at Pony Farm. I am thrilled that you care enough to read what we do. I send my very best to you all…whether you are family members of the current campers or extended family, far and wide, it is a pleasure and a privilege to have you read this letter. I am so thrilled that people love this farm and our adventures as much as I do. Do come visit soon. Know that you will always be welcome.
I left off on Friday with my fingers crossed for a good weather day on Saturday. With the clouds clearing and some dry kindling from the barn, we gathered after dinner around the fire pit in the front of the lodge. With the fire burning brightly and the kids smiling expectantly, we were off on a story telling mission. Sadly, due to my dad being just released from the hospital, we did not have my mom. I was an OK “Stand In” but she really does spin a yarn! The kids begged for the most vivid stories to which I was able to comply as I have listened to these same stories since I was a wee one. We then had the staff chime in their horse stories including Jamie’s stories from representing the US in Mexico, Belgium and New Zealand. We really do have the best staff this year. They had great tales and the kids gave them all their rapt attention. We will be hard pressed to top this staff next year, I can assure you!
The kids trundled off to bed with nary a peep in anticipation of the Ride A Thon. We had the teams all organized with Captains and Co-Captains. Kids seemed most eager to begin their rides. We woke them a little earlier than usual on Saturday so that we could be ready for the whole camp to be clean, organized, correctly dressed & pressed and ready to roll by 10AM sharp. With great cooperation from kids and staff, we were indeed ready to go.
The day was absolutely perfect…sunny, cool and with a nice gentle breeze. The Good Lord must surely look down on us. All the Horse Power Board members on the committee and the many volunteers came right on time, making it a pleasure for all. Safety is, of course, our first priority and the safety check point people were all nicely in place, awaiting the riders. Everything went off without a hitch with all the kids and horses being cool, calm and smiling as they paraded back in. It was really fun to be announcing each team from my vantage point on the front porch of the lodge. To see all those healthy, happy children mounted on shiney, content horses was a pretty picture indeed. I will remember this as we are dealing with frozen water buckets, heaps of snow and below zero temps this winter…It is truly all worth any amount of work!
Following the Ride A Thon which culminated with all the teams proudly riding back in at 12:25…not bad for a guestimated timed of 12:30, we were really hungry and eager to eat. The chefs had the BBQ pit fired up and the chicken, burgers and hot dogs ready and waiting. The smell was enough to make anyone hungry. We had many local businesses sponsoring the event as well as the food so the eats were o’plenty. All the participants got the Ride A Thon tee shirts with the sponsors on the back. Everyone looked so cool with their matching shirts.
We then did a little thank you and awards ceremony on the front lawn of the lodge. We had a number of parents there to support the kids and to walk parts of the trails. With a good size audience, we thanked all the event sponsors, the volunteers, the committee members and the event staff. We also awarded the prize for the most amount raised. This ‘goody bag’ which included lots of fun treasures and a $25 gift certificate from Smart Pak, one of our event sponsors, was awarded to Sophie Shulman. She had raised $400 herself…She is also hosting a Yard Sale to benefit Horse Power when she gets home….What a treat to have someone of her age with a bent toward philanthropy. We really appreciated her efforts on Horse Power’s behalf. We also appreciated the efforts of Emily Selland who received the prize for the most sponsors. She had 10 different people who donated to her efforts on behalf of Horse Power. Again, it is impressive in this day and age when so many kids are so busy that she would take the time to recruit that many sponsors. Well done, ladies!
Following the awards, everyone changed out of their riding clothes and into their swim suits and shorts for an afternoon of swimming and playing with the farm animals. I always love this time as I am such a fan of seeing children gently and lovingly playing with the farm animals. With us losing a farm a day in New England, many children never get to actually collect a warm egg from a nesting box, touch a goat, ride a donkey or do an obstacle course with a mini. The rabbits and guinea pigs on leashes were pretty much favorites. The ducks also seemed to be a hit as they swam in their ducky play pond of a water trough and a child’s wading pool. With giggles of glee and lots of beautiful healthy bodies, the afternoon was a pleasant one for sure. I love sharing this peaceful time on the farm with the parents too. Lots of people went out for ice cream with the favorite spot being the dairy farm right down the road. Being able to meet and greet the actual cows who produce the milk for the ice cream is a treat in and of itself!
That night, the kids did their barn chores in record time so they could have a yummie dinner and see a movie. The feature was Over Board with Goldie Hawn and Kirt Russell…so cute! Many of them fell asleep during the movie after their three or five mile ride, swim tests and running with the minis…It sure is an active day here on the farm.
Sunday morning dawned gray and foggy. The girls got to sleep in as this is their ‘day off’ from horses. They then cleaned their rooms, ate a nice brunch and just ‘vegged’ for the morning. After a big lunch, we all split up to finish the swim tests with our life guard. We were unable to swim due to chilly weather or down right downpours….so, we finally have everyone through the swim test to make sure we are ready to do the camping trip and the swimming with the horses. The girls got to swim for a little while. They also got to play with the Farm Animals again. However, the thunder and lightening started up again with another drenching rain….arghhh…back to the lodge for arts and crafts, as well as Talent Show practice.
I took lots and lots of kids with me to have a fun afternoon playing with the minis whom we harnessed up and drove in the pony carts. We also drove Peaches who is a Welsh pony who is 10.1 hands high. With the girls having gotten a good intro to driving safety and procedure, I let them take turns driving together with me and several staff members standing ready to offer a helping hand. The minis are so good and safe that I felt it was fine to let the girls drive without a staff person as long as we were in a ring and right there ready to step in. We also harnessed up the new mini that we got from the NE Miniature Horse Rescue organization. She was busy nursing her baby last summer so we left her alone. We were most pleased to see how well she took to the harness and the cart, showing not one sign of nervousness.
We also got the donkey, AKA DQ or Donkey Quixote, and got him harnessed up. As we got to hooking him up, the thunder and lightening started in earnest. We moved quickly to the indoor arena, thinking this was the best place to be in a storm. We had a most joyous afternoon just playing with these five dear animals and darling girls. We ended up not hooking up the donkey but we did give rides on him for the littler kids. Such fun!
As the lightening stopped, we quickly went back to the barn and the lodge. To my surprise it was already 4:15. Where does the time go??? Not only can I not believe the day was done but where has the summer gone. I can not believe this session is nearly over and then we only have two more weeks of summer camp. I guess it is a good sign that both Kris and I, as well as the rest of the staff, are still eager for more. That is the mark of a great summer….thanks to your kids and wonderful horses….It certainly is not due to the weather!!! Argghhhh…
Last night we had a great Talent Show. I think it was the best on in many years. It might well have been due to the fact that the kids had more time than usual to prepare. We had about 15 or maybe more acts. We all went to the indoor arena and sat on the bleachers. It was a great combination of talent, fun, obstacle courses, skits and movement. I support anything to get the kids cooperating and moving. It was a great time for everyone. We finally finished at 9PM! Following Vespers and Goodnight Circle, everyone tip toed off to bed to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for the lessons in the morning and the camping trip in the afternoon.
Today has dawned bright and sunny. It is just right for the camping trip. As I write this, the food is being packed and the equipment readied. We will be selecting the 6 horses we will be taking so that each girl can either ride up to the site on the mountain, do an evening ride, a morning ride or ride home. The dear horses stand tied to trees with lots of food for the night. We have to pick the right ones so they are peaceful and still there in the morning. On the first trip this summer, we did not pick the right ones and all but one beat us home before breakfast!
We will head out this afternoon while the rest of the campers stay here and get more lessons. They will also be practicing their specialties for the Exhibition for YOU on Saturday. This group will return before lunch to unpack and get showers. They will then have a nice rest hour tomorrow before they head out to ride again. The second trip will then depart tomorrow afternoon. It is perfect to take the two trips separately. A total of 38 kids signed up which is way too many for one trip. It is great because one group sets up the tents and the second groups takes them down. It is nice and easy!
We will leave from camp in cars with all the equipment and food in the farm pick up trucks. We will then set up camp and move in. The girls will then swim in the lovely but COLD mountain stream that is right by the site. We have dammed up the creek to create a pool. One of the smooth rocks is perfectly situated to be a great water slide right into the pool. They will surely scream as the water is really cold but everyone will be refreshed and happy by the end because we will then go dry off by the blazing camp fire.
Following this, we will divide into teams and feed the horses as the other team begins cooking dinner. We cook out both dinner and breakfast over the fire. This is followed by S’Mores, of course. What is a camping trip without S’Mores.
Meanwhile, the trips have been divided up so that no barn is left empty handed for barn chores and the horses left at home. The kids will do that this afternoon and then do Casino night. That is a camp favorite as they all play card or board games with glee.
Lessons will again take place for those who are not camping.
Wednesday will then feature the Cheshire Fair….then a big Gymkhana on Thursday after sleeping late…Then, it will be practicing Specialties for your exhibition. All of this will be interspersed with lessons galore. In short, we will not have a dull moment this week and the weather is even supposed to cooperate….
Let me review the details of the Closing Day for this session. We ask that you arrive about 9:30. Kris and I will hold an intro and wrap up meeting with you. Your daughters groups will be outlined and their specialties’ location given. We will then have you go to see them ride in their demonstration. This riding demo will then be followed by their chosen specialty. Everything should wrap up by about noon. The girls will feed their horses for the last time and then gather at the lodge for our picnic. Pony Farm will provide refreshments and desserts. We ask that you bring lunch for yourselves and your camper. Last year we never got the food amount correctly figured. We either did not have enough food due to extra guests or too much food due to less numbers. We HATE wasting food….so, we ask that you bring your own picnic to accommodate everyone who comes with you and your camper.
Following the meal, we will say our sad farewells and give out the address sheets for the girls to stay in touch with each other. You can plan to be gone by 1:30ish….sometimes the horse farewells take more time! We will say good bye for now but we are hopeful that you will join us for some of our family weekends sprinkled throughout the year…We will be sending a brochure about these specialty weekends to you soon but we sure hope to see you at least once before next summer! It is such a great way to stay in touch during the school year!!!
So, until Saturday, I send our best from all of us….We are happily enjoying the better weather, each other and our horses…What a great way to spend a summer day! You have awesome children and I thank you for sharing them with us. Happy trails until we see you on Saturday.
Most fondly,
Boo
Dearest Pony Farm “Extended Family”,
It is soooo fun to hear through the phone calls and emails that so many of you read these blogs. I have heard from people far and wide who are keeping up with the happenings here at Pony Farm. I am thrilled that you care enough to read what we do. I send my very best to you all…whether you are family members of the current campers or extended family, far and wide, it is a pleasure and a privilege to have you read this letter. I am so thrilled that people love this farm and our adventures as much as I do. Do come visit soon. Know that you will always be welcome.
I left off on Friday with my fingers crossed for a good weather day on Saturday. With the clouds clearing and some dry kindling from the barn, we gathered after dinner around the fire pit in the front of the lodge. With the fire burning brightly and the kids smiling expectantly, we were off on a story telling mission. Sadly, due to my dad being just released from the hospital, we did not have my mom. I was an OK “Stand In” but she really does spin a yarn! The kids begged for the most vivid stories to which I was able to comply as I have listened to these same stories since I was a wee one. We then had the staff chime in their horse stories including Jamie’s stories from representing the US in Mexico, Belgium and New Zealand. We really do have the best staff this year. They had great tales and the kids gave them all their rapt attention. We will be hard pressed to top this staff next year, I can assure you!
The kids trundled off to bed with nary a peep in anticipation of the Ride A Thon. We had the teams all organized with Captains and Co-Captains. Kids seemed most eager to begin their rides. We woke them a little earlier than usual on Saturday so that we could be ready for the whole camp to be clean, organized, correctly dressed & pressed and ready to roll by 10AM sharp. With great cooperation from kids and staff, we were indeed ready to go.
The day was absolutely perfect…sunny, cool and with a nice gentle breeze. The Good Lord must surely look down on us. All the Horse Power Board members on the committee and the many volunteers came right on time, making it a pleasure for all. Safety is, of course, our first priority and the safety check point people were all nicely in place, awaiting the riders. Everything went off without a hitch with all the kids and horses being cool, calm and smiling as they paraded back in. It was really fun to be announcing each team from my vantage point on the front porch of the lodge. To see all those healthy, happy children mounted on shiney, content horses was a pretty picture indeed. I will remember this as we are dealing with frozen water buckets, heaps of snow and below zero temps this winter…It is truly all worth any amount of work!
Following the Ride A Thon which culminated with all the teams proudly riding back in at 12:25…not bad for a guestimated timed of 12:30, we were really hungry and eager to eat. The chefs had the BBQ pit fired up and the chicken, burgers and hot dogs ready and waiting. The smell was enough to make anyone hungry. We had many local businesses sponsoring the event as well as the food so the eats were o’plenty. All the participants got the Ride A Thon tee shirts with the sponsors on the back. Everyone looked so cool with their matching shirts.
We then did a little thank you and awards ceremony on the front lawn of the lodge. We had a number of parents there to support the kids and to walk parts of the trails. With a good size audience, we thanked all the event sponsors, the volunteers, the committee members and the event staff. We also awarded the prize for the most amount raised. This ‘goody bag’ which included lots of fun treasures and a $25 gift certificate from Smart Pak, one of our event sponsors, was awarded to Sophie Shulman. She had raised $400 herself…She is also hosting a Yard Sale to benefit Horse Power when she gets home….What a treat to have someone of her age with a bent toward philanthropy. We really appreciated her efforts on Horse Power’s behalf. We also appreciated the efforts of Emily Selland who received the prize for the most sponsors. She had 10 different people who donated to her efforts on behalf of Horse Power. Again, it is impressive in this day and age when so many kids are so busy that she would take the time to recruit that many sponsors. Well done, ladies!
Following the awards, everyone changed out of their riding clothes and into their swim suits and shorts for an afternoon of swimming and playing with the farm animals. I always love this time as I am such a fan of seeing children gently and lovingly playing with the farm animals. With us losing a farm a day in New England, many children never get to actually collect a warm egg from a nesting box, touch a goat, ride a donkey or do an obstacle course with a mini. The rabbits and guinea pigs on leashes were pretty much favorites. The ducks also seemed to be a hit as they swam in their ducky play pond of a water trough and a child’s wading pool. With giggles of glee and lots of beautiful healthy bodies, the afternoon was a pleasant one for sure. I love sharing this peaceful time on the farm with the parents too. Lots of people went out for ice cream with the favorite spot being the dairy farm right down the road. Being able to meet and greet the actual cows who produce the milk for the ice cream is a treat in and of itself!
That night, the kids did their barn chores in record time so they could have a yummie dinner and see a movie. The feature was Over Board with Goldie Hawn and Kirt Russell…so cute! Many of them fell asleep during the movie after their three or five mile ride, swim tests and running with the minis…It sure is an active day here on the farm.
Sunday morning dawned gray and foggy. The girls got to sleep in as this is their ‘day off’ from horses. They then cleaned their rooms, ate a nice brunch and just ‘vegged’ for the morning. After a big lunch, we all split up to finish the swim tests with our life guard. We were unable to swim due to chilly weather or down right downpours….so, we finally have everyone through the swim test to make sure we are ready to do the camping trip and the swimming with the horses. The girls got to swim for a little while. They also got to play with the Farm Animals again. However, the thunder and lightening started up again with another drenching rain….arghhh…back to the lodge for arts and crafts, as well as Talent Show practice.
I took lots and lots of kids with me to have a fun afternoon playing with the minis whom we harnessed up and drove in the pony carts. We also drove Peaches who is a Welsh pony who is 10.1 hands high. With the girls having gotten a good intro to driving safety and procedure, I let them take turns driving together with me and several staff members standing ready to offer a helping hand. The minis are so good and safe that I felt it was fine to let the girls drive without a staff person as long as we were in a ring and right there ready to step in. We also harnessed up the new mini that we got from the NE Miniature Horse Rescue organization. She was busy nursing her baby last summer so we left her alone. We were most pleased to see how well she took to the harness and the cart, showing not one sign of nervousness.
We also got the donkey, AKA DQ or Donkey Quixote, and got him harnessed up. As we got to hooking him up, the thunder and lightening started in earnest. We moved quickly to the indoor arena, thinking this was the best place to be in a storm. We had a most joyous afternoon just playing with these five dear animals and darling girls. We ended up not hooking up the donkey but we did give rides on him for the littler kids. Such fun!
