Dear Friends of Touchstone Farm, Pony Farm, Horse Power and Stepping Stone Lodge,

            It is with joy in my heart that I think of all the people that we have connected with during this year…our 40^th Anniversary!!! As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I am thankful indeed. What a pleasure and a privilege it has been to see former campers and lesson students come back to the farm now as adults and parents.  What a treat to hear that the farm is “still the same”…the barn still smells deliciously of horses, hay and happy times…the Homestead still carries memories of the stagecoach rumbling in with its weary travelers…the Lodge still offers its sense of comfort on a cold winter’s night or relaxation after a busy summer day…the horses still come to the stall door to greet guests with their ears forward…the goats still get out of the fence, and the hens still lay warm, wonderful eggs. In a hustle and bustle world, this deep sense of place is a beacon for us all. I cannot imagine being anywhere else in the world!!!

            We have had a lovely fall. The foliage has been bright and beautiful.  The days have been warm and the farm has been alive with activity.  The gardens are being put to bed and the ponies are growing their long coats, all in preparation for the coming of winter.  The firewood at the lodge is being stacked high so that the fireplace can burn brightly for all the exciting and fun events planned during the coming months. The staff has been a truly amazing team, working hard every day to care for all the lesson students and the animals that serve so faithfully.  We have several new additions to our fabulous group of staff members.  It is such a pleasure to work side by side with people, new and old, who share my passion and vision for the farm.

Our board of directors, who have so diligently and carefully put together all the parts to make Touchstone Farm a reality, have also been invaluable. This dedicated group has often met weekly to see to each development and make sure that Horse Power, Stepping Stone Lodge and Pony Farm all came together under the new not for profit umbrella of Touchstone Farm.  They kept vigil to make sure that the best of all three businesses were preserved under the new organization, while the necessary changes also happened to move boldly forward. Again, it is my profound delight to have such a committed and talented group working to uphold our mission.

Most amazing of all to me has been our loyal and devoted donors.  All of our dreams and hopes for the future are for naught if we don’t have the necessary financial strength to back them up! Individuals and families from all over this country have stepped up to help out.  The transition to Touchstone Farm has not only taken a huge amount of time, but has been costly to insure that the transition was done correctly.  Our farm family has certainly come forth to lay the foundation of this new organization, one brick at a time. Now that this foundation is strong and solid, we are eager to move forward into making all of our programs and camps even better, while creating new programs to meet the pressing needs of the world around us.  As our mission states, we are indeed “building foundations that last a lifetime”.

Our donations come in all sizes and from many sources.  Our donors are of all ages.  Some like to help feed and care for our horses.  Some like to offer scholarships. Some like to help us buy the necessary computers or phones to be efficient.  Some like to build things like new ring fences.  Some like to give us their time.  Some like to give us horses.  Others help us with their advice and experience.  All of these generous people help us fulfill our mission.

In the next four weeks, I would like to feature four donors who have truly touched us with their spirit of giving and generosity. They inspired us to move resolutely forward.  They gave us the heart and soul to make the needed changes. They gave us the courage to try new things and offer new programs to help those around us.  They were ‘there’ for us.

The first of these four donors is a pair of sisters. Their names are Abby and Didi.  They are 10 and 11 years old.  They come to Pony Farm, our summer camp, and they love ponies!  They are part of a family run boarding stable and work hard every day to keep the barn immaculate for fat and happy horses.  They came up with a “Pennies for Ponies” campaign to raise money for Touchstone.  They kept a jar in the tack room of the barn and would bring it out whenever one of the boarders drove in the driveway.  They would ask for any loose change that was in the car, telling people that they were raising money for kids who needed to be able to ride.

After months of collecting this pocket money, their time to come to camp finally arrived. They packed up all their riding and camp stuff, including their “Pennies for Ponies”.  On the Opening Day of their session, they proudly walked up to me, lugging over $125 of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.  With beaming grins on their face, they proudly told me of their mission to help other kids.  I was moved to tears as these two sweet, wonderful girls spoke.

Daily we are bombarded with stories of kids who bully others…or who are apathetic…or who are destructive…or who are lazy…or who are selfish and self-centered.  With no flash and flourish, these girls simply gave.  They gave with their heart and their time.  Abby and Didi’s gift  of coins and love truly moved me.  They inspired all of us to work harder to make the farm even better.  Their gift made us consider every dime we spend to make it count.  Their commitment strengthened our resolve to keep serving our world community.

So, as we approach Thanksgiving, I give deep thanks to Abby and Didi, and all the other generous people of our “farm family” who have given gifts, large and small, to fuel our mission and vision.  Together, with our horses, gardens and farm animals, we are making the world a happier, brighter and healthier place for the many people who come through our farm gates.  With children in the world like Abby and Didi, the future will be bright. So, thank you, Abby and Didi for inspiring us. Thank you for being YOU!

May your week be great and your heart thankful as we come into the season of gathering in our blessings.  Please do be in touch with us.  The welcome mat of Touchstone Farm is always out and the gates are always open.

                                                                                    Most warmly,

                                                                                    Boo

Better late than never...

Friday August 19^th, 2011

Dearest Pony Farm Parents and Friends of the Farm,

            I cannot believe how this week has flown by…It seems like you all were just here and we were all looking forward to the week ahead.  Now, this is the last full day of summer camp.  I simply cannot believe where the time goes. I guess the old adage that “time flies when you are having fun” is really accurate, as we sure have had fun this week with your ‘ladies’.

