Dearest Moms and Dads, and all Other Pony Farm Favorites,
Welcome to my first Blog of Session Four. I was sooooo very sad not to be with you to greet you on Opening Day of this session. With so many returning families, I was just plain dying to be there with you to catch up. I also love to see how grown up the girls have gotten over a year. Camp remains my most favorite time of the year. I hate to miss even one minute of it….But, I really did need to be in the ICU for my breathing. They are trying hard to let my asthma and airways relax after so much exposure to horses, kids, dust, hay, and this muggy, heavy weather. I felt like the boy in the glass bubble, looking longingly out into the sunshine and wanting to ‘go play’ with my kids and friends!
However, I am much better…and my spirits are great. I get all the news of camp, and who is riding in which group and on what horse, so I am not yet in withdrawal. The entire staff report what a great group of kids this is….the horse matches and group placement went like a piece of clockwork, thanks to your good paperwork, and us knowing so many of the kids ahead of time. We only have four new kids in this session, and two of them are from the same family…So, with good care, the groups happened easily and everyone says she is happily being challenged without over doing it. So that is music to my ears!!!
I must also say that we have such a great group of staff this year…What a difference when they are all really excited to be here and watch ‘their’ kids succeed. It makes an old camp director’s heart happy! Another unexpected perk is that we have lovely horses from all over the country. This was really the year to get out there and be pro-active. We have gotten such lovely mounts for your kids that it is a pleasure to watch them go around the ring or get lead out to the field. I guess I will be forever a ‘horse lover’…a beautiful, shiny, fit horse with a beautiful, healthy girl just makes my whole being happy! I get the pleasure and luxury of seeing this every single day, even if just by my window!
Tomorrow, I am venturing down to Boston to Brigham and Women’s Hospital to finally get a real set of experts. It is my birthday so I hope I get great news that I can venture out and play with your kids again….and NOW!!!! Enough of this” in the house” stuff….
However, regardless of what happens, I will see you on Saturday July 31st. It is supposed to be a glorious day filled with a cool breeze and a nice sunny day without too much heat. In short, perfect summer riding weather. I am most excited to tell you about this event as it has been in the works since last winter.
As we all know, there are many house and garden tours available in many towns. Each garden or house gets showcased for its special features. Well, our Temple Historical Society decided to do the same thing, but for the barns in our town, of which there are sadly very few still doing any kind of production or animal husbandry. As we all know, we are working to bring back the local produce and re-instill the values of the family farm. This is what this group of townsfolk wanted to do by honoring the existing barns.
They have met dutifully and scoped out 9 barns, our barn being the oldest as it was built in 1754. They have also found several barns that are brand new which are using green technology such as wind power. It will be a diverse group and is designed to raise money for more Temple Historical Projects such as refurbishing our old One Room School House! As you might imagine, I jumped all over this idea.
We were the first barn to sign up and we are so excited. The staff has been working for several months to upgrade a lot of our barn facilities and to organize the equipment. I hope you noticed our efforts on Opening Day! We certainly are taking better care of the horses and doing a better job of training and teaching, due to good solid organization of the facilities!!! All this is to benefit your kids, of course…There is always room for improvement in my book and in my barn! We have taken this event as a catalyst to do just this kind of organizing.
So…here is the scoop for you if you would like to come yourself. First, there will be a lecture at the historic center of Temple beginning at 10AM. Feel free to attend should you be a history buff and want to learn more about barns and their coming into fashion. However, meanwhile, back at camp, we will be getting ready for a full day of riding fun and exhibition. All the girls will be participating in the day’s events….Here is how it will work for them…and hopefully for you.
The morning will be like a Parents’ Exhibition Demonstration…with a good solid riding lesson, with some warm ups over jumps for groups that are ready to do that .Each riding group will be ready to be in the ring about 10AM and will ride for you and any spectators. One of the counselors from each group will speak to you and other visitors as to what we are working on in terms of skill building and progression. For riding parents, they can see what the kids have been learning…but, we also love to really help the non-riding parents and guests because we feel that the kids really do learn a huge amount of riding skill while they are with us, not only on the horse but off the horse as well .We are proud of this progress and like to showcase it when we can. If you want to come see this, plan on being here at 10AM….This part will go on until about 11:15AM, when they will go to their “Specialties”…meaning things that are not usually done in more traditional riding programs. These specialties include things like driving the miniature horses, Vaulting or Gymnastics on horseback, Games on horseback, Pair and Team Jumping, Jousting and jumping a course of jumps. For these specialties, the campers themselves will select which one they most want to do, and then start practicing that special skill tomorrow. It should be a fun and different display of riding skills and abilities.
Lunch will then take place between 12:30 and 1:30PM up on the long front porch of the lodge. We will have it nicely decorated so it is a pleasant place to dine while looking out over the gardens and the fields. You are welcome to bring your own picnic or purchase an old fashioned lunch box lunch from the Ladies’ Aid, at a reasonable cost of course. Those old gals sure know how to put on a spread! We will provide bag lunches for your kids so worry not about them and bringing food for refrigeration, etc.
During lunch we will offer pony rides for the town’s kids….and also a Parade of the Farm Animals…Let’s hope they all behave and stay in their halters and out of the lunch boxes! This should add a farm-y touch to the whole day….
Following lunch, the kids will mount up again and begin an actual “in house” competition that will continue on for the rest of their stay…It is our version of Pony Farm Olympics, which they have renamed “Battle of the Boy Bands” so that they can include music in each of the many events. Each team will be made up of one rider from each riding group, who will garner points for her team. The events will include Gymkhana Games, Trail Class, Jumper Courses, the High Jump, and Gambler’s Choice for this afternoon. All the points gathered will then go to the various teams. Other events coming up that will be included at other times during her stay will be tack cleaning, stable management, Counselor Quest, Personal Scavenger Hunt, Lip-synch, Casino Night, a Know Down of Horse facts, Hunter Pace and Talent Show….so, this is a theme that will carry on throughout the whole week, with the official Kick Off being the afternoon of the barn tour!!!
We hope that you might enjoy joining us for this fun day….the other eight barns are very interesting as well. We happen to think that we have the most fun activities taking place, but you can be the judge of that!!!
Should you want to come for lunch and then see just the afternoon activities, that is fine too. You would be most welcome to take your daughter out for ice cream or for dinner following the Barn Tour. The only two things that we ask is that you let us know you have her and when you expect to return….and that she surely finishes her part of barn chores on Saturday afternoon before she leaves. It is pretty hard on the ones who get left behind to do all the work alone….We try to make this fair all around. You are also welcome to take out a special camp friend, too, as long as we have the OK from the parents in our paperwork that she is allowed to leave camp with another family. Kris and Becky have all of that at their fingertips.
Following the Barn Tour, we will have a relaxing day for all kids and horses. The campers get a ‘day off’ from barn chores…We will swim, sleep in a little late, clean up rooms, gather laundry, and plan our exciting next week. We have so many fun things to do that it is hard to fit them all into two weeks…..We will also play with the small farm animals, pick our garden salad out of our home grown gardens for Sunday night dinner, swim like made, do arts and crafts and crafts with a lot of just good old chatting….and then have Talent Show under the stars….Can you see why I think I am the luckiest person in the whole world!!!!
I hope I have answered your questions and let you know just how much I missed seeing you on Opening Day….I will be back ‘in the saddle’ soon. I have great confidence in this Boston Doctor tomorrow and hope to get great news….I will let you know the results…In the meantime, thank you sooooo much for your many kind words. So many of you have sent me good wishes for health and healing….Together, it is going to happen and NOW!!!!
Thank you and don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions. I am probably the one that can answer them the easiest as I have been involved in the Barn Tour event the longest.
Until then, have a great day. Stay well and know that your kiddos are having a blast, getting their nails dirty and not caring how their hair looks….just how we want them at this age.
Most fondly,
Boo
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tuesday July 27th, 2010
Dearest Session Three Kiddos and Parents,
I am still sooooo sad not to have been able to say good bye to you all and to be with you for everything from swimming with the horses, to the Candlelight, to the Parents’ Exhibition. Camp is soooo much my favorite time of the year that I hate to miss any of it…especially the show and all the fun night time activities. Please know that if I could have been with you, I would have been.
I try not to focus on my asthma, but it is a major piece of my life in the last 20 years. What seems so mean is that I am allergic to all the things I most love….animals, hay, horses, dust, dogs and kids straight out of the barn after hugging their pony! Most of the time, I keep it under pretty good control due to lots of medicine. However, there are times when the weather and the circumstances just conspire against me….That week of really humid weather, when they cut the hay across the street from my Cottage, and the lack of rain which produced a lot of dust, to just plain being in the barns and at the lodge, all built up to ‘get me’. I had hoped tha,t if I was ‘good’ and stayed in my asthma free, air filtered house, that I could at least see you for the horse show….Sadly, as you know, even that was not possible. I did get to see all the glorious pictures though…You looked terrific.
Please don’t feel badly for me as my spirits are great….I am not a woman to ‘get down in the dumps’. I know I will get better and be back to enjoy camp with you very soon. I am excited that I am about to go to a world famous asthma doctor in Boston this Thursday….I know he will make me better. He has done it before and he will do it again…so, fear NOT, for you have not seen the last of me yet!
