A personal thank you to our riding staff.

Our riding staff participates everywhere.

Before moving on, I want to pause and applaud our riding staff. They are doing such an excellent job this year. They manage safe horse and rider matches. That is so important to the success of a good riding program. On top of that, they schedule classes and teach lessons while overseeing trail rides and drill team.

If that isn't enough, they also participate in and help with evening programs. There is not a day goes by that our riding staff isn't moving forward with a smile, investing in campers, riders and fellow staff.

I think of the job they are doing and the people they are. Their growth has been real and genuine. They are dedicated, sensitive, get-it-done gals that have a huge investment in making sure that Sprucelands has a quality, caring program.

What is wonderful for me is looking at how these little girls have grown into young women. I started with them seven or eight years ago, teaching them to ride while watching them grow through different roles: clinic helper, counselor, riding instructor. Now they are touching the very core of our camper spirit. They are running the show, quite literally, and I am so proud of them. Just look at how they make their riders smile.

While standing back and having my own feelings about all this, I have a sense that life is taking them full circle as well. They teach. They plan out those drill team patterns. They support and then judge riders, all the time applauding accomplishments and giving feedback. Their kind, very caring input, helps their students grow.

Don't you wonder what they are thinking?

When they stand at the fence to view the results of their hard work, they cannot help but think that all this is happening because of their commitment. They have given riders skills. Those riders will take those skills with them and use them as they might, joining equestrian teams or showing or riding trails and handling horses safely.  As good teachers, they can enjoy the fruits of their solid leadership.

Hats off and thank you to Tarrah, Alie and Kristen.

One day years from now, I do believe Tarrah, Alie and Kristen will reflect on this and other summers. I pray they realize how their positive attitude influences all Sprucelands. When they get notes from campers in the future, I know they will smile because camp was in their life and they joined with me to make a huge difference in rider confidence one day at a time.

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