            I have to admit something to you all….Both the staff and I are usually pretty tired by now. This is the eleventh week of either preparing for camp via certification and orientation, or doing camp with all its many moving parts.  I have to say that the girls that you dropped off have been so much fun, so good, so smart, so capable, so engaging, so eager, and so energetic in all good ways, that we have had a blast. It is almost like the universe “saved the best for last”. I truly mean this!  These kids are simply terrific.  They are just plain fun and gung ho for anything.

            Becky wrote you on Tuesday…and I will start on Tuesday night as it is such a perfect example of their willingness, team spirit, good soul and work ethic.  I was driving home after picking up my dad’s medicine and finalizing my son’s court case after his massive driving accident.  I had been gone all day, sadly for me.  The sun was working on going down and it was 6:50PM.  As I rounded the road coming to the farm from the east, I saw all the lights on in all the barns.  I said to myself…”Darn, how could they have been so careless to leave that many lights on for the evening?”  Driving up to the barn entrance, what did I behold but every staff person and every single camper down there working their hearts out to clean the barn.  I was amazed and moved.  I realized that I had told them that morning at the Community Meeting that we had a major donor to the new Touchstone Farm coming on Wednesday. I said how important it was to have this site visit and I hoped they would put on their boots and breeches as he wanted to see them ride and take a farm tour.  I also asked that they do a ‘good’ job at barn chore time.

            To my heart’s delight, they took this ‘small ask’ and made it into a major project. They worked like giants….the place simply sparkled and gleamed.  I was just about speechless, which as you know, is unusual for me!  I really was moved to tears to see their proud faces as they showed me “their barns”….The place looked spectacular.  With many thanks and LOTS of candy as a reward from the staff, they went up to shower, have dinner and finish out their evening.

            The next day dawned bright and beautiful.  The visitor came and wow, did the kids’ riding impress him, as did the whole farm. He said “I could eat off the barn floor it is so clean!”  This man is a major horse person, so his compliments about YOUR kids were educated and sincere ones.  I was proud and delighted that it all went so well, thanks to the spirit and care of your children!!!!

            After an extra-long riding lesson in the morning, lunch, and rest hour on Wednesday, the kids were ready to swim, relax and play with the small farm animals.  We wanted to make sure all the new kids had their “Pony Farm Swim Test” for sure as swimming with the horses was coming up on Thursday.  Needless to say, everyone passed with flying colors. They also really enjoyed the farm animals, all of whom adore the attention and miss kids during the school year.

            Wednesday night featured every camp’s version of a Snipe Hunt….with lots of stories and lead up to catching the mythical snipe….Of course, the only way to do this is to have peanut butter all over your face and hands.  We even had cages prepared for snipes so that when you got here, your camper could ask permission to bring a snipe home….For those of you who might not know about snipes, you should join us for one of these evenings…it really is a true camp tradition!!!!

            Thursday again dawned bright and clear….After Monday’s torrential rains, we sure have enjoyed cool, clear and happy days of good weather.  Some of you must have pushed the right buttons above to get us these great days.  This was the day to swim with the horses.  Enthusiasm was running high…After several years of not being able to swim here on the farm due to blue green algae infestation; we found a new place to swim just down the road.  This is a highlight of the week for everyone.  We have the system down pat so that it is highly safe for both kids and horses, so it is enjoyable for everyone!  The kids had a blast and the horses got clean!

            While half the campers went swimming, the other half practiced their ‘Specialties’ for the Parents’ Exhibition on Saturday.  They have made good solid progress this week in their riding skills and it is exciting to get ready for you to watch the demos.

            Last night, they did an all camp favorite evening activity called “Counselor Quest”.  This is a version of Hide and Seek with a flair.  The counselors are given a point value depending on how long they have been here. The idea is that the longer you have been here, the better hiding place you know about, thus the harder you are to find.  The kids have a blast running freely all over the farm while Kris keeps a watchful eye out for everyone.  The camper who gets the most points by racking up the most counselor points wins.  Everyone gets into this game!

            This was followed by the Ice Cream Trough…a huge long sundae filled with all sorts of toppings, sprinkles and whipped cream.  The kids love just chowing down as a reward for all their running and finding counselors in their lairs!

            Today is sunny again, with some clouds coming in tonight.  They are going to ride to practice again for the exhibition tomorrow. They will also get a jump start on packing, as well as write their Candlelight message.  This is a summary of what their camp experience this week or two weeks has meant to them.  We will read it either around the Campfire Circle (r inside the lodge by candlelight, depending on the weather.  Everyone will have time to shower and change into a nice outfit.  After a Turkey Dinner, we will all gather and listen to each camper and staff’s words as a candle is held so she can read by candlelight.

            Tomorrow is the day we have to give them back to you!  We ask that you arrive between 9:30 and 10AM.  We will ask that you gather up all your child/ren’s belongings and put them in your car. We do not want everyone in the barns watching the kids tack up. It is just plain too many people in too small a space.  The exhibition will begin at 10 in the various rings.  We will guide you to where your child is riding.  The demonstration lesson will be narrated by the senior staff while the Counselors-in-Training conduct the lesson. The kids will then move to their Specialties, which are the more exciting jumping and games events.  This whole demo will end with the girls feeding their horses and saying good bye to them.

            We will then gather on the front lawn and eat all together.  Please do bring a picnic for you and your family. We will provide drinks and desserts.  This is the perfect time to ask any questions about your daughters’ stay and to chat with all the staff.  Then….the sad thing is that we have to say good bye to you for a whole year.  Arghhh….