Besides, how can I be sad when I get this writing from one of you during Good Night Circle!!!!???? With words like this circulating around in my head, rest assured I feel better….Thank you, “Spidey” for writing so eloquently. I love you! (PS…She did give me permission to share her words with you!)
“Wake up to the smell of horses in the morning.
Grab my boots, I’m out the door.
I’m gonna hit this farm.
Before I leave, I coat myself with some fly spray and block
‘cause when I leave for the day, I ain’t a’comin’ back till Rest Hour!
I’m talking horse steppin’ on my toes, toes,
Tryin’ on ridin’ clothes,
Flies going up my nose, nose….
Ridin’ all those cutest of ponies
Never lettin’ out those groanies
Sometimes, I’m a little bit STINKY!
Don’t stop, never drop
Ride the ponies to the top
Let’s play, in the hay, every night and every day.
Havin’ fun in the sun, Hope this camp is never done.
Ain’t got a care in the world, but got plenty of friends
Got no worries on my shoulders
I hope this camp never ends.
Now the ponies are lining up ‘cause they hear we got treats
But we are turnin’ ‘em away if they step on our feet.
I’m talkin’ ponies, getting cute, cute
If they’re soar, we give ‘em bute, bute
Shining my own boots, boots.
We ride until we get real soar, soar
Pony Farm, Galore, galore
Pony Farm, Galore, galore
You put up the jump
I don’t knock it down
My heart starts a’ poundin’ when I jump it.
With my reins up
Put your reins, put your reins up!!!!
Isn’t that quite a poem or saga of life at camp. Those words encompass all of what I love about Pony Farm…the freedom, the fun, the energy, the right amount of risk, the safety, the ‘no worries on my shoulders’….I think Spidey did an amazing job!
So, I do hope the rest of your summer slides smoothly, happily and healthfully by. Please know that I am thinking of you with a great big old smile on my face. I loved our time together but only wish I could have been with you more.
Do watch our website as we will be announcing lots of fun family and camp kinds of events coming up this fall and winter. We have big plans for lots of good times….We are just now working on creating a new website…so, stay on the look out for all our news, as there will be plenty of it coming down the pike.
Please do stay in touch and know how much you are loved at Pony Farm. Hurry up and come visit…Better, yet book a family or friend weekend at the lodge. Becky, Kris and I are really trying to increase the off season use of the lodge for birthdays, slumber parties, family reunions, anniversaries or other special occasions. Get a gang of your camp friends together and come ride for the weekend…. Think of us as you start planning for that special family event. We have just the right place to welcome you!
Happy Trails to you that come with all sorts of love and hugs. Thanks again for choosing to spend part of your summer at Pony Farm. We hope we met our promise of making this the best two weeks of your year.
Tons of love and hugs and smiles,
Boo & Oscar & Martin!!!!
I am still sooooo sad not to have been able to say good bye to you all and to be with you for everything from swimming with the horses, to the Candlelight, to the Parents’ Exhibition. Camp is soooo much my favorite time of the year that I hate to miss any of it…especially the show and all the fun night time activities. Please know that if I could have been with you, I would have been.
I try not to focus on my asthma, but it is a major piece of my life in the last 20 years. What seems so mean is that I am allergic to all the things I most love….animals, hay, horses, dust, dogs and kids straight out of the barn after hugging their pony! Most of the time, I keep it under pretty good control due to lots of medicine. However, there are times when the weather and the circumstances just conspire against me….That week of really humid weather, when they cut the hay across the street from my Cottage, and the lack of rain which produced a lot of dust, to just plain being in the barns and at the lodge, all built up to ‘get me’. I had hoped tha,t if I was ‘good’ and stayed in my asthma free, air filtered house, that I could at least see you for the horse show….Sadly, as you know, even that was not possible. I did get to see all the glorious pictures though…You looked terrific.
Please don’t feel badly for me as my spirits are great….I am not a woman to ‘get down in the dumps’. I know I will get better and be back to enjoy camp with you very soon. I am excited that I am about to go to a world famous asthma doctor in Boston this Thursday….I know he will make me better. He has done it before and he will do it again…so, fear NOT, for you have not seen the last of me yet!
Besides, how can I be sad when I get this writing from one of you during Good Night Circle!!!!???? With words like this circulating around in my head, rest assured I feel better….Thank you, “Spidey” for writing so eloquently. I love you! (PS…She did give me permission to share her words with you!)
“Wake up to the smell of horses in the morning.
Grab my boots, I’m out the door.
I’m gonna hit this farm.
Before I leave, I coat myself with some fly spray and block
‘cause when I leave for the day, I ain’t a’comin’ back till Rest Hour!
I’m talking horse steppin’ on my toes, toes,
Tryin’ on ridin’ clothes,
Flies going up my nose, nose….
Ridin’ all those cutest of ponies
Never lettin’ out those groanies
Sometimes, I’m a little bit STINKY!
Don’t stop, never drop
Ride the ponies to the top
Let’s play, in the hay, every night and every day.
Havin’ fun in the sun, Hope this camp is never done.
Ain’t got a care in the world, but got plenty of friends
Got no worries on my shoulders
I hope this camp never ends.
Now the ponies are lining up ‘cause they hear we got treats
But we are turnin’ ‘em away if they step on our feet.
I’m talkin’ ponies, getting cute, cute
If they’re soar, we give ‘em bute, bute
Shining my own boots, boots.
We ride until we get real soar, soar
Pony Farm, Galore, galore
Pony Farm, Galore, galore
You put up the jump
I don’t knock it down
My heart starts a’ poundin’ when I jump it.
With my reins up
Put your reins, put your reins up!!!!
Isn’t that quite a poem or saga of life at camp. Those words encompass all of what I love about Pony Farm…the freedom, the fun, the energy, the right amount of risk, the safety, the ‘no worries on my shoulders’….I think Spidey did an amazing job!
So, I do hope the rest of your summer slides smoothly, happily and healthfully by. Please know that I am thinking of you with a great big old smile on my face. I loved our time together but only wish I could have been with you more.
Do watch our website as we will be announcing lots of fun family and camp kinds of events coming up this fall and winter. We have big plans for lots of good times….We are just now working on creating a new website…so, stay on the look out for all our news, as there will be plenty of it coming down the pike.
Please do stay in touch and know how much you are loved at Pony Farm. Hurry up and come visit…Better, yet book a family or friend weekend at the lodge. Becky, Kris and I are really trying to increase the off season use of the lodge for birthdays, slumber parties, family reunions, anniversaries or other special occasions. Get a gang of your camp friends together and come ride for the weekend…. Think of us as you start planning for that special family event. We have just the right place to welcome you!
Happy Trails to you that come with all sorts of love and hugs. Thanks again for choosing to spend part of your summer at Pony Farm. We hope we met our promise of making this the best two weeks of your year.
Tons of love and hugs and smiles,
Boo & Oscar & Martin!!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday July 21st, 2010
Dearest Pony Farm Families, One and All!!!!
Top of the morning to you, on this most beautiful day. I am sitting here getting ready to go to camp to greet all your precious ones, watching the birds flitting around deciding what seed is going to be their breakfast this morning…while I watch Bravo, our big Belgian, wander around my lawn, doing a good job at being a lawn mower….a riding one at that! I swear he gets lonesome for company and just wiggles the fence enough to get out and go a’visitin’ He never goes in the road or does anything bad except wait for the kids to come down for morning hug. It is getting to be quite a routine for him now….one that suits me just fine….a cup of coffee, the sun peeking out over the hill side, my dogs at my feet and a horse poking his nose in my door. What a way to start the day!!!! I am the most blessed of people….thanks to having your daughters to enjoy…and enjoy them we are!
I believe my last blog to you was all about the horse show on Saturday, the fun things we did together on Sunday, and the plans for the Family Exhibition on pick-up day…So, I will now begin with our day on Monday and go from there. I do hope you enjoy these blogs and seeing what we do at camp with your kids…..Do let me know if any one of you out there is actually reading this! Also, let me know if this is what you would like to read…or should it be more factual and shorter???? Kris always tells me that I go on toooo long but I love recounting all that we do here at Pony Farm….so what do you think???? Fun, helpful or too detailed????
Monday dawned a little gray with predictions of isolated but pretty heavy thunderstorm activities. So, we kept all the activities close to home in case of lightening. We did lessons on Monday morning because we made several horse switches due to the horse show….some wanted more of a challenge…some wanted to get an easier horse to learn to jump higher….we also moved a couple of groups around to even out the numbers…all in all, it is always good to re-group once all the staff is on and organized. Lessons went well, and then the kids came up for lunch to sign up for afternoon activities….Here is where the fun begins…Their choices were Team Jumping, Catch Riding, Swimming and small animals, Gymnastic/Grid Jumping, Bareback, two trail rides, finishing up Arts and Crafts started on Sunday, Greenies (the lesser experienced horses, ridden by the more experienced kids), and Vaulting or Gymnastics on the moving horse. The only hard part for the kids was that they wanted to do all the activities!!!