As the lightening stopped, we quickly went back to the barn and the lodge. To my surprise it was already 4:15. Where does the time go??? Not only can I not believe the day was done but where has the summer gone. I can not believe this session is nearly over and then we only have two more weeks of summer camp. I guess it is a good sign that both Kris and I, as well as the rest of the staff, are still eager for more. That is the mark of a great summer….thanks to your kids and wonderful horses….It certainly is not due to the weather!!! Argghhhh…
Last night we had a great Talent Show. I think it was the best on in many years. It might well have been due to the fact that the kids had more time than usual to prepare. We had about 15 or maybe more acts. We all went to the indoor arena and sat on the bleachers. It was a great combination of talent, fun, obstacle courses, skits and movement. I support anything to get the kids cooperating and moving. It was a great time for everyone. We finally finished at 9PM! Following Vespers and Goodnight Circle, everyone tip toed off to bed to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for the lessons in the morning and the camping trip in the afternoon.
Today has dawned bright and sunny. It is just right for the camping trip. As I write this, the food is being packed and the equipment readied. We will be selecting the 6 horses we will be taking so that each girl can either ride up to the site on the mountain, do an evening ride, a morning ride or ride home. The dear horses stand tied to trees with lots of food for the night. We have to pick the right ones so they are peaceful and still there in the morning. On the first trip this summer, we did not pick the right ones and all but one beat us home before breakfast!
We will head out this afternoon while the rest of the campers stay here and get more lessons. They will also be practicing their specialties for the Exhibition for YOU on Saturday. This group will return before lunch to unpack and get showers. They will then have a nice rest hour tomorrow before they head out to ride again. The second trip will then depart tomorrow afternoon. It is perfect to take the two trips separately. A total of 38 kids signed up which is way too many for one trip. It is great because one group sets up the tents and the second groups takes them down. It is nice and easy!
We will leave from camp in cars with all the equipment and food in the farm pick up trucks. We will then set up camp and move in. The girls will then swim in the lovely but COLD mountain stream that is right by the site. We have dammed up the creek to create a pool. One of the smooth rocks is perfectly situated to be a great water slide right into the pool. They will surely scream as the water is really cold but everyone will be refreshed and happy by the end because we will then go dry off by the blazing camp fire.
Following this, we will divide into teams and feed the horses as the other team begins cooking dinner. We cook out both dinner and breakfast over the fire. This is followed by S’Mores, of course. What is a camping trip without S’Mores.
Meanwhile, the trips have been divided up so that no barn is left empty handed for barn chores and the horses left at home. The kids will do that this afternoon and then do Casino night. That is a camp favorite as they all play card or board games with glee.
Lessons will again take place for those who are not camping.
Wednesday will then feature the Cheshire Fair….then a big Gymkhana on Thursday after sleeping late…Then, it will be practicing Specialties for your exhibition. All of this will be interspersed with lessons galore. In short, we will not have a dull moment this week and the weather is even supposed to cooperate….
Let me review the details of the Closing Day for this session. We ask that you arrive about 9:30. Kris and I will hold an intro and wrap up meeting with you. Your daughters groups will be outlined and their specialties’ location given. We will then have you go to see them ride in their demonstration. This riding demo will then be followed by their chosen specialty. Everything should wrap up by about noon. The girls will feed their horses for the last time and then gather at the lodge for our picnic. Pony Farm will provide refreshments and desserts. We ask that you bring lunch for yourselves and your camper. Last year we never got the food amount correctly figured. We either did not have enough food due to extra guests or too much food due to less numbers. We HATE wasting food….so, we ask that you bring your own picnic to accommodate everyone who comes with you and your camper.
Following the meal, we will say our sad farewells and give out the address sheets for the girls to stay in touch with each other. You can plan to be gone by 1:30ish….sometimes the horse farewells take more time! We will say good bye for now but we are hopeful that you will join us for some of our family weekends sprinkled throughout the year…We will be sending a brochure about these specialty weekends to you soon but we sure hope to see you at least once before next summer! It is such a great way to stay in touch during the school year!!!
So, until Saturday, I send our best from all of us….We are happily enjoying the better weather, each other and our horses…What a great way to spend a summer day! You have awesome children and I thank you for sharing them with us. Happy trails until we see you on Saturday.
Most fondly,
Boo
Friday, July 25, 2008
Back to Blue Skies!!!!!
Friday July 25th, 2008
Dearest Families One and All,
Wow, what rains we have had….I kept thinking that it was a good thing that none of us had Ruby Red Shoes so we could blow to Kansas with Dorothy and Toto!!! The trees were whipping in the wind, the rain came down in sheets and ….happily, we are all just FINE!!!! Today, we woke up to bright sunshine. The whole world looks like it got washed clean so it was green and beautifully sparkling. It is a good day to be alive!!!!
I am going to camp right after I finish this letter to you all. I took yesterday off to get ready for our exciting weekend and the two nights of a camping trip on Monday and Tuesday (You have such gung ho kids that 39 campers signed up to go camping with the ponies, necessitating two nights. We just can’t fit 39 children around the fire or take enough horses to make it fun if we only do it in one night). Then on Wednesday the summer favorite of the Cheshire Fair. So, it will be a power packed next week with lots to do to make up for the days of rain!!!
I feel a little out of touch up at camp because I spent Wednesday late morning and all afternoon with my Mom and Dad. Dad had not been feeling well for about a week and it seemed to be getting worse…When I came to check in, he had a 102.7 temp. I scooped him up and took him to the Emergency Room at our local hospital. After many tests, they decided to keep him so they could control the temp and the infection…..much to my relief as he and my mom are in their 80’s. When all was settled down and he was tucked into bed, I came back to camp. They had had a great day and were all happily getting ready for bed. I even had one room decide to come sleep at my house….so I felt like I was indeed still a good part of camp!
On Wednesday, they were able to ride in the morning. With the Ride a Thon coming, the staff and I are most eager to have each group surely get out on the trail to make sure they feel comfortable and that the horse matches work in the woods as well as in the rings. So, despite some rain drops and everyone getting pleasantly wet, they were able to ride on Wednesday morning, some in the rings with sand footing and others on the trails. The horse matches do seem just right and the groups are nicely organized. Everyone seemed comfortable on the trails and sporting big smiles as they returned.
After lunch and Rest Hour, the rains really were coming down in sheets with a good deal of thunder and lightning. We had been planning the Pony Farm Olympics which will be a feature of this session. We had already organized the 6 teams with 8 members which would participate in 10 events over the entire session. The winners would be announced on Thursday evening with a big Awards Banquet of sorts! In short, the staff and kids were making a big deal out of these olympics. One of the events was to be tack cleaning…so we decided to start the PF Olympics a little early on Wednesday afternoon in the pouring rain. The tack surely was grateful to be clean and well oiled. It gets such a major amount of use in the summer that it is great when we have the opportunity to really take an afternoon to get it clean.
Thursday dawned with fog, reports of heavy rains, and high winds. Kris and I decided to give up the idea of riding yesterday as, even if there was a break in the rain and wind, the rings were going to be un-rideable. Safety is always first and foremost in our minds…So, the plan was to do event #2 of the Olympics which was an Equine Know-Down, fashioned after the Pony Club Know Downs. The girls divided up into their teams. The staff, armed with several Pony Club and general riding & stable management books, asked questions relating to horse knowledge and care. The teams were challenged to work together to come up with the answer or the response to a given scenario. Together, they know a lot of information and it was a big success. Again, another event was scored for the eventual grand prize!
The afternoon weather was still terrible so the staff decided to do the Lip Sync Contest ahead of schedule. This is yet another PF Olympics event…The team picks a favorite song….learns the song and dresses up to impersonate the singer or singers. Each team then created a dance to go with the song. You surely have creative children! Evidently, they took great interest in this and the results were terrific, according to Kris and the staff. The actual contest took place last night and kept everyone happily involved..
Today has dawned beautiful and sunny with cool temps. The girls will ride like mad today to make up for yesterday’s missed lessons. We want to insure that everyone is able to participate in the Ride A Thon tomorrow. It should be a terrific event for everyone.
Tonight, we are slated to have a bit of an early night so we can be ready for the Ride a Thon tomorrow. My mom was to come and tell stories around the camp fire. We will wait and see how my dad is. The kids absolutely adore having my mom tell her stories of riding out west during the round up days when everyone gathered the horses and cows with mounted round ups. None of the pick up truck round ups of today! She also drove the ambulance in Washington, DC during World War II so that the paramedics and professional drivers could go fight in the war. She has some hair curling tales, all of which are true. I have heard these stories since I was a wee one. So, should she need to take care of my dad, I can certainly stand in for her as I know these stories by heart!
Tomorrow is the Ride a Thon. I hope I have explained what it is in enough detail for you to understand what it is. We will have a course (3 & 5 miles) up on the new Temple Mountain State Park which is about a mile and a half from the farm. We do invite the camp parents or family members to come and walk up there. It is just spectacular trails and you can see Boston from the top of the mountain. We hope that riders from other farms will be joining us to ride up there as well. We have really worked to clear and mark the trails so it is a self guided trip.
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’, the girls will go out on trails that we have ready here. We have a one, three and five mile loop. We thought it best not to have riders from other farms riding on the same trails as our girls as it was not as safe as we would like. Some of the girls will go out in pairs or small teams. We will have check points all along the way for fun and safety….some will even have refreshments. The lesser experienced girls will go with staff members…still with a safety & refreshment stop along the way. It should be great fun and the weather is supposed to cooperate nicely.
Following the ride, we have Horse Power board members who will be cooking a big BBQ of chicken, burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers on the grill in the lodge parking lot. We will have table and chairs on the lawn for the picnic. We will end with a few speeches about Horse Power and give the prizes for those who have gotten the most sponsors and raised the most amount of money for Horse Power.
In the prior summers, we had hosted a Horse Power Benefit Horse Show. We felt that we were getting a little too show oriented with a show for almost every session. The Board and Kris & I all felt that we should change to this Ride and Walk a Thon. It is the first time we have ever hosted this in the summer. Years ago, we did some similar events in the fall. It was a huge success then as we became the third largest Ride a Thon in the country. We hope to build it back over time into a great event in the summer months.
Several of you have written to ask what Horse Power is and why we are raising money for it. A group of us started Horse Power 19 years ago because we were moved by the many ways in which we saw horses helping people to heal. I had seen countless camp kids and lesson students really gravitate to their horse or pony when they were struggling with difficulties in their lives. I knew first hand children whose father had committed suicide due to a gambling addiction, several who had lost a parent to cancer, others who were hyperactive and could not learn, still others who had physical limitations or were either underweight or overweight. We had all seen children who had behavioral issues that made it very difficult on their families…or who had struggles with anxiety, depression, chemical dependency or attachment issues. In short, I saw day in and day out, the miracles that the horses worked in their lives. They truly helped them to come out of their disabilities and limitations to lead healthier and happier lives.
As I began to really see past the surface, I got more and more committed to having a program that addressed these issues. I got particularly interested in the mental health part of the horse therapy so I went to graduate school to get a degree in counseling. With many courses later under my belt, I began to understand the theory behind what I had personally experienced with these children. I began to ‘get’ why the horses were of such enormous help! Thus, Horse Power was born…
We are about to celebrate our 20th Anniversary of Horse Power. Much to my delight, it has become one of the largest and most successful therapeutic horsemanship programs in the country. Over time, we have even started a school to teach instructors how to plan their riding and horsemanship classes to meet the treatment goals designed by therapists of all kinds. We are now beginning to also gather a team to begin to train psychotherapists and educators how to ‘harness the healing power of the horse’ with their clients and students. I am proud to say that Horse Power has served over 3500 individuals with all sorts of challenges. Together, with their families and professional care givers, we have turned their disabilities into abilities, their challenges into successes.
Thus, you bet I am excited about Horse Power. The money raised at this event and through donations at other times of the year as well as grant monies helps us to serve more people….and to take better care of our horses…and to recruit and retain the best staff possible….and to get training and to have a volunteer corps, etc. etc. It is a most exciting time for Horse Power as we prepare for our 20th Anniversary of service.
Following Saturday’s ride, we will have the cook out. If parents want to attend, you are most welcome. Do let me know immediately if you are coming so we can plan the food. Then, you could take them out to dessert for ice cream. We will also have our life guard so folks can swim. The small farm animals are most excited to have some attention as they have been hating the rains too! We will then do Barn Chores and have a movie night at the lodge. We hope that parents can surely have their kids back by 9PM.
On Sunday we will spend our day with the small animals, gardening, driving the miniature horses, doing obstacle courses with the farm animals, seeing the new baby chicks, swimming and arts and crafts…Monday and Tuesday are the camping trips and more PF Olympics…Wednesday is the Cheshire Fair, hopefully Thursday is swimming with the horses…so the fun never stops now that we have sun!!!
I hope you are well and that we see you soon. I send all my best. We love your kids and can’t wait to show off their riding prowess….
Most fondly,
Boo
Dearest Families One and All,
Wow, what rains we have had….I kept thinking that it was a good thing that none of us had Ruby Red Shoes so we could blow to Kansas with Dorothy and Toto!!! The trees were whipping in the wind, the rain came down in sheets and ….happily, we are all just FINE!!!! Today, we woke up to bright sunshine. The whole world looks like it got washed clean so it was green and beautifully sparkling. It is a good day to be alive!!!!
I am going to camp right after I finish this letter to you all. I took yesterday off to get ready for our exciting weekend and the two nights of a camping trip on Monday and Tuesday (You have such gung ho kids that 39 campers signed up to go camping with the ponies, necessitating two nights. We just can’t fit 39 children around the fire or take enough horses to make it fun if we only do it in one night). Then on Wednesday the summer favorite of the Cheshire Fair. So, it will be a power packed next week with lots to do to make up for the days of rain!!!
I feel a little out of touch up at camp because I spent Wednesday late morning and all afternoon with my Mom and Dad. Dad had not been feeling well for about a week and it seemed to be getting worse…When I came to check in, he had a 102.7 temp. I scooped him up and took him to the Emergency Room at our local hospital. After many tests, they decided to keep him so they could control the temp and the infection…..much to my relief as he and my mom are in their 80’s. When all was settled down and he was tucked into bed, I came back to camp. They had had a great day and were all happily getting ready for bed. I even had one room decide to come sleep at my house….so I felt like I was indeed still a good part of camp!
On Wednesday, they were able to ride in the morning. With the Ride a Thon coming, the staff and I are most eager to have each group surely get out on the trail to make sure they feel comfortable and that the horse matches work in the woods as well as in the rings. So, despite some rain drops and everyone getting pleasantly wet, they were able to ride on Wednesday morning, some in the rings with sand footing and others on the trails. The horse matches do seem just right and the groups are nicely organized. Everyone seemed comfortable on the trails and sporting big smiles as they returned.
After lunch and Rest Hour, the rains really were coming down in sheets with a good deal of thunder and lightning. We had been planning the Pony Farm Olympics which will be a feature of this session. We had already organized the 6 teams with 8 members which would participate in 10 events over the entire session. The winners would be announced on Thursday evening with a big Awards Banquet of sorts! In short, the staff and kids were making a big deal out of these olympics. One of the events was to be tack cleaning…so we decided to start the PF Olympics a little early on Wednesday afternoon in the pouring rain. The tack surely was grateful to be clean and well oiled. It gets such a major amount of use in the summer that it is great when we have the opportunity to really take an afternoon to get it clean.
Thursday dawned with fog, reports of heavy rains, and high winds. Kris and I decided to give up the idea of riding yesterday as, even if there was a break in the rain and wind, the rings were going to be un-rideable. Safety is always first and foremost in our minds…So, the plan was to do event #2 of the Olympics which was an Equine Know-Down, fashioned after the Pony Club Know Downs. The girls divided up into their teams. The staff, armed with several Pony Club and general riding & stable management books, asked questions relating to horse knowledge and care. The teams were challenged to work together to come up with the answer or the response to a given scenario. Together, they know a lot of information and it was a big success. Again, another event was scored for the eventual grand prize!
The afternoon weather was still terrible so the staff decided to do the Lip Sync Contest ahead of schedule. This is yet another PF Olympics event…The team picks a favorite song….learns the song and dresses up to impersonate the singer or singers. Each team then created a dance to go with the song. You surely have creative children! Evidently, they took great interest in this and the results were terrific, according to Kris and the staff. The actual contest took place last night and kept everyone happily involved..
Today has dawned beautiful and sunny with cool temps. The girls will ride like mad today to make up for yesterday’s missed lessons. We want to insure that everyone is able to participate in the Ride A Thon tomorrow. It should be a terrific event for everyone.