            I will end as I began by thanking you for lending us your children for a week or two. What a fantastic group.  It has been a pleasure and a privilege.  We look forward to staying in touch this coming year and hope you might join us for one of our specialty weekends during the school year.  It makes it seem like not such a long time until we see you again.

            Thank you again and again for choosing Pony Farm over all the other fantastic opportunities there are in this big wide world.  We are delighted to have you as part of our “Farm Family”, and look forward to watching your children grow up. See you at 9:30 tomorrow.

                                                            Most Warmly,

                                                            Boo

           

Closing Day

Hi Moms and Dads,

Saturday, August 20^th is Closing Day

Arrive between 9:30 and 10:00 am.  You will be able to watch your camper in a lesson.  There will be a sign in the lodge telling you what riding group your camper is in, who she is riding, and what ring the lesson is happening in.  Then follow your camper to her specialty.  After the specialty you are more than welcome to being a picnic lunch and sit on the back lawn and picnic.  Camp will have drinks and desserts available.

Be sure to say Hi to Boo on the back porch and to check out with Becky, also located on the back porch. 

Best,

Becky

On the Third Day the Sun Shined!

Hello Everyone!

Yesterday it spit rained a little bit and the sky looked threatening, but nothing ever happened.  In the morning we had out riding lessons.  In the afternoon, we were pre-pared for the weather and it never came!  For afternoon activities there was the option of a trip to Budweiser to see the barns and Clydesdales, small animals, horseless horse show, lunging, pair jumping and catch riding.  Last night we played Personal Scavenger Hunt, the best game of all the games in all the land!

It is going to be a beautiful day here!  The sun is shining and it is warming up!  We have a full day planned! Lessons in the morning, and then an array of activities for the afternoon! The list of possibilities includes trail rides, gambler’s choice, puissance, swimming and small animals, soccer.  Tonight we have the ice-cream trough and Snipe hunt.  It is going to be a gooey night!

We are staying busy and having a lot of fun!

Still Staying Dry,

Becky

The Weather!

Hi Moms and Dads,

The weather is sure giving up a run for our ponies, but not dampening our spirits!  There were a few re-rides this afternoon, but I think we have everyone on the right pony or horse now!  This afternoon, for those who were not doing a re-ride headed to the barn.  We set up 3 different stations in the upstairs barn for the kids to rotate through.  The first station was a poster contest on barn and horse safety.  The second station was on how to wrap a horse’s legs.  Uno was our patient for this station.  Our third station was a horse painting station on horse trivia; Silly was our resident horse for this activity.  The girls put paint on their hands and would be asked about the location of different parts of the horse body and had to touch the pony where they thought their scapula, or hock, etc was.

It sure is a great group of ladies and we have a lot of fun things planned despite the weather.  I think on Thursday the weather might break and we will go swimming with the horses and work on our specialties.  In the mean time we are trying to stay dry.

Signing off and trying to stay dry,

Becky

Friday August 12^th

Dearest Parents of Pony Farm and other “Farm Friends”,

            Where does the week go????  I guess the saying that ‘Time flies when you are having fun” is truly true!  I can not believe this week is nearly over and some of the kids are leaving us.  It has been a power packed week for sure as these kids wanted to do everything that could be jammed into one week.  They are an enthusiastic bunch for sure….Good kids all!

            Before I get in to what we have been doing, let me just reiterate the plan for pick up tomorrow.  First, let me assure those of you whose children are staying with us for another week that you do NOT have to come to this Parents’ Exhibition and Picnic.  We will do the same thing next week for you.  Also, if your child has struggled a bit with homesickness, we actually encourage you not to come so that we don’t start all over again with missing you.  We have triumphed with all three kids that were homesick and they are all smiles.  We are eager to keep it that way and to make this a total success for each of these kids. They are mighty proud of themselves for getting over being homesick and having a blast at camp. 

            However, if you are picking up your camper after her one week stay, come between 9:30 and 10AM.  Come to the lodge. Becky and I will be there to greet you.  You can load up your child’s things into the car and then we will direct you to the ring where she will be warming up.  The first part of the demo will be what the group has worked on for the week.  The Counselors-in-Training will conduct the lesson and run the riders through their paces. The Lead Instructor will talk with you to give you an overview of what each girl has learned and what is coming up next. We hope you like this informational demo.

            The girls will then go to their Specialties.  Each rider has chosen a favorite riding event to show you.  These are the fun ones, with some mixed groups doing the demos.  It is a fun thing to watch. This will be followed with the girls feeding their ponies and saying their goodbyes.  We will then all go up to the lodge and have a picnic on the front lawn, as it is supposed to be a spectacular day.  Please bring food for your family, and we will provide the refreshments and desserts. This is a great time to talk to the counselors about your child’s stay.  It is a lovely way to end the session.  I look forward to greeting you!  

Now, I will pick up where Becky left off…On Wednesday night, the girls had a Fashion Show.  For some reason un-be known to me, they love this! They are given different decades and have to mix & match to come up with outfits that would have been typical of that decade. They are such characters and “hams”….They strut down the ‘red carpet’ and just love it. It is a fun thing to watch and lots of cheering takes place.  They ended the evening with Vespers and some singing around the birch log with candles, and quietly went off to bed.

