Weekend Spirit

This last weekend was the best. Temperatures were in the 70's like summertime. Our girl scouts were enthusiastic and ready to learn about horses. Clinic helpers connected with the girls and took initiative across the weekend with everything that needed doing. And on top of all that, Lisa, Tarrah and Julie surprised us with their presence. It was a totally awesome weekend of fun and learning.

I promised the girl scouts we would put some of their photos on the blog. Many of my photos turned out well because the girls were so 'into' their horse experience. They also connected nicely with each other and with their leaders and moms. I loved the feeling they interjected into the time we shared together.

I always get a kick out of watching the girls work hard at gathering their tack, learning saddle and bridle parts, tacking up their horses, leading, and then riding. They are so intent on sharing the responsibilities and applying what they know to their beloved horse friends. What is particularly rewarding is watching riders who are nervous or scared at the start become totally comfortable with the horses across the weekend.

Because this group of scouts invested so much of their energy and enthusiasm in their horse experience, they made their safety rules part of them. If ever they choose to have their own horse, I believe they will think about that safety and also about the financial responsibilities of horse ownership. We spent time discussing finances and budget along with horse care so they will look beyond the beautiful horse and into what is really involved.

On Sunday many purchased t-shirts and then after the horse show we took our final photo on the mounting ramp. Everyone shared our Sprucelands cheer and then sadly parted ways for home. I dare say these girls will have Sprucelands in their hearts for years to come because they allowed themselves to invest in their horse experience and they enjoyed every moment. Our clinic helpers inspired them with the priceless Sprucelands spirit!

For the benefit of the girls and moms in the troop, your photos are now in place at the Sprucelands internet store. Go to the following address and check them out: http://www.spruceconnect.etsy.com. Enjoy!

Miracles Happen

Miracles happen everyday. We are very fortunate here at Sprucelands because we see miracles often. Whether it be with the horses or just day-to-day operations, time gives us miracles and often we are amazed. So in this blog entry we want to recognize a few miracles and give thanks.

This last week out of the blue a local family donated 200 bales of hay to our horses...just because. It was a gift that took us totally by surprise. The timing was perfect because our hay supply was getting really low.

Now the horses are enjoying every morsel of that wonderful hay. In fact, I think I heard them purring today as they munched and crunched their Easter treat. I cannot say enough how pleased we are with this gift. It is a demonstration of overwhelming thoughtfulness. Thank you.

Another miracle is my Saturday Club. You've heard me talk about these girls before. In fact, they've been on the blog a number of times as I recognize their hard work and dedication.

Well, they showed up this last weekend after the second load was delivered and so I challenged them to use their strength. They pitched in and helped me move all 100 bales.

Ten bales at a time we piled into the bobcat scoop and then unloaded and stacked them in the aisles of the barn. After a few breaks, lots of conversation and a little moaning, we found the bottom of the pile. That was when we applauded each other, flexed our muscles, cheered for a job well done, and realized that a hot shower would feel good.

So here's to the miracles that evolve from our friendships. How fortunate we are to know each other. Trust me when I say the hay and the Saturday Club are treasured gifts for which I am very grateful. Thank you for making my day.

Wonderful Scout Weekend

Our first Girl Scout Clinic happened the last weekend in March. Thankfully the newest round of snow waited until that weekend was complete. Weather-wise we lucked out. Saturday was lovely; Sunday it rained but stayed fairly warm.

We had a terrific time with this troop from the Penfield area. The girls were awesome, eager to learn and ready to ride. I loved how nicely they related to the horses. Every girl was tender, caring and they easily honored the safety rule about praising their horse often.

I of course love watching the girls interact with the horses. Periodically one of them would reach up and pat their horse or stretch down and give their new buddy a hug. This happened frequently with these girls, and it felt good. We had a positive rapport with them along with lots of giggles and singing during the gymkhana.

It was also interesting to watch the horses. They've been pretty much on their own - just horses being horses - across the winter. Days come and days go. There are lessons on Thursdays and Saturdays, but aside from that they only have each other to spice up those doldrum days around the hay manager. And what do they do except pull off each other's halter and bury it in the mud or hide it for us to find. That's an ongoing game!

So this clinic was a positive end to the month of March. It picked up everyone's spirits.

The horses perked up their ears and fell asleep while being groomed. Clinic Helpers were the best ever, taking initiative to help where help was needed without being asked. Pudge enjoyed extra rubs behind the ear and Lily was crazy in love with all the attention she got.

We have more clinics this spring than last. That's really exciting. When you think about it, what better way to connect with a group of friends than to interact with horses and each other at a Sprucelands Weekend Riding Clinic. Girl Scouts earn their horse badges as they practice safe horsemanship, but any group of 15 or more benefits from this total horse experience.

Greetings to any scouts from Penfield who enjoyed our March clinic. Thanks for working so well together and for loving our horses.

Vacation Time

It's finally vacation time and I'm sighing relief from the stresses of school, reports, and busy routines. I have hoped we would find a break in the weather. So far we have had snow again: five inches last Saturday and three inches yesterday. We look at each other and say, "When will this end?" The snowing and blowing hides any new green grass that's out there.

For a while we were seeing high waters from thawing snow. There were hints of green with robins and red-winged blackbirds in the trees. Geese on the pond honked loudly that they were back and making their families, but lately it feels like the storm clouds have blown in and even our winged friends are hiding until the sun returns.

I did let everyone know on facebook that we had a newsletter up on the website. You can find that newsletter easily in pdf format by going to the camper news page and jumping on the link to the newsletter. I am in the process of putting another newsletter together for spring and will notify you as soon as that is in place. All newsletters are found at: http://www.sprucelands.com/camper_news.html.

Meanwhile,camper registrations are coming in. Feels good to be hearing from you all about your summer plans. Looks like there is some hustle and bustle about summer out there in the land of sunshine and blue sky!

I'm very excited about the Dr. Seuss theme. Seems like many of the staff are sharing that enthusiasm as well because they are brainstorming about decorating and program ideas. Long live Dr. Seuss!