Tonight, we are slated to have a bit of an early night so we can be ready for the Ride a Thon tomorrow. My mom was to come and tell stories around the camp fire. We will wait and see how my dad is. The kids absolutely adore having my mom tell her stories of riding out west during the round up days when everyone gathered the horses and cows with mounted round ups. None of the pick up truck round ups of today! She also drove the ambulance in Washington, DC during World War II so that the paramedics and professional drivers could go fight in the war. She has some hair curling tales, all of which are true. I have heard these stories since I was a wee one. So, should she need to take care of my dad, I can certainly stand in for her as I know these stories by heart!
Tomorrow is the Ride a Thon. I hope I have explained what it is in enough detail for you to understand what it is. We will have a course (3 & 5 miles) up on the new Temple Mountain State Park which is about a mile and a half from the farm. We do invite the camp parents or family members to come and walk up there. It is just spectacular trails and you can see Boston from the top of the mountain. We hope that riders from other farms will be joining us to ride up there as well. We have really worked to clear and mark the trails so it is a self guided trip.
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’, the girls will go out on trails that we have ready here. We have a one, three and five mile loop. We thought it best not to have riders from other farms riding on the same trails as our girls as it was not as safe as we would like. Some of the girls will go out in pairs or small teams. We will have check points all along the way for fun and safety….some will even have refreshments. The lesser experienced girls will go with staff members…still with a safety & refreshment stop along the way. It should be great fun and the weather is supposed to cooperate nicely.
Following the ride, we have Horse Power board members who will be cooking a big BBQ of chicken, burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers on the grill in the lodge parking lot. We will have table and chairs on the lawn for the picnic. We will end with a few speeches about Horse Power and give the prizes for those who have gotten the most sponsors and raised the most amount of money for Horse Power.
In the prior summers, we had hosted a Horse Power Benefit Horse Show. We felt that we were getting a little too show oriented with a show for almost every session. The Board and Kris & I all felt that we should change to this Ride and Walk a Thon. It is the first time we have ever hosted this in the summer. Years ago, we did some similar events in the fall. It was a huge success then as we became the third largest Ride a Thon in the country. We hope to build it back over time into a great event in the summer months.
Several of you have written to ask what Horse Power is and why we are raising money for it. A group of us started Horse Power 19 years ago because we were moved by the many ways in which we saw horses helping people to heal. I had seen countless camp kids and lesson students really gravitate to their horse or pony when they were struggling with difficulties in their lives. I knew first hand children whose father had committed suicide due to a gambling addiction, several who had lost a parent to cancer, others who were hyperactive and could not learn, still others who had physical limitations or were either underweight or overweight. We had all seen children who had behavioral issues that made it very difficult on their families…or who had struggles with anxiety, depression, chemical dependency or attachment issues. In short, I saw day in and day out, the miracles that the horses worked in their lives. They truly helped them to come out of their disabilities and limitations to lead healthier and happier lives.
As I began to really see past the surface, I got more and more committed to having a program that addressed these issues. I got particularly interested in the mental health part of the horse therapy so I went to graduate school to get a degree in counseling. With many courses later under my belt, I began to understand the theory behind what I had personally experienced with these children. I began to ‘get’ why the horses were of such enormous help! Thus, Horse Power was born…
We are about to celebrate our 20th Anniversary of Horse Power. Much to my delight, it has become one of the largest and most successful therapeutic horsemanship programs in the country. Over time, we have even started a school to teach instructors how to plan their riding and horsemanship classes to meet the treatment goals designed by therapists of all kinds. We are now beginning to also gather a team to begin to train psychotherapists and educators how to ‘harness the healing power of the horse’ with their clients and students. I am proud to say that Horse Power has served over 3500 individuals with all sorts of challenges. Together, with their families and professional care givers, we have turned their disabilities into abilities, their challenges into successes.
Thus, you bet I am excited about Horse Power. The money raised at this event and through donations at other times of the year as well as grant monies helps us to serve more people….and to take better care of our horses…and to recruit and retain the best staff possible….and to get training and to have a volunteer corps, etc. etc. It is a most exciting time for Horse Power as we prepare for our 20th Anniversary of service.
Following Saturday’s ride, we will have the cook out. If parents want to attend, you are most welcome. Do let me know immediately if you are coming so we can plan the food. Then, you could take them out to dessert for ice cream. We will also have our life guard so folks can swim. The small farm animals are most excited to have some attention as they have been hating the rains too! We will then do Barn Chores and have a movie night at the lodge. We hope that parents can surely have their kids back by 9PM.
On Sunday we will spend our day with the small animals, gardening, driving the miniature horses, doing obstacle courses with the farm animals, seeing the new baby chicks, swimming and arts and crafts…Monday and Tuesday are the camping trips and more PF Olympics…Wednesday is the Cheshire Fair, hopefully Thursday is swimming with the horses…so the fun never stops now that we have sun!!!
I hope you are well and that we see you soon. I send all my best. We love your kids and can’t wait to show off their riding prowess….
Most fondly,
Boo
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Settling In and getting ready!
Tuesday July 22nd, 2008
Dear Pony Farm Families, One and ALL!!!
I sincerely hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your summer. We surely are here at Pony Farm. Every single day I wake up and feel delighted to be here at the farm and doing camp. It just feels so right and so fun and so fulfilling and so important. It is truly my Life’s Work….
However…..I also feel like once again we have a terrific group of girls. I said in my blogs last session that I was not sure how we would ever again have such a great group of girls….yet, I surely think we do. This 4th session has gotten off the ground so smoothly. They all seem to really like each other. Everyone is surely into being at Pony Farm and into loving the horses…But, let me start at the beginning!
As we told you in the letter that we sent with you as you went on your way home on Sunday, we were going to first introduce all the staff. Then, we asked the girls to go to the barn with their buckets and boots to feed their horses. The new campers for this session then came back to the lodge to get an orientation to life at Pony Farm from Kris and myself. The girls that had been with us last session stayed in the barn to help turn out the horses and quickly pick stalls. They seemed proud to do this…It was raining pretty hard so they were troopers and ended up getting all wet….They came to the lodge with giggles and dripping hair. After a shower and lots of thanks, they got to go through the dinner line first.
At dinner, everyone was asked to find a new camper and make sure she felt included. We pay particular attention to this during a session with so many “Returnees”. We are sensitive to the fact that a new kiddo may feel like she is the only “Newbee”. So, everyone spread around, staff included, to make sure no one was sitting alone. I love how the former campers take this job so seriously on the first night!
After dinner, everyone gathered together around the main room. We divided into groups according to rooms with each staff member taking their bunk of girls. I was lucky to have the Cottage girls. We had come up with a list of questions like Who would you most like to have dinner with if you could pick anyone in the world? Or What was your favorite present ever…vacation ever….most embarrassing moment….favorite animal, etc. Each question was color coded…We then passed out bags of M&Ms…When you picked an M&M, you had to answer the question according to the color of the M&M…
Of course you got to eat the M&M once you answered the question! With the thunder rolling and the lightening flashing, everyone was so involved in the ‘Get to Know You’ Game that no one even noticed!
After a good while, we all re-gathered. It was time to introduce each camper. Starting with Cottage Ladies, we got them to each say their name, where they lived, and who they rode. They then had to introduce one of their roomies by telling one of the answers to the M&M questions. We have found over the years that this is a great way to begin to get the girls acquainted.
Following this game, which lasted a long time because the girls got so into it, we then had the Counselors-In-Training do Vespers. This is the quiet time at the end of the day which serves to let the girls wind down and begin to get ready to go to sleep. It is one of my favorites. All the girls sit around the main room with the Vesper log of candles burning brightly. The lights are turned down low. Each room (in this case, the CITS) come up with something special to read or sing. The CITS on this night told why they came back to Pony Farm for so many years. I am amazed at the depth of feeling that these young women express. Everything from making the best friends in the world, to loving their horse, to finding out who they want to be…It makes a Camp Director glad!!!
Following Vespers, we always have Good Night Circle which is the time when all the girls hold hands. We each take turns sharing the things that we are particularly grateful about that day. This most often goes on for quite awhile because they are really appreciative of all they have and do. Again, I wish you could be a “fly on the wall” because it is the sweetest way to end a day. We then usually sing 2 or 3 songs to finish up the evening and get them ready for bed. On this night, we only did one as we were running so late!
After giving the girls time to change, each staff member and I went to the various rooms to say good night to the girls. This ‘tucking in’ the first evening is so important. I am happy to report that, despite the thunder and lightening, not one girl came out to get help for being homesick. That is a true A on your Parental Report Card. Having the girls be able to be away from home and able to make it work is soooo important. I appreciate the effort on your part and the maturity on the girls’ part that made this happen!
Yesterday dawned overcast and with impending rain but the girls’ and staff were not to be daunted or deterred….They were ready to ride and try out their new horses. After catching their horses in the fields, feeding all four footed critters, eating their breakfast and cleaning their rooms, they were ready to ride by 9:30….We had each Senior Riding Staff introduce herself and her horse history….(By the way, I can’t wait for you to meet them. They are such a superior staff…Kris and I will never again be so lucky as to have this kind of caliber of teacher! They are really something!!!) We also did a good deal of safety orientation and preparation to saddle up….Everyone listened with good attention and we were off to find the right horse and the right riding group.
We had previously divided up the girls into five large riding groups. Our task, as the staff, is to see if the matches are correct. We also need to further divide the groups into 8 riding groups, each with their teaching team of two or three instructors. We had talked to the kiddos to ask them to help us find the perfect match for them! Together, over the morning, we changed horses, moved kids to different rings, checked out tack fit and generally got the groups into order. It is kind of like the “Sorting Hat” in Harry Potter! It does take time and care. We dread having a girl in the wrong group and either over or under challenged. We soooo encourage the kids to tell us what they think of their horse. Making the right match is like finding the right spouse….lots of chemistry and karma involved….
By 11:45, we were all ready to finish up riding and go to lunch. The riding staff and I met for lunch while Kris and the Counselors-In-Training ate with the kids. We spent the full rest hour organizing horse matches and groups. I can not tell you how seriously we take this task. We are most eager to ‘get it right’ for each and every girl.
After Rest Hour and another huge thunderstorm, we decided to let most of the kids ride to check out their groupings and horse matches. The top two groups were most surely correctly placed and mounted, so they did a stable management practicum of learning how to bandage legs and take Temperature, Pulse and Respiration of their horses. The least experienced group went on a trail ride close to home with their staff walking along on foot to help keep the ponies out of the green grass!
We made a few more “tweaks” of our groups and mounts, but for the most part, everyone is on the right horse and in the right group! Whew, I can relax after this important task is done…
The whole camp then fed their horses and ponies, and came up for an afternoon snack which is served on the front porch of the lodge. Munching away on juice and cookies, the girls then learned the details of turning out their horses and Evening barn chores. This is by far the most complex of the horse care procedures as this is when the stalls get cleaned and the extra chores like sweeping and neatening the tack rooms happens. Again, the girls gave us their best attention and it all got done in jig time.
Happily, it was then shower time…With raindrops falling on their heads all afternoon, they were happy to get clean and warm! Dinner was enjoyed by all. The favorite first full night activity called Bag Skits then began…It always makes me scratch my head that the kids love this game so much….but, they surely do. They are tasked as a room to put 6 things in a bag. These bags are then given out to different rooms. Each room then makes up a skit using all six things. It is a terrific way for the kids to get to know each other and come together as a room. The resulting skis are a riot and soooo fun. I love seeing how they get creative. Again, this is a fun ‘fly on the wall’ kind of event. When the skits are creative like they were last night, I can always tell that the session will be a great one.
The evening ended with lovely Vespers from the girls at Cottage. Song books were passed out and the girls all learned or re-remembered the favorite camp songs of many years. With the candles burning brightly, it sure is a pretty site!!!
Today, we will be finalizing the riding groups. We will also be starting on trail riding in preparation for the upcoming Ride-A-Thon! By the end of the morning, we are usually really organized with the right kids on the right horses in the right groups. With lots of input from the kids and staff, we are usually pretty right on!
This afternoon the girls will be able to choose activities. They can go on more trail rides, ride bareback, start learning Natural Horsemanship (a method of truly partnering with your horse through gentle handling and herd behavior), begin to Vault (Gymnastics on the moving horse) and do Catch Riding (tack up your own horse and then switch 4 or 5 times to ride other horses)…All of these are activities that were suggested on the first evening by both campers and staff. We use the kids suggestions for what they want to do to plan the whole two weeks….However, if we did all the things they suggested, we would have to keep them for 3 months….
Tomorrow they will ride in a lesson format for the morning and then we will take their camp portrait, give them their swim test and introduce them to the farm animals…So, we are busy, happy and thriving….I hope you are smiling as you think of all that your daughter(s) is/are doing.
I have had several emails from parents or other family members asking about the upcoming Ride-A-Thon this weekend. I am going to do my best to describe it but let me tell you that this is the first time we have ever done this during camp. Many years ago we did this event and it was a huge success. We did it for several years in a row and then decided to switch events. We are now bringing it back during the summer to insure better weather. A rainy day in July is much better than a rainy one in the end of October!!!
This is a fun ride with a one mile, three mile and five mile course. Some of the course is in the woods and some on the dirt roads around the farm. We have carefully marked the trails and turns. We will also have refreshment, hospitality and safety check points all along the way. We are hoping to have outside participants as well. They will ride or walk up on the newly opened Temple Mountain State Park. We are hoping to build on this event over the next few years, making it a ‘not to be missed’ day.
The event is to benefit Horse Power, our not for profit therapeutic horsemanship program that we run here at the farm. We serve about 100 people of all ages with a huge array of challenges during the spring and fall. We offer a small day camp program during the summer and private lessons during the winter. We have teachers, PTs, Ots and psychotherapists who work with us to serve our students. They come from many schools, residential treatment facilities and good, hard working families. We have people with physical, cognitive, emotional, learning and behavioral struggles. We try diligently to ‘harness the healing power of the horse’ to promote their wellness and health.
Horse Power has been ‘maxed out’ for the students. Despite careful planning and detailed organization, we simply can not serve any more. However, as we see the huge need for so many families and individuals, we are pleased to also offer an instructor training school at Horse Power. This school serves to train more instructors to be able to serve more people in need in other parts of the country. This is yet another way we can ‘think globally but act locally’….We hope to spread the healing benefits of the horse so that more people can be helped!
I am truly proud of what Horse Power has become. As you may imagine, we have a hard time making ends meet with the type of folks that we serve. This economy is not making it any easier….This is one of several fundraisers that we do during the year. The proceeds go directly to running Horse Power without a penny wasted!
So, we hope that you will join us. We would love to have you come and cheer on your daughter…She will be riding during the morning, beginning at about 10AM….She will then join us for a Barbeque done by our Horse Power board. We would love to have you join us….If you are coming, could you please let me know via email so we can buy the right amount of food. We will need to charge you a little for the BBQ…Rest assured, your daughter will eat on us. We would love to have you walk the trails. We especially recommend the trails on Temple Mt. They are just plain glorious and with quite a view!!! So, do feel like you are welcome. During the afternoon, the girls will be swimming and enjoying the farm animals while the event itself winds down. It should be a glorious day weather-wise and it is all for a great cause!!!!*
So, I end as I began by saying what a great group of young women you have bequeathed us for this session! I know it is going to be a great one. I do hope that knowing all the things that we are doing helps you to feel part of our experience. Stay well and know that we are taking good care of your Treasure(s)! It is a pleasure and a privilege….
Most sincerely,
Boo
*The Ride-A-Thon replaces the Horse Power Benefit Horse Show that we have done in the past during this session. Please know that your daughter may participate regardless of whether she has acquired sponsorships…
Dear Pony Farm Families, One and ALL!!!
I sincerely hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your summer. We surely are here at Pony Farm. Every single day I wake up and feel delighted to be here at the farm and doing camp. It just feels so right and so fun and so fulfilling and so important. It is truly my Life’s Work….
However…..I also feel like once again we have a terrific group of girls. I said in my blogs last session that I was not sure how we would ever again have such a great group of girls….yet, I surely think we do. This 4th session has gotten off the ground so smoothly. They all seem to really like each other. Everyone is surely into being at Pony Farm and into loving the horses…But, let me start at the beginning!
As we told you in the letter that we sent with you as you went on your way home on Sunday, we were going to first introduce all the staff. Then, we asked the girls to go to the barn with their buckets and boots to feed their horses. The new campers for this session then came back to the lodge to get an orientation to life at Pony Farm from Kris and myself. The girls that had been with us last session stayed in the barn to help turn out the horses and quickly pick stalls. They seemed proud to do this…It was raining pretty hard so they were troopers and ended up getting all wet….They came to the lodge with giggles and dripping hair. After a shower and lots of thanks, they got to go through the dinner line first.