In the end, they did choose one…and off they went for a glorious afternoon of fun and easy living…That night, they played one of their favorite games “Counselor Quest”. The counselors all get assigned a certain number of points which relate to how long they have been here…thus they know the best and hardest spots to hide so no one finds them!!!! This game goes on until all counselors are caught and everyone troops back to the lodge for our Good Night Candlelight Circle….and sweet dreams of the next day…..
Tuesday was slated to be Gymkhana Day at PF…..The morning was all games done on the flat, meaning without any jumping. We had everything from bobbing for apples, sit a buck, ride a penny, musical stalls, relay races, soda burp relay, eat a marshmallow and whistle, string reins ( where the girls used yarn or thread to steer their mounts, obviously needing to rely heavily on their voice and seat to help control their horses)….others did Dizzy Bat, Sack Races, Barrel Racing and bareback relays….in short, each group had a ball….not one fall off, one tear or one pony jerked in the mouth….They were super about caring for their beloved four footed best friend.
Right after lunch, my Mom, all 88 years old, came to move the baby chicks to their new digs….A whole flock of children waited for her to arrive….and the Great Chicken Roundup got started. First, they had to catch the mother banty chickens who were fierce about guarding their babies…They had to have their wings clipped so they could not fly out of the new pen…Then, all the babies needed to be caught, gently of course, as they are so little. They almost look like bumble bees, all fluff and fuzz….Once all the moms accounted for their chicks, everyone quieted down and started pecking in the dirt and playing in the sunshine…The kids were thrilled. Mom was thrilled and the chicks were finally in a good safe and healthy place….Well done, ladies.
After a good lunch and rest hour, the afternoon of Gambler’s Choice began. Again, this is a real favorite. The kids and staff for each level build a course of jumps or obstacles that are of varying difficulty…some are spooky, some of easy, some are high and some are just funny looking. They then assign point values for each obstacle or jump, the harder ones obviously having the higher numbers….The kids then all went to tack up…We used four rings and doubled up the groups so they were jumping at about the right height for each level.
One by one, the girls each planned their course….They were given two minutes to complete as many jumps as possible, choosing their own line. The ones with the highest points were the winners….To my surprise and delight, they voted not to make it a competition with one winner….they just wanted to have fun and not worry about prizes….
We had no mishaps….no serious spooks on the part of the horses and all good planning on the part of the kids….So, the afternoon ended with glee and lots of good riding took place. It is one thing to look pretty on a horse….we aim to have them look nice while having an effective position that really can be used to ride the horse!!!
Dinner and an inside game took place last night with Becky and all Senior Staff in charge….I am happy to tell you that I was honored to be at my own parents’ 60th Anniversary Celebration Dinner…..With corsage and black tie…a photographer, champagne and the whole family gathered, we had a great time celebrating my most remarkable parents. It was fun to get dressed up and eat ‘grown up food”!
Today, we are going to do some more trail rides and some lessons so that we are ready to show you some cool stuff when you arrive on Saturday…..but this afternoon is when the fun ‘extras’ really begin as these are the specialties….Riding dressage, riding Western, driving the minis, Vaulting, learning to lunge and do natural horsemanship, to name just a few….I am dressed in my cowboy hat and boots to make the western thing fun….The driving equipment is all ready to roll, and we should be ready to give you a great demo on Saturday….
It is hard to believe that we only have a few more days with your girls…With Cascino Night of games tonight…swimming with the horses, an all day rid,e and more driving, it is going to fly by….The jury is still out on the Camping Trip….the weather is not being very cooperative…Having kids in tents under trees with ponies tied up on the mountain side when along comes a thunder and lightening storm does not conjure up a pretty picture in my mind’s eye! I bet you agree!!!! So…we will wait and see.
I hope you are having a great day….I also hope you are glad you sent your kiddo to Pony Farm. We are having a blast and wish this session would just go on and on,.
If I don’t get to write again, we will see you on Saturday between 9:30 and 10AM….we have a great show in the planning for you.,
Stay well and know that we are taking good care of your kiddo(s)!
Warmly, Boo
Top of the morning to you, on this most beautiful day. I am sitting here getting ready to go to camp to greet all your precious ones, watching the birds flitting around deciding what seed is going to be their breakfast this morning…while I watch Bravo, our big Belgian, wander around my lawn, doing a good job at being a lawn mower….a riding one at that! I swear he gets lonesome for company and just wiggles the fence enough to get out and go a’visitin’ He never goes in the road or does anything bad except wait for the kids to come down for morning hug. It is getting to be quite a routine for him now….one that suits me just fine….a cup of coffee, the sun peeking out over the hill side, my dogs at my feet and a horse poking his nose in my door. What a way to start the day!!!! I am the most blessed of people….thanks to having your daughters to enjoy…and enjoy them we are!
I believe my last blog to you was all about the horse show on Saturday, the fun things we did together on Sunday, and the plans for the Family Exhibition on pick-up day…So, I will now begin with our day on Monday and go from there. I do hope you enjoy these blogs and seeing what we do at camp with your kids…..Do let me know if any one of you out there is actually reading this! Also, let me know if this is what you would like to read…or should it be more factual and shorter???? Kris always tells me that I go on toooo long but I love recounting all that we do here at Pony Farm….so what do you think???? Fun, helpful or too detailed????
Monday dawned a little gray with predictions of isolated but pretty heavy thunderstorm activities. So, we kept all the activities close to home in case of lightening. We did lessons on Monday morning because we made several horse switches due to the horse show….some wanted more of a challenge…some wanted to get an easier horse to learn to jump higher….we also moved a couple of groups around to even out the numbers…all in all, it is always good to re-group once all the staff is on and organized. Lessons went well, and then the kids came up for lunch to sign up for afternoon activities….Here is where the fun begins…Their choices were Team Jumping, Catch Riding, Swimming and small animals, Gymnastic/Grid Jumping, Bareback, two trail rides, finishing up Arts and Crafts started on Sunday, Greenies (the lesser experienced horses, ridden by the more experienced kids), and Vaulting or Gymnastics on the moving horse. The only hard part for the kids was that they wanted to do all the activities!!!
In the end, they did choose one…and off they went for a glorious afternoon of fun and easy living…That night, they played one of their favorite games “Counselor Quest”. The counselors all get assigned a certain number of points which relate to how long they have been here…thus they know the best and hardest spots to hide so no one finds them!!!! This game goes on until all counselors are caught and everyone troops back to the lodge for our Good Night Candlelight Circle….and sweet dreams of the next day…..
Tuesday was slated to be Gymkhana Day at PF…..The morning was all games done on the flat, meaning without any jumping. We had everything from bobbing for apples, sit a buck, ride a penny, musical stalls, relay races, soda burp relay, eat a marshmallow and whistle, string reins ( where the girls used yarn or thread to steer their mounts, obviously needing to rely heavily on their voice and seat to help control their horses)….others did Dizzy Bat, Sack Races, Barrel Racing and bareback relays….in short, each group had a ball….not one fall off, one tear or one pony jerked in the mouth….They were super about caring for their beloved four footed best friend.
Right after lunch, my Mom, all 88 years old, came to move the baby chicks to their new digs….A whole flock of children waited for her to arrive….and the Great Chicken Roundup got started. First, they had to catch the mother banty chickens who were fierce about guarding their babies…They had to have their wings clipped so they could not fly out of the new pen…Then, all the babies needed to be caught, gently of course, as they are so little. They almost look like bumble bees, all fluff and fuzz….Once all the moms accounted for their chicks, everyone quieted down and started pecking in the dirt and playing in the sunshine…The kids were thrilled. Mom was thrilled and the chicks were finally in a good safe and healthy place….Well done, ladies.
After a good lunch and rest hour, the afternoon of Gambler’s Choice began. Again, this is a real favorite. The kids and staff for each level build a course of jumps or obstacles that are of varying difficulty…some are spooky, some of easy, some are high and some are just funny looking. They then assign point values for each obstacle or jump, the harder ones obviously having the higher numbers….The kids then all went to tack up…We used four rings and doubled up the groups so they were jumping at about the right height for each level.
One by one, the girls each planned their course….They were given two minutes to complete as many jumps as possible, choosing their own line. The ones with the highest points were the winners….To my surprise and delight, they voted not to make it a competition with one winner….they just wanted to have fun and not worry about prizes….
We had no mishaps….no serious spooks on the part of the horses and all good planning on the part of the kids….So, the afternoon ended with glee and lots of good riding took place. It is one thing to look pretty on a horse….we aim to have them look nice while having an effective position that really can be used to ride the horse!!!
Dinner and an inside game took place last night with Becky and all Senior Staff in charge….I am happy to tell you that I was honored to be at my own parents’ 60th Anniversary Celebration Dinner…..With corsage and black tie…a photographer, champagne and the whole family gathered, we had a great time celebrating my most remarkable parents. It was fun to get dressed up and eat ‘grown up food”!
Today, we are going to do some more trail rides and some lessons so that we are ready to show you some cool stuff when you arrive on Saturday…..but this afternoon is when the fun ‘extras’ really begin as these are the specialties….Riding dressage, riding Western, driving the minis, Vaulting, learning to lunge and do natural horsemanship, to name just a few….I am dressed in my cowboy hat and boots to make the western thing fun….The driving equipment is all ready to roll, and we should be ready to give you a great demo on Saturday….