On Thursday, they had lots of practicing for the Exhibition for YOU!  They had both a riding lesson and practiced their Specialties.  The girls sure get a lot of exercise in a day around here and sleep well at night.  For evening activities, they had the Ice Cream Trough, which is a huge ice cream sundae where everyone eats at the same time….It is truly a spectator sport!  They then went on the much hyped up “Snipe Hunt” with peanut butter on their noses and fingers. They were so intent on getting a snipe to bring home that several girls also built elaborate ‘traps’ as they thought that their fellow campers were making so much noise that the snipes got scared away.  They were convinced that they would catch one in their traps!  I had helped with the story as I had said that they could put any snipes they caught in the Banty House until you arrived so they could ask your permission to bring them home!  What a great camp tradition!!!

Fourteen campers and accompanying staff were dying to also camp out…but wanted to do the Trough and the Snipe Hunt too…so, the compromise was made that they would camp out on the lawn at the Homestead, just like the early settlers….as the Homestead was built in 1754!  So, in four tents, and under a full moon shining across the fields of Pony Farm, camp out they did.  They were psyched to watch the small animals from the doors of their tents. They also felt special as they got to go on an early morning swim…in their clothes no less, as they did not bring bathing suits!  A good time was had by all.

Today dawned glorious and it was the long awaited day to swim with the horses.  We have not been able to do this for the last three years due to an infestation of ‘blue green’ algae in the pond here on the farm which we had used for years.  I set about finding an alternative place for this year as it was such an all camp favorite.  We have been using this wonderful pond all summer on a local farm which has luckily been put into a conservation easement. They are delighted to have us use the pond and love the idea of kids enjoying the property.  What a ‘win win’ for everyone.

We divided the kids into two groups so no one had to wait too long to swim.  The group who stayed home started their packing and then cleaned their tack.  We had been so busy that we had not done any tack cleaning all week!  They will switch in the afternoon.  During Rest Hour, they will write their Candlelight Ceremony reflection in preparation for our closing ceremony tonight.  We will get all dressed up, gather around the fire circle and have a nice ending to our time together. This is one of my favorite times at camp as all the girls look so beautiful in their special outfits and with their shining faces.  The turkey dinner we share is pretty awesome too!

Tomorrow will dawn and you will come, marking an end to our time together.  I can not believe it is nearly the end of this camp season…Only one week remains.  Wow, not only did this summer fly by, but so did the 40^th summer of Pony Farm fly by. Where did these 40 years of fun go????  It is exciting to continue building Touchstone Farm and make the transition to having Touchstone, as a not for profit, work toward owning the farm.  It is my heart’s desire to have Pony Farm and all the many programs go on long after I am “pushing up daisies”. So, here’s to at least another 40 years of Pony Farm and great kids like yours being here to enjoy ponies, Snipe Hunts, swimming with the ponies and enjoying a farm. It makes me smile just thinking of it all.  See you tomorrow to enjoy the progress your girls have made on their ponies.

                                                                                    Most warmly,  Boo!!!

Friday August 12^th

Dearest Parents of Pony Farm and other “Farm Friends”,

            Where does the week go????  I guess the saying that ‘Time flies when you are having fun” is truly true!  I can not believe this week is nearly over and some of the kids are leaving us.  It has been a power packed week for sure as these kids wanted to do everything that could be jammed into one week.  They are an enthusiastic bunch for sure….Good kids all!

            Before I get in to what we have been doing, let me just reiterate the plan for pick up tomorrow.  First, let me assure those of you whose children are staying with us for another week that you do NOT have to come to this Parents’ Exhibition and Picnic.  We will do the same thing next week for you.  Also, if your child has struggled a bit with homesickness, we actually encourage you not to come so that we don’t start all over again with missing you.  We have triumphed with all three kids that were homesick and they are all smiles.  We are eager to keep it that way and to make this a total success for each of these kids. They are mighty proud of themselves for getting over being homesick and having a blast at camp. 

            However, if you are picking up your camper after her one week stay, come between 9:30 and 10AM.  Come to the lodge. Becky and I will be there to greet you.  You can load up your child’s things into the car and then we will direct you to the ring where she will be warming up.  The first part of the demo will be what the group has worked on for the week.  The Counselors-in-Training will conduct the lesson and run the riders through their paces. The Lead Instructor will talk with you to give you an overview of what each girl has learned and what is coming up next. We hope you like this informational demo.

            The girls will then go to their Specialties.  Each rider has chosen a favorite riding event to show you.  These are the fun ones, with some mixed groups doing the demos.  It is a fun thing to watch. This will be followed with the girls feeding their ponies and saying their goodbyes.  We will then all go up to the lodge and have a picnic on the front lawn, as it is supposed to be a spectacular day.  Please bring food for your family, and we will provide the refreshments and desserts. This is a great time to talk to the counselors about your child’s stay.  It is a lovely way to end the session.  I look forward to greeting you!  

Now, I will pick up where Becky left off…On Wednesday night, the girls had a Fashion Show.  For some reason un-be known to me, they love this! They are given different decades and have to mix & match to come up with outfits that would have been typical of that decade. They are such characters and “hams”….They strut down the ‘red carpet’ and just love it. It is a fun thing to watch and lots of cheering takes place.  They ended the evening with Vespers and some singing around the birch log with candles, and quietly went off to bed.

On Thursday, they had lots of practicing for the Exhibition for YOU!  They had both a riding lesson and practiced their Specialties.  The girls sure get a lot of exercise in a day around here and sleep well at night.  For evening activities, they had the Ice Cream Trough, which is a huge ice cream sundae where everyone eats at the same time….It is truly a spectator sport!  They then went on the much hyped up “Snipe Hunt” with peanut butter on their noses and fingers. They were so intent on getting a snipe to bring home that several girls also built elaborate ‘traps’ as they thought that their fellow campers were making so much noise that the snipes got scared away.  They were convinced that they would catch one in their traps!  I had helped with the story as I had said that they could put any snipes they caught in the Banty House until you arrived so they could ask your permission to bring them home!  What a great camp tradition!!!