At dinner, everyone was asked to find a new camper and make sure she felt included. We pay particular attention to this during a session with so many “Returnees”. We are sensitive to the fact that a new kiddo may feel like she is the only “Newbee”. So, everyone spread around, staff included, to make sure no one was sitting alone. I love how the former campers take this job so seriously on the first night!
After dinner, everyone gathered together around the main room. We divided into groups according to rooms with each staff member taking their bunk of girls. I was lucky to have the Cottage girls. We had come up with a list of questions like Who would you most like to have dinner with if you could pick anyone in the world? Or What was your favorite present ever…vacation ever….most embarrassing moment….favorite animal, etc. Each question was color coded…We then passed out bags of M&Ms…When you picked an M&M, you had to answer the question according to the color of the M&M…
Of course you got to eat the M&M once you answered the question! With the thunder rolling and the lightening flashing, everyone was so involved in the ‘Get to Know You’ Game that no one even noticed!
After a good while, we all re-gathered. It was time to introduce each camper. Starting with Cottage Ladies, we got them to each say their name, where they lived, and who they rode. They then had to introduce one of their roomies by telling one of the answers to the M&M questions. We have found over the years that this is a great way to begin to get the girls acquainted.
Following this game, which lasted a long time because the girls got so into it, we then had the Counselors-In-Training do Vespers. This is the quiet time at the end of the day which serves to let the girls wind down and begin to get ready to go to sleep. It is one of my favorites. All the girls sit around the main room with the Vesper log of candles burning brightly. The lights are turned down low. Each room (in this case, the CITS) come up with something special to read or sing. The CITS on this night told why they came back to Pony Farm for so many years. I am amazed at the depth of feeling that these young women express. Everything from making the best friends in the world, to loving their horse, to finding out who they want to be…It makes a Camp Director glad!!!
Following Vespers, we always have Good Night Circle which is the time when all the girls hold hands. We each take turns sharing the things that we are particularly grateful about that day. This most often goes on for quite awhile because they are really appreciative of all they have and do. Again, I wish you could be a “fly on the wall” because it is the sweetest way to end a day. We then usually sing 2 or 3 songs to finish up the evening and get them ready for bed. On this night, we only did one as we were running so late!
After giving the girls time to change, each staff member and I went to the various rooms to say good night to the girls. This ‘tucking in’ the first evening is so important. I am happy to report that, despite the thunder and lightening, not one girl came out to get help for being homesick. That is a true A on your Parental Report Card. Having the girls be able to be away from home and able to make it work is soooo important. I appreciate the effort on your part and the maturity on the girls’ part that made this happen!
Yesterday dawned overcast and with impending rain but the girls’ and staff were not to be daunted or deterred….They were ready to ride and try out their new horses. After catching their horses in the fields, feeding all four footed critters, eating their breakfast and cleaning their rooms, they were ready to ride by 9:30….We had each Senior Riding Staff introduce herself and her horse history….(By the way, I can’t wait for you to meet them. They are such a superior staff…Kris and I will never again be so lucky as to have this kind of caliber of teacher! They are really something!!!) We also did a good deal of safety orientation and preparation to saddle up….Everyone listened with good attention and we were off to find the right horse and the right riding group.
We had previously divided up the girls into five large riding groups. Our task, as the staff, is to see if the matches are correct. We also need to further divide the groups into 8 riding groups, each with their teaching team of two or three instructors. We had talked to the kiddos to ask them to help us find the perfect match for them! Together, over the morning, we changed horses, moved kids to different rings, checked out tack fit and generally got the groups into order. It is kind of like the “Sorting Hat” in Harry Potter! It does take time and care. We dread having a girl in the wrong group and either over or under challenged. We soooo encourage the kids to tell us what they think of their horse. Making the right match is like finding the right spouse….lots of chemistry and karma involved….
By 11:45, we were all ready to finish up riding and go to lunch. The riding staff and I met for lunch while Kris and the Counselors-In-Training ate with the kids. We spent the full rest hour organizing horse matches and groups. I can not tell you how seriously we take this task. We are most eager to ‘get it right’ for each and every girl.
After Rest Hour and another huge thunderstorm, we decided to let most of the kids ride to check out their groupings and horse matches. The top two groups were most surely correctly placed and mounted, so they did a stable management practicum of learning how to bandage legs and take Temperature, Pulse and Respiration of their horses. The least experienced group went on a trail ride close to home with their staff walking along on foot to help keep the ponies out of the green grass!
We made a few more “tweaks” of our groups and mounts, but for the most part, everyone is on the right horse and in the right group! Whew, I can relax after this important task is done…
The whole camp then fed their horses and ponies, and came up for an afternoon snack which is served on the front porch of the lodge. Munching away on juice and cookies, the girls then learned the details of turning out their horses and Evening barn chores. This is by far the most complex of the horse care procedures as this is when the stalls get cleaned and the extra chores like sweeping and neatening the tack rooms happens. Again, the girls gave us their best attention and it all got done in jig time.
Happily, it was then shower time…With raindrops falling on their heads all afternoon, they were happy to get clean and warm! Dinner was enjoyed by all. The favorite first full night activity called Bag Skits then began…It always makes me scratch my head that the kids love this game so much….but, they surely do. They are tasked as a room to put 6 things in a bag. These bags are then given out to different rooms. Each room then makes up a skit using all six things. It is a terrific way for the kids to get to know each other and come together as a room. The resulting skis are a riot and soooo fun. I love seeing how they get creative. Again, this is a fun ‘fly on the wall’ kind of event. When the skits are creative like they were last night, I can always tell that the session will be a great one.
The evening ended with lovely Vespers from the girls at Cottage. Song books were passed out and the girls all learned or re-remembered the favorite camp songs of many years. With the candles burning brightly, it sure is a pretty site!!!
Today, we will be finalizing the riding groups. We will also be starting on trail riding in preparation for the upcoming Ride-A-Thon! By the end of the morning, we are usually really organized with the right kids on the right horses in the right groups. With lots of input from the kids and staff, we are usually pretty right on!
This afternoon the girls will be able to choose activities. They can go on more trail rides, ride bareback, start learning Natural Horsemanship (a method of truly partnering with your horse through gentle handling and herd behavior), begin to Vault (Gymnastics on the moving horse) and do Catch Riding (tack up your own horse and then switch 4 or 5 times to ride other horses)…All of these are activities that were suggested on the first evening by both campers and staff. We use the kids suggestions for what they want to do to plan the whole two weeks….However, if we did all the things they suggested, we would have to keep them for 3 months….
Tomorrow they will ride in a lesson format for the morning and then we will take their camp portrait, give them their swim test and introduce them to the farm animals…So, we are busy, happy and thriving….I hope you are smiling as you think of all that your daughter(s) is/are doing.
I have had several emails from parents or other family members asking about the upcoming Ride-A-Thon this weekend. I am going to do my best to describe it but let me tell you that this is the first time we have ever done this during camp. Many years ago we did this event and it was a huge success. We did it for several years in a row and then decided to switch events. We are now bringing it back during the summer to insure better weather. A rainy day in July is much better than a rainy one in the end of October!!!
This is a fun ride with a one mile, three mile and five mile course. Some of the course is in the woods and some on the dirt roads around the farm. We have carefully marked the trails and turns. We will also have refreshment, hospitality and safety check points all along the way. We are hoping to have outside participants as well. They will ride or walk up on the newly opened Temple Mountain State Park. We are hoping to build on this event over the next few years, making it a ‘not to be missed’ day.
The event is to benefit Horse Power, our not for profit therapeutic horsemanship program that we run here at the farm. We serve about 100 people of all ages with a huge array of challenges during the spring and fall. We offer a small day camp program during the summer and private lessons during the winter. We have teachers, PTs, Ots and psychotherapists who work with us to serve our students. They come from many schools, residential treatment facilities and good, hard working families. We have people with physical, cognitive, emotional, learning and behavioral struggles. We try diligently to ‘harness the healing power of the horse’ to promote their wellness and health.
Horse Power has been ‘maxed out’ for the students. Despite careful planning and detailed organization, we simply can not serve any more. However, as we see the huge need for so many families and individuals, we are pleased to also offer an instructor training school at Horse Power. This school serves to train more instructors to be able to serve more people in need in other parts of the country. This is yet another way we can ‘think globally but act locally’….We hope to spread the healing benefits of the horse so that more people can be helped!
I am truly proud of what Horse Power has become. As you may imagine, we have a hard time making ends meet with the type of folks that we serve. This economy is not making it any easier….This is one of several fundraisers that we do during the year. The proceeds go directly to running Horse Power without a penny wasted!
So, we hope that you will join us. We would love to have you come and cheer on your daughter…She will be riding during the morning, beginning at about 10AM….She will then join us for a Barbeque done by our Horse Power board. We would love to have you join us….If you are coming, could you please let me know via email so we can buy the right amount of food. We will need to charge you a little for the BBQ…Rest assured, your daughter will eat on us. We would love to have you walk the trails. We especially recommend the trails on Temple Mt. They are just plain glorious and with quite a view!!! So, do feel like you are welcome. During the afternoon, the girls will be swimming and enjoying the farm animals while the event itself winds down. It should be a glorious day weather-wise and it is all for a great cause!!!!*
So, I end as I began by saying what a great group of young women you have bequeathed us for this session! I know it is going to be a great one. I do hope that knowing all the things that we are doing helps you to feel part of our experience. Stay well and know that we are taking good care of your Treasure(s)! It is a pleasure and a privilege….
Most sincerely,
Boo
*The Ride-A-Thon replaces the Horse Power Benefit Horse Show that we have done in the past during this session. Please know that your daughter may participate regardless of whether she has acquired sponsorships…
Friday, July 18, 2008
Sad Goodbyes...and Details!
Friday July 18th, 2008
Dearest Pony Farm Families,
We are in MOURNING that this session is coming to an end. We are NOT happy that you will be picking up your daughters this weekend. They have simply and surely been terrific. What fantastic young women you have created. You should be so very proud. They are gung ho when it is time to go, they are peaceful when it is time for peace, they are sincere and forthright when it is time to focus, they are fun and silly when it is time for frivolity. I can not tell you enough how much the staff, Kris and I love these girls. I can not imagine that any session could top this one! Thank you indeed for sharing them with us.
Well, we have had quite a week. First of all, the weather Gods must love these girls because we have really had idyllic weather…just the right temperature to ride and be comfy, swim and be refreshed, and sleep nicely at night. It has been sunny every day so that we could do all the things we love to do….Here goes our litany of super things.
I left off as we were heading off to our camping trip. I love this trip and took a ton of pictures for a future slideshow that will be on our website. We trooped off with 17 girls, three counselors, five horses and moi with my two dogs. Sleeping bags and pillows, bathing suits and shorts was all we needed. Our food was packed and the sun was shining.
The campers were great about putting up the three tents. More of the girls in this group had been camping so tents were not foreign to them and the three tents went up in jig time. By the time that the riders arrived with the horses, camp had been set up. We tied up the dear horses who seem to love the adventure of the trip. They dutifully stand tied to a tree all night without a murmur. They munch on their hay and grain while the kids lavish attention on them. It is a most delightful picture I want to tell you…with the sun streaming down through the trees, the girls all healthy and happy, and the horses with shiny coats and ears forward….What a way to go…It sure is a tough job but someone has got to do it…and I am delighted it is ME!!!!
After a swim in the mountain stream with really cold, clear water, we had a nice big fire for everyone to warm up. The swimming is a big hit because they can slide off a smooth rock which is above a small water fall. They adore doing this and look like little mermaids sitting on the rocks waiting their turn to slide. The water is truly cold but they scream and holler but then go right back in. Youth is a wonderful thing!
With the fire burning bright and the horses stocked up on grain and hay, it was time to chow down on dinner. With mighty sticks, we roasted hot dogs galore. With chips, carrots, cold slaw, and the trusty old PB&J for those who didn’t like regular or vegetarian hot dogs, we all filled our tummies. S’mores followed with gobs of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. To everyone’s credit, they were very careful with the sticks and the food. Nothing was wasted and everyone ate their fill.
I was then treated to a most glorious concert. The girls and two staff members all gathered around the fire and sang their hearts out. We usually tell stories, mostly about riding and horses, of course, because I limit the ghost stories so no one gets too scared. However, the right combination of girls and voices stole the show with their singing. We heard every Disney movie’s theme song and then some. With “This Land is Your Land”, to “Taps”, to “On My Honor”, we heard them all for about 2 hours. I was truly entranced by the girls’ voices. So clear and pure and bright…Wow, I loved that time by the fire. I also felt like I was doing the right thing and in the right place….It just seems so right to be doing these kinds of things as the world spins out of control. I know I should worry more about what is happening in Iraq or with the economy and the gas prices, but I get such hope from these girls. Watching them grow up so beautifully gives me great hope for the future for us all. With so much right in the world, how can we go wrong!?!
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’, the kids who stayed home did their barn chores in a snap. The staff told me that they got done quicker with 17 less girls than usual. Shows what a small group can accomplish. With 60 plus horses here, that is no mean feat! They had a great time with Kris back at the farm doing Casino Night…a variety of games with cards or game boards. I guess they had quite a time with Spoons…..Sounded like fun but I think I got the better end of the stick!
The next morning dawned clear and bright again. All the horses stayed put throughout the night and the girls had a delightful sleep. I never sleep better than by this rushing stream. With the birds singing in the trees and the creek going by, it is a perfect symphony of nature’s noise. I sleep like a baby and wake up rearin’ to go.
We cooked a huge breakfast of toast, scrambled eggs and sausage with OJ to drink. Then, it was time to clean up camp and swim again….The girls were also eager to repeat the Evening Ride with a Morning Ride….As I say, they even wake up happy and ready to go!!!! The clean up and pack up went like a breeze and off we went for the day.
All the girls got home with all the gear and tents by about 11AM, leaving them time to unpack, put their fresh laundry away, and go for a swim in the pool to clean up before lunch. Everyone was pretty ready for rest hour when the time came.
Tuesday afternoon and all of Wednesday, the girls practiced for the Parents’ Exhibition….We have some pretty fun Specialties to show you. They will be divided up between the High Jump (WE do have CPR to help you through this!!!!), Small courses on the Outside Course, Big Courses on the OC….Games in the ring, Natural Horsemanship, Vaulting and Carriage Driving. We are excited for you to see the breadth and depth of the things these girls have been able to do at camp. We hope you like the exhibition planned and put on by your daughters!!!!
On Tuesday night and Wednesday night, the kids played Capture the Flag and did Counselor Quest…both of which I think I have already explained in the last email. On Wednesday afternoon, everyone cleaned the tack…with sponges and saddle soap, the tack was most happy to be cared for by the campers. We sure do use this tack a lot and it was great to see the leather all clean and oiled.
Yesterday, we were slated to go swimming with the horses….Much to everyone’s disappointment, including mine, we were unable to take the girls. We usually swim in a pond across the street on my brother’s land. We have been plagued by this blue green algae…It was bad enough in other ponds and lakes that it has been on the news. We are not sure what makes people sick….whether it be a skin rash or a stomach thing…but we decided to err on the side of caution. We did not take them much to all of our disappointment. The girls were great about it and happily went off to swim in the pool, play one last time with the farm animals, and to do carriage driving with me. We drove 4 rigs and had a ball giving everyone a chance to drive through cones and at the trot. This was good practice for our All Day Ride & Drive that is taking place this morning. We had such fun and the ponies and horses were so good. Wait until you see the kids drive on Saturday….They love driving as much as I do, I think!
Last night we took some time for each girl to write a letter to the people that help camp happen. We wrote letters to people who have loaned or leased or given us horses for the summer or forever. We also wrote the people who have done good things for us…everyone from the Camp Nurse to the lady who comes to clean three times a week to my Mom who came to do stories, to the judges who worked at the show. The girls took these letters very seriously. They wrote a first draft which the staff and I checked for spelling. They then did the final letter on farm stationary. The letters were charming and so heartfelt. I am proud to send them out under the farm name!
We had to hurry through our evening routine of singing and Good Night Circle because everyone took such care with their letters. However, true to form, the girls went right to bed and had lights out in a jiffy. Can you see why we are sad to have them leave!!!
