What is the Sprucelands riding experience all about?

Summer gave us a glorious day in full technicolor.

Yesterday was a picture perfect summer day. The sky was blue. Clouds floated freely here and there as if setting up an ideal photo just for you. I absolutely love when the weather is giving us just the right mix of warmth, color, humidity and breezes. It was the kind of day that made everyone feel lucky to be alive.

I worked on clearing more trails yesterday since I knew trail rides were beginning. In fact, I was in the schedule to take two rides out, first rides of the season. So I put in my ear plugs and went to work with the leaf blower. What a difference that makes!

I could be an advertizement for the company who creates those leaf blowers. It means I don't have to rake everything, even small sticks and stones are moved out of the way. No blisters on my fingers. More time for me to participate in camp, and then there's the reassurance that our trails are safe for riding fun. I personally celebrate leaf blowers!!! Can you tell?

Let's go over our saddle and bridle parts.

I popped by the barn and snapped photos of riders working together, morning and afternoon. Seeing the kids stand around a horse to talk about what will happen in a lesson or what just happened during a ride makes my day. Sometimes the kids are getting a lesson in treating a horse with respect and care. Maybe they are reviewing safety rules or tack parts. Other times they just like being with their horse, and in my book, that is the ultimate experience.

Watching riders after they have had a satisfying lesson is also terrific. Generally, they are relaxed as they cool their horse down because they just worked hard and found some reward in skills practiced or learned. Certainly there are times when a lesson is frustrating or a horse doesn't cooperate. That makes it all the more fulfilling when things go really well.

The cooling out connection.

It does take time to become totally comfortable in Sprucelands barn routines. Those who have their own riding routines at home discover Sprucelands practices may be slightly different. That takes some getting used to; it's easy to say, "But at home I do it this way."

Because our safety emphasis builds on the Camp Horsemanship Association (CHA) standards, I know we help riders realize reasons for safe conduct around horses. Could be a rider discovers new tips about horse handling that will come in handy when they return to their own barn. They just might change old habits. At least, it gives them a fresh perspective.

This of course is also the week when riders are trying out horses. Whether they are a returning camper or a new camper, they may never have ridden this horse before. Perhaps the riding staff has decided to challenge a rider's ability to steer a horse that doesn't want to stay on the rail, master a bouncy trot, or move a mare who is determined to stand still. One thing for certain: we continuously evaluate riders and horses so a rider is matched appropriately to an equine partner that will stretch their riding abilities.

Honey is every rider's best friend.

I have to admit that one of the things I like about working with horses is that every horse is different. I think I've mastered my riding and horse management skills. Then I connect with a new horse and suddenly the challenges are bigger or certainly unique.

Just like with people, needs, desires, determination, self esteem and confidence will change with each horse, and that stretches me as the rider to read that horse's personality so that we might become partners in the horsemanship experience. The big question: how can I connect, motivate, nurture, and succeed?

To walk our riders through the above realization means getting them to slow down and assess the horse matched to them. In our day and age when instant gratification is our normalcy, this means we can't treat a horse like a machine with buttons that automatically responds to our vision.

New horses, new discoveries.

It means finding the patience and taking the time to watch your horse in the herd, observe that same horse during feeding time and feel the vibes that come during a relaxed grooming and tacking up. Riders are invited to gather data about their horse so there is a mutual trust nurtured with clear boundaries and careful tenderness.

So the big adventure begins at Sprucelands as young people learn how to relate not just to each other but to their horses. With patience we guide riders to open themselves, allowing the beauty of their soul to find that same beauty within their horse. When that happens and the truest of true connections is made, pure joy helps a rider walk taller with their chin up and purpose in their step. Smiles add even more technicolor to the day, and the moment becomes a high point that is filed away in that scrapbook of riding memories at Sprucelands.

Share your comments about this post. I love hearing from you.

First Monday adjustments at Sprucelands

Campers are getting to know their horses.

Since we are having fun with the Finding Nemo theme, I guess I'd say we got into the swim of things on Monday. The first day is always a bit confusing for some as campers get used to the routines. At the same time, staff members are realizing their responsibilities and becoming comfortable with campers. So all the way around, it is a day of adjustments.

Much to the surprise of our barn staff, everything came off without a hitch. Because all the tack in the barn had been fit to horses last week, labeled and actually alphabetized in the tack room, there were no issues with finding tack. So barn block was a time to spend grooming and getting the horses dressed for lessons. Then riders enjoyed their first rides and instructors continued to evaluate them, making sure horse/rider matches were appropriate.

Gabby riding Navarre.

Some horses that are with us this summer are here for extra training and hours in the saddle. They are at first a challenge for better riders. As the summer progresses, those horses learn what is expected of them and can often be ridden by lower level riders. That's when we know each horse has made huge strides - pardon the pun - in their skills. It can be very satisfying.

Well...so getting the riding program up and running was a big part of Monday. Later we did evening program. It was a huge mixer of different kinds of tag which gave the kids an opportunity to interact even more with each other, expend excess energy, and laugh.