Fourteen campers and accompanying staff were dying to also camp out…but wanted to do the Trough and the Snipe Hunt too…so, the compromise was made that they would camp out on the lawn at the Homestead, just like the early settlers….as the Homestead was built in 1754!  So, in four tents, and under a full moon shining across the fields of Pony Farm, camp out they did.  They were psyched to watch the small animals from the doors of their tents. They also felt special as they got to go on an early morning swim…in their clothes no less, as they did not bring bathing suits!  A good time was had by all.

Today dawned glorious and it was the long awaited day to swim with the horses.  We have not been able to do this for the last three years due to an infestation of ‘blue green’ algae in the pond here on the farm which we had used for years.  I set about finding an alternative place for this year as it was such an all camp favorite.  We have been using this wonderful pond all summer on a local farm which has luckily been put into a conservation easement. They are delighted to have us use the pond and love the idea of kids enjoying the property.  What a ‘win win’ for everyone.

We divided the kids into two groups so no one had to wait too long to swim.  The group who stayed home started their packing and then cleaned their tack.  We had been so busy that we had not done any tack cleaning all week!  They will switch in the afternoon.  During Rest Hour, they will write their Candlelight Ceremony reflection in preparation for our closing ceremony tonight.  We will get all dressed up, gather around the fire circle and have a nice ending to our time together. This is one of my favorite times at camp as all the girls look so beautiful in their special outfits and with their shining faces.  The turkey dinner we share is pretty awesome too!

Tomorrow will dawn and you will come, marking an end to our time together.  I can not believe it is nearly the end of this camp season…Only one week remains.  Wow, not only did this summer fly by, but so did the 40^th summer of Pony Farm fly by. Where did these 40 years of fun go????  It is exciting to continue building Touchstone Farm and make the transition to having Touchstone, as a not for profit, work toward owning the farm.  It is my heart’s desire to have Pony Farm and all the many programs go on long after I am “pushing up daisies”. So, here’s to at least another 40 years of Pony Farm and great kids like yours being here to enjoy ponies, Snipe Hunts, swimming with the ponies and enjoying a farm. It makes me smile just thinking of it all.  See you tomorrow to enjoy the progress your girls have made on their ponies.

                                                                                    Most warmly,  Boo!!!

Friday!

Hi Moms and Dads,

We have a busy day ahead of us!  In the morning half camp is going swimming with the horses while the other half practices their specialties!  During rest hour we are busy writing our candle light and packing.  In the afternoon, we switch!  The other half of camp will be swimming with the horses, while the rest practices their specialties!  A busy day for sure!

Pick up on Saturday - Please arrive between 9:30 and 10:00.  In the main room of the lodge there will be a chart of who your camper is riding and where.  You can go to their lesson and then follow them to their specialty.  Please bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the back lawn.  Camp will supple drinks and dessert.

Best,
Becky

Boy or should I say Girl, we have been busy.  We have everyone on the right pony!  Wha-Hoo!  The photographers are here today, so the campers feel like the paparazzi is following them around!  Oh to be a celebrity!  The photographers are also coming back on Friday.  We are going to go swimming with the horses on Friday and the photographer will be able to capture those images.

Yesterday afternoon we did swimming tests and small animals and last night we played the best game of all the games in all the land, Personal Scavenger Hunt!  (Can you tell that I have a personal preference to this game?)  The camp is divided into 4 teams and are asked questions about pop-culture, horses, the farm, books, songs and dances.  One member of each team races to the table, slaps the table and is called on to answer the question.  It is a ton of fun!

This morning the girls are doing lessons and this afternoon, they have a choice of trail rides, gambler’s choice, puissance, catch riding, or small animals and the pool.  This evening we are having a Fashion Show!  Tomorrow night we have the tri-fecta happening camping, ice-cream trough, and a Snipe Hunt!  We are staying busy and having a ton of fun!

Good bye Session 4.  We will miss you! 

Hello Session 5!

                                                                                    Friday afternoon August 5^th

Dearest PF Parents and Farm Family,

            Where on Earth does the time fly????!!!!  How can this session already be at an end???  We would gladly keep these kids for the next two weeks and be happy as clams. What a great group of children…and I might mention, staff too.  I feel so pleased that this session has gone so smoothly and with so many smiles on everyone’s faces. Everywhere I go, I see happiness!

            The camp sure has been busy this past week.  It is a great thing that they are all so easy to get along with and so responsive to staying organized & listening to directions because it has been a power packed week since Becky last emailed you!  The “Battle of the Boy Bands”, Pony Farm’s version of the Olympic Games, has been on-going throughout the session, with everything from riding events, to stable management competitions, to a Hunter Pace, to the High Jump and Gambler’s Choice, to Counselor Quest and Lip Sync at night.  These kids have not been idle!  The final event is this afternoon and then the results will be announced at the Candlelight Ceremony tonight.  The kids have really gotten into this and make it such fun for everyone involved.

            In addition to all of these events, we had a clinic with Joe Lombard on Wednesday afternoon.  This clinic was for both staff and campers.  Last week, we had invited a clinician and had groups 3 through 6 have a lesson with her….so, this time around, Groups 1 and 2, or the Appaloosas and Morgans as the groups are named, had their chance to get a good solid lesson from Mr. Lombard, Master teacher, show judge and just plain great guy!  They did a beautiful job. Mr. Lombard was most complimentary of our lesser experienced riders, most of whom were jumping!!!!