Today is our All Day Ride and Drive with a picnic lunch. I adore this day…However, it is going to be quite a challenge as a record number of campers have signed up….38 to be exact!!! That is quite a procession heading down the road. We are going to break up everyone into a driving group (with the least experienced riders coming with us) and then two riding groups with longer routes and with places to canter. We are all going to end up in a big field and tie the horses to the trees on the edge of the field. Kris is going to bring us our lunch so it can stay cool in the refrig until its time to munch. It is perfect weather for this All Day Adventure.
When we return, we are going to have the girls start packing, take showers and write their Candlelight. This is a piece about what was most special this session. The littler kids tend to write about how much they love their pony. The older ones however write yards about their friends, their horse and their favorite memories. We usually have pretty many tears of joy during this wonderful closing ceremony. We will all sit around the pool by candlelight…We have the torches lit and the candles burning bright. Each room has their own little floating candle, complete with flowers, that they launch into the pool. While the candles float, the girls read their Candlelight writing. It is a most beautiful picture as each girl is dressed in a nice dress and with her hair all combed. Smiling, shining faces abound here and it is quite a sight to behold.
After this marvelous ceremony, the girls will troop off to bed for their last night of this session. Tomorrow will dawn bright again, according to the weather channel. We will hope to have you arrive at 9:30 to be ready to see your daughter(s) in action. The actual exhibition will begin with demonstration lessons conducted by the riding staff. One staff person will speak with you as the other one conducts the lesson. This is the perfect time to ask questions about your daughter’s riding progress. After the lesson portion of the demo, we will move to the specialties….You should just follow your daughter to her next activity. We hope you will be impressed and delighted with her abilities with horses….
Following the riding, the girls will untack and cool out their ponies & horses. They will then feed them and come up for lunch. During that time, it would be great if you want to check out with Kris. She will return meds at that time and let you know if you owe anything on the horse show or for laundry. We will also have our Camp Portraits ready for you at the same time. Wait until you see the pictures...They are simply great. I hope you will think this is a real momento of your daughter’s summer.
We will offer refreshments and desserts for your enjoyment. Please do remember to bring a picnic for you and your daughter. During the picnicking on the front lawn, we encourage you to speak with all the staff and Kris & myself to answer any questions or to hear about your individual daughter’s time here at camp. This is such a great way to end the session with us all being together.
You can plan on leaving about 1:30 ish….We certainly invite you to linger. I am sure there will be lots of good byes and hugs during this time.
I sincerely hope that my Blogs have been helpful in letting you know not only when to come but also what we did. I love writing about all the fun that we have. I hope it helps you to feel like a fly on the wall here at Pony Farm. I also hope you will consider joining us for one of our family weekends during the year. We offer two fall and spring Family Weekends…boys are invited as well. We also offer two Mother Daughter Weekends and one Father Daughter Weekend…I am happy to say that the Father Daughter weekend is getting so popular that we may need to go to two weekends for that as well. We love seeing you during the year and staying in touch. These weekends feature as much or as little riding as you desire. No forced marches here. It is perfectly fine to sit on the porch and read a good book while your daughter rides. We also offer lots of shopping opportunities as well as simple farm events….a true return to the olden days here at the farm. We will be doing a pretty major ‘face lift’ of the lodge, so we hope you will want to join us to see the exciting upgrades we are making.
So, good bye until tomorrow. I look forward to greeting you all. Until then, rest assured that we are loving your daughter and having a great time with her. Thank you for sharing her with us. We all have truly adored this session and every single girl.
Most warmly,
Boo
PS….One final note….Several of you have called or emailed me about possibly leasing or buying a horse from the farm. We do have a number of horses that have been sent to PF to be sold. We also are happy to free lease a number of our horses. We do not need all the horses we have so we are glad to have some go home with their campers…A win win for everyone. If you are interested in any of the above, please speak to Jessy who will be there tomorrow, Kris or myself. We are happy to tell you the details.
Dearest Pony Farm Families,
We are in MOURNING that this session is coming to an end. We are NOT happy that you will be picking up your daughters this weekend. They have simply and surely been terrific. What fantastic young women you have created. You should be so very proud. They are gung ho when it is time to go, they are peaceful when it is time for peace, they are sincere and forthright when it is time to focus, they are fun and silly when it is time for frivolity. I can not tell you enough how much the staff, Kris and I love these girls. I can not imagine that any session could top this one! Thank you indeed for sharing them with us.
Well, we have had quite a week. First of all, the weather Gods must love these girls because we have really had idyllic weather…just the right temperature to ride and be comfy, swim and be refreshed, and sleep nicely at night. It has been sunny every day so that we could do all the things we love to do….Here goes our litany of super things.
I left off as we were heading off to our camping trip. I love this trip and took a ton of pictures for a future slideshow that will be on our website. We trooped off with 17 girls, three counselors, five horses and moi with my two dogs. Sleeping bags and pillows, bathing suits and shorts was all we needed. Our food was packed and the sun was shining.
The campers were great about putting up the three tents. More of the girls in this group had been camping so tents were not foreign to them and the three tents went up in jig time. By the time that the riders arrived with the horses, camp had been set up. We tied up the dear horses who seem to love the adventure of the trip. They dutifully stand tied to a tree all night without a murmur. They munch on their hay and grain while the kids lavish attention on them. It is a most delightful picture I want to tell you…with the sun streaming down through the trees, the girls all healthy and happy, and the horses with shiny coats and ears forward….What a way to go…It sure is a tough job but someone has got to do it…and I am delighted it is ME!!!!
After a swim in the mountain stream with really cold, clear water, we had a nice big fire for everyone to warm up. The swimming is a big hit because they can slide off a smooth rock which is above a small water fall. They adore doing this and look like little mermaids sitting on the rocks waiting their turn to slide. The water is truly cold but they scream and holler but then go right back in. Youth is a wonderful thing!
With the fire burning bright and the horses stocked up on grain and hay, it was time to chow down on dinner. With mighty sticks, we roasted hot dogs galore. With chips, carrots, cold slaw, and the trusty old PB&J for those who didn’t like regular or vegetarian hot dogs, we all filled our tummies. S’mores followed with gobs of chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. To everyone’s credit, they were very careful with the sticks and the food. Nothing was wasted and everyone ate their fill.
I was then treated to a most glorious concert. The girls and two staff members all gathered around the fire and sang their hearts out. We usually tell stories, mostly about riding and horses, of course, because I limit the ghost stories so no one gets too scared. However, the right combination of girls and voices stole the show with their singing. We heard every Disney movie’s theme song and then some. With “This Land is Your Land”, to “Taps”, to “On My Honor”, we heard them all for about 2 hours. I was truly entranced by the girls’ voices. So clear and pure and bright…Wow, I loved that time by the fire. I also felt like I was doing the right thing and in the right place….It just seems so right to be doing these kinds of things as the world spins out of control. I know I should worry more about what is happening in Iraq or with the economy and the gas prices, but I get such hope from these girls. Watching them grow up so beautifully gives me great hope for the future for us all. With so much right in the world, how can we go wrong!?!
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’, the kids who stayed home did their barn chores in a snap. The staff told me that they got done quicker with 17 less girls than usual. Shows what a small group can accomplish. With 60 plus horses here, that is no mean feat! They had a great time with Kris back at the farm doing Casino Night…a variety of games with cards or game boards. I guess they had quite a time with Spoons…..Sounded like fun but I think I got the better end of the stick!
The next morning dawned clear and bright again. All the horses stayed put throughout the night and the girls had a delightful sleep. I never sleep better than by this rushing stream. With the birds singing in the trees and the creek going by, it is a perfect symphony of nature’s noise. I sleep like a baby and wake up rearin’ to go.
We cooked a huge breakfast of toast, scrambled eggs and sausage with OJ to drink. Then, it was time to clean up camp and swim again….The girls were also eager to repeat the Evening Ride with a Morning Ride….As I say, they even wake up happy and ready to go!!!! The clean up and pack up went like a breeze and off we went for the day.
All the girls got home with all the gear and tents by about 11AM, leaving them time to unpack, put their fresh laundry away, and go for a swim in the pool to clean up before lunch. Everyone was pretty ready for rest hour when the time came.
Tuesday afternoon and all of Wednesday, the girls practiced for the Parents’ Exhibition….We have some pretty fun Specialties to show you. They will be divided up between the High Jump (WE do have CPR to help you through this!!!!), Small courses on the Outside Course, Big Courses on the OC….Games in the ring, Natural Horsemanship, Vaulting and Carriage Driving. We are excited for you to see the breadth and depth of the things these girls have been able to do at camp. We hope you like the exhibition planned and put on by your daughters!!!!
On Tuesday night and Wednesday night, the kids played Capture the Flag and did Counselor Quest…both of which I think I have already explained in the last email. On Wednesday afternoon, everyone cleaned the tack…with sponges and saddle soap, the tack was most happy to be cared for by the campers. We sure do use this tack a lot and it was great to see the leather all clean and oiled.
Yesterday, we were slated to go swimming with the horses….Much to everyone’s disappointment, including mine, we were unable to take the girls. We usually swim in a pond across the street on my brother’s land. We have been plagued by this blue green algae…It was bad enough in other ponds and lakes that it has been on the news. We are not sure what makes people sick….whether it be a skin rash or a stomach thing…but we decided to err on the side of caution. We did not take them much to all of our disappointment. The girls were great about it and happily went off to swim in the pool, play one last time with the farm animals, and to do carriage driving with me. We drove 4 rigs and had a ball giving everyone a chance to drive through cones and at the trot. This was good practice for our All Day Ride & Drive that is taking place this morning. We had such fun and the ponies and horses were so good. Wait until you see the kids drive on Saturday….They love driving as much as I do, I think!
Last night we took some time for each girl to write a letter to the people that help camp happen. We wrote letters to people who have loaned or leased or given us horses for the summer or forever. We also wrote the people who have done good things for us…everyone from the Camp Nurse to the lady who comes to clean three times a week to my Mom who came to do stories, to the judges who worked at the show. The girls took these letters very seriously. They wrote a first draft which the staff and I checked for spelling. They then did the final letter on farm stationary. The letters were charming and so heartfelt. I am proud to send them out under the farm name!
We had to hurry through our evening routine of singing and Good Night Circle because everyone took such care with their letters. However, true to form, the girls went right to bed and had lights out in a jiffy. Can you see why we are sad to have them leave!!!
Today is our All Day Ride and Drive with a picnic lunch. I adore this day…However, it is going to be quite a challenge as a record number of campers have signed up….38 to be exact!!! That is quite a procession heading down the road. We are going to break up everyone into a driving group (with the least experienced riders coming with us) and then two riding groups with longer routes and with places to canter. We are all going to end up in a big field and tie the horses to the trees on the edge of the field. Kris is going to bring us our lunch so it can stay cool in the refrig until its time to munch. It is perfect weather for this All Day Adventure.
When we return, we are going to have the girls start packing, take showers and write their Candlelight. This is a piece about what was most special this session. The littler kids tend to write about how much they love their pony. The older ones however write yards about their friends, their horse and their favorite memories. We usually have pretty many tears of joy during this wonderful closing ceremony. We will all sit around the pool by candlelight…We have the torches lit and the candles burning bright. Each room has their own little floating candle, complete with flowers, that they launch into the pool. While the candles float, the girls read their Candlelight writing. It is a most beautiful picture as each girl is dressed in a nice dress and with her hair all combed. Smiling, shining faces abound here and it is quite a sight to behold.
After this marvelous ceremony, the girls will troop off to bed for their last night of this session. Tomorrow will dawn bright again, according to the weather channel. We will hope to have you arrive at 9:30 to be ready to see your daughter(s) in action. The actual exhibition will begin with demonstration lessons conducted by the riding staff. One staff person will speak with you as the other one conducts the lesson. This is the perfect time to ask questions about your daughter’s riding progress. After the lesson portion of the demo, we will move to the specialties….You should just follow your daughter to her next activity. We hope you will be impressed and delighted with her abilities with horses….
Following the riding, the girls will untack and cool out their ponies & horses. They will then feed them and come up for lunch. During that time, it would be great if you want to check out with Kris. She will return meds at that time and let you know if you owe anything on the horse show or for laundry. We will also have our Camp Portraits ready for you at the same time. Wait until you see the pictures...They are simply great. I hope you will think this is a real momento of your daughter’s summer.
We will offer refreshments and desserts for your enjoyment. Please do remember to bring a picnic for you and your daughter. During the picnicking on the front lawn, we encourage you to speak with all the staff and Kris & myself to answer any questions or to hear about your individual daughter’s time here at camp. This is such a great way to end the session with us all being together.
You can plan on leaving about 1:30 ish….We certainly invite you to linger. I am sure there will be lots of good byes and hugs during this time.
I sincerely hope that my Blogs have been helpful in letting you know not only when to come but also what we did. I love writing about all the fun that we have. I hope it helps you to feel like a fly on the wall here at Pony Farm. I also hope you will consider joining us for one of our family weekends during the year. We offer two fall and spring Family Weekends…boys are invited as well. We also offer two Mother Daughter Weekends and one Father Daughter Weekend…I am happy to say that the Father Daughter weekend is getting so popular that we may need to go to two weekends for that as well. We love seeing you during the year and staying in touch. These weekends feature as much or as little riding as you desire. No forced marches here. It is perfectly fine to sit on the porch and read a good book while your daughter rides. We also offer lots of shopping opportunities as well as simple farm events….a true return to the olden days here at the farm. We will be doing a pretty major ‘face lift’ of the lodge, so we hope you will want to join us to see the exciting upgrades we are making.
So, good bye until tomorrow. I look forward to greeting you all. Until then, rest assured that we are loving your daughter and having a great time with her. Thank you for sharing her with us. We all have truly adored this session and every single girl.
Most warmly,
Boo
PS….One final note….Several of you have called or emailed me about possibly leasing or buying a horse from the farm. We do have a number of horses that have been sent to PF to be sold. We also are happy to free lease a number of our horses. We do not need all the horses we have so we are glad to have some go home with their campers…A win win for everyone. If you are interested in any of the above, please speak to Jessy who will be there tomorrow, Kris or myself. We are happy to tell you the details.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Session Wrap Up Information!
Monday July 14th, 2008
Dearest Pony Farm Families, One and All,
I surely hope you all had a good weekend. Everyone here joins me in sending you our best. We sure are having a great time and hope you are too!
We were delighted to see so many of you at our horse show this weekend. Thank you all for being so gracious and helping us to cheer everyone on at the show. We were thrilled to have such good weather. We also were pleased to have a good turn out. We want to hit the ‘happy medium’ with having enough riders from other barns so that the campers don’t have to compete with each other but not have so many that our kids get lost in the shuffle. I think we hit that middle ground nicely with this show even if it did go on until 6:15PM!!!
For those of you who did not attend, we missed you but completely understand and it was NOT a big deal to not have you here. We surely took extra care of the 10 plus kids whose parents didn’t come with hugs, ice cream and extra cheering. We had three kiddos who did not want to show. They were so cute helping me plant the front entrance of the farm the night before the show. They were tickled to make it look nice for the rest of the summer. On the show day, they were given official PF shirts to look spiffy and they helped me to announce, gave out ribbons, served as assistant Ring Masters and generally were of good cheer. We sure hate to force anyone to show is she doesn’t want to compete. There is plenty of competition in the larger world that is they don’t choose to do that when they are here, it is fine with us!
For those who did show, everyone seemed to have a terrific time. We did have one or two ponies who were less than thrilled with the ‘venue’, but that was taken care of and the girls either understood or got to ride a different pony. Everyone won at least two ribbons so the day ended on a good note. From where I sat as the Announcer, I was most pleased that everyone was safe and in good spirits. I care much more about that than any color ribbon.
Following the show and going out for ice cream or dinner, all the kids watched a movie. The movie was Cool Runnings…a cute movie about a bobsled team from Jamaica. Most of the kids were sound asleep before the end of the movie, having gotten up at 6AM…They always look so dear all snuggled up together with their stuffed animals. I think it is too cute that even the oldest, most sophisticated girls have stuffed animals right next to their make up kits and teen magazines, of course….I love thinking of them still as little kids…Someday I will make a fortune on researching the theory of girls loving horses and animals….between ‘toys and boys’!!!!