It is hard to believe that we only have a few more days with your girls…With Cascino Night of games tonight…swimming with the horses, an all day rid,e and more driving, it is going to fly by….The jury is still out on the Camping Trip….the weather is not being very cooperative…Having kids in tents under trees with ponies tied up on the mountain side when along comes a thunder and lightening storm does not conjure up a pretty picture in my mind’s eye! I bet you agree!!!! So…we will wait and see.
I hope you are having a great day….I also hope you are glad you sent your kiddo to Pony Farm. We are having a blast and wish this session would just go on and on,.
If I don’t get to write again, we will see you on Saturday between 9:30 and 10AM….we have a great show in the planning for you.,
Stay well and know that we are taking good care of your kiddo(s)!
Warmly, Boo
Friday, July 16, 2010
Horse Show Times for Third Session
Below is a list of times we are estimating your camper’s first class will start for the Horse Show on Saturday, July 17, 2010. These estimations are on the conservative side. We would rather have you here too early rather than miss some of the show.
9:00
• Olivia G
• Naomi K
• Lucy A
• Natalia K
• Alexandra N
• Svenja O
• Grace W
• Julia P
• Olivia D
9:15
• Mackenzie D
• Kortney A
• Katherine S
• Isabelle R
9:30
• Olivia M
10:00
• Sofia M
10:30
• Taylor B
• Nina R
• Kyra M
• Rachel F
• Mackenzie S
• Tara L
• Lia K
• Sophie K
• Ellie M
10:45
• Natalie B
• Shira H
• Sklyer L
• Kirsten M
• Madison G
11:00
• Emma S
• Emily S
• Anna D
• Clare D
11:30
• Becky O
• Jessie T
• Madie M
• Maggie R
• Adrianna M
12:00
• Nora M
9:00
• Olivia G
• Naomi K
• Lucy A
• Natalia K
• Alexandra N
• Svenja O
• Grace W
• Julia P
• Olivia D
9:15
• Mackenzie D
• Kortney A
• Katherine S
• Isabelle R
9:30
• Olivia M
10:00
• Sofia M
10:30
• Taylor B
• Nina R
• Kyra M
• Rachel F
• Mackenzie S
• Tara L
• Lia K
• Sophie K
• Ellie M
10:45
• Natalie B
• Shira H
• Sklyer L
• Kirsten M
• Madison G
11:00
• Emma S
• Emily S
• Anna D
• Clare D
11:30
• Becky O
• Jessie T
• Madie M
• Maggie R
• Adrianna M
12:00
• Nora M
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday July 14th, 2010
Dearest Moms and Dads, and all other Pony Farm Friends & Families,
I am happily writing to say a great big hi from Pony Farm. Your ladies are all well and happily settled into their life here on the farm. It was a surprisingly smooth beginning, due in most part to the fact that you have bequeathed us great kiddos. It also helps to have so many who stayed over from last session….or who have returned again and again to camp. With us knowing their riding levels and hopes for their stay with us, it is a pleasant way to kick off the session. All the head teachers, Kris, I, and the riding staff, and kids feel like they are on the right horse or pony, and in the right group. The weather has nicely cooperated with it being cool and overcast. We did get a little rain today, just enough to help the gardens without making it sloppy in the rings. For those of you who were with us last year, you will surely remember that we had over 18 inches of rain to deal with during the first two sessions…that is no fun for man, woman, child or beasty! This year has felt like a piece of cake.
We did indeed do the Bag Skits, as promised, on that first full night of camp, Monday evening. They seemed particularly great this year. I love it when the kids actually plan ahead and bring some props with them to make the skits even more special. This seems like such a great way to get everyone ‘loosened up’ within their rooms, and then get them collaborating on doing something fun and frivolous in their lives…I am all about fun and frivolity….I think many of us are working so hard to make our stake in life, do a good job by our families, and help our kids ‘get and stay ahead’ that we sometimes forget the simpler things in life which really are just plain fun and silly. Trust me when I say that your girls were silly that night. Not one homesick tear was seen, and all tipped toed off to bed after riding twice and doing barn chores. For those used to sitting at desks, these are active days for sure!!!
Yesterday dawned lovely. I even snuck out of my little Cottage to take some early morning ‘misty’ pictures as the sun was peeking out over the tree line.. A deer was doing her last grazing on the far edge of the field in front of my house but she was too far away to get a good picture. She did help me remember how deeply blessed I am to be here on this farm, enjoying your children….and appreciating such a great staff who truly care about their young charges.
Speaking of wonderful staff, I am sincerely impressed by our core of teachers this year. They are eager riders. They begged me to go off and ride some of the newer camp horses and get them going a little more smoothly in preparation for the horse show instead of sitting on the couch watching bag skits…a much easier job! With their weekly staff lessons and lots of riding on their free time, the horses are coming along beautifully. It is such fun to watch the changes in muscles and development of necks & hindquarters as the horses get fitter and fitter. It is like a little miracle that unfolds for me each day.
Yesterday, the girls did the final ‘look see’ to make sure that they were correctly placed on the right mount and the right class. The teachers and assistants were divided up now into coaching groups so that everyone can begin preparing for the show. So far, it seems that all the girls want to show on Saturday. Each class had a lesson of real skill building. The coaches seemed pleased and began considering which divisions in which to place each rider. It is no mean feat to get 48 girls here on a Sunday afternoon, and have them dressed, pressed, clean and in the right classes….not tooo easy, not tooo hard within 5 riding days. So, they spend a lot of time speaking with the girls and getting it done right.
Sadly, I missed the afternoon activities yesterday due to a doctor’s appointment. Much to my dismay, my asthma is acting up again, despite all sorts of good doctors and medicines. I went for a check up and they found that I had a partially collapsed lung on one side and some pneumonia on the other…..Darn, this is not what I want to have happen. They swore to me that if I kept in my air filtered house for a day or two, it would blow over so I can be at the horse show…..Therefore, that is exactly what I am doing. I am in total touch by phone and email…..plus, camp is in super hands any way. I can really help organize the show and get all those details done for camp that I let go because I would much rather be with the kids and horses….So, I am already better with the antibiotics and should be rearin’ to go by show time or before. Please worry not about your daughter as she is in terrific hands and I am only a few yards away!!!
I did have to miss Personal Scavenger Hunt last night however….not much of a loss to me as I NEVER know any of the questions….The staff gathers up all questions about the newest “Hottie” movie star or singer…the best summer reading books or the latest TV diva. They then pose the questions in teams and whoever can run up the fastest gets to answer the question by singing, dancing or imitating the ‘star’ of the day….I fear that you, too, would not know the answers quickly enough either! It is a big hit and one most eagerly anticipated. Believe it or not, the staff spend time on their free time coming up with the questions or categories….Again, good clean fun under the stars.
This morning, despite moderate rain, Kris and crew decided that they should ride again and get ready to sign up for classes after the morning lesson. This afternoon, with thunder and lightening predicted, they are entering the classes by each group. Kris, Karen and Chelsea will check over the staff and kids’ picks and the entry blanks will officially go to get entered tomorrow. We should be able to send you the estimated time of your child/ren’s riding time so that you can plan your travel schedule accordingly. We do say this is our best guess as we never know how many to expect from other barns. We are generally pretty accurate. We also love having time to chat as we wait for classes.
Here are some show logistics for your info….The show itself starts at 9AM. We will have coffee and muffins for you…Your daughter will be all dressed and pressed to ride. The show goes on pretty much non- stop all day long. Please park in the Lodge and Homestead parking areas, preferably off the grass, so that the visiting trailers can park in the lower field. We expect that the show will wrap up mid- afternoon. Do not hesitate to bring a bathing suit and go for a dip…or use the swing set for younger siblings…We do ask that you do not let your other children ride your daughter’s pony, as we sure don’t want an accident while we are focusing on the show. Also, you are welcome to bring dogs, but please do keep them on a leash.
Our food concession truck friends are no longer able to bring their lunch wagon to serve visiting families and outside competitors. Sadly, our longtime friend Sandy is in the final stages of cancer. So, as much as we will miss them, we will be serving burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, desserts and watermelon up at the lodge. Your camper ‘eats on us’….However, we are asking that you help defray your cost of your food by making a donation to our money jar….We are working hard to earn enough money to buy a brand new miniature horse harness for our littlest mini Pizazz. He was our rescue baby three years ago. He is now ready to grow up and be a big boy with his own harness….The total price is reduced by a great sale from $325 for the entire harness to $269…It is a biothane harness…just what he needs to be safe, learn well and start ‘pulling his own weight’ around here. It will be such fun to get him driving…and have all four miniature horses be able to be enjoyed by one and all. Wait until you see the other one’s driving for your exhibition. If someone gives over $50 toward this harness, it will also be a tax deduction for you….So, help us get good food for you, while working toward the purchase of a great new harness for our little man. Your kids can even help get him started driving….now all we need is the harness!!!!