I know many were ready for bed last night. Walking up and down the road between the lodge, the barn and their cabins gives everyone plenty of exercise. Add in the stress of their first actual riding lessons. At the same time, they are all coming down off the pre-camp excitement with packing and travel to camp. Usually a full adjustment to camp life happens by Wednesday and then we're good to go through the next few weeks.

It feels good to be at camp.

Our wonderful campers seem happy as they work at building friendships with horses and cabinmates. I marvel at the dynamics that unfold in our cabin families and love the unending life lessons. But that's another post on another day. So I'll sign off this morning and scurry down to breakfast. Lots to do as I prepare to take out trail rides today.

Leave a comment as you pass through this blog. Love to hear what you are thinking.

Sprucelands invites you to our first Opening Day.

Feeding is an everyday responsibility when you're working with horses.

I can't begin to explain how much happened within the 24 hour period between Saturday and Sunday evening. There were finishing touches on camp to make sure we were in relatively tip-top condition for campers to arrive. Horses were fed again. That task is a constant responsibility day in and day out. Last minute meetings and lodge decorating, organization and hugs lifted us up, carrying us into the events of Opening Day. 

And then campers arrived, some with questions, others with smiles and enthusiasm. I saw a few just a tad nervous about saying goodbye to mom and dad. Fact is, parents can relax now because within a few hours we were moving ahead full tilt. Riding evaluations happened easily and when I left the lodge last night at 11:00, the riding staff announced they had finished arranging riding classes for Monday morning.

Friendships in the making.

I always like to snap photos of scenes I see around the lodge prior to supper. Besides, the purpose of this blog is to open windows into camp so parents can participate in the camp process. The blog also helps campers coming to later sessions see what we do here. Then quite naturally, there are readers who were campers here years ago. They love reliving memories.

Several gathered around the picnic table on the front lawn. A few were getting reacquainted while others who are first-timers at Sprucelands made new friends. It does happen quickly here. If you think you're a little shy, that doesn't last very long because we are definitely a friendly bunch.

Laughter between friends is so comforting.

I saw laughing campers and my heart felt good to see that laughter is back again. Sarah is terrific at genuinely sharing sincere, real giggles. I saw her at store time later to interact about her awesome riding evaluation. Her response: "I am so happy to be back and I love riding!" Her confidence has expanded three-fold. I'm so pleased Sprucelands has been part of her riding experience.

Counselors and campers connect easily here.

Counselors spent time talking to a wide variety of other campers, reassuring, answering questions, walking them through the routines of the day and easing them into camp life in general. And then of course, my dogs became best friends with others, connecting heart to heart and soul to soul, giving kisses and allowing pats that were reassuring in their own way.

I could give you 50 pictures here to tell the story of friends finding their way to each other. Probably the best is to tell you about our Opening Day evening program. There was a quiet start. Campers and staff were given 3 strips of paper and asked to answer 3 different questions. One of the questions was "How are you unique?" Campers sitting near me were a bit confused by that. I clarified. They answered the question and handed in their strip of paper.

Kisses make friends forever.

When the riding staff took that pile of papers, they started to read them off. "Okay. Stand up if you love your dog. This person loves their dog." And a whole bunch of campers stood up. Then another strip was read, "Stand up if you are new to riding." Then another, "Stand up if you are nervous about camp." And so it went until all of camp realized that in their uniqueness, there is common ground.

Suddenly the counselors entered the room in full costume to begin the Opening Ceremony honoring the Finding Nemo theme. There was all kinds of tropical island chatter, complete with campers passing through the ring of fire, and the assignment of teams for this session. Not to worry the ring of fire was a hoola-hoop with red shining streamers. LOL

The Finding Nemo theme has taken us over!

What was totally fun was how everyone participated in the goofy ceremony. It didn't matter whether a camper was anxious, hesitant, worried, or watchful about what was happening. We all jumped into the mix and the laughter was overwhelming.

So this is your introduction to the first session of camp. I hope you'll read along with us as the next few weeks progress. I think you'll get a kick out of all we do and how bonds are made between friends and horses that make a positive difference to how we view the world.

Leave a comment if you will. I'd love to know what you are thinking. 

A New Baby is born at Sprucelands.

I love watching new babies. They are so curious about little things and they love watching people. Their eyes come alive with wonder. In time as we all know, they learn to sit, crawl, walk, and run, emerging as their own person ready to tackle the world.

The barn is alive and fresh with CIT faces.

At the start of a camp season, it is very much as if a new baby is born. Wonderful things happen as the staff, CIT and horse combinations come together. Conversations about the year past and the summer ahead catch us up with where we are as we start the summer. Then we roll forward, getting organized, brainstorming new ideas, and planning the fun for campers who arrive on Sunday.

Yesterday I finished up school in the morning and then popped into the lodge where Hills Director Sue was engineering the most awesome and exciting transformation into our Finding Nemo theme. The lodge is looking like we are either under the sea or inside an aquarium. You take your pick.

Magical things are happening that will capture our imaginations for the summer. Thanks to Nancy our cook, we even have a live fish tank. It sits by the library bubbling away and no, we aren't going to eat those fish!