Sunday is a day when everyone sleeps in a little. The dear staff do the barn chores to give both campers and horses the day off. Sunday is often my favorite day because we have more leisure time to just be together. The girls also clean their rooms and organize their laundry duffle bags. I also enjoy clean rooms and freshly laundered clothes! We had a yummie lunch and then got to start planning our week and your exhibition….(More to follow on that in terms of timing, etc.). The kids signed up to do the Camping Trip with the ponies (tonight), the All Day Ride and Drive (Friday), Swimming with the horses (Thursday). They also selected the Specialties that they want to show you at the exhibition. Still others signed up to be on the Drill team which is a musical ride done with 10 kids and set to music. It will be the kick off to the Parents’ Exhibition…So, you can imagine that there is lots of planning and discussion about all of this. They also are talking with each other to see what their friends are doing. Heaven forbid that they don’t get to go on the Camping Trip with a friend!
Following this planning and organizing, everyone trooped down to the pool to swim, lay in the sun, read, write letters and play with the small farm animals. The chickens, ducks, goats, bunnies, guinea pigs and miniature horses are truly a hit. The girls are so funny about touching a chicken or running with a goat over a jump. They are lovely with the animals. Every time I watch our farm animals being enjoyed by kids, I make a wish that more kids got to do more with animals. It has such a wonderful calming influence on everyone involved.
The kids then went back to the lodge to have an afternoon snack and begin planning for their Talent Show to be held that night (Sunday). During that time (4 to 6:15PM) most all of the girls came to help me weed the garden up by the lodge. We are growing the winter vegetables there…the pumpkins for the fall family weekends, both to eat and to carve. We are also growing corn, beans, peas, ornamental corn and squash. We are so excited to find the little gourds and squash starting to grow. The weeds had kind of gotten ahead of the weeders, so many hands made light work. Many of the kids remarked that they had never weeded because they live in a city. I am so happy when I am gardening with children. We talk all about life and many stories are shared. We even had some riddles…none of which I was able to get! Mostly, we had fun weeding, watering and fertilizing, organic of course! Today they will get ice cream to thank them for their weeding work.
After dinner, the Talent Show began. We were treated to skits, a gymnastic demo, a lovely rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, a song and two pieces on the piano. It is such fun to see what talent we have in our midst. The kids are so respectful of each other when one of the girls gets up to share her music with the group. I always tell them that I could be locked in a room for a month and not be as good as they are!
We invited the three goats to share the Talent Show with us and then I got to hold the Baby Goat (AKA “BG”) on my lap for Vespers, Good Night Circle and our singing. We are about to get a new rug for the lodge living room so I guess it might be the last time that I can really let the goats come in….but the kids did get a big kick out of it all.
Everyone fell into bed and slept nicely in preparation for the fun filled week we have coming up here at Pony Farm!
The kids want to do everything so it is a bit of a struggle to fit it all in to one week!!!! Today, we have them doing a Gambler’s Choice (jumps with varying difficulties that have point values depending on that difficulty…We give them a 2 minute time to gather as many points as they can to determine the winner.). Other groups are going on trail rides to prepare for the upcoming Hunter Pace….Still other groups are riding in the ring to really get to cantering and jumping. So everyone is hard at work today…
This afternoon, the Pony Camping Trip will strike off with no less than 20 kids wanting to come. Luckily, the tents will sleep that many. The weather is also supposed to cooperate although it sure looks overcast right now. The kids that stay home will be doing the beginning practice for the Drill Team and the other specialties. Tonight, they will do Cascino Night, which is a lot of group board and card games. It is the perfect activity for those not coming for the camping trip night….
For us stalwart souls who are, we will head out with all the gear and the food this afternoon. The site is about 3 miles away, just close enough to be safe and just far enough in the woods to feel like you are ‘away’. We will take food for dinner and breakfast, with lots of stuff for multiple S’Mores for sure!@ We also take hay and grain for the 5-6 ponies and horses that we take. We pick these troopers with care as one camping trip this year all but one of the horses came home!
A quarter of the girls ride up to the site on the mountain, a quarter do an evening ride, another quarter a morning ride and the last group rides home. We also can swim at the mountain stream and go exploring like mad…It is the perfect site and we love going. Even my dogs, Martin and Oscar, go with us. I can’t wait to go to sleep with the moon shining bright, the fire burning and the creek rushing. What a was to doze off.
We will come home mid morning and they will swim here at the pool after unpacking. The rest of the girls will have ridden and the drill team will have practiced again. They will then all start practicing their Specialties for YOU! They will then go to bed right on time as they will be doing the Hunter Pace on Wednesday….
This is a big event at camp. We divide the girls into 6 evenly matched teams of riders from each riding group. Each team will have someone from the most experienced group #8 and the second most experienced group #7…These girls will be the Captain and Co-Captain for their team. They will all dress alike and make their plans for how to ride the Hunter Pace. Great strategy making goes into this.
The girls will ride at a safe pace over a five mile loop. It is all dirt roads. With careful explanations ahead of time, each group decided where to walk, trot or try a canter. All the girls know only to go as fast as the slowest rider feels comfortable. Staff members will cell phones and cars are spaced out around the track to serve as support people and to make sure everyone is doing well. The girls ride the ride without a staff member leading but there are staff members carefully spread out every little while.
The team that comes in closest to the Optimum Time with all members feeling comfortable and the horses relaxed will be the winner. We will have two sets of prizes and lots of input as to will be the winner.
Following the rather lengthy morning ride and later lunch, the girls will all gather to really clean the tack. We often skip this important detail as there is so much to get ready before a show. We will oil and really clean up the tack so it stays nice. That night, the girls will have their Counselor Quest….a hide and seek kind of game where each counselor hides. The amount the counselor is ‘worth’ is decided ahead of time. Kris, as Head Counselor, is worth the most points and knows the best hiding places. Counselors-In-Training are worth lesser points and so on. Again, the team that gathers the most points by finding the most counselors wins the game…Great glee surrounds this game.
Thursday morning the final practicing for your exhibition will take place with all the counselors. We will then go swimming with the horses…hopefully the weather and water will collaborate to make this possible. This is the all time favorite camp activity. For new parents, do not worry as I am there to help lead in each and every horse, making it as safe as humanly possible….That night we will do Charades, my favorite…With actresses like these, we can not help but have a blast….
Friday will be the popular All Day Ride or Drive….We will pack a picnic and off we will go into the wild blue yonder…I love this day. We will even go to the local store to get ice cream. Some day I want to ‘drive through a drive through’ with a carriage but not this time! Those who stay home will do a Gymkhana, or games on horseback….Both will last into the afternoon and everyone will enjoy a picnic lunch. We will then pack the rest of that afternoon and get showers for our closing night Candlelight Ceremony. More to follow on that….
I better get to the point of the last day so you all can plan….It will be a Parents; Exhibition. You can plan to arrive by 9:30 or 10AM. The girls will be all packed and ready to ride. The exhibition will begin with a Drill Team at about 10:15. We will then send you to a ring to watch your child ride. You will meet her instructor as the Counselors-In-Training conduct the lesson. She will explain what the riders are doing and have been working on for their session. She will be happy to answer any questions. We are proud of what we teach the girls in two short weeks so we hope to let you know what we have been working on and what will come next in her riding progress. These lessons will end, where appropriate, over a warm up couple of jumps. She will then proceed to her Specialty. We will be doing Bareback Trail, Natural Horsemanship, Cones Carriage Driving, Vaulting (Gymnastics on the moving horse), the High Jump and two Outside courses. In short, you will see quite a variety of events, one of which your daughter will have chosen and practiced.
After the riding, driving and vaulting has finished, we will have the girls untack, cool out and do the noon feed. During that time, Kris will check you out and settle up any bills your daughter has incurred. You will also be able to see and maybe purchase the Horse Portraits taken during this session. They are unusually good!
We ask that you bring a picnic for your family and your camper. We will provide drinks and dessert. We will all join together on the front lawn and/or living room of the lodge and chat. This is the perfect time to really find out how your daughter did and ask any questions of the staff…We will sadly say good bye to this gang…with a tear in our eye as they are terrific. We will have camper addresses for each girl. You can plan to depart sometime around 1:30 or 2 ish…no hurry to leave but we know you are probably on your way somewhere exciting.
I hope this helps you to plan you time and know what we are up to this week. Never a dull moment around this here farm. John Denver (who none of the campers even know!!!!) wrote “Life on the farm is kinda laid back”…Little did he know about Pony Farm…Each day is filled will all good stuff….and good kids…and good horses…and good staff, all of which sure makes my job a breeze…
So off to the camping trip I go…much to my delight. Someday I will be too old to sleep on the ground, but for now, I just love it.
Stay well and thanks for loaning us your daughters.
Mostly Fondly,
Boo
Dearest Pony Farm Families, One and All,
I surely hope you all had a good weekend. Everyone here joins me in sending you our best. We sure are having a great time and hope you are too!
We were delighted to see so many of you at our horse show this weekend. Thank you all for being so gracious and helping us to cheer everyone on at the show. We were thrilled to have such good weather. We also were pleased to have a good turn out. We want to hit the ‘happy medium’ with having enough riders from other barns so that the campers don’t have to compete with each other but not have so many that our kids get lost in the shuffle. I think we hit that middle ground nicely with this show even if it did go on until 6:15PM!!!
For those of you who did not attend, we missed you but completely understand and it was NOT a big deal to not have you here. We surely took extra care of the 10 plus kids whose parents didn’t come with hugs, ice cream and extra cheering. We had three kiddos who did not want to show. They were so cute helping me plant the front entrance of the farm the night before the show. They were tickled to make it look nice for the rest of the summer. On the show day, they were given official PF shirts to look spiffy and they helped me to announce, gave out ribbons, served as assistant Ring Masters and generally were of good cheer. We sure hate to force anyone to show is she doesn’t want to compete. There is plenty of competition in the larger world that is they don’t choose to do that when they are here, it is fine with us!
For those who did show, everyone seemed to have a terrific time. We did have one or two ponies who were less than thrilled with the ‘venue’, but that was taken care of and the girls either understood or got to ride a different pony. Everyone won at least two ribbons so the day ended on a good note. From where I sat as the Announcer, I was most pleased that everyone was safe and in good spirits. I care much more about that than any color ribbon.
Following the show and going out for ice cream or dinner, all the kids watched a movie. The movie was Cool Runnings…a cute movie about a bobsled team from Jamaica. Most of the kids were sound asleep before the end of the movie, having gotten up at 6AM…They always look so dear all snuggled up together with their stuffed animals. I think it is too cute that even the oldest, most sophisticated girls have stuffed animals right next to their make up kits and teen magazines, of course….I love thinking of them still as little kids…Someday I will make a fortune on researching the theory of girls loving horses and animals….between ‘toys and boys’!!!!
Sunday is a day when everyone sleeps in a little. The dear staff do the barn chores to give both campers and horses the day off. Sunday is often my favorite day because we have more leisure time to just be together. The girls also clean their rooms and organize their laundry duffle bags. I also enjoy clean rooms and freshly laundered clothes! We had a yummie lunch and then got to start planning our week and your exhibition….(More to follow on that in terms of timing, etc.). The kids signed up to do the Camping Trip with the ponies (tonight), the All Day Ride and Drive (Friday), Swimming with the horses (Thursday). They also selected the Specialties that they want to show you at the exhibition. Still others signed up to be on the Drill team which is a musical ride done with 10 kids and set to music. It will be the kick off to the Parents’ Exhibition…So, you can imagine that there is lots of planning and discussion about all of this. They also are talking with each other to see what their friends are doing. Heaven forbid that they don’t get to go on the Camping Trip with a friend!
Following this planning and organizing, everyone trooped down to the pool to swim, lay in the sun, read, write letters and play with the small farm animals. The chickens, ducks, goats, bunnies, guinea pigs and miniature horses are truly a hit. The girls are so funny about touching a chicken or running with a goat over a jump. They are lovely with the animals. Every time I watch our farm animals being enjoyed by kids, I make a wish that more kids got to do more with animals. It has such a wonderful calming influence on everyone involved.
The kids then went back to the lodge to have an afternoon snack and begin planning for their Talent Show to be held that night (Sunday). During that time (4 to 6:15PM) most all of the girls came to help me weed the garden up by the lodge. We are growing the winter vegetables there…the pumpkins for the fall family weekends, both to eat and to carve. We are also growing corn, beans, peas, ornamental corn and squash. We are so excited to find the little gourds and squash starting to grow. The weeds had kind of gotten ahead of the weeders, so many hands made light work. Many of the kids remarked that they had never weeded because they live in a city. I am so happy when I am gardening with children. We talk all about life and many stories are shared. We even had some riddles…none of which I was able to get! Mostly, we had fun weeding, watering and fertilizing, organic of course! Today they will get ice cream to thank them for their weeding work.
After dinner, the Talent Show began. We were treated to skits, a gymnastic demo, a lovely rendition of The Star Spangled Banner, a song and two pieces on the piano. It is such fun to see what talent we have in our midst. The kids are so respectful of each other when one of the girls gets up to share her music with the group. I always tell them that I could be locked in a room for a month and not be as good as they are!
We invited the three goats to share the Talent Show with us and then I got to hold the Baby Goat (AKA “BG”) on my lap for Vespers, Good Night Circle and our singing. We are about to get a new rug for the lodge living room so I guess it might be the last time that I can really let the goats come in….but the kids did get a big kick out of it all.
Everyone fell into bed and slept nicely in preparation for the fun filled week we have coming up here at Pony Farm!
The kids want to do everything so it is a bit of a struggle to fit it all in to one week!!!! Today, we have them doing a Gambler’s Choice (jumps with varying difficulties that have point values depending on that difficulty…We give them a 2 minute time to gather as many points as they can to determine the winner.). Other groups are going on trail rides to prepare for the upcoming Hunter Pace….Still other groups are riding in the ring to really get to cantering and jumping. So everyone is hard at work today…
This afternoon, the Pony Camping Trip will strike off with no less than 20 kids wanting to come. Luckily, the tents will sleep that many. The weather is also supposed to cooperate although it sure looks overcast right now. The kids that stay home will be doing the beginning practice for the Drill Team and the other specialties. Tonight, they will do Cascino Night, which is a lot of group board and card games. It is the perfect activity for those not coming for the camping trip night….
For us stalwart souls who are, we will head out with all the gear and the food this afternoon. The site is about 3 miles away, just close enough to be safe and just far enough in the woods to feel like you are ‘away’. We will take food for dinner and breakfast, with lots of stuff for multiple S’Mores for sure!@ We also take hay and grain for the 5-6 ponies and horses that we take. We pick these troopers with care as one camping trip this year all but one of the horses came home!
A quarter of the girls ride up to the site on the mountain, a quarter do an evening ride, another quarter a morning ride and the last group rides home. We also can swim at the mountain stream and go exploring like mad…It is the perfect site and we love going. Even my dogs, Martin and Oscar, go with us. I can’t wait to go to sleep with the moon shining bright, the fire burning and the creek rushing. What a was to doze off.
We will come home mid morning and they will swim here at the pool after unpacking. The rest of the girls will have ridden and the drill team will have practiced again. They will then all start practicing their Specialties for YOU! They will then go to bed right on time as they will be doing the Hunter Pace on Wednesday….
This is a big event at camp. We divide the girls into 6 evenly matched teams of riders from each riding group. Each team will have someone from the most experienced group #8 and the second most experienced group #7…These girls will be the Captain and Co-Captain for their team. They will all dress alike and make their plans for how to ride the Hunter Pace. Great strategy making goes into this.
The girls will ride at a safe pace over a five mile loop. It is all dirt roads. With careful explanations ahead of time, each group decided where to walk, trot or try a canter. All the girls know only to go as fast as the slowest rider feels comfortable. Staff members will cell phones and cars are spaced out around the track to serve as support people and to make sure everyone is doing well. The girls ride the ride without a staff member leading but there are staff members carefully spread out every little while.
The team that comes in closest to the Optimum Time with all members feeling comfortable and the horses relaxed will be the winner. We will have two sets of prizes and lots of input as to will be the winner.
Following the rather lengthy morning ride and later lunch, the girls will all gather to really clean the tack. We often skip this important detail as there is so much to get ready before a show. We will oil and really clean up the tack so it stays nice. That night, the girls will have their Counselor Quest….a hide and seek kind of game where each counselor hides. The amount the counselor is ‘worth’ is decided ahead of time. Kris, as Head Counselor, is worth the most points and knows the best hiding places. Counselors-In-Training are worth lesser points and so on. Again, the team that gathers the most points by finding the most counselors wins the game…Great glee surrounds this game.
Thursday morning the final practicing for your exhibition will take place with all the counselors. We will then go swimming with the horses…hopefully the weather and water will collaborate to make this possible. This is the all time favorite camp activity. For new parents, do not worry as I am there to help lead in each and every horse, making it as safe as humanly possible….That night we will do Charades, my favorite…With actresses like these, we can not help but have a blast….
