TRF Summer Camp- Day 1

Well, today was a very hot day…to say the least. I felt like I was baking out in the sun for 8 and 1/2 hours today. But, I did not die. 

Being day 1 of camp, all of us counselors got kid and horse assignments. This week, I have Jennifer (the kid) and Tomahawk (the horse). They are quite a funny pair. I enjoyed spending time with both of them. This camp is different from the others because it is made up of campers that have been riding for several years. So…it’s kind of like a “boot camp.” They’re learning how to tack up by themselves, learning more advanced riding skills, and figuring out what it takes to run a barn. 

We had a grooming contest first thing this morning. We did not win, but Tomahawk did look lovely, and he had a very clean nose. We only lost because there wasn’t enough conditioner in his tail. Darn it. After the grooming contest, the kids went outside to ride bareback. They absolutely LOVED that. Then, they got to switch horses and they loved that even more. My favorite part was when Ms.Cathy told the campers to get off and told the counselors to pick a horse and jump on. (Imagine that)  I rode Tomahawk for a while, and then rode double with Jennifer. It was fun, but I was so nervous having a little one holding onto my back while I was in control of a horse that had probably never had two people at on his back at one time. I was just praying that he didn’t do anything crazy. 

After lunch, the kids went searching for hidden horseshoes, colored for a while, cleaned stalls, and played on the slip n’ slide. It was great fun. 

I think that tomorrow is trail riding day. Doesn’t a trail ride require counselors to ride as well? Maybe Sky will get to go on a little adventure. She is always the designated leader in trail rides because she is quite fast. haha. Well, we will see what tomorrow brings. I’m actually pretty excited!