As I go on and on about the horse show, do let me make one thing very clear….should you live far away, or be on a fun trip, or need to work, PLEASE DO NOT WORRY THAT YOUR DAUGHTER WILL BE THE ONLY ONE WITHOUT SOMEONE AT RING SIDE. We will take extra good care of her…She will be well coached…and we already have a fun evening planned in your absence. We will, if you have given written permission in your camp forms, allow her to go out for ice cream with a friend or two…or even dinner. She just must check out with Becky or myself before she leaves to make sure we have the appropriate permission. The other fun thing is that we will shortly post pictures of the show up on our website….or You Tube, so you will not miss any of the action. I love the blend of high tech with the fun of getting gritty in the show ring…and cooling off in the pool….so, a little something for everyone.
Sunday will be a peaceful day for all. We will put away all the ribbons, clean up our rooms, gather laundry, play cards and have a sleepy brunch. I also bet we will have lots of tales from the show. On Sunday afternoon, I have promised them the Ice Cream Trough…more on that after the fact so that you don’t think I am a derelict camp director….Lots of time to play with the farm animals, swim, bring out the baby chicks, replant some garden stuff that will produce second crops later on…and make a great big yummie salad out of what we have grown so far. I also hope to hook up the carriages and take them on a real farm wagon ride. As you can probably tell, Sunday is my favorite day with the kids because we get to do some of the more ‘farmy’ kind of things. I am hoping this Sunday to also make butterfly houses and bat houses….plus set up the baby chicks better for night time….So, as the girls are planning their Talent Night acts….we will all just enjoy being together and relaxing by the pool and on the farm.
The evening will end with our Talent Show, complete with MC…I adore seeing all the great talent that your kids possess….You sure have given them a great start in life by providing such a diverse set of skills. I do wish you could be a fly on the wall for these nights under the stars and around the bonfire.
Next week will be devoted to the other parts of riding…..a camping trip, driving carriages, natural horsemanship, vaulting, an all day drive or ride, a Hunter Pace….jousting and broom polo being new requests, culminating with swimming with the horses….so the riding and horse fun will not stop with the show.
We hope you are pleased that your child is under our care. We all send our best and with great wishes that you, too, are having some good summer fun and relaxation. Ain’t life grand!!!
Most warmly and with a great big smile!!!!
Boo and the whole Crew!!!!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday July 8th, 2010
Thursday July 8th, 2010
Dearest Camp Families and Friends,
A hearty good morning to you all….I am delighted to tell you that the heat is starting to break….none of the kids or horses have been broken….spirits are high and lots of fun has happened. We are happily expecting a rain tonight to cool things off…and my asthma is already a ton better….so we are all in great shape.
What a great group of kids…Despite truly record heat and 100% humidity, they have not complained once. They have not fussed, whined or been hard to please. They are just truly a great group of girls. I hate the thought that they are leaving us on Saturday…at least some of them. I could happily keep the whole crew here for the rest of the summer. They are a delight.
The session however does end on this Saturday. Plan to arrive at the lodge between 9:30 and 10AM. They will be dressed and pressed to ride, with their luggage on their beds ready for you to load up. For those staying for next session, they will not need to be packed so you won’t have to come if you don’t want. They most often will switch rooms but we can help them accomplish that. The Parents ’Exhibition will begin at 10AM with each lesson group demonstrating what they have learned while they were here. The Counselors’-In-Training will conduct the lesson while the Riding Instructors will speak with you about your child’s riding. We will then split into Specialities which will include driving, vaulting, the high jump, courses, games and dressage. The kids are signing up for their specialties today and beginning their practice. The whole thing concludes about noon. The kids will hay and water their ponies….at that time, we ask that you really help them to collect things from the barn. It is so easy to leave a hat, boots, saddle or grooming kit….and then we are faced with mailing a really bulky package. Your help will be greatly appreciated at this time….
We will then all eat lunch together and share stories of camp….We will provide desserts and refreshments, but we ask that you bring the lunch part for your family. In the past, we tried to do the whole thing. We either had tooo much food and wasted it…or not enough and felt embarrassed….This seems like the right middle ground.
The picnic time gives us a great opportunity to share camp moments with you. We will also settle up for your daughters’ laundry and showing expenses. You can also see her camp photo with her horse. They will be available for purchase if you wish. Donnie, our camp nurse, is a truly gifted photographer. I bet you will love these camp keepsakes.
For your travel plans, we usually wrap up things by 1 or 1:30…..We begin cleaning for the next crew so that we are all ready for their arrival. The kids that are staying over will swim and have a movie night….and extra TLC! We are also going to hook up the new Welsh Cob driving ponies…so they will not be bored…
Let me go back to yesterday so that you can know what we did to survive the heat wave. My thermometer on my Cottage, mind you it was in full sun, read 120 degrees….It has never been this hot in all the years of camp….all 39 of them! But, onward we went…We did bareback rides in the indoor and the shade so that they did get to ride, as we know that is what they love best. We had water in the rings and drenched them in sunscreen….
We also moved room clean up to rest hour so that we could get riding as quickly as possible for it to be as cool as possible. All the morning rides ended well, with the favorites being the trail rides, of course. We are so lucky to have such good tree/shade cover to be able to ride in the woods and dirt roads all around Pony Farm.
The much awaited camping trip with the ponies was scheduled for last night….We went up to check the usual spot on the mountain brook, only to find that the stream which is usually rushing cold, was a mere trickle…..we would not have had water to swim or water for the horses who were to spend the night. We were also foiled by the fact that we could not get a burn permit for the camp fire for singing or cooking….thus, not to be daunted, Kris and crew decided to have the camping trip on the front lawn, right by the pool to swim….and the small animals…and to use my fire pit for cooking….all made much sense to me and to the girls. We hate to cancel the camping trip as it is such a high light for so many.
Nineteen of the kids signed up to camp…The rest of us split into more swimming groups with games in the pool, a training session of Natural Horsemanship, and driving. I do love carriage driving and a whole gang worked with me to create a poster to explain the steps of harnessing and unharnessing. We got the ponies ready for the driving part of the exhibition for you…and the numbers and the carriages…so it was a great afternoon. We drove down the shady road with the girls at the reins. I do love seeing how much they enjoy this quiet, peaceful, ‘old fashioned’ mode of transportation. It really does take us all back to those ‘olden days’….
The camping trip ended this morning as a hit….I bet the kids will actually snooze at rest hour today. This morning all the groups had lessons, modified again for the heat, for the well being of both kids and horses….and staff too ! They rode well…..and again, not a complaint was heard….Bless their hearts!
This afternoon they will be doing vaulting, training the greener horses, doing catch riding of each other’s horses, team jumping, pony dress up, a trail ride, and “Time with their Horses”.
Tonight, in the cooler part of the day, they will be doing Counselor Quest….this is a long time camp favorite as the counselors each receive a point value, depending on how long they have been here….They then go hide and the kids try in teams to amass the most points by finding the most counselors and with the highest points. To my amazement, the staff love this every bit as much as the kids!!!!
Tomorrow is the final time to school for the Exhibition and to swim with the horses. We divide the camp into half….so your child will ride in a lesson in the morning and swim with the horses in the afternoon, or visa versa….It is a great time and one of my personal favorites. They do love it!!! I promise that I work hard to keep it safe for both kids and ponies. We also never use personally owned horses, so worry not.
Tomorrow night, we will gather at my little Pavillion with torch lights, twinkling lights, my little water fountain, and all the song books for our closing ceremony, called Candlelight. By the light of the candles…and hopefully a moon shining bright, each member of camp will express what their camp experience was. The staff and kids, not to mention, me…really get into this. We sing all our favorite songs and have such a lovely time together before the session officially ends for this year. I promise you that you would love to be a fly on that wall. It is just a beautiful evening, filled with love, joy and bright & smiling faces.
So, that my friends, is my version of the happenings’ at Pony Farm. It has been a great session and I will be sad to see it end. Thank you for sharing your wonderful daughters with us. Do look at our website to see the You Tube pictures that will be posted after the Exhibition. We think this is a fun new feature of our camp!!!
Stay cool and know that we are smiling just thinking of YOU.
Fondly and with a big smile, Boo
Dearest Camp Families and Friends,
A hearty good morning to you all….I am delighted to tell you that the heat is starting to break….none of the kids or horses have been broken….spirits are high and lots of fun has happened. We are happily expecting a rain tonight to cool things off…and my asthma is already a ton better….so we are all in great shape.
What a great group of kids…Despite truly record heat and 100% humidity, they have not complained once. They have not fussed, whined or been hard to please. They are just truly a great group of girls. I hate the thought that they are leaving us on Saturday…at least some of them. I could happily keep the whole crew here for the rest of the summer. They are a delight.
The session however does end on this Saturday. Plan to arrive at the lodge between 9:30 and 10AM. They will be dressed and pressed to ride, with their luggage on their beds ready for you to load up. For those staying for next session, they will not need to be packed so you won’t have to come if you don’t want. They most often will switch rooms but we can help them accomplish that. The Parents ’Exhibition will begin at 10AM with each lesson group demonstrating what they have learned while they were here. The Counselors’-In-Training will conduct the lesson while the Riding Instructors will speak with you about your child’s riding. We will then split into Specialities which will include driving, vaulting, the high jump, courses, games and dressage. The kids are signing up for their specialties today and beginning their practice. The whole thing concludes about noon. The kids will hay and water their ponies….at that time, we ask that you really help them to collect things from the barn. It is so easy to leave a hat, boots, saddle or grooming kit….and then we are faced with mailing a really bulky package. Your help will be greatly appreciated at this time….