Friday will be the popular All Day Ride or Drive….We will pack a picnic and off we will go into the wild blue yonder…I love this day. We will even go to the local store to get ice cream. Some day I want to ‘drive through a drive through’ with a carriage but not this time! Those who stay home will do a Gymkhana, or games on horseback….Both will last into the afternoon and everyone will enjoy a picnic lunch. We will then pack the rest of that afternoon and get showers for our closing night Candlelight Ceremony. More to follow on that….
I better get to the point of the last day so you all can plan….It will be a Parents; Exhibition. You can plan to arrive by 9:30 or 10AM. The girls will be all packed and ready to ride. The exhibition will begin with a Drill Team at about 10:15. We will then send you to a ring to watch your child ride. You will meet her instructor as the Counselors-In-Training conduct the lesson. She will explain what the riders are doing and have been working on for their session. She will be happy to answer any questions. We are proud of what we teach the girls in two short weeks so we hope to let you know what we have been working on and what will come next in her riding progress. These lessons will end, where appropriate, over a warm up couple of jumps. She will then proceed to her Specialty. We will be doing Bareback Trail, Natural Horsemanship, Cones Carriage Driving, Vaulting (Gymnastics on the moving horse), the High Jump and two Outside courses. In short, you will see quite a variety of events, one of which your daughter will have chosen and practiced.
After the riding, driving and vaulting has finished, we will have the girls untack, cool out and do the noon feed. During that time, Kris will check you out and settle up any bills your daughter has incurred. You will also be able to see and maybe purchase the Horse Portraits taken during this session. They are unusually good!
We ask that you bring a picnic for your family and your camper. We will provide drinks and dessert. We will all join together on the front lawn and/or living room of the lodge and chat. This is the perfect time to really find out how your daughter did and ask any questions of the staff…We will sadly say good bye to this gang…with a tear in our eye as they are terrific. We will have camper addresses for each girl. You can plan to depart sometime around 1:30 or 2 ish…no hurry to leave but we know you are probably on your way somewhere exciting.
I hope this helps you to plan you time and know what we are up to this week. Never a dull moment around this here farm. John Denver (who none of the campers even know!!!!) wrote “Life on the farm is kinda laid back”…Little did he know about Pony Farm…Each day is filled will all good stuff….and good kids…and good horses…and good staff, all of which sure makes my job a breeze…
So off to the camping trip I go…much to my delight. Someday I will be too old to sleep on the ground, but for now, I just love it.
Stay well and thanks for loaning us your daughters.
Mostly Fondly,
Boo
Friday, July 11, 2008
Horse Show info for YOU
Friday July 11th, 2008
Dearest Pony Farm Families, One and All,
What a fantastic group of kiddos you have bequeathed us. Wow, they are game for anything, listen well, work hard, play well and are just plain delightful. Thank you for sharing them with us and sending us such great young people. The world will indeed be in good hands when they grow up!
I know you are eager to know when your child is riding tomorrow. The instructors and kids have finished the final decision making process as to which classes they will each enter. The horse show will be on the Outside Courses in the lower field from the lodge. This is the best way to have a horse show in the summer because it is on grass rather than in the rings which get so very dusty that none of us can breathe, humans or horses. However, it is more challenging riding because it is in a more open space and without the ring fence. Many of the riders that we get at camp have never ridden out of a ring much less jumped a course….thus, we take our time to make sure they are each entered in an appropriate and safe class. After reviewing each entry form, both the head instructors and I feel confident that your daughter is in the right class on the right horse with the right teacher…..So, please look at the end of this Blog to see when she will be riding. I hope it suits your travel and family schedule.
I also want to have you note that I am giving you an approximate time. It is my best guess. I just hate to have parents struggle to get here at the crack of dawn if their child is going to be riding in the afternoon. Conversely, I hate to have parents miss their child’s class because they arrived too late. So….it is my best GUESS…What makes it hard is that we never know how many horses are coming from other farms. So much depends on what other shows are happening or what special events are taking place in the lives of the various coaches from the local barns. Thus, I am doing my best to let you know…Please do look at the end of the Blog for this info. If you have any questions, please do email me rather than call as I will be out with the kids for the rest of the day following writing you. While they are resting or untacking, I will check my email and get right back to you. I do hope this helps.
Before I list the riders and show times, let me back up a moment to update you as to what we have been doing here at camp. I always like to have our parents know as so many of the girls don’t write letters because they are so happily engaged in camp. This is a good sign but also leaves parents with no information as to what is happening at camp! Therefore, I feel it’s a good use of my time to update you.
When I left off on Tuesday, we had organized all the riding groups and finalized the horse matches….Happily, we were mostly right about where the girls fitted into the levels and which horses were the right matches to make it a happy, learning and safe experience for each and everyone…two and four “footeds” alike. So all ended well on Tuesday with smiles and happy good nights following my Mom’s stories from her days in the Wild West and during World War II in Washington, DC. My mom is nearly 86 so she kids that the campers and staff know the stories better than she does! I must say that it is a pleasant way to spend the evening. We had planned to have the story telling around the campfire ring outside the lodge, complete with S’Mores. Sadly, the heavens opened up and it was raining hard so we all huddled together in the main room at the lodge and listened with great glee to her stories….all safe and sound inside. We had yummie Ice Cream Sundaes instead and all was well in the land of Pony Farm.
Wednesday dawned hot and humid, but we were not daunted. Everyone set off to ride after breakfast, room clean up and morning meeting. The groups spread out into all the rings and the Outside Courses to practice, practice and practice some more. The teachers all felt that the kids were making great progress and would be ready to show in the field.
Wednesday was the first Afternoon Activities offerings of the session. Before lunch and rest hour, the kids chose between the following possibilities. Trip to swim at the Falls, Swimming at the pool here and playing with the Farm Animals, Carriage Driving with the Miniature Horses and ponies, Riding Bareback, Individual coaching for Equitation (form of the rider for the show), learning to lunge a horse, and trail riding (two levels). Everyone signed up for one thing and off we went…The only changes were that we kept the activities close to the farm as thunderstorms were a strong possibility. I joined with them to do the driving, which is always a popular activity. Such fun!!! I feel so lucky that we have so many choices to offer the girls between trail riding, camping with the horses, swimming with the horses, driving and vaulting, plus showing….There is surely never a dull moment.
On Wednesday night, the girls played a game called Personal Scavenger Hunt…This is a game that I am hopeless at playing…and I might add, so would parents or grandparents be lost. It is a series of questions of modern day singers, actors and teen idols…It is a total camp favorite but I can not answer one of the questions…So much for old age and wisdom!!! Teen magazine is just not my thing!!!
Yesterday, the groups split into two and half the girls schooled hard over the courses and in the field while the other half cleaned their tack and organized their show clothes. We held dinner a little late so that everyone could get their turn in on the courses in particular. The weather was cool and beautiful so no one got overheated and everyone was in a great mood. Those kids and their staff sure were working hard. What a beautiful sight to see all the happy, healthy kids and horses enjoying learning in a sea of green grass and brightly colored jumps. A beautiful sight indeed.
Last night was another all camp fav with the Fashion Show….the biggest hit of which is when the kids each pretend to be a staff member. They sure come pretty darn close to acting and talking and walking like we do…It can be pretty scary to see one’s self in action.
Today, the kids are again out schooling in the field and on the courses. While one half is riding, the other half is trimming their horses, pulling manes and giving bathes. They are all helping each other so it is going nicely. At rest hour, the staff will give any final schools for any horses that need an extra amount of steady hands and confidence.
Tonight, we will get everyone into the shower, set out the clothes, explain the schedule and polish the boots…..We will all retire early and be ready for our big day tomorrow. I feel like I can report that the kids and coaches feel ready and eager.
We will invite you to arrive about the time your child is showing. You are also welcome to come early and stay late. We do ask that you park at the lodge as the field will be pretty full with trailers and riders. We will have a food concession truck for your ‘dining’ pleasure…Food will be served at the show grounds for all campers. Kris and I will take turns announcing so that I can ‘visit’ with everyone. You know how I love to greet people and chat!
Once your child has finished showing, you are welcome to take her out to ice cream or to dinner. You may also want to take a friend or two with you. Please do check in and out with Kris to make sure that everyone has the right parental permission to go out on the town. Kris and I can also tell you what might be a fun place to go to eat or enjoy looking around. We want this to be a fun day for you too.
Tomorrow night the kids will see a movie that is age appropriate. Kris is really good at finding ones that everyone will like. If you have taken your daughter out for dinner please do try to return before 9:00PM…The kids will have gotten up early and it is hard when a ‘roomie’ is coming back after lights are out. It wakes everyone up.
I hope that this helps you get a gist of what we have been doing. Next week will be much more geared to the ‘fun’, non showing part of camp…The pony camping trip, the Hunter Pace, the All Day Ride and the Swimming with the horses…So, it will be lots of fun and exciting things to do with our horses. I always love that week as I enjoy seeing the kids get out of the ring and see all the other ways to enjoy a horse!
I send all my best to you on behalf of the staff and Kris. We are having a blast with you kiddo and look forward to seeing you either this weekend or next. Until then, know that we are giving out lots of hugs and offering tons of fun in the sun!
Warmly,
Boo
SHOW SCHEDULE…APPROXIMATELY….
Kids who want to help but not show….Rebecca P. and Lea M-S.
9:00: Mia and Ava L., Keala G., Emma D, Louisa S., Tess J.
9:45: Avrille LaV., Jessen E., Marie W., Emma Montoya
10:00 Jill C., Hailey O’B., Nicole B., Olivia M., Anna F.
11:00 Caroline R.
12:00 Kirsten M., Grace J., Eugenie L., Mackenzie D., Katherine S., Laura McC.,
1:00 Erin M., Caroline R., Tess C., Molly B., Natalie B., April K., Hannah F., Emily S., Georgia M., Jill A., Emma S., Caroline R., Kelly C., Megan T., Bebe M-S.
2:30 Adriane M., Annie M., Allie K., Becca C., Emma Milford, Robin K., Mallory M., Mikaela W-S., Jessie R.
HAPPY DAY TO YOU ALL!!!!
Dearest Pony Farm Families, One and All,
What a fantastic group of kiddos you have bequeathed us. Wow, they are game for anything, listen well, work hard, play well and are just plain delightful. Thank you for sharing them with us and sending us such great young people. The world will indeed be in good hands when they grow up!
I know you are eager to know when your child is riding tomorrow. The instructors and kids have finished the final decision making process as to which classes they will each enter. The horse show will be on the Outside Courses in the lower field from the lodge. This is the best way to have a horse show in the summer because it is on grass rather than in the rings which get so very dusty that none of us can breathe, humans or horses. However, it is more challenging riding because it is in a more open space and without the ring fence. Many of the riders that we get at camp have never ridden out of a ring much less jumped a course….thus, we take our time to make sure they are each entered in an appropriate and safe class. After reviewing each entry form, both the head instructors and I feel confident that your daughter is in the right class on the right horse with the right teacher…..So, please look at the end of this Blog to see when she will be riding. I hope it suits your travel and family schedule.
I also want to have you note that I am giving you an approximate time. It is my best guess. I just hate to have parents struggle to get here at the crack of dawn if their child is going to be riding in the afternoon. Conversely, I hate to have parents miss their child’s class because they arrived too late. So….it is my best GUESS…What makes it hard is that we never know how many horses are coming from other farms. So much depends on what other shows are happening or what special events are taking place in the lives of the various coaches from the local barns. Thus, I am doing my best to let you know…Please do look at the end of the Blog for this info. If you have any questions, please do email me rather than call as I will be out with the kids for the rest of the day following writing you. While they are resting or untacking, I will check my email and get right back to you. I do hope this helps.
Before I list the riders and show times, let me back up a moment to update you as to what we have been doing here at camp. I always like to have our parents know as so many of the girls don’t write letters because they are so happily engaged in camp. This is a good sign but also leaves parents with no information as to what is happening at camp! Therefore, I feel it’s a good use of my time to update you.
When I left off on Tuesday, we had organized all the riding groups and finalized the horse matches….Happily, we were mostly right about where the girls fitted into the levels and which horses were the right matches to make it a happy, learning and safe experience for each and everyone…two and four “footeds” alike. So all ended well on Tuesday with smiles and happy good nights following my Mom’s stories from her days in the Wild West and during World War II in Washington, DC. My mom is nearly 86 so she kids that the campers and staff know the stories better than she does! I must say that it is a pleasant way to spend the evening. We had planned to have the story telling around the campfire ring outside the lodge, complete with S’Mores. Sadly, the heavens opened up and it was raining hard so we all huddled together in the main room at the lodge and listened with great glee to her stories….all safe and sound inside. We had yummie Ice Cream Sundaes instead and all was well in the land of Pony Farm.
Wednesday dawned hot and humid, but we were not daunted. Everyone set off to ride after breakfast, room clean up and morning meeting. The groups spread out into all the rings and the Outside Courses to practice, practice and practice some more. The teachers all felt that the kids were making great progress and would be ready to show in the field.
Wednesday was the first Afternoon Activities offerings of the session. Before lunch and rest hour, the kids chose between the following possibilities. Trip to swim at the Falls, Swimming at the pool here and playing with the Farm Animals, Carriage Driving with the Miniature Horses and ponies, Riding Bareback, Individual coaching for Equitation (form of the rider for the show), learning to lunge a horse, and trail riding (two levels). Everyone signed up for one thing and off we went…The only changes were that we kept the activities close to the farm as thunderstorms were a strong possibility. I joined with them to do the driving, which is always a popular activity. Such fun!!! I feel so lucky that we have so many choices to offer the girls between trail riding, camping with the horses, swimming with the horses, driving and vaulting, plus showing….There is surely never a dull moment.
On Wednesday night, the girls played a game called Personal Scavenger Hunt…This is a game that I am hopeless at playing…and I might add, so would parents or grandparents be lost. It is a series of questions of modern day singers, actors and teen idols…It is a total camp favorite but I can not answer one of the questions…So much for old age and wisdom!!! Teen magazine is just not my thing!!!
Yesterday, the groups split into two and half the girls schooled hard over the courses and in the field while the other half cleaned their tack and organized their show clothes. We held dinner a little late so that everyone could get their turn in on the courses in particular. The weather was cool and beautiful so no one got overheated and everyone was in a great mood. Those kids and their staff sure were working hard. What a beautiful sight to see all the happy, healthy kids and horses enjoying learning in a sea of green grass and brightly colored jumps. A beautiful sight indeed.
Last night was another all camp fav with the Fashion Show….the biggest hit of which is when the kids each pretend to be a staff member. They sure come pretty darn close to acting and talking and walking like we do…It can be pretty scary to see one’s self in action.
Today, the kids are again out schooling in the field and on the courses. While one half is riding, the other half is trimming their horses, pulling manes and giving bathes. They are all helping each other so it is going nicely. At rest hour, the staff will give any final schools for any horses that need an extra amount of steady hands and confidence.
Tonight, we will get everyone into the shower, set out the clothes, explain the schedule and polish the boots…..We will all retire early and be ready for our big day tomorrow. I feel like I can report that the kids and coaches feel ready and eager.
We will invite you to arrive about the time your child is showing. You are also welcome to come early and stay late. We do ask that you park at the lodge as the field will be pretty full with trailers and riders. We will have a food concession truck for your ‘dining’ pleasure…Food will be served at the show grounds for all campers. Kris and I will take turns announcing so that I can ‘visit’ with everyone. You know how I love to greet people and chat!
Once your child has finished showing, you are welcome to take her out to ice cream or to dinner. You may also want to take a friend or two with you. Please do check in and out with Kris to make sure that everyone has the right parental permission to go out on the town. Kris and I can also tell you what might be a fun place to go to eat or enjoy looking around. We want this to be a fun day for you too.
Tomorrow night the kids will see a movie that is age appropriate. Kris is really good at finding ones that everyone will like. If you have taken your daughter out for dinner please do try to return before 9:00PM…The kids will have gotten up early and it is hard when a ‘roomie’ is coming back after lights are out. It wakes everyone up.
I hope that this helps you get a gist of what we have been doing. Next week will be much more geared to the ‘fun’, non showing part of camp…The pony camping trip, the Hunter Pace, the All Day Ride and the Swimming with the horses…So, it will be lots of fun and exciting things to do with our horses. I always love that week as I enjoy seeing the kids get out of the ring and see all the other ways to enjoy a horse!
I send all my best to you on behalf of the staff and Kris. We are having a blast with you kiddo and look forward to seeing you either this weekend or next. Until then, know that we are giving out lots of hugs and offering tons of fun in the sun!
