Some of you probably already see me post about this on FB, but I wanted to share this with those who haven't heard about this.
On Saturday, I took Gavin to a one-day horse camp up off of the Little Creek exit of 79N (just past Zelienople). The farm is called C & G Ranch and they are about 5 miles from the exit.
Gavin has been asking to ride a horse for a while now, but I was struggling to find a place who would take kids under 7 or 8. Well, an acquaintance of mine told me about this place and how her daughter went last year. The camp was from 10a-4p, followed by a potluck dinner for the families and a bonfire. We didn't leave until close to 7pm. They fed the kids lunch, snacks, taught them how to ride, how to feed and care for the animals. They also did a craft.
The cost was $75.
The owners and all of the staff, from the teenagers helping with the camp to the stable hands, were INCREDIBLE. So, so patient with the kids (especially since Gavin was nervous and upset about me leaving). When I picked him up he came running over and couldn't wait to show me how he rode. Then he led me around the ring on the horse. They said he learned very quickly and even got the one horse, whom they've been having a hit-or-miss time training to turn in a box, to do it on his own. He was so proud of himself and now he wants to take lessons.
The grounds, and the horses, were just stunning, too.
Anyway, they have a couple of more camps coming up:

My three sons!
Re: Horse Camp - Rave
Thanks for sharing! I think Noah would love to do something like that. And I'd also like to get him on a horse before he becomes afraid. I am terrified of horses...and it's likely because my mom is afraid. (And her mom was afraid!)
I want to break the cycle, and teach him that if you know the proper way, horseback riding can be a lot of fun. I am so afraid that several times when I've been out and "oh, let's go horseback riding" has come up (in my younger days), I would sit in the car or stable and wait for my friends.
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11