July 21st, 2011
What a glorious day we have of enjoy with your most beautiful ladies. They are just so sweet, dear, hard- working and sincere. They sure gave their all yesterday to find just the ‘right’ pony or horse for their precious week with us here at Pony Farm. You have done a super job of getting them ready to come to camp. We did not have one “weepy whiney”….just a bunch of gung ho kids who love being outside and anything “Horsey”. It was a pleasure to watch what we call the “Sorting Hat”. Just like at Hogwart’s of the famed Harry Potter Series, we mix and match horses and ponies until each rider has one that is ‘just right’….not too ‘hot’, not too ‘cold’ and not ‘too’ bumpy. Our goal is to have this be the magical week of your daughters’ summer!
The morning was sunny but cool, giving the perfecto weather for riding with no bugs. The Senior staff went around to each ring and sorted out riding levels, horse matches, and teachers. Much discussion was had with the staff in the rings, and the kids themselves. By the end of the morning, about 85 % of the kids were happy and correctly mounted. Many smiles were seen all over camp, with lots of good old horse and pony huggin’. Names were assigned to each riding group….we have the Connemara’s, the Morgan’s, the Thoroughbreds, etc as our groups…six in all with six students and two staff.
Following announcements at lunch, the kids were given reasons why she was placed in each group. For those who had not yet found the right horse or pony, they knew they would ride again that afternoon to find their treasure. Lunch was served for all hungry campers, followed by rest hour to store up energy for the afternoon ride.
By the end of the afternoon, I am happy to report that matches were made and groups formed with teachers assigned. This was announced at afternoon snack and barn chores were introduced at that time as well. From now on for the week, each camper will have ‘her own’ horse or pony for whom she cares for both their feeding, stall and turn out needs, as well as tack and other equipment. For our newer riders, this is quite an accomplishment….Roots and Wings for sure.
Showers were next on the agenda prior to dinner. Counselors and campers sit randomly, making new friends galore. Following dinner, some non-riding staff took over the reins so to speak and played a favorite game of bag skits. This is a great group game where a skit is made up by each room using the articles put in the paper bags. This is a definite team builder for each room of girls.
I took all the teaching/riding staff down to my little Cottage and we did a good solid hour and a half of teaching instruction about how to do everything from do a safety check, to ring set up, to skill progression, to problem solving on your feet. Safety and good learning are at the base of all of my teaching lectures, so rest assured, we hope you see a huge improvement when you come pick up your children on Saturday.
Speaking of pick up….for your planning purposes, it would be great if you arrived at 9:30 Saturday AM. We will have your daughters’ all packed with their equipment on their beds. We will direct you as to where she will be riding. The first half of the parents’ demo will be an instructed lesson so you will know what she has been learning. The second half will be a fun specialty demo which is something out of the ordinary that she can do here at Pony Farm. Wait until you see what they pick to show you! So fun.
We then ask you to bring a picnic for your family. We provide refreshments and desserts to round out the meal. We have lunch all together on the front lawn and chat up a storm. This is the perfect time to speak with your child’s counselors for the riding, barn teams or rooms. All senior staff will also be available for input and compliments. In short, it is a most pleasant way to spend the afternoon. You can plan to leave about 1:30 to 2PM. If this does not work for your family due to scheduling with other children, just let us know. Our middle name is flexible.
Finally, I want to mention one more special event which is coming up that we hope you might consider joining us for on SATURDAY AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING JULY 16TH. Beginning at 2PM, we will be hosting a celebration THANK YOU PARTY in honor of Pony Farm’s 40th Anniversary and the start of the next 40 years with Touchstone Farm. We will have riding, driving, vaulting, jumping, “Animal Ambassadors” and “Gardening For Good Demos”, as well as the Temple Town Band, America’s oldest town band! We will also have a good old fashioned Ice Cream Social to help celebrate, with a very few speeches to honor a couple of people. We hope you might venture back to the farm and help us celebrate. It is free and our way of thanking all the people far and wide who have loved this farm for 40 years!
Meanwhile back at the ranch, kids will be swimming, gardening, training, playing with the small animals and enjoying being outside in the sun. What a happy picture. Thanks for sharing your daughters with us. It is our delight and honor.
Most fondly,
Boo on behalf of the whole crew
No comments:
Post a Comment