Safe horse and rider matches are important.

Continued evaluations really help with assessing riders and horses.

Tuesday's barn routines went very smoothly. Amazes me how in just two days our riders know what to do and when to do it. That gives me confidence - and it should be reassuring to you parents - that our riding staff  is well organized and able to give clear messages to both campers and horses.

You will recall the riding evaluation on Sunday afternoon right after check-in to camp. So that you know, the riding evaluations continue through Wednesday. Instructors make themselves very aware of rider/horse matches with an eye for reading whether the assigned horse/rider combinations are safe. Safety after all is our first priority.

The smiles are back.

Then we instructors assess whether the horses are challenging their rider. In other words, if that rider needs to work on her leg, will that horse enable her to do so? If that rider is working on asserting herself to be better at steering, will that horse help the process along? And if that rider over there is attacking the whole concept of better balance, do we have her matched to a horse that will build confidence?

All the time, our riding staff is asking questions of their horse/rider combinations so riders accept the challenge and meet with success. Sprucelands is not about the business of scaring people. Sprucelands is most concerned with strengthening skills, introducing new approaches, and giving practice. Along the way, we live in hope that riders learn the joy of connecting with their new equine friends.

Comments from you make my day.