At the barn, the crew was fitting and refitting horses to tack. They hopped on horses that are new to see where they will fit in the riding program and what our goals need to be as we work with each one of them. Feeding and stalls were done. Jokes were shared.

Alie and Tarrah are making the riding program their own.

Later, Tarrah and Alie were actively organizing their riding program. They had terrific mentors in our previous Head Instructors Jamie and Alison. Now they are revisiting forms and coming up with interesting approaches that will help with planning and teaching.

I have to smile. Just seeing the riding staff work together feels so good. It's like normalcy returns to my life again. The staff is here. They are the life and breath of me each summer and I am so grateful.

I invite you to read the blog across the summer. Watch as our new baby - the 75th summer at Sprucelands Camp - is born, grows and matures. It will be a positively wonderful summer. I can feel it in my bones. Know that there are openings if in case you are bored at home and want to join us for a week or two. Just give me a call and we'll get you into the riding fun.

So I'm off to nurture the baby. Orientation meetings, lots of planning, scheduling and work projects happen today, bringing us together in all kinds of situations. I'm looking at lots of new fence boards that need painting. Not sure we'll get that all done by Sunday. No matter. Within the process and the newness of the season, the staff is getting their feet wet, learning to function together and discovering innovative ways to spark the Sprucelands spirit in you.

Leave a comment if you have a minute, and then check back because I will answer you.

Spruceland Links and Reminders to help you out.

New ad in Yellow Pages. Nice ad?

As I finish up my last day of school, I celebrate the completion of another year and the start of summer camp. Amazing. I don't know where the time went, but September led to June and here we are. Summertime. Summertime. Sum, sum, summertime.

I always love how summertime puts a bit of a skip in my step. Makes me remember days when I was a kid. Our report cards were handed out, the teacher made parting comments, we all said our goodbyes, and then the fun began. I think I ran all the way home.

Campers arrive this weekend between 2-4 in the afternoon on Sunday. Tomorrow and Saturday we have spirit building Orientation meetings for staff and CITs. At the same time, we have work projects and decorating to complete for the Finding Nemo summer theme. What fun. Lots of new fence boards have been hung and that means some painting before Sunday. We're in the process of moving bees out of one cabin and we're moving in more new horses. Lots to do.

Remember when you are checking in to camp, you need your camp forms: medical, rider release, homesick plan, community guidelines, and out of camp permission. They are all found by clicking here. Most important is the page of your medical that gives info about medications.

I want also to remind those of you who are coming to camp to bring any used books for our camp library. That's how the library started years ago. Campers and staff donated books they no longer wanted to keep. And so we have some terrific reading for afternoons when it would simply feel good to read under a tree.

Also, if you have grown out of your riding helmet and want to donate it to camp, we're happy to have them. They are especially helpful for our weekend riding clinics in the off season.
And remember to grab empty ink cartridges and old cell phones. I am amazed at how many cartridges we have turned in already. You can check out this link too if you need cartridges. We're doing our part in helping the planet through recycling.

For a reminder about directions to Sprucelands, read the blog post right below this one. It will really help you out. I promise. So guess I'm signing out now and doing my last morning at school. Then I'll be here for you and your questions, anytime. Hurray!

Leave a comment or ask a question below.

Ever wonder how to get to Sprucelands?

Read below for directons to camp.

As we prepare for camp, lots of things happen. Sometimes there are surprises and our getting to camp is compromised. Like sometimes we get lost getting here.

This is a quick post to remind you that as you plan your trip, you will need directions. Many of you reply with, "Oh don't worry. I have a GPS." Others will say, "I'll do mapquest."

Well, I am here to shout from the mountaintops that the GPS and mapquest will not bring you to our door. They often take our camp families on more roads than they need to and that makes the trip longer. They also do not take you to the right part of Pit Road.

Good directions will make you smile.

You see I am a local and so my directions will give you the fastest and quickest way to Sprucelands. AND - now this is a big AND - I will bring you to the right end of Pit Road so you actually get here and don't drive around for hours wondering whether Sprucelands actually exists.

Go to CONSULT MAP at the right of this posting. You will see a tab with those words: CONSULT MAP. That will show you exactly what end of Pit Road Sprucelands enjoys.

Also, right above the second map there are the words: CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE, CLEAR, SIMPLE DIRECTIONS. That click will take you to directions from the website that will enable an easy trip to camp. Look at your map and use them. It will help you out. Honestly, it will.

Comments make my day!

Father's Day Weekend

This weekend was all about my dad. In addition to celebrating Father's Day, it was our family's time to celebrate our dad turning 90. It was actually novel that dad's birthday and Father's Day were both on June 20th this year.

Out for a Sunday stroll on Father's Day.

In 31 years, I've never traveled away from camp the weekend prior to Opening Day. This year I did. I flew to Chicago on Saturday morning, met my sister from Seattle and her daughter, drove to Brownsburg, Indiana, spent Saturday night and Sunday, and flew home Monday. It was a bit of a marathon and we shared a day I will never forget.

