Friday, April 20, 2012

Dearest Pony Farmers and Families

Dearest Pony Farmers and Families,

            I have a big smile on my face as I write to you!  Camp is just around the corner and, WOW, I cannot wait to have all the fun begin with YOU! I feel like a little kid waiting for a big birthday party. Summer cannot get here soon enough for me!!!

            Things are really popping at the farm. Not only are the buds beautifully blooming but all the horses and ponies are shedding like mad. It is so fun to watch the birds swooping down to gather us the loose hair to build their nests. Nothing is wasted on a farm!  The grass is greening nicely despite the dry conditions and the little peeper frogs are doing their spring singing in the early morning and evening. It is simply great to be alive!

            We are so thrilled that the new ring fences are just about to be started.  The material is ordered and the work crews lined up to have glorious new rings for your arrival. I am sure you will immediately spot the difference.  Not only are they going to be straight and true, we will not have to take valuable camp time to paint them ever again! The new sand footing for all the rings, as well as the indoor arena, is being prepared to go in after the fences are finished.  What a delight for riders, drivers and horses alike to have just the right, rock free footing. Just yesterday, after weeks of research, we finalized all the paddock and field fencing.  This too is just about to be delivered and ready to be put up. Imagine this farm with all solid board fencing that matches. Miracles do indeed happen! We cannot wait for you to see the changes when you roll in to begin your Pony Farm adventure.

            All sorts of new horses and ponies are arriving weekly so we can get our wonderful lesson string of great mounts up to snuff for YOU.  We know that the equine partner is the most important ingredient of a “happy camper”.  With the right horse under you, the sky is the limit!  To honor our commitment to having a “horse of your own” experience, we start working weeks ahead of the start of camp to grow our herd of treasures from 20 to 60.  It is no mean feat to get that many great horses all under one roof but that is our goal that we will accomplish for YOU! Over the years, we have built so many lasting friendships with our colleagues in the horse industry that we are able to gather this many suitable, safe ponies and horses for the summer months.  We already have a number of great new additions and we are traveling all over NE to get more.  If you have someone you know who is going away for the summer or needs to sell their beloved horse, do mention us.  We can also take donation horses and give tax deductions.  Also, if you are looking to either do a school year lease with us or to buy a new horse for yourself, let us know. We love to play matchmaker for great kids and horses!!!

            We hope that you might like to join us for our upcoming SPRING FLING WEEKEND on Friday evening May 18th  to Sunday after lunch on May 20th You can come get a sneak preview of the new fences and rings, ride some of the new horses, and enjoy the arrival of spring at Touchstone Farm.  The Banty hens are laying their eggs for chicks and the seedlings will be sprouting for your arrival.  This is also a perfect way for a new camper and her family to really get a feel for the spirit of the farm.  We have found that coming to our spring family weekend chases away all homesickness during the summertime!  Families are welcome to bring little brothers or sisters, too. Grandparents can come at a 50% reduction in the rate.  We also welcome single moms and dads…in short, we want YOU no matter what your family configuration is!!!

            This Spring Fling Weekend is going to be extra special because of two things.  We are going to offer a hay ride, complete with hay, with Chunk and Charlie.  They are our two Welsh Cobs who adore driving.  We will do a terrific hay ride down the road with anyone who wishes to come along.  It is a special way for all ages to see the country side.  I would also love to offer a longer morning ride up the mountain on Sunday for those who want to see the woods and countryside surrounding our farm.  Folks must be able strong enough riders to be able to do this as the ride will move along more than our usual trail rides.  The ride is well worth it because of the spectacular woods and scenic views.  With my new found health, I have been out clearing trails so we can once again offer our guests and campers fabulous trail riding through the woods and down the country lanes. We think this is yet another feature that makes our farm unique!!!

Finally, as we gather our final staff team and make the final selection of brand new bunk beds, we want you to know that this, our 41st summer, is shaping up to be terrific.  We welcome any questions you have.  Just call the farm and ask for Becky. If she can’t answer it, she and I will find the answer for you.  We will be sending out invoices for this summer on May 1st. For any of you who have let us use your credit card for your deposit payment, we will again run your card.  If you all would rather use our secure on-line payment on our website, please feel free as it makes it so easy for you.  Remember that the payments are due by May 1st. 

            I hope you can feel the spirit of joy and eagerness as we approach our favorite time of year…summer camp and your arrival. All the staff and board of directors join me in wishing you well. We cannot wait until you arrive.  Hurry up and get here!!!

                                                                        Most enthusiastically,

                                                                        Boo

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