            Thursday was the much awaited day of the Cheshire Fair.  With several extra former campers and staff members joining in, the whole gang loaded up in a massive school bus and off they went to experience all the fun of a true country fair….including animals, shows, rides, cotton candy, games, exhibits, and all the junk food you can stomach and still ride the ‘rides’!!!!  Everyone was great about checking in on time with the staff and sticking together for safety.  It was a huge success. No one ended up with an upset stomach despite the gooey, fried and sugary food and the upside down, shake ‘em up carnival rides!!!! 

            Today was the last practice for the Parents’ Exhibition tomorrow, the last swim, and the writing of Candlelight readings that will happen at the closing ceremony tonight.  It is a sad but still fun day to be at camp. I think everyone can’t believe that this session is nearly already over.  Time has just flown by and lots of friendships made!!!

            We look forward to greeting you all tomorrow at about 9:30AM. We will have the rings and teaching locations written down so you will know where to go to see your daughter(s) ride.  The CITs will conduct the lesson. We encourage you to gather around the senior counselor and hear what your daughter has worked on during her stay.  We will then switch up and move to the Specialties, which your kiddos have each chosen as their favorite special thing to demonstrate for you.  We hope you will see great advancement in their riding, confidence and horsemanship!

            We will end the morning with a picnic together on the front lawn. This is the time to really catch up with all the counselors and co-directors to see how your child did at camp or in lessons.  We love ‘bragging’ to you about how well they did!  Please bring enough lunch for your own family. We will provide drinks and desserts.  The time wraps up about 1:30 or 2ish.

            I sincerely hope that you have been pleased with all facets of Pony Farm this summer.  It has been our pleasure and privilege to have your family as a part of our larger camp family.  We look forward to hopefully have you rejoin us during the school year for a horse show, a clinic or a family weekend.  We love seeing our camp families during the ‘off season’ instead of waiting a whole year until summer rolls around again!!!

            I end, as I began, by thanking you for making Pony Farm a part of your child’s summer.  We are proud of our 40 years of Pony Farm and look forward to many more to come!

                                                                        Most warmly,

                                                                        Boo and all the staff and board

Wednesday, August 3rd

Hello Camp Families!

A few updates of Wednesday at PF…..

This morning the campers are learning specialties which they will show off to all of you this Saturday!  Specialties the girls wanted to do include the Hunter Derby, Courses, and Pair Jumping.  You will see them ride in their specialties after they ride in their lesson on Saturday, plan to arrive at 9:30 am with your picnic lunch!

This afternoon we are having our riding lessons.   Today we have a special guest, Joe Lombard, who is doing a clinic with our staff and campers.  We are excited as Mr. Lombard is a long time friend of PF and is a fabulous trainer.

Tonight is the GRAND FINALE for Battle of the Boy Bands (B.o.B.B.)!  The finale is the traditional Lip-Sync contest.  The boy bands will be dancing and (you guessed it) Lip-Syncing to a song of their choice by their boy band.  Competition of B.o.B.B. has really heated up!  After last night’s ice cream trough, boy bands rehearsed their Lip –Sync.  The bands I saw had some impressive choreography happening.

Stay tuned for announcements of the winner of B.o.B.B!!!!!!

Have a great week!

Carrie

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Friday July 29^th, 2011

Dearest Camp Families and Friends of the Farm,

            It is with a happy heart that I write this blog to you.  I just finished greeting the kids as they came in from their morning ride, and then had the pleasure of having lunch with ‘your ladies’. I had a blast.  They are so full of fun and talked non-stop about each thing they were doing, and all about their ponies. To the last girl, they are awesome kids. I love being with them and just being around their great energy.

          The staff has also truly enjoyed them this week. The girls have worked with the teachers to find just the right match to ride, making good observations and never being whiney or demanding.  They are having a terrific time with all the camp favorites during the evening activities, and then they are ready to slip off to bed without one counselor having to call out “It’s time to be quiet…..I have asked you four times already!”  We wish we could keep them for the rest of the summer…or until it was time to start college, and then we would give them back to you!!!!

            I know that Becky has blogged a couple of times so let me start in the middle of the week.  The kids all had the right mounts by Wednesday so we were excited to offer them a special clinic with Anne Geoghehan, a well-known and respected teacher in Sherborn, Ma.  Although I had never personally met her, her reputation as an amazing teacher, trainer, rider and competitor had preceded her arrival.  She was everything her reputation said….and better. I just loved her and her teaching style.  I felt I had a new “friend” in the horse world.  We enjoyed her input so much that we have already planned to have a weekend clinic with her next spring where all the camp staff and CITS would come to learn how to teach even better, feel out the new horses, and generally learn how to teach a solid, effective group lesson.  I don’t know who was more excited about this….me, Anne, the kids or the staff.  It was a total success and a great way to get some more feedback on how we can make camp even better….As you know, we are always striving to do a better and better job for our families and horses!

            After the more serious clinic, on Thursday, half the group did riding lessons in the morning and the other half went swimming with the horses, and then switched in the afternoon. We are so delighted by our new pond to swim the horses.  It is about 3 miles down the road so it is easy to ride to while we take the rest of the kids in the car.  This is a lovely big secluded pond that has recently been put into conservation easement so they welcome us to come.  We are hoping to go camping there too next week with some of the kids who want to go. We would take about 6 larger ponies so everyone could ride one way or the other.  These are the kinds of things that I love seeing the kids do because they are not possible to do in so many more suburban or city areas. From my childhood, I remember the all-day rides with a picnic lunch around my pony’s neck, the overnights with my pony and my friends with their ponies…all the ‘fun’ stuff with horses.  I do hope we are creating life time memories and friendships for your girls.

