November 2009
As we’re heading into winter it’s nice to be able to take a few seconds and think back to this incredible summer we just had! Down at the barn we couldn’t have asked for better riding weather. With almost every day being in the sunny 80’s we spent lots of time out on our trails and in lessons. The new English tack was a ton of fun for the ranchers, and I know our riders were really excited to show off their awesome abilities every Friday at the Rodeo (I was so proud of you guys!). I was blown away by the excitement and dedication every rider showed at the barn. Whether on a horse, relaxing at the beach, or even just showing up to the dining hall covered in dust and wearing smelly boots- our ranch campers proved to all the non-horse people on camp just how cool and special it is to ride horses. It was always sad every Thursday night because it was time for us all to say goodbye (not forever!) at closing campfire. But, no matter how much I hate goodbyes, I cannot WAIT to do it all over again next summer! Only 7 more months to go…
After the summer we still have a lot going on at the barn. This fall we offered our second session of riding lessons of the year. I was really excited to meet and work with some new riders, as well as everyone who’s been with me since the start! Allison, Rachel, Abby, Keeley, Emma, Sylee, Lauren, Alia, Jackie, Brianna, Kim, Hailey, Anita, Chrysoula, and Brianna---I had so much fun guys, and I’m really proud of you all! Great job and see you in the spring!!
We also had a really fun weekend right before Halloween for all of our horse-loving Mothers and their Daughters (and Aunts and Grandmas and Friends). This is the second time we’ve ever had a camp like this and we will definitely be planning more for next year. It was the perfect way for equestriennes to spend the weekend together—we all got to do some really cool camp activities like the Creek Freak Zip Line and Candle Making, while fitting in time to ride, and do some Pilates, and touch up on basic horsemanship skills. The last night we built a huge fire (I promise to practice my fire-building skills for next time!), pulled up the Adirondack chairs, and roasted S’Mores with country music playing in the background. The night was clear and a little chilly, but with the fire going and some blankets it ended up being perfect for looking at stars.
We followed that up with an all-camp Halloween Weekend. While it wasn’t specifically a “ranch weekend” we did have our ponies out for rides, and I got to dress up with Zannidu (see photo) in what is now my favorite costume ever!! Zannidu is an Arabian horse so, in keeping with her heritage, I found a Native Costume for us to wear together. She absolutely loved dressing up and spent half the time showing off to trick-or-treaters. We also discovered she loves candy, and she spent the other half of her time trying to steal Smarties out of kids’ bags… Gotta love her!
Before I go I’d like to get your opinions on something for next summer. Last summer for our special resident camp week of HorseMaster’s we decided to change things up and perform the best version of Lion King ever…on horseback! After auditioning for scenes, we all spent every bit of spare time designing sets and costumes. We watched the movie, and put together a wicked soundtrack to go with the story. Even though it was a last second idea, it turned out sooooo cool. I’m pretty sure certain staff members still get tears in their eyes every time they remember the opening song with Rafiki (Amber) and baby Simba (Grey Cat), and all the riders of the Pride Lands gathered around our Pride Rock! I can’t wait to start planning next summer’s HorseMaster’s rodeo. Here’s where you guys come in: I have narrowed it down to three ideas for the production- The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Willy Wonka. I need you guys to vote for the theme you think is the best. Keep in mind each movie’s storyline and its soundtrack as you try to decide. We will announce the winner in the Spring!! Thanks for your help and Happy Thanksgiving!
Horsefully Yours,
Charlie
Ranch Manager
P.S.- Remember to check us out on Facebook (it’s a ‘fan page’)!