Dad was in rare form. For starters, he was rested and well. He was thinking clearly and very much a participant in the day. He looked great, all decked out in clothes from a recent shopping trip. They fit him perfectly. His sense of humor made us all feel on top of the day. It felt good to be together.

Paying tribute to my dad is easy. He has been another of my very positive role models. Over the years, he has lived what he believes, always seeing the good in people and excited about their potential and possibilities, while challenging them to make choices that are honest and forward looking.

Pretty handsome couple, don't you think?

Dad loves to stimulate our deeper thinking. Even this weekend, we had a more serious time when dad shared a few thoughts that he jotted down after dinner. Before we all knew it, we were in a family discussion that opened our hearts and minds to each other.

Dad never gives up even in those times when he is physically uncomfortable. He keeps his body and mind active with daily excercises, gardening, working in his shop, and constant reading and writing on his computer. Sometimes he gets frustrated. I'm always glad to see that frustration though because then I know he celebrates the human experience just as I do. No matter what, he keeps on plugging one step at a time.

I learned a while back that my dad has not always felt good about himself and that totally surprised me. As a little girl, my dad could figure out anything. When I had a question, he had an answer. When something needed to be fixed, he could fix it. If we talked about current affairs or politics, he was knowledgeable. As I floundered in my own growing, he offered support. So learning that dad experienced personal inadequacies was a surprise and yet it gave me some comfort that my own personal struggles were okay.

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!

I love that dad keeps learning. He is always, always open to new ideas or concepts or even tricks with his camera or on the computer. While he has his own opinions and thoughts, he works very hard at hearing what others think so that he might learn something new or at the least, something about them.

He is also excited about living. I enjoyed a tour of his garden and at the same time listened as he and mom are bubbling about their upcoming trip to visit with my sister and her husband in Seattle, Washington. You know, that's really something to still be traveling at 92 and 90. My folks believe in order to make it to 100 they must always have something to look forward to, and so their journey to Seattle is part of the long life package.

Dad's birthday cake was a strawberry pie. Ummmm. Finger-lickin' good, strawberry pie. We all love strawberry pie with whipped cream and my Indiana sister is the best at putting it together.  So stop by for a minute. Make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy a piece of strawberry pie. Then you too may celebrate my dad and his optimism about the next ten years.  

Comments are welcome. I'm sure dad would love hearing what you have to say.

A different kind of work horse for Sprucelands.

Our riding arenas get a whole new look and feel.

For those who have ridden at Sprucelands over the years, you know about our constant battle with the footing in our rings. Years and years and years ago, we used a combination of paper and soil. Believe it or not, we did. Then we trucked in loads and loads of sand which seemed to solve the problem until the sand hardened. Since then I've wondered what to do next.

We purchased a drag for the four-wheeler. That kept the footing somewhat loose. It was particularly helpful before horse show days because it gave our rings a well-groomed look. The only problem with the drag is that it doesn't really dig deep enough to benefit the horses and make the ground soft.

This week we purchased a box grader that pulls behind the tractor. I wish I had known this existed years ago. It's wonderful. Last night we dug down six inches in Ring #1 and also the indoor arena. I have to say the aromas from the digging are definitely earthy and we did find some rocks, but the footing is deep and soft.

I'm thinking we need to give our box grader a nickname.

I am certain the horses will thank us. Their traction will be much improved. Their legs will work harder and feel better. Their feet will have a cushion and I know your ride will feel different.

So celebrate the box grader with me. I am calling it the miracle worker actually although I am eager to see how the rings are after another of our rainstorms. Hmmm. The jury is still out on that one.

Comments? You must have one about this addition to Sprucelands.

Thoughts about Sprucelands current crazy weather.

Heavy rains bombard Western New York.

It's crazy. I'm late for school and yet I feel this amazing draw to write you another message on the blog. This time I thought I would share our crazy weather here and my thoughts about all that.

June has been one of our wettest months in history. I keep hearing commentary about that fact on local TV and radio stations. Yesterday was a good example of how it has been.

I drove to school in amazing, downpouring rain. I can't explain how hard it was to see where I was driving. It looked like a snowstorm of rain. Ever seen anything like that? Well, obviously I made it to school and thanks to an umbrella was only soaked on my bottom half when I walked in the door.

I'm thinking these rains may be about something else.

About an hour later the sun came out. Beautiful billowing white clouds floated above. And within in the blinking of an eye, the skies turned dark, winds came up, and it rained very much like during my trip to school. Amazing! That pattern repeated throughout the day.

When I came home yesterday afternoon, it was sunny and bright outside. My thought of course was about the lake. Could it withstand that kind of rain? I am a worry-wart about our lake, especially since it is contained with a dam. I snapped photos for you to see how high the waters are in front of the lodge. The water is muddy and brown, yucky all the way around. The good news is the lake is still standing.

This morning when I woke I began to reflect on this weather. We had a terribly wet summer last year and I so don't want a repeat of that. We need blue sky and sunshine, no mud, occasional rain while we sleep, and a deliciously, delightful summer. If I could put in my order, that would be it.

Listen to the birdsong as it brings with it great joy.