            Today, the girls did a whole day of Gymkhana Games, both morning and afternoon.  These games are part of what they call “The Battle of the Boy Bands”. It is a week-long competition that includes about half riding activities and half evening events, all that accrue points to the winning team.  It is make up of one rider from each riding group, so people gather points for their team regardless of level of riding skill.  They all dress in the same color shirts and have their ‘logo’.  For a farm tour today, I did have to ask that the two tour guides washed off their mustaches, the identifier for the “Boys to Men” group!!!!  They are too funny.

            The games included all the usual fun ones with things like Bobbing for Apples, Sit a Buck, Dizzy Bat, etc.  The new one introduced that I had never heard of was “Pudgy Bunny” where they had to shove two big marshmallows in their mouth and then say “Pudgy Bunny” before they could weave back through the poles in a relay.  Everyone came in dirty and wet from the apple bobbing, but happy from head to foot.

            After lunch, they were going to do Gambler’s Choice and the High Jump.  Again, these are events in the competition. The newer riders will do obstacles and the more experienced riders will have a course set up in other rings.  The level of difficulty determines the number of points that can be earned.  The riders have to gather as many points as they can in 3 minutes.  It is exciting to watch for sure.  Meanwhile, the other favorite event is the Puissance or High Jump.  Two jumps are set with a correct distance to help the horse or pony get to the second jump in stride and in balance.  The second jump gets higher and higher until either the rider, the teacher or the horse say “No thank you, that is too high”.  It is such a fun and exciting event that it is really one of the camp favorites. I am sure they will choose it to show you for the Parents’ Exhibition on Saturday’s pick up.

            Tomorrow’s big event if that they will be doing a Hunter Pace.  They will ride a 5 mile loop and try to do it in the optimal time….not too fast to be scary and not too slow to be boring.  They are again all dressing in the same color outfits to be identified as a team….Following the Hunter Pace, which is carefully supervised by staff of course, they will also be judged on cooling out their horses and correctly putting them away after a long ride.  Following a late lunch, they will do the usual rest hour, and then have the final event which is Stablemanagement. They will be scored on how well they do their barn chores, including things like safety, team work, attention to detail and elbow grease….then the scores will all be added up and prizes given out for the week of the “Battle of the Boy Bands”…..So fun!

Sunday will offer sleeping in, organizing rooms and laundry, swimming, playing with the small animals, arts and crafts, special treats and snacks and….of course, preparing for the Talent show on Sunday night….a big event with much serious practice on the part of the girls. We often have up to 24 or 25 acts….It is quite a show of silliness, talent, fun, agility, music ability, and dancing.  I love the Talent Shows as it always makes me realize just how many miles you as parents have driven to take lessons of one kind or another.  These kids sure do have talent. It is fun to see it come out at the Talent Show.

Well…I have gone on too long. The staff always tells me that a blog should just be a few paragraphs, but it is such fun to let you know what is happening here at Pony Farm that I know I get carried away!  I’m sorry!!!!!

I hope you are having a great week and are looking forward to a relaxing weekend.  Aren’t you glad you do not have to get in the car AGAIN to come to Pony Farm.  You, too, can kick up your heels and have some fun, knowing your kids are safe, happy, healthy and totally engaged in everything but the computer and face book!  Yipee, thanks for supporting our efforts to get them unplugged.  You and they are GREAT.

                        Stay well and know that we are thinking of you!

                                                Warmly, Boo

PS…For those of you who have asked about Kris Young…yes, she does still work here but only for 25 hours a week instead of 80!  She really loves her role at camp and loves doing some of the fun ‘non horsey’ stuff and not being here 24/7!  In fact, she is just about to move to my former Cottage so she can still be a part of the farm family.  Thought you would like to know!

Hello camp families!

Yesterdays’ activities earned many Boy Bands points!  Last night’s rain cancelled our planned activity, but not our fun.  We had Casino Night inside for some fun competition.

Today the girls ventured out on the Hunter Pace with their Boy Bands.  The Hunter Pace is a timed trail ride in Boy Band groups.  Staff is placed throughout the trail at checkpoints.  The team with the quickest time, best attitude, and appropriate horses temperatures wins points for their Boy Band!  The winner was The Jackson Five!!!

We celebrated Boo’s birthday after lunch.  Our wonderful kitchen staff made a home-made ice cream cake for the celebration!  It tasted even better than it looked, though I’m not sure how that was possible.  Pin the tail on the donkey was entertaining for the participants and spectators!  Rest hour was shortened due to party time (though we have received zero complaints from campers because of that!).

This afternoon we are doing catch riding, Western riding, gambler’s choice, playing with the minis, and swimming.

Battle of the Boy Bands won’t be earning anyone points this evening as the girls enjoy “Saturday Night at the Movies” here at the farm!

Have a great weekend!

Carrie

Happy Birthday Boo!

Happy Birthday Boo!  Today is Boo’s…29^th birthday!  Be sure to wish her a happy birthday.  We have some special treats for her, because as you all know, you only turn 29 once!