Warmly,
Boo
SHOW SCHEDULE…APPROXIMATELY….
Kids who want to help but not show….Rebecca P. and Lea M-S.
9:00: Mia and Ava L., Keala G., Emma D, Louisa S., Tess J.
9:45: Avrille LaV., Jessen E., Marie W., Emma Montoya
10:00 Jill C., Hailey O’B., Nicole B., Olivia M., Anna F.
11:00 Caroline R.
12:00 Kirsten M., Grace J., Eugenie L., Mackenzie D., Katherine S., Laura McC.,
1:00 Erin M., Caroline R., Tess C., Molly B., Natalie B., April K., Hannah F., Emily S., Georgia M., Jill A., Emma S., Caroline R., Kelly C., Megan T., Bebe M-S.
2:30 Adriane M., Annie M., Allie K., Becca C., Emma Milford, Robin K., Mallory M., Mikaela W-S., Jessie R.
HAPPY DAY TO YOU ALL!!!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Warm Welcome to Session 3!!
Tuesday July 8th, 2008
Dearest Pony Farm Families,
Wow, did I come home to a terrific group of kids!!!! The staff and I already know that this is going to be a super session. Friendships have already rekindled or been born…Horse matches have been made with ease…Riding groups have been formed and smiles abound. Whatever you all have done as parents has truly worked with these kiddos. It is a true pleasure to have them here at the farm. Maybe you could just leave them with us for the next year or so………….until college that is!!!!
I am happy to report that there is not one shred of homesickness amongst the troops. Each girl seems happy with her “roomies” and, I must say…I am so fortunate to have the best staff that we have had in years. The two new counselors have turned out to be absolute treasures. The rest of the counselors who have returned are really superior. It seems like we have just the right combination of staff for this summer. I wish I could bottle “it” up and save “it” for years to come as the exact right combination is so hard to achieve. Add a lovely group of horses and ponies, wonderful weather and a gung ho group of campers and my job is made easy!!!!
As the sun peaks over the horizon and the day begins, it is an idyllic picture. The farm animals are grazing, the staff starts the early morning chores and I begin my day with quiet reflection….how lucky am I!!!
We had a great day yesterday. I got to camp early so that I could greet all the girls and wish them a glorious morn. The riding staff and I ate breakfast together while the rest of the staff ate with the kids. We divided everyone up into five bigger groups to assess whether the horse matches were appropriate and how to further divide them into riding groups. With a serious introduction of asking the girls to help us make sure they were in the right group and on the right horse, we announced the groups. We explained how our goal was that this was the best two weeks or month of their whole year. We also said that being on the right horse and in the right group was one of the major ways that we accomplished this goal. I said how sad it makes me to find out in September or October when we send out the camp evaluation forms that someone was unhappy with their riding experience. I told them that Kris and I could do nothing about that in the fall….that we needed to know now and that it was all of our jobs to make it right for each camper right now!!! Armed with the promise of working as a team to get the right mounts and the right groupings, off we all went.
With great cooperation from the weather and the horses, by lunchtime we had finalized all but about 2 horse matches. We also had made the temporary riding group assignments. I am delighted to report that the kids were most appropriate when they requested a change from a particular horse or pony. They hit the perfect ‘happy medium’ of making a request or a suggestion without being demanding or whiney! You have taught them well to ask for what they need. It sure makes our job easier and everyone happier. Being in the wrong group or on the wrong horse is not what we want!!!!
After the horses were cooled out, the tack put up, and all the critters munching, off we marched to lunch. As we all shared our meal, I could see friendships happening everywhere. It was a lot of ‘happy noise’ all around me, making me glad I was a Camp Director these many years later! Rest hour followed with everyone taking quiet time for a half hour and then enjoying their roommates for the next half hour.
With a good pause in our day under our belts, we all went off to try the riding groups and horse matches. To my delight, everyone seemed in the right group. We did a couple of horse switches again just to get it just right. Our riding day ended with smiles and good lessons. We are set for the session with the riding heads being happy with the final choices, the instructors echoing the placement and the kids saying they are happy! What more could I ask for!
Snack time followed and with it an introduction to Barn Chores….With the horses chowing down on their grain and the kids munching their snacks and juice, each barn team head counselor explained how to turn out, clean a stall and neaten up each barn. In jig time everything was accomplished and all the barns were sparkling. Showertime is a major carrot on the stick!!!
Dinnertime arrived and all the staff spread out to chat with their charges. Excitement began to build around ‘Bag Skits’….After 37 years of being a Camp Director, I still marvel at why this is such a huge hit with all the kids! The gist of this favorite evening activity is that each room chooses 6 things to put in a bag. The bags are then spread around so each room gets a bag from the kids in another room. Much planning then takes place as a skit is built around the contents of the bag. I marvel at the creativity and energy that goes into this process. With my head I know that this creates a good opportunity for each group to bond together. However, I am amazed at how much they love doing it. I will truly do anything to keep kids off computers, away from TV and doing simple, fun ‘stuff’ together. This activity certainly fulfills all the requirements of simple fun.
Each skit was soooo cute. Several were just plain fun and funny. Even the youngest rooms put together a skit that ‘hung together’. We have budding actresses among us! I was glad this kind of creativity and energy is channeled in the right direction.
Following the skits, we had the kids from Cottage do the Evening Vespers. They shared why they had come back to camp for so many years. It always makes my heart happy to hear what they say. The friendships with each other ranks at the top of the list, right beside their connection to the horses. Their relationship with the staff also is always mentioned, as is their love for the farm itself. Hearing all their lovely thoughts as the candles on the Vesper Log burn puts a gentle and happy end on the active day.
Holding hands, we then all say what we are thankful for that happened during the day. Kids were most eager to share their appreciation. This was followed with singing two of the favorite songs. Kids then tiptoed off to bed as the songs ended, putting a lovely close on our first full day together. As I sat there in the glow of the candlelight, I too was grateful that I was part of this loving, peaceful and happy group.
Today has dawned bright and without a cloud in the sky. We are going to do riding lessons for each group this morning. During rest hour, the girls will prepare to get their camp portraits done with their horse. This afternoon we will do a combination of pictures, trimming the horses for the pictures and the upcoming show, doing the swim test in the pool and playing with the farm animals. The swim test is simply a matter of making sure that all the kids can swim the length of the pool and tread water without being winded. After this test time, the kids will swim a lot and we won’t have to worry that someone is going to have trouble.
Playing with the farm animals is one of my favorite times with the girls. They love jumping the miniature horses. We have small jumps set up on the lawn and wow, do the kids and minis fly. The goats and donkey don’t seem to love it as much as the minis. The bunnies all have harnesses and leads. They hop around like mad with their kids attached…the bunnies walking the kids in effect! The guinea pigs love to snuggle as do the chicks. Even the bigger chickens love to be held, having been handled since they were one day old. The favorite this summer however is swimming the ducks. They have one of the horse water troughs and wow do they splash around. The kids get just wet enough to think it is a riot…and love to watch the ducks as the water truly does roll off their backs. The expression is really true!
After this packed afternoon of fun and frivolity, the kids will again have snack time, barn chores and dinner. Tonight we will gather around the fire pit outside the lodge and roast marshmallows….what is camp without a good S’More?!? With the fire burning bright, we will tell stories. We are hoping my mom will come and regale us with her stories from her day in the Wild West and driving the ambulance in Washington, DC during World War II. The kids love her stories and she swears they remember the ending better than she does anymore. She gets such a kick out of coming…Again, how lucky am I to have both my parents living at the top of the hill.
The rest of this week will be spent on preparing for the horse show. We will be organizing what classes each of the kids will be entering. The show will be held out on the Outside Courses in the big field below the barn. I love the show out there…. No dust and lovely courses. Seeing all the beautiful kids and fat, shiny horses on a field of green is a lovely sight for sure. I do hope that you all might be planning on coming.
As we get closer to show time, I will write to you and let you know approximately what time your child is showing. We will probably have one or two who do not want to compete. They will get a morning lesson and then join us at the show grounds to help pass out ribbons. We welcome parents to come see the show and to spend the day with us. I do try to let you know when your child is showing so that you don’t struggle to get here too early or arrive after she is finished her classes. We will have a food truck on the show grounds. Also, you are welcome to take your kiddos out to ice cream or swimming if that would be fun for you.
So, that is the story for now and I’m sticking to it!!!! I end as I began by saying how delighted I am that this session has come together so quickly and nicely. Your children are a true pleasure to have.
I was sorry not to be here to meet you in person. I look forward to seeing you this weekend if you can come….If not this weekend, then let’s spend extra time together next weekend. I do appreciate your understanding and support about my being with my own girls and grandchildren this 4th of July weekend. I had a great time and came back to camp all refreshed and ready to roll.
Have a great day and rest easy knowing your child is happily engaged in good clean fun!
Most fondly,
Boo
Dearest Pony Farm Families,
Wow, did I come home to a terrific group of kids!!!! The staff and I already know that this is going to be a super session. Friendships have already rekindled or been born…Horse matches have been made with ease…Riding groups have been formed and smiles abound. Whatever you all have done as parents has truly worked with these kiddos. It is a true pleasure to have them here at the farm. Maybe you could just leave them with us for the next year or so………….until college that is!!!!
I am happy to report that there is not one shred of homesickness amongst the troops. Each girl seems happy with her “roomies” and, I must say…I am so fortunate to have the best staff that we have had in years. The two new counselors have turned out to be absolute treasures. The rest of the counselors who have returned are really superior. It seems like we have just the right combination of staff for this summer. I wish I could bottle “it” up and save “it” for years to come as the exact right combination is so hard to achieve. Add a lovely group of horses and ponies, wonderful weather and a gung ho group of campers and my job is made easy!!!!
As the sun peaks over the horizon and the day begins, it is an idyllic picture. The farm animals are grazing, the staff starts the early morning chores and I begin my day with quiet reflection….how lucky am I!!!
We had a great day yesterday. I got to camp early so that I could greet all the girls and wish them a glorious morn. The riding staff and I ate breakfast together while the rest of the staff ate with the kids. We divided everyone up into five bigger groups to assess whether the horse matches were appropriate and how to further divide them into riding groups. With a serious introduction of asking the girls to help us make sure they were in the right group and on the right horse, we announced the groups. We explained how our goal was that this was the best two weeks or month of their whole year. We also said that being on the right horse and in the right group was one of the major ways that we accomplished this goal. I said how sad it makes me to find out in September or October when we send out the camp evaluation forms that someone was unhappy with their riding experience. I told them that Kris and I could do nothing about that in the fall….that we needed to know now and that it was all of our jobs to make it right for each camper right now!!! Armed with the promise of working as a team to get the right mounts and the right groupings, off we all went.
With great cooperation from the weather and the horses, by lunchtime we had finalized all but about 2 horse matches. We also had made the temporary riding group assignments. I am delighted to report that the kids were most appropriate when they requested a change from a particular horse or pony. They hit the perfect ‘happy medium’ of making a request or a suggestion without being demanding or whiney! You have taught them well to ask for what they need. It sure makes our job easier and everyone happier. Being in the wrong group or on the wrong horse is not what we want!!!!
After the horses were cooled out, the tack put up, and all the critters munching, off we marched to lunch. As we all shared our meal, I could see friendships happening everywhere. It was a lot of ‘happy noise’ all around me, making me glad I was a Camp Director these many years later! Rest hour followed with everyone taking quiet time for a half hour and then enjoying their roommates for the next half hour.
With a good pause in our day under our belts, we all went off to try the riding groups and horse matches. To my delight, everyone seemed in the right group. We did a couple of horse switches again just to get it just right. Our riding day ended with smiles and good lessons. We are set for the session with the riding heads being happy with the final choices, the instructors echoing the placement and the kids saying they are happy! What more could I ask for!
Snack time followed and with it an introduction to Barn Chores….With the horses chowing down on their grain and the kids munching their snacks and juice, each barn team head counselor explained how to turn out, clean a stall and neaten up each barn. In jig time everything was accomplished and all the barns were sparkling. Showertime is a major carrot on the stick!!!
Dinnertime arrived and all the staff spread out to chat with their charges. Excitement began to build around ‘Bag Skits’….After 37 years of being a Camp Director, I still marvel at why this is such a huge hit with all the kids! The gist of this favorite evening activity is that each room chooses 6 things to put in a bag. The bags are then spread around so each room gets a bag from the kids in another room. Much planning then takes place as a skit is built around the contents of the bag. I marvel at the creativity and energy that goes into this process. With my head I know that this creates a good opportunity for each group to bond together. However, I am amazed at how much they love doing it. I will truly do anything to keep kids off computers, away from TV and doing simple, fun ‘stuff’ together. This activity certainly fulfills all the requirements of simple fun.
Each skit was soooo cute. Several were just plain fun and funny. Even the youngest rooms put together a skit that ‘hung together’. We have budding actresses among us! I was glad this kind of creativity and energy is channeled in the right direction.
Following the skits, we had the kids from Cottage do the Evening Vespers. They shared why they had come back to camp for so many years. It always makes my heart happy to hear what they say. The friendships with each other ranks at the top of the list, right beside their connection to the horses. Their relationship with the staff also is always mentioned, as is their love for the farm itself. Hearing all their lovely thoughts as the candles on the Vesper Log burn puts a gentle and happy end on the active day.
Holding hands, we then all say what we are thankful for that happened during the day. Kids were most eager to share their appreciation. This was followed with singing two of the favorite songs. Kids then tiptoed off to bed as the songs ended, putting a lovely close on our first full day together. As I sat there in the glow of the candlelight, I too was grateful that I was part of this loving, peaceful and happy group.
Today has dawned bright and without a cloud in the sky. We are going to do riding lessons for each group this morning. During rest hour, the girls will prepare to get their camp portraits done with their horse. This afternoon we will do a combination of pictures, trimming the horses for the pictures and the upcoming show, doing the swim test in the pool and playing with the farm animals. The swim test is simply a matter of making sure that all the kids can swim the length of the pool and tread water without being winded. After this test time, the kids will swim a lot and we won’t have to worry that someone is going to have trouble.
Playing with the farm animals is one of my favorite times with the girls. They love jumping the miniature horses. We have small jumps set up on the lawn and wow, do the kids and minis fly. The goats and donkey don’t seem to love it as much as the minis. The bunnies all have harnesses and leads. They hop around like mad with their kids attached…the bunnies walking the kids in effect! The guinea pigs love to snuggle as do the chicks. Even the bigger chickens love to be held, having been handled since they were one day old. The favorite this summer however is swimming the ducks. They have one of the horse water troughs and wow do they splash around. The kids get just wet enough to think it is a riot…and love to watch the ducks as the water truly does roll off their backs. The expression is really true!
After this packed afternoon of fun and frivolity, the kids will again have snack time, barn chores and dinner. Tonight we will gather around the fire pit outside the lodge and roast marshmallows….what is camp without a good S’More?!? With the fire burning bright, we will tell stories. We are hoping my mom will come and regale us with her stories from her day in the Wild West and driving the ambulance in Washington, DC during World War II. The kids love her stories and she swears they remember the ending better than she does anymore. She gets such a kick out of coming…Again, how lucky am I to have both my parents living at the top of the hill.
The rest of this week will be spent on preparing for the horse show. We will be organizing what classes each of the kids will be entering. The show will be held out on the Outside Courses in the big field below the barn. I love the show out there…. No dust and lovely courses. Seeing all the beautiful kids and fat, shiny horses on a field of green is a lovely sight for sure. I do hope that you all might be planning on coming.
As we get closer to show time, I will write to you and let you know approximately what time your child is showing. We will probably have one or two who do not want to compete. They will get a morning lesson and then join us at the show grounds to help pass out ribbons. We welcome parents to come see the show and to spend the day with us. I do try to let you know when your child is showing so that you don’t struggle to get here too early or arrive after she is finished her classes. We will have a food truck on the show grounds. Also, you are welcome to take your kiddos out to ice cream or swimming if that would be fun for you.
So, that is the story for now and I’m sticking to it!!!! I end as I began by saying how delighted I am that this session has come together so quickly and nicely. Your children are a true pleasure to have.
I was sorry not to be here to meet you in person. I look forward to seeing you this weekend if you can come….If not this weekend, then let’s spend extra time together next weekend. I do appreciate your understanding and support about my being with my own girls and grandchildren this 4th of July weekend. I had a great time and came back to camp all refreshed and ready to roll.
Have a great day and rest easy knowing your child is happily engaged in good clean fun!
Most fondly,
Boo
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