Session Wrap Up Information!!

Friday Early Morn’ August 8th


Dearest Pony Farm Families, All,

Salutations and Good Mornings to you from the rainy north country….Like in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe where there was the land of eternal white winter…I feel like this is the land of eternal rain and gray clouds, some of which produce thunder and lightening…These poor kids have been doomed with weather BUT…..they have been FANTASTIC SPORTS…What a bunch of troopers. As we head out again in the pouring rain to do some outside activities, they complain not at all. They are surely coming home with wet clothes galore but they sure have been super about it all. I am dazzled with them and the staff, who have also been terrific sports. Not one groan or grump when they have to go stand in the torrents AGAIN…..I give everyone a lot of credit for fortitude.
We have had a wonderful time despite the weather. I can see friendships forming that will last well into the future. We are going to be sad to lose our kiddos that are leaving on Saturday but glad they have been with us for one week. We hope they will return in a mighty way next year for two weeks…
I left off on Wednesday morning when, guess what…it was pouring…The staff and I divided up the kids into their riding groups. We rotated two groups at a time in the indoor arena and did Gymkhana Games that were ability specific. The group that was to follow got all tacked up and mounted so that everyone could maximize their riding time. It worked really well and the kids all got to ride at least for an hour and a half.
Meanwhile, the other activities that were rotated through all during the day were Poster Making (with prizes for categories, of course!), watching a Stablemanagement Educational video about Equine First Aid or playing with the Farm Animals (you are right, they ALL chose the Farm Animals in the rain!!!), and a combination of bracelet making, door room hangers and horse treat making at my house. We had a blast making “I didn’t buck today” treats and “Stud Muffins”…I downloaded the recipes off the internet that morning. The kids adored making the horse treats and begged to do more. It was too cute how eager they were to give their pony his or her treats. I loved getting to be with every single child that day. With the ACA visit on Tuesday, I felt like I had missed out on being with them…Also, I was supposed to lead the All Day Ride on Wednesday…so, I was happy to be in and dry while getting to be with everyone! I loved the day, despite the weather.
On Wednesday night, they played Personal Scavenger Hunt in the indoor arena…thank Goodness for that building. This is a great game where the kids get into teams and have to sit together about 20 feet away from a table at which the counselors are sitting. The counselors spend all sorts of time thinking up fun and funny questions or songs. The kids that know the answer or can sing the song or dance the dance have to race to slap the table. They then have to answer the question or do the dance. It is a riot…Of course, I never know any of the answers…Oh, to be 12 again!!!!
After our lovely Good Night Circle, the kids went to bed nicely. I am happy to say that all the vestiges of homesickness are GONE….Hooray…everyone has settled in nicely and is fully engaged….It is fun to see and a good tribute to the campers and staff.
Yesterday, (Thursday)…..we had our usual morning of lessons in the riding groups under cloudy-but dry, skies. Afternoon choices in activities were vaulting, carriage driving, bareback riding or taking the mini horses, goats, and the dear donkey swimming in a nearby creek. THAT sure was a hit and easily the most popular choice!!
Then last night we offered a Horseless Horse Show which is always hilarious. The girls act as the horses and have to jump, canter, etc while the staff decides who will win the trophy and ribbons.
This morning we have dry skies again and all the girls will be riding in their groups and practicing for the riding exhibition for YOU to enjoy on Saturday!! At our morning meeting, they all decided they’d like to chose from between a lesson in Natural Horsemanship this afternoon, or free riding (more practicing!!) or…something we call Catch Riding, which is when each girl tacks up her own pony, but then is able to switch horses and “try out” another horse or pony that she’s been curious about. It is a fun way to give someone else a try!! Tonight, which is the last night at camp for many of the girls, we will have a Special Closing Ceremony and Dinner. This is just a very sweet, special way for us to reflect on our time together, eat a yummy meal and dress up just a bit (clean clothes!!) Many of the girls will be going home tomorrow (tired but happy!) and if your daughter is one of them, here is what you should know: Please plan to arrive in time for their 10am Riding Exhibition. Once you get here, staff can tell you exactly where your daughter will be riding. Bring a picnic and enjoy lunch with us. Pony Farm will happily provide drinks and desserts. We will all eat together before sad goodbyes and fond farewells. Saying goodbye to their ponies might just be the most difficult!!
If your daughter is staying on for an additional week, you are most welcome to come visit and take her to ice cream or dinner. Just please let Kris know!! All of the girls staying the next week will have the opportunity to ride tomorrow afternoon and we will gladly have a picnic lunch for them, so if you can not make it—NO WORRIES!! Your treasure is in great hands!! Kris has a great movie planned for a lowkey Saturday night.
I have soooooo loved your daughters this week and have so much respect for how these awesome young ladies braved more than our fair share of rain and really came together as a group!! It has been such a pleasure this week for me as Executive Director to get to know and cherish each of them. Fond farewells indeed!!