The weather continues to be A-MAZING!  Yesterday half the camp went swimming with the horses in the morning while the rest did riding lessons.  In the afternoon we flip-flopped! So if they were swimming in the morning, they had a lesson and if they had a lesson in the morning, they went swimming.  Do you see? I wish you were here to see the girls swim with the horses.  It is really a beautiful sight. It is in a lovely setting, with a large pond surrounded by a forest.  It is just plain neat!

I am sure you are all on the edge of your seats waiting for an update on Battle of the Boy Bands!  Today is an all camp Gymkana!  The Boy Bands coordinated their outfits with one another this morning.  Some of the outfits were interesting to say the least, and I saw a few mustaches and facial hair on them too!  Some of the many games for the day is Gambler’s choice, chubby bunny, dizzy bat, and bobbing for apples.  For each game campers can acquire points for their band.  The campers are really getting into the battle, which is great!  On Tuesday night Boyz 2 Men won the Fashion Show taking the lead.  Last night Backstreet Boys battled hard and won Personal Scavenger Hunt.  Competition is heating up!

Best,

Becky

We did it!

I think we have everyone on the right mount, in the right riding group!  It is so exciting once this all comes together.  The heat has finally broke; last night I needed a down quilt to sleep.  Only in New Hampshire can you go from 105 degrees to needing a down quilt to sleep at night in a matter of days.

Battle of the Boy Bands

Battle of the Boy Bands starts tonight!  It is very exciting and I will write more as the competition heats up and the games begin.  In the mean time, I just want to tell you it is a Pony Farm favorite and a ton of fun.  We divide up the camp into different Boy Bands and they compete with their boy band in a variety of activities.   The competition will end next week with the final event being a lip-sync competition! The Battle of the Boy Bands is a great way to build friendships outside of your roommates and those in your riding groups.  Be sure to write and ask your camper about how their boy band is doing.  (Definition of a Boy Band - A boy band (or boyband) is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on stage, and only sing and dance. However, exceptions do exist….like the Pony Farm exception, where it is all GIRLS!)

Visiting Mid-Session

I know that I talked to a number of parents on Opening Day about visiting, and have received several e-mails since.  So I just want to clear it all up in one swoop.  We have done away with visiting mid-session.  What would happen is parents would think that visiting was optional, and it was, and not come, but then their camper would get upset that mom and dad didn’t come.  Then some campers would be upset that mom and dad did come!  Girls who were doing well, would get homesick after seeing mom and dad.  Then we would spend the next three days helping that child become unhomesick (is that even a word?) and having to correspond with worried moms and dads about their homesick child. 

If your camper is staying into session 5, coming on August 6^th which is a Closing Day it is a great opportunity to see your camper in their riding group and then perform their specialties.  Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the back lawn with your camper.  Camp will supple drinks and desserts!

Horse Show Info!

Hi Moms and Dads,

I just emailed out estimated start times for the horse show on July 23rd.  If you didn't get an e-mail please let me know at bsanborn@touchstone-farm.org.   Please keep in mind these are ESTIMATE START TIMES!  Jumping classes tend to run longer than flat classes, the more people in a class, the longer it takes to run.  If a class doesn’t fill, it will get canceled and that can affect our estimated time.

The show starts at 9:00 am and will be in the rings.  Can’t wait to see you!

Best,

Becky

                                                                   July 21^st, 2011

Dearest Camp Families and Farm Friends,

          I still have a great big smile on my face and a happy heart as I reflect back on our fun Saturday together.  I cannot believe the miles some of you traveled to join us. I think Kimber Haddix takes the cake, coming all the way from Missoula, Montana…as does Dr. and Mrs. Thomas who came up from Florida….To see Dr. Rev. Haddix down from Portland, Maine, our first ever board president and incorporator of Horse Power, looking so fit and fine low these many years later was an equal treat.  The list of former campers and parents and families just goes on and on.  I was moved, honored, grateful and just plain happy.  Thank you one and all for coming.  You make the event very special not only for me, but for my own kids, and for current campers.  I only wish we saw each other more.

          I want to put together a slideshow to post on our website of this event.  Several staff people and I are working on it so do be looking to see if you are in it!  I want to preserve the fun and festivities!  We will get this made soon and post it hopefully before next Monday.

          Now, let me get down to Earth a little bit to let you know that it is equally hot, hot, hot here at the farm.  We are taking special precautions for keeping everyone safe and sunscreened, well hydrated and happily engaged out of the roaring sun.  The horse show is still going to take place on Saturday.  The staff is finalizing the entry forms for the kids so we will do our best to let you know tonight when your child is riding.

          I will also ask Sarah to let you know how the show went yesterday. I was in Boston all day undergoing a procedure about an operation which might FOREVER CURE MY BREATHING ISSUES….All signs are looking good. Please keep your fingers crossed….And, for those of you who asked so nicely about my
Dad. He is turning the corner and I believe they will take out his breathing tube today…..and my Mom trotted down the road on Annie yesterday….so my family health issues are looking up.  I cannot WAIT to rejoin camp with gusto and will surely be there on Saturday.

          The only bad thing about Saturday is that it means that a lot of the kids are leaving….WHAT sweet, wonderful, hard working, fun and pleasant children you are raising. I hope you give yourselves a huge pat on the back……What terrific parenting which is creating terrific young women.  Wow, the world is not going to the dogs!!!

          Am off to Boston, but will write again shortly when all the entries are organized and times to ride determined. We can’t wait to see you….although maybe you could just leave your kids with us and we could do a ‘do over’ for this session!  I would love that!

                   Have a great day and know that I am smiling as I think of you and your family!  Warmly, Boo