I've been trying to come up with where all this rain is coming from. Is there a hurricane brewing somewhere? How about an erupting volcano? Sometimes that changes the weather pattern. And then I thought of a dear friend who until recently was healthy and is now entering hospices care.

Daily prayers are with him and his family as together they prepare for a new journey. Life is celebrated every moment and family photos bring cherished memories into view. In my heart of hearts I can't help but wonder if the entire universe has perhaps been shaken, flooding us with tears for this wonderful, close family. Their process continues and strong optimism is part of their everyday. So the sunshine peeks through once again and a bird sings to cheer them until the rains return.

Comments? Love them.

Want to meet two new Sprucelands horses?

Two new girls have checked in to camp already.

As I promised in the last post, I want to write about two new horses that came in Sunday morning. They were in Ring #2 getting used to the sights and sounds of Sprucelands when I snapped this photo.

I think you'll be amazed at how similar Brandy and Daisy look to our horses Sunrise and Kokomo. Brandy is the appy mare who is supposed to be excellent on trails and needs motivation in the ring. Daisy is the paint. She's about five years old, curious, and needing us to put hours in the saddle so that she has practice with her walk, trot and canter.

"Hi. My name is Brandy and I think I'm gonna like you."

Both horses seem like Sprucelands horses. They are from a family who has eight horses of their own. They also board about 40 horses. So they are too busy to give these ladies the work and attention they need over the summer. We are helping them out.

Our job is to love these lovely ladies, teach them, and send them home from camp with lots of stories to tell. And you know we all go home with lots of stories. That's the fun of camp.

Within my silly imagination, I do believe the horses stand at the hay bales in the pasture and talk about us the same way we talk about them. Just imagine the spin they would put on us as riders. I wish I was a fly on the wall. Rephrase that. I wish I was a fly on their nose so I could hear everything they say!

"Somebody says I look like Kokomo. He must be very handsome."

Anyway, welcome Brandy and Daisy into our fold. They will be here waiting for you on Opening Day. Meanwhile, we have bridles and saddles to find for them so they are all ready to go. Oh my gosh! I am getting so excited. The count down is here. Remember. Get your forms in order - medical especially - and bring them with you for check-in on Sunday between 2-4:00 p.m. I'll be there waiting for a hug!

Comments? Questions? Ask away.

Catching up from a Sprucelands weekend.

There's something wonderful about napping on the lawn in the sun.

My apologies. I've missed a few days on the blog. The weekend was busy with a good sized group on Saturday. Sunday we worked and played around camp...and then the fun began.

On Monday I had computer problems. How frustrating it is to fuss around with your computer, especially when you want to take a baseball bat and knock some sense into it. Had to uninstall and reinstall until I thought I was bonkers. Talked for what felt like hours to a guy in the Philippines.

In between all that 'hard work' however, I cleaned in my office. That was a project waiting to happen. Now my computer is working again and my office is looking better. LOL The Lord works in mysterious ways!

We woke up on Sunday to intense fog.

The weekend was filled with surprises. Friday evening several of my wonderful clinic helpers surprised me by coming early to help return all the mattresses to cabins. Since the forecast was for rain, that made sense. We worked quickly and fast and later enjoyed a lovely campfire with marshmellows. But then, guess what? Saturday turned into a beautiful summer day. No rain. Go figure.

Our Saturday group had a ball. They came from Hornell, rode horses, hiked around camp, surprised us all by playing in the lake, and enjoyed Nancy's delicious lasagna. It was great practice for camp. Best of all, everything in the lodge seemed to work okay and that is reason to celebrate. Ta-dah!

After the group left on Saturday, the clinic helpers played in the lake for hours. I don't think I've ever heard so much belly laughter in all my years at Sprucelands. Hope, Terra, Courtney, and Katie splashed each other and giggled while Chris crashed on the lawn for a nap and Lia and Alicia watched from the tire swing. I had so much fun listening to the kids as I visited with Nancy and Amy. What a wonderful day!

It was so good to see Lia smiling again.

Sunday we woke up to intense fog and misty wetness. It was eerie and beautiful at the same time. That fog stayed around for most of the morning. Two new horses arrived that I will introduce in a later blog, and then the clinic helpers had riding lessons. I continued to teach lessons in between drizzles for some of my wonderful riding students in the afternoon. It was a long day, but my helpers surprised me by feeding. That was a gift!

So we went from sunshine to fog and rain. The weather did not deter us. We worked and played, smiled and laughed. Chris enjoyed that great nap while we adults 'hung out' and caught up on genuine talk time on the front lawn. Guess it just goes to show that great friendships and attitude are everything. The fun is just beginning. Summer here we come.

Comments welcome. They and you make my day.

Here's a Sprucelands face that many of you will recognize.

Meet our summer barn manager.

This is a quick post. I wanted to share that Matt will be our barn manager this summer. He is all ready to tackle the job and give Lorie a break during July and August from the day-to-day off season challenges.

We met together this week to discuss the responsibilities attached to being a barn manager. Of course, Lorie will be training him so he will be an expert come camp time.

I know the list attached to barn manager responsibilities is longer than most of us realize and in the summertime, safety is prime. Matt will be overseeing camper and horse safety, especially as riders tack horses prior to lessons. He will also be motivating us to keep those stalls clean and you know how we all love to clean stalls!