We will then all eat lunch together and share stories of camp….We will provide desserts and refreshments, but we ask that you bring the lunch part for your family. In the past, we tried to do the whole thing. We either had tooo much food and wasted it…or not enough and felt embarrassed….This seems like the right middle ground.
The picnic time gives us a great opportunity to share camp moments with you. We will also settle up for your daughters’ laundry and showing expenses. You can also see her camp photo with her horse. They will be available for purchase if you wish. Donnie, our camp nurse, is a truly gifted photographer. I bet you will love these camp keepsakes.
For your travel plans, we usually wrap up things by 1 or 1:30…..We begin cleaning for the next crew so that we are all ready for their arrival. The kids that are staying over will swim and have a movie night….and extra TLC! We are also going to hook up the new Welsh Cob driving ponies…so they will not be bored…
Let me go back to yesterday so that you can know what we did to survive the heat wave. My thermometer on my Cottage, mind you it was in full sun, read 120 degrees….It has never been this hot in all the years of camp….all 39 of them! But, onward we went…We did bareback rides in the indoor and the shade so that they did get to ride, as we know that is what they love best. We had water in the rings and drenched them in sunscreen….
We also moved room clean up to rest hour so that we could get riding as quickly as possible for it to be as cool as possible. All the morning rides ended well, with the favorites being the trail rides, of course. We are so lucky to have such good tree/shade cover to be able to ride in the woods and dirt roads all around Pony Farm.
The much awaited camping trip with the ponies was scheduled for last night….We went up to check the usual spot on the mountain brook, only to find that the stream which is usually rushing cold, was a mere trickle…..we would not have had water to swim or water for the horses who were to spend the night. We were also foiled by the fact that we could not get a burn permit for the camp fire for singing or cooking….thus, not to be daunted, Kris and crew decided to have the camping trip on the front lawn, right by the pool to swim….and the small animals…and to use my fire pit for cooking….all made much sense to me and to the girls. We hate to cancel the camping trip as it is such a high light for so many.
Nineteen of the kids signed up to camp…The rest of us split into more swimming groups with games in the pool, a training session of Natural Horsemanship, and driving. I do love carriage driving and a whole gang worked with me to create a poster to explain the steps of harnessing and unharnessing. We got the ponies ready for the driving part of the exhibition for you…and the numbers and the carriages…so it was a great afternoon. We drove down the shady road with the girls at the reins. I do love seeing how much they enjoy this quiet, peaceful, ‘old fashioned’ mode of transportation. It really does take us all back to those ‘olden days’….
The camping trip ended this morning as a hit….I bet the kids will actually snooze at rest hour today. This morning all the groups had lessons, modified again for the heat, for the well being of both kids and horses….and staff too ! They rode well…..and again, not a complaint was heard….Bless their hearts!
This afternoon they will be doing vaulting, training the greener horses, doing catch riding of each other’s horses, team jumping, pony dress up, a trail ride, and “Time with their Horses”.
Tonight, in the cooler part of the day, they will be doing Counselor Quest….this is a long time camp favorite as the counselors each receive a point value, depending on how long they have been here….They then go hide and the kids try in teams to amass the most points by finding the most counselors and with the highest points. To my amazement, the staff love this every bit as much as the kids!!!!
Tomorrow is the final time to school for the Exhibition and to swim with the horses. We divide the camp into half….so your child will ride in a lesson in the morning and swim with the horses in the afternoon, or visa versa….It is a great time and one of my personal favorites. They do love it!!! I promise that I work hard to keep it safe for both kids and ponies. We also never use personally owned horses, so worry not.
Tomorrow night, we will gather at my little Pavillion with torch lights, twinkling lights, my little water fountain, and all the song books for our closing ceremony, called Candlelight. By the light of the candles…and hopefully a moon shining bright, each member of camp will express what their camp experience was. The staff and kids, not to mention, me…really get into this. We sing all our favorite songs and have such a lovely time together before the session officially ends for this year. I promise you that you would love to be a fly on that wall. It is just a beautiful evening, filled with love, joy and bright & smiling faces.
So, that my friends, is my version of the happenings’ at Pony Farm. It has been a great session and I will be sad to see it end. Thank you for sharing your wonderful daughters with us. Do look at our website to see the You Tube pictures that will be posted after the Exhibition. We think this is a fun new feature of our camp!!!
Stay cool and know that we are smiling just thinking of YOU.
Fondly and with a big smile, Boo
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
July 5, 2010
Monday July 5th, 2010
Dearest Pony Farm Followers, Moms & Dads, Grandparents and Friends of the Farm,
Whewwwwwwwwwwwwww, it sure is a hot one here today. I bet you are sweating like mad wherever you are. It is a true heat wave. The girls are all fine…but rest assured that we are taking great care to keep everyone well ‘watered’ both inside and out. It is truly a hot one.
Let me begin by saying what a pleasure it was to have so many of you here for the horse show. I know it is a lot of miles and an early morning or late evening for those of you who have to travel far. You are good sports to come and share in the festivities, especially on the 4th of July weekend. However, for all of you who were not able to join us, fear not, your kiddos were well loved and cared for with swimming, extra ice cream, a peaceful movie with fans, and a good quiet night’s sleep.
Sunday started off peacefully too with the kids reading and staying in bed longer due to it being their ‘day off ‘ from all horse activities, including barn chores. The girls enjoyed neatening up their rooms, getting their laundry organized, and of course stroking their horse show ribbons. I am happy to report that everyone got at least two ribbons….I always breathe a sigh of relief when that happens. I know life is not supposed to be ‘rigged’ and ‘sometimes you lose some, and sometimes you win some’. We just like Pony Farm to be on the time when ‘you win some’!!!!
This Sunday was a little different than most Sundays that are during the middle of a session because of it being the big 4th of July! The kids and staff were eager to go to the Temple Ball Field where all sorts of athletic games of prowess were held, complete with more ribbons. The Temple gang does a great job of this fun, farm community event with a delicious lunch cooked by our fire department, and the games run by the town rec department and policemen. The old fashioned fun games like the egg toss, wheelbarrow race, three legged race, grain sack race, and the Firemen’s Relay were all still popular with the kids of both camp and the town of Temple. With race heats for all ages, our girls did an amazing job of winning a lot without taking over the event. The running games ended with a huge long tug of war with a fire rope…..The fire hose, full blast, was held exactly in the middle of the rope. Everyone pulled and pulled as hard as she and he could, trying not to get drenched. With both sides winning and losing, everyone enjoyed a good soaking and gales of laughter….Just the kind of thing that should happen on a beautiful summer day. If you want to see the fun in action, take a look on the Pony Farm Face Book where you can see the festivities as they happened.
I am truly dazzled by my adventure as a Camp Director as I seek to balance the best of the” old” while allowing the fun and excitement of the “new” into the young lives invested in my care. I love so dearly to see the kids all running, getting strong and tan, and learning how to be part of a big group in an historic old town like Temple, which was incorporated 5 years after my farm was built. This farm started with one little log hut in 1754….Temple was soon thereafter incorporated and became a ‘real town’. To have the kids celebrating the birth of our country on the 4th of July in a town that is older than our country, really thrills me….Conversely, it is such fun to be able to share the fun of the moment by posting some happy pictures on Face Book….It seems like just such an oxymoron in all the best ways possible. I hope you are able to find them and enjoy them.
We are also just about to post a slideshow of our horse show on Saturday up on UTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-84p1mANAg ) or Pony Farm July 3rd 2010 Horse Show) for your viewing pleasure. One of our great staff who is a good ‘techy’, as well as good rider and teacher, spent the morning honing the pictures she took. We believe that we got at least one shot of everyone into the slideshow…..We sure tried! We thought this would give all of you a sense of the breadth and depth of what kind of riding goes on here at Pony Farm. We are mighty proud of our horses, ponies, campers and teachers…We think it all came together pretty darn well with only one week to practice and get everyone on the right horse and in the right class. Take a look and let me know what you think!
So, as I laud the marvels of technology, I also stick to my guns about the importance of just plain relaxed fun and ‘down time’. Yesterday afternoon, the kids played in the pool….and it was finally sparkling clean! They groomed and played with the farm animals o’plenty, as well. All the while, they were creating skits, songs, dances, gymnastic routines and impersonations for the upcoming Talent Show. By dinner time, we had a whopping 18 acts on our roster. I was worried we might be sitting under the stars as we watched the sun come up….but they were all cute, sweet, appropriate and to the point. We have some good talent out there, a testament no doubt to hours of driving to lessons of every variety by YOU….!!!!
However, just so that they had enough energy to strut their stuff, I did one of the favorite desserts of all time….THE TROUGH….Kris and the camp nurse, Donnie, frown at me as I work with the staff to fill up a 20 foot long gutter (I promise it has never been used as a rain gutter!) with four kinds of ice cream, fluff, whipped cream, sprinkles and all sorts of gooooooey toppings, minus nuts, of course. The kids then rush forth with their spoon in hand and literally dig in….Last night every morsel was lapped up….and my own favorite ending, a water fight of course, with me at the helm of the hose, closed down delicious, drippy, delightful decadence. I hope you are smiling and don’t think I am the world’s most derelict camp director for instigating this….I also promise you that kids are given the option of getting their ice cream delivered the civilized way, in a bowl and a spoon, individual, that is!