Matt is a big brother to everyone.

Once we all get into the routines of the barn with feeding schedules and barn blocks, it will go quite smoothly. I am always amazed at how well organized we are. Matt is familiar with the need to meet scheduling demands. He is also planning to work alongside Lorie in the few weeks prior to camp so he reacquaints himself with any changes in horse routines and what the feeding requirements are for each individual horse.

Matt is very approachable and personable. He has matured considerably and now that he is a graduating senior faces the transition into college. Matt has also been working a carpenter/construction job during school this spring. He brings those skills to maintenance at the barn and that is enormously helpful.

I can't finish this post without saying that Matt has a playful side to him that makes everyone smile. He relates well to campers, jumps into the programs we run, and gets down and dirty with the rest of us. The photo below is of Matt after mud rugby last summer when the rains challenged our sanity. What a fun day that was!

Summer! Here we come!

So meet Matt. New campers, you now know the barn manager when you see him at camp. I know you'll be comfortable with Matt in this role and I know Lorie, our year round barn manager, will enjoy getting a bit of uninterrupted time with family over the vacation. See you soon!

Comments welcome. I'll bet a bunch of you have something fun to say about Matt moving into the barn manager role. Go for it! I'm sure he'll love reading what you write.

"I came to Sprucelands and never went home!"

This is one of those posts that offers up another 'thank you'. I just want to take a moment to let Yvonne know how much I appreciate her neverending enthusiasm for Sprucelands.

I've known Yvonne over a year now. Originally she brought her Girl Scout troop to Sprucelands for a fall weekend riding clinic. It was a beautiful, fun weekend and in passing I suggested she consider coming to summer camp as a Hill Parent, which she did, and we had a wonderful time. Consequently, she and her daughters have built a friendship that ended up with their pitching in over the winter with the horses.

Meet Yvonne in her Fella-loving mode!

A long time ago one of my Hill Parents said, "You know, I came for a scout clinic, and then never went home. I've been at Sprucelands ever since!" I guess it's safe to say there's something about Sprucelands that appeals to the child in us and we find ourselves wanting to be here. For some of us, that ends up a lifetime of fun and friendships.

With Yvonne it has been a friendship in the good times and the struggles. Supportive all year long, she stayed connected via email and telephone, acting as a liasion with other scout leaders, and constantly brainstorming ideas that benefit Sprucelands. I've been impressed with how she does the research to actually implement the results of the brainstorming.

Because of Yvonne's inspiration, Sprucelands collects expired ink cartridges and old cell phones and sends those in to be recycled. This benefits Sprucelands because we earn a small fee for each cartridge or cell phone. More and more people are getting on board with helping us out there. Often someone greets me now with a hug and then hands over their old cell phones or ink cartridges. Makes me laugh.

Yvonne has sparked my research into other ways to help Sprucelands during these down times. As a result, we now welcome you to shop at Amazon.com through our blog. That way camp earns money toward scholarships for campers who are unable to pay this year.

I encourage any or all of you to join our efforts. Encourage friends to shop here as well. We need to drive traffic into Amazon through our blog. When you are shopping, you might try out a website - http://www.pricetrace.com/ - because it will tell you on a day-to-day basis where to get the best price for a product you want to buy. Often it will direct you to Amazon.

So this is a thank you to Yvonne for being a cold weather friend, loyal supporter, Fella lover, and brainstorming buddy that boosts me on days when I need boosting and listens when I need to talk. Thanks for all your ideas. I look forward to working together again this summer when it's warm and we don't need to be bundled in six layers of fleece. It's right around the corner.

Leave a comment below if you have a minute.

Dust, rain and thanks at the Sprucelands work weekend.

These are our work weekend heroes.

Sprucelands was bustling with workers from Friday night until Sunday afternoon for our work weekend. I have to admit we worked mostly on Saturday. Sunday it rained us out and so we finished our chores at the barn, had breakfast at 11:30 a.m. and then most went home around 1 p.m.

There were a few who lingered. We hung out together and even watched a movie or two. It was fun. I've never done that on a work weekend before. I've not gotten rained out on a work weekend before either. I've also not been nursing a hurt foot. Sitting and allowing my foot to rest felt really good.

So what did we do on Saturday? We went through all the cabins, the washhouse and the clubhouse, sweeping, washing windows, vacuuming with the dri-vac. Since the villages had all their leaves blown into the woods previously with the leaf blower we did not have to rake. It was wonderful.

After working in the buildings, we worked at the barn. Tarrah and Katie K. supervised tack room cleaning and organization. Amazing. We are ahead of ourselves there. All the tack was labeled. Saddles and bridles were fit. More will be refit the week before camp. For now, we know what we have and what we need. That is so helpful.

Getting the winter dust out is major.

Miranda worked all day long with Hannah, Hope, and Alicia to wash down the inside of the indoor arena. It was a challenge because the hoses they used were pretty leaky, and yet the indoor looks brand new again. Thank you, girls! Chris and Daley tackled saddle pads and blankets, removing dust that settled in over the winter. Katie, Courtney, and Terra scrubbed buckets. I think a few of them also swept down some of the walls. That's always a not-so-fun job. Yet they stuck with it most of Saturday afternoon.