We then went in and I led a little bit of a celebrate America and its birth with the kiddos. I read a few oldies but goodies poems about our country and its vision. I then shared, that while we have a lot of still fix and we are not a perfect country, that we are a kind and most noble people. We shared about this country’s willingness to volunteer both at home and abroad, and our generosity with money. I also shared a little about the men and women I work with in our Horses for Heroes Program with Horse Power….and how much we love our animals. In short, it was a patriotic reflective moment. The girls then added things that they loved about their country or things that made them proud to be an American. We ended by singing “This Land is Your Land, this Land is My Land”. It was a sweet and lovely moment in time. Your ladies are most articulate. I was also pleased that so many of them were willing to express their feelings in a whole group.
Bedtime followed with not one peep….Kris and I finalized the planning for this week….and everyone went to sleep well after a long and lovely day.
Today, dawned hot, hot and hotter….So we decided to modify the Hunter Pace so it was only a walk and trot ride…..with the times slowed down for the weather. Several kids chose to be Safety Spotters or Movie Watchers as they felt queasy in their tummies. We obviously do not want to send kids out on a 5 mile ride if they are already a little dizzy….All the teams had a blast and everyone of the teams came in with nice cool horses, and big smiles…..They are in rest hour now….
This afternoon, the kids have the following choices….to going swim, take the farm animals wading in the creek, to paint the parts of the horses on their ponies and then give them a bath, do arts and crafts inside, or to drive the miniature horses with me in the indoor. We want to get the kids driving and can do it out of the hot sun by using the indoor. Yipee, for lots of options.
Tonight, my Mom, who is 88, is coming to dinner and to tell her stories of her early days working on a cow ranch in Wyoming, on a horse farm in hunt county in Potomac, MD, and as a volunteer ambulance driver during World War II. Her tales are just fascinating and a real staple of camp life once each session. She does kid that she worries that the campers remember the stories better than she does now….but she loves coming to tell them and they love hearing her….and I love the combination. We will all sit out in the cool night air, watch the stars start to shine, and enjoy a fabulous evening of living, oral history….What could be better!
I should end now…but let me just say that we will also be having lessons the next two mornings….the camping trip is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, evening and Thursday morning. We will be doing a lot of driving, vaulting, Gymkhana Games on horse back, training greenies, riding Western, team jumping….just to mention a few of the fun things in store for this week. I can guarantee you that no one will be bored…..and we are paying close attention to dehydration and wellness….with lots of sunscreen and shade in the offing.
I must end as I need to get back up to camp but I do love writing you to let you know all the fun and varied things that we do here together. Do look at the slideshow and the face book so you, too, can share in the great adventure we are in together, heat or no!
Thank you for lending us your Treasures….We are taking good care and having a blast….Also, I will FINALLY be back on email tomorrow. They have promised to come hook me up in my new air filtered office so that I can be in better touch….I can’t wait to be able to dash off an email to answer a question. I only apologize that this took so long. I just did not realize my asthma was not going to work well in my usual summer office space…or I would have made the conversion much sooner before you all got here. I apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused you.
Most Sincerely,
Boo
Dearest Pony Farm Followers, Moms & Dads, Grandparents and Friends of the Farm,
Whewwwwwwwwwwwwww, it sure is a hot one here today. I bet you are sweating like mad wherever you are. It is a true heat wave. The girls are all fine…but rest assured that we are taking great care to keep everyone well ‘watered’ both inside and out. It is truly a hot one.
Let me begin by saying what a pleasure it was to have so many of you here for the horse show. I know it is a lot of miles and an early morning or late evening for those of you who have to travel far. You are good sports to come and share in the festivities, especially on the 4th of July weekend. However, for all of you who were not able to join us, fear not, your kiddos were well loved and cared for with swimming, extra ice cream, a peaceful movie with fans, and a good quiet night’s sleep.
Sunday started off peacefully too with the kids reading and staying in bed longer due to it being their ‘day off ‘ from all horse activities, including barn chores. The girls enjoyed neatening up their rooms, getting their laundry organized, and of course stroking their horse show ribbons. I am happy to report that everyone got at least two ribbons….I always breathe a sigh of relief when that happens. I know life is not supposed to be ‘rigged’ and ‘sometimes you lose some, and sometimes you win some’. We just like Pony Farm to be on the time when ‘you win some’!!!!
This Sunday was a little different than most Sundays that are during the middle of a session because of it being the big 4th of July! The kids and staff were eager to go to the Temple Ball Field where all sorts of athletic games of prowess were held, complete with more ribbons. The Temple gang does a great job of this fun, farm community event with a delicious lunch cooked by our fire department, and the games run by the town rec department and policemen. The old fashioned fun games like the egg toss, wheelbarrow race, three legged race, grain sack race, and the Firemen’s Relay were all still popular with the kids of both camp and the town of Temple. With race heats for all ages, our girls did an amazing job of winning a lot without taking over the event. The running games ended with a huge long tug of war with a fire rope…..The fire hose, full blast, was held exactly in the middle of the rope. Everyone pulled and pulled as hard as she and he could, trying not to get drenched. With both sides winning and losing, everyone enjoyed a good soaking and gales of laughter….Just the kind of thing that should happen on a beautiful summer day. If you want to see the fun in action, take a look on the Pony Farm Face Book where you can see the festivities as they happened.
I am truly dazzled by my adventure as a Camp Director as I seek to balance the best of the” old” while allowing the fun and excitement of the “new” into the young lives invested in my care. I love so dearly to see the kids all running, getting strong and tan, and learning how to be part of a big group in an historic old town like Temple, which was incorporated 5 years after my farm was built. This farm started with one little log hut in 1754….Temple was soon thereafter incorporated and became a ‘real town’. To have the kids celebrating the birth of our country on the 4th of July in a town that is older than our country, really thrills me….Conversely, it is such fun to be able to share the fun of the moment by posting some happy pictures on Face Book….It seems like just such an oxymoron in all the best ways possible. I hope you are able to find them and enjoy them.
We are also just about to post a slideshow of our horse show on Saturday up on UTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-84p1mANAg ) or Pony Farm July 3rd 2010 Horse Show) for your viewing pleasure. One of our great staff who is a good ‘techy’, as well as good rider and teacher, spent the morning honing the pictures she took. We believe that we got at least one shot of everyone into the slideshow…..We sure tried! We thought this would give all of you a sense of the breadth and depth of what kind of riding goes on here at Pony Farm. We are mighty proud of our horses, ponies, campers and teachers…We think it all came together pretty darn well with only one week to practice and get everyone on the right horse and in the right class. Take a look and let me know what you think!
So, as I laud the marvels of technology, I also stick to my guns about the importance of just plain relaxed fun and ‘down time’. Yesterday afternoon, the kids played in the pool….and it was finally sparkling clean! They groomed and played with the farm animals o’plenty, as well. All the while, they were creating skits, songs, dances, gymnastic routines and impersonations for the upcoming Talent Show. By dinner time, we had a whopping 18 acts on our roster. I was worried we might be sitting under the stars as we watched the sun come up….but they were all cute, sweet, appropriate and to the point. We have some good talent out there, a testament no doubt to hours of driving to lessons of every variety by YOU….!!!!
However, just so that they had enough energy to strut their stuff, I did one of the favorite desserts of all time….THE TROUGH….Kris and the camp nurse, Donnie, frown at me as I work with the staff to fill up a 20 foot long gutter (I promise it has never been used as a rain gutter!) with four kinds of ice cream, fluff, whipped cream, sprinkles and all sorts of gooooooey toppings, minus nuts, of course. The kids then rush forth with their spoon in hand and literally dig in….Last night every morsel was lapped up….and my own favorite ending, a water fight of course, with me at the helm of the hose, closed down delicious, drippy, delightful decadence. I hope you are smiling and don’t think I am the world’s most derelict camp director for instigating this….I also promise you that kids are given the option of getting their ice cream delivered the civilized way, in a bowl and a spoon, individual, that is!
We then went in and I led a little bit of a celebrate America and its birth with the kiddos. I read a few oldies but goodies poems about our country and its vision. I then shared, that while we have a lot of still fix and we are not a perfect country, that we are a kind and most noble people. We shared about this country’s willingness to volunteer both at home and abroad, and our generosity with money. I also shared a little about the men and women I work with in our Horses for Heroes Program with Horse Power….and how much we love our animals. In short, it was a patriotic reflective moment. The girls then added things that they loved about their country or things that made them proud to be an American. We ended by singing “This Land is Your Land, this Land is My Land”. It was a sweet and lovely moment in time. Your ladies are most articulate. I was also pleased that so many of them were willing to express their feelings in a whole group.
Bedtime followed with not one peep….Kris and I finalized the planning for this week….and everyone went to sleep well after a long and lovely day.