So we worked and chattered and took all the dirt from the barn and put it on us. Then we pigged out on pizzas for supper and did riding lessons in the evening till 10:30 p.m. I know I was tired at the end of the day and so was everyone else. It was a good day though and when I heard it pouring on Sunday morning, I was pleased we had done as much as we did on Saturday.

My thanks to everyone who helped out at work weekend 2010. You made a big difference to Sprucelands. Because of you we are more and more ready to welcome enthusiastic campers on June 27th. 

Leave a comment before you go on your way. Love hearing from you.

One horse leaves Sprucelands for greener pastures.

This was Hunter with Ozzy last summer.

About ten years ago, two horses came into Sprucelands. One was named Ozzy and the other Harry. For those who remember the old TV show with Ozzy and Harriet - and that dates me - this combination of names made us smile.

I want to write today about Ozzy. He has a brand on his right side. The brand says 'Oz' and so that's how he got his name. It also gives him character somehow. It's a pretty cool brand. Makes him stand out in the herd.

I originally rode Ozzy because he was hard to mount. We needed to work with him consistently until he would stand long enough for a rider to get on his back. He actually was afraid of the mounting block. Eventually he learned, however, and was a great ride with a positively wonderful trot.

Ozzy had other fears too. He was afraid of babycarriages. Daley will attest to that. When my grandchildren were riding horses ones holiday afternoon in the round ring, Daley enjoyed Ozzy. That was in the early days when Daley was quite a bit younger. The kids were having a great time until Ozzy saw a baby stroller.  He ran to the other side of the round ring to hide behind Fella. Just like that. He stood on the opposite side of the ring peeking out at all of us from behind Fella. It was actually pretty funny although it rattled Daley.

Daley enjoyed riding Ozzy as an older boy.

Ozzy was also afraid of dogs. When he was first at Sprucelands, he would sometimes kick out at them. He was particularly panicked by Pudge. He did okay with my black dog, Babe, but when he saw my white dog Pudge he almost jumped into my arms. It was something I could never figure out unless he thought I bleached Babe somehow making Ozzy believe Pudge was a ghost. Ozzy almost always side-stepped around Pudge.

Many of us love Ozzy. He was a favorite ride for campers and staff. He gave confidence and comfort at the same time. I loved photographing him because his photos always came out well. I guess it's fair to say that some people photograph well and so do some horses. Ozzy was one of my favorites.

I have had to make a hard decision about Ozzy. He needs to be retired from camp work because Lorie and I cannot keep him sound. He has been slightly off for a few years now, demonstrating stifle and back problems. His ability to move easily with a rider on his back has deteriorated even more to the point where tiny Bria is unable to sit on his back for a lesson. I would figure he now has arthritis issues. The horse chiropractor has worked with Ozzy but is unable to make him move without discomfort.

Bria loves Ozzy with a passion.

Ozzy has been the love of Bria's life. She graduated from Fella to Ozzy in the summer and then rode Ozzy off and on in the fall for lessons. Whenever I talk with her, she always asks about Ozzy, wishing he was her own, and so Ozzy has been retired to Bria's farm. Last night, Bria and her mom, Ann Marie, came with a horse trailer to move Ozzy to his new home.

I said my goodbyes to this wonderful friend. Thought I would give you a chance to do the same through this blog. I don't know if this is the last we will see of Ozzy. He is going to a farm where horses are worked with therapeutically and sometimes they actually get better.

Bria has asked if she could bring Ozzy back to camp if they can miraculously heal him. For now pray that Ozzy will do a turn around so that at least little Bria will be able to ride him again and maybe just maybe we will have a chance to say a hands-on farewell.

Comments? Love to hear what you're thinking right now.

Like meeting new horses? Sprucelands has one for you.

Hello new friends. I'm Kayne!

We have a new horse at camp. His name is Kayne and he belongs to a lady named Desiree who lives in Nevada right now. She needed a place for Kayne this summer and so he is keeping us company at Sprucelands. It just somehow makes sense to send your horse to camp for the summer, doesn't it?

Kristen and Alie found Kayne. I think he was advertized on the internet, although I could be mistaken. They went to visit Kayne. They rode him and fell in love. I saw them soon after they made his acquaintance and these starry eyed girls said, "Kayne just has to come to camp. We love him and you will too."

You certainly look like we're going to get along.

I didn't quite know what Kristen and Alie meant, but yesterday Kayne arrived. He settled right in, making Buddy a new friend. I went up to the barn last night like the welcome wagon lady to meet and greet this new camper. My goal was to take a photo so I could introduce Kayne to you this morning.

Well, now taking a photo was a major undertaking because Kayne is sooooo friendly. He wouldn't stay in the middle of the ring with Buddy eating hay. He wanted to nuzzle and cuddle. He was curious about the camera! I ended up snapping fuzzy pictures of his nostrils instead of a full body picture. No matter where I walked along the fenceline, Kayne would follow. When I began to laugh, I knew this was just the horse for all of us to play with this summer. Finally I put the camera down to pay attention to this wonderful, new equine friend of ours. He is a doll. Kristen and Alie were right.

Kayne and I visited for almost an hour. We talked about camp routines and I told him all about you campers. What was really interesting was how Buddy kept getting between the two of us. He didn't want me to have anything to do with Kayne or maybe he didn't want Kayne to have anything to do with me or maybe Buddy wanted some attention which is strange because Buddy is not one to visit much. Boy that was a long sentence! Still it was an interesting visit. I finally decided Buddy wanted Kayne all for himself.

"Kayne! Stop talking! You're my friend. Now get over here and eat!"

Horses are such fun to know. I talk often about the "Z-element". That is one of our safety rules. When we do safety rules from A to Z, the very last safety rule emphasizes that every horse is different. Just because you know how to ride and get along with one horse doesn't necessarily mean you can ride all horses or get along with each and every one. Every horse is as different as every person is different.

I think that's one reason I love working with horses. When I think I've learned one horse well, I feel great. Then I meet a new horse and it's like starting all over. I have to learn what makes that horse tick. What are his or her cues when I ride? How do they get along in the herd?  Do they make friends easily? Is this a horse that likes to be groomed and will stand on the cross ties? Will this horse be a partner for me when I am teaching you?

So I am starting with Kayne. His owner can tell me what he is like, but I have to discover Kayne for myself just as you will want to discover him.

He appears to be at least 16H tall, maybe taller. He is a dark bay with a wonderfully full mane that makes him look like a rock star. His stride is long and easy and he has a very kind eye. For me, that is the key to first knowing this horse. His eye. It says he is trustworthy and loyal, willing to learn and easy to work around. "Just love me," says Kayne, "and I'll be your best friend in the whole world."

I can already tell this summer will be a wonderful adventure.

Thanks to Desiree for sharing your rock star with us at Sprucelands. We will keep you posted from time to time on how Kayne is doing with us at camp. Right now, he is settling into the herd with all the sounds and routines of the barn.

I had to laugh last night, one of the cats was playing with the barn door in the indoor arena and Kayne almost ran and hid. When he saw it was the cat, then he was curious and suddenly the cat was totally fascinating to him. This is going to be a fun summer. I can tell. I'm so glad Kayne has come to our summer camp. Thank you, Desiree!

Comments? What do you think about Kayne?

Sprucelands clinics with old friends feel so good.

These were three wonderful troops.

With the clinic this weekend, it felt as though we were working with old friends. Three troops joined together to make their weekend possible. Some riders and leaders had been here before and I do believe we will see them again. We had such a good time.

This is a group that connects immediately with our clinic helpers. They ask questions of our helpers about horses. They get to know the helpers as individual people and have a sense of humor when talking with them. They hold our hand and give us hugs. There is lots of quality, genuine interaction and it continues throughout the weekend. Awesome.

Just a horse and a girlfriend.

I love also how these scouts connect with the horses. They are tender and gentle. They talk to the horses as if they are a personal friend. I catch glimpses of them leaning against their horse and the horse is dozing off, completely relaxed and somehow reassured that this is a person to value. They spontaneously hug their horses, seeming to cherish every moment of their horsemanship experience. It's fun to watch.

These scouts also have a terrific comraderie with each other. I hear them chitter-chattering together about how their horse did this or their horse did that. Sometimes they talk about how excited they are with what they are going to do next or how happy they are with steering their horse. It doesn't matter the topic, they love to talk and share and giggle together.

There was always something to talk about.

We did our gymkhana on Sunday morning. I always break the kids into teams. Since there were 20 riders this time, we had four teams of 5 riders. After I assigned them their horse - Honey, Fella, Patti or Thunder - they were asked to collaborate as a team and figure out who was going to do what task.

They had 15 minutes to get their horse to the indoor arena. So that meant they needed to decide who was going to pick the stall, who was going to groom, who was going to get the tack, etc. This bunch of girls were very efficient with figuring all that out and they were ready in about 15 minutes flat. That's pretty amazing when you realize that many of these girls were kindergarten age.

The horse show gave the girls a chance to shine.

We had lots of moms here this weekend. They were as much fun as the girls. I loved how supportive they were to the girls learning fun. I also appreciated that they allowed the girls to do their work independent of mom. That makes such a difference to what the girls learn. When they have to do it themselves, they really take ownership of all the skills we teach them.

At the closing horse show, we had a large group of supportive parents as well. Families appeared in record numbers for a weekend riding clinic show. Cameras clicked as riders rode. The girls were so proud to show what they had practiced all weekend.

Give me just a moment of your time.

This was a clinic we hated to see end. The weather was great. Friendships felt real. The horses cooperated just fine. Our clinic helpers came through in numbers. I thank them all, especially as they were heroes and role models to the girls. I do hope we see this group again. They have a special place in our hearts.

Comments are welcome should you have a minute. Sprucelands invites you to be a follower of this blog and also to give us your support by shopping on Amazon.com. Thanks.