Today, dawned hot, hot and hotter….So we decided to modify the Hunter Pace so it was only a walk and trot ride…..with the times slowed down for the weather. Several kids chose to be Safety Spotters or Movie Watchers as they felt queasy in their tummies. We obviously do not want to send kids out on a 5 mile ride if they are already a little dizzy….All the teams had a blast and everyone of the teams came in with nice cool horses, and big smiles…..They are in rest hour now….
This afternoon, the kids have the following choices….to going swim, take the farm animals wading in the creek, to paint the parts of the horses on their ponies and then give them a bath, do arts and crafts inside, or to drive the miniature horses with me in the indoor. We want to get the kids driving and can do it out of the hot sun by using the indoor. Yipee, for lots of options.
Tonight, my Mom, who is 88, is coming to dinner and to tell her stories of her early days working on a cow ranch in Wyoming, on a horse farm in hunt county in Potomac, MD, and as a volunteer ambulance driver during World War II. Her tales are just fascinating and a real staple of camp life once each session. She does kid that she worries that the campers remember the stories better than she does now….but she loves coming to tell them and they love hearing her….and I love the combination. We will all sit out in the cool night air, watch the stars start to shine, and enjoy a fabulous evening of living, oral history….What could be better!
I should end now…but let me just say that we will also be having lessons the next two mornings….the camping trip is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, evening and Thursday morning. We will be doing a lot of driving, vaulting, Gymkhana Games on horse back, training greenies, riding Western, team jumping….just to mention a few of the fun things in store for this week. I can guarantee you that no one will be bored…..and we are paying close attention to dehydration and wellness….with lots of sunscreen and shade in the offing.
I must end as I need to get back up to camp but I do love writing you to let you know all the fun and varied things that we do here together. Do look at the slideshow and the face book so you, too, can share in the great adventure we are in together, heat or no!
Thank you for lending us your Treasures….We are taking good care and having a blast….Also, I will FINALLY be back on email tomorrow. They have promised to come hook me up in my new air filtered office so that I can be in better touch….I can’t wait to be able to dash off an email to answer a question. I only apologize that this took so long. I just did not realize my asthma was not going to work well in my usual summer office space…or I would have made the conversion much sooner before you all got here. I apologize for any inconvenience this might have caused you.
Most Sincerely,
Boo
Friday, July 2, 2010
Horse Show Update for July 3rd!
Friday July 2nd, 2010
Dearest Moms and Dads, and all Good Pony Farm Families,
It is another glorious day on the farm. The sky is as blue as I have ever seen….the kids are smiling and all busily getting ready for the show. The courses are set, the jumps and trail class decorated, the manes trimmed and the classes are entered. Everything has gone so smoothly because your kids are sooooo great. They are doing their last practice over the courses and trail course as I write this, with lunch starting a little late. We will do baths, boots, final grooming….and top off the afternoon with swimming for all great kids. We will have a yummy dinner, followed by the final show coaching meetings, and the overview of the day of the show. We will all fall into bed a little early as tomorrow will be an early start to what is supposed to be perfect horse show weather….Aren’t we lucky with this run of great weather. It is cool, no bugs and beautiful all day, every day.
I did want to get you these time estimates so that you can plan your travel if you are coming. So I will not write much more of a blog as you can find all about it tomorrow yourself, straight from the ‘horses’ mouths’ , so to speak! However, I did want to take a moment to explain why I have not been on email. Last week, my asthma started acting up because of working in the office at the lodge which is down in the basement. I have always moved down to that office which is so cool and lovely in the summer so that Tree House can be used for a bedroom instead of my winter office…..However, for some reason this year, my asthma lungs did not like working down there and I had a flair up….So, I seized the opportunity to get a new lap top and upgrade all my software so that I could use my little air filtered Cottage for my summer office work.
NEVER did I believe that it would take them from Sunday to tomorrow to switch over my documents and install the new software….I feel completely out of touch without email. I am sooooo sorry if you have emailed me and waited for a reply, only to be disappointed. I just plain did not know that this was going to take so long. I do NOT want you to think I am a sleep at the switch. I promise I have been with your kiddos….and camp is going great guns….Staples is just slow! I should be back on by Sunday….and easily assessable that way.
I can’t wait for the show tomorrow and to greet those of you who are coming. If I don’t see you tomorrow, I will be here to greet you next Saturday for the closing day. For your planning purposes, you should expect to arrive at about 9:30AM. The Exhibition will begin at about 10 and end about 12 Noon. We will then all eat together….and you can pull out anytime after I give your daughter a big hug! All closing festivities will surely be over by 2PM.If your daughter(s) is/are staying over, you are welcome to hang out with us or take her out for ice cream or dinner….We will surely have lots of staff and a good dinner with a movie for Saturday night. She will have plenty to do!
We all send our very best. I hope you are having a glorious week. Once again, I thank you for bequeathing your children to us for this session….Our 39th year of Pony Farm is a real winner with YOUR girls here!
Hugs and love, Boo
Below is a list of times we are estimating your camper’s first class will start. These estimations are on the conservative side. We would rather have you here too early rather than miss some of the show.
9:00 am
• Hope C.
• Lucy A.
9:15 am
• Maisie L.
• Katherine S.
9:30 am
• Olivia L.
• Sofia M.
• Sterling D.
• Emory B.
• Victoria K.
• Rachel W.
9:40 am
• Lida C.
• Jessen E.
• Louisa B.
• Nora M.
• Louisa S.
10:00 am
• Adeline C.
• Natalia K.
• Antonia ‘Coyote’ F.
• Kayla H.
10:30 am
• Maggie R.
• Ashley W.
11:00 am
• Maggie M.
• Ellie C.
• Charlotte K.
• Tara L.
• Rachel F.
• Siri W.
• Miranda D.
11:30 am
• Ellie S.
• Olivia M.
• Elsbeth W.
• Lindsay L.
• Clare C.
• Mackenzie S.
Dearest Moms and Dads, and all Good Pony Farm Families,
It is another glorious day on the farm. The sky is as blue as I have ever seen….the kids are smiling and all busily getting ready for the show. The courses are set, the jumps and trail class decorated, the manes trimmed and the classes are entered. Everything has gone so smoothly because your kids are sooooo great. They are doing their last practice over the courses and trail course as I write this, with lunch starting a little late. We will do baths, boots, final grooming….and top off the afternoon with swimming for all great kids. We will have a yummy dinner, followed by the final show coaching meetings, and the overview of the day of the show. We will all fall into bed a little early as tomorrow will be an early start to what is supposed to be perfect horse show weather….Aren’t we lucky with this run of great weather. It is cool, no bugs and beautiful all day, every day.
I did want to get you these time estimates so that you can plan your travel if you are coming. So I will not write much more of a blog as you can find all about it tomorrow yourself, straight from the ‘horses’ mouths’ , so to speak! However, I did want to take a moment to explain why I have not been on email. Last week, my asthma started acting up because of working in the office at the lodge which is down in the basement. I have always moved down to that office which is so cool and lovely in the summer so that Tree House can be used for a bedroom instead of my winter office…..However, for some reason this year, my asthma lungs did not like working down there and I had a flair up….So, I seized the opportunity to get a new lap top and upgrade all my software so that I could use my little air filtered Cottage for my summer office work.
NEVER did I believe that it would take them from Sunday to tomorrow to switch over my documents and install the new software….I feel completely out of touch without email. I am sooooo sorry if you have emailed me and waited for a reply, only to be disappointed. I just plain did not know that this was going to take so long. I do NOT want you to think I am a sleep at the switch. I promise I have been with your kiddos….and camp is going great guns….Staples is just slow! I should be back on by Sunday….and easily assessable that way.
I can’t wait for the show tomorrow and to greet those of you who are coming. If I don’t see you tomorrow, I will be here to greet you next Saturday for the closing day. For your planning purposes, you should expect to arrive at about 9:30AM. The Exhibition will begin at about 10 and end about 12 Noon. We will then all eat together….and you can pull out anytime after I give your daughter a big hug! All closing festivities will surely be over by 2PM.If your daughter(s) is/are staying over, you are welcome to hang out with us or take her out for ice cream or dinner….We will surely have lots of staff and a good dinner with a movie for Saturday night. She will have plenty to do!
We all send our very best. I hope you are having a glorious week. Once again, I thank you for bequeathing your children to us for this session….Our 39th year of Pony Farm is a real winner with YOUR girls here!
Hugs and love, Boo
Below is a list of times we are estimating your camper’s first class will start. These estimations are on the conservative side. We would rather have you here too early rather than miss some of the show.
9:00 am
• Hope C.
• Lucy A.
9:15 am
• Maisie L.
• Katherine S.
9:30 am
• Olivia L.
• Sofia M.
• Sterling D.
• Emory B.
• Victoria K.
• Rachel W.
9:40 am
• Lida C.
• Jessen E.
• Louisa B.
• Nora M.
• Louisa S.
10:00 am
• Adeline C.
• Natalia K.
• Antonia ‘Coyote’ F.
• Kayla H.
10:30 am
• Maggie R.
• Ashley W.
11:00 am
• Maggie M.
• Ellie C.
• Charlotte K.
• Tara L.
• Rachel F.
• Siri W.
• Miranda D.
11:30 am
• Ellie S.
• Olivia M.
• Elsbeth W.
• Lindsay L.
• Clare C.
• Mackenzie S.
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