Cadette Girl Scouts made our weekend clinic memorable.

Sprucelands Forever! Yes! Yes! Yes!

There are weekend clinics and then there are weekend clinics. Last weekend as it turns out was our last scout clinic of the season, and it was a wonderful clinic with Cadette scouts from the Hamburg area.

I celebrate this particular group of scouts because they trudged on and on in the pouring rain, eager to learn about and care for horses. Their attitude was positive and upbeat. As we walked them through the process of the whole horsemanship experience, they accepted challenges and gave us a smile.

I didn't take too many photos this time around, mainly because of the rain. I am sorry about that whereas this bunch was such fun. So I share with you the photos I have, applauding the efforts these girls put into their relationships with each other and their horses.

Even in the rain, Patti was the center of attention.

Honey, always the queen, was treated like one.

Thunder has a subtle way of being the best.

This was one of those weekends when the clinic helpers felt a connection with the scouts. At first - on Friday night - the helpers were a little nervous. They realized the girls in the troop were their own age and worried that somehow the scouts wouldn't listen or respect them. But since this was a unique group of girls, they listened well and the helpers confidence was bolstered, especially as they realized the troop had a fun sense of humor.

We came away from this weekend wishing the scouts would consider becoming clinic helpers. Since they don't live too far from Sprucelands, it is definitely something they could consider. These scouts have a Sprucelands attitude, one we would be proud to share over time. I of course attribute that to their fine leaders who encourage independence and provide outstanding role models for what it is to be a respectful adult.

The Sprucelands clinic helpers and I say 'thanks' to these Cadette Girl Scouts from Hamburg. You are definitely people who enjoy loving horses, connecting in a way that is genuine and real. And even more special, you enjoy connecting with each other. That is priceless.

Comments from you are always welcome.

This is Sprucelands in the fall. Just beautiful!

Sprucelands pasture in October. Isn't it beautiful?

Many of you have written to ask how camp looks in the fall. What I'd like to do in this post is share Columbus Weekend with you, at least some of it.

On Thursday night my parents arrived, having driven from Indianapolis to Sprucelands at the admirable ages of 91 and 93. May I live that long. They came to celebrate my birthday on Friday. My sister and her husband also surprised me so we had a fun time. Of course, the joke of the day is always, "I can't believe I have a daughter this old," at which point I turn it around on my parents and we all have a good laugh.

Perfect day for a perfect ride.

One of the other reasons my folks make the journey is to see the colorful leaves. Interestingly, the leaves were just starting to turn this year on Thursday and Friday. By Monday and Tuesday however they were gorgeous. Reds, yellows, and oranges mixed in with fading greens and browns. I always badmouth sumac in the summer but in the fall it turns bright, flaming red.

Tsz and Katie popped out over the weekend to ride Shiloh and Ellie. Katie happened to be home from college for the long weekend. You can see in their photo that the leaves were just starting to turn. The girls had a pleasant ride in ring one. Ended up riding bareback after working their horses for quite a while. With warm temperatures adding comfort to the day, it was like summer in technicolor.

Just look at the beauteous yellows on those trees in front of the barn.

Many of you know the summer views of camp: the round ring, the pasture, standing and looking at a panorama of the parking lot, indoor arena, over toward rings 1 and 2, ring 3. Well all of that is so bright with fall colors right now that it's almost breathtaking. I didn't think this fall was going to be very colorful what with the mix of pouring rain and dry stretches this summer. Doesn't seem to have made a difference. We are in glory here.

I hated to see the weekend end. My parents and I had another pleasant visit. I am thinking they will live forever and that's okay with me. They give me permissions about living that are courageous and motivating. My mom keeps telling me to think big, wishing Sprucelands a strong future, and so I keep at it one year after another. We have so many good people involved with Sprucelands. Together we know we are making a difference because we believe in the potential within young people.

These are my parents at 91 and 93. Aren't they wonderful?

I finished up the weekend with a long awaited photographer's visit to the Genesee Country Museum over near Caldeonia, NY. My goodness! What an experience that is. I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves hands on experiencing of the riches of history.

Back to camp from my picture taking adventure, I taught a riding lesson to a brand new beginner student and I realized one more time that I am a person who loves investing in the confidence building that evolves through that kid-horse connection. I hope like my parents I can live forever.

Comments from you make my day.

Clinic Helpers give their heart to Sprucelands.

I love to brag about these guys. They are terrific!

Clinic helpers are the backbone of the Spruceland weekend riding clinics. They dedicate themselves to teaching new riders, giving up their weekends to make certain the whole horsemanship experience is available to those who want to learn.

I cannot say enough about these helpers. Many started when they were young. Others are brand new this fall. I watch them grow, mature, take on leadership challenges, and then in teaching mode reach out to the scouts.

Every once in a while, there is a challenge. Like a rider is fearful and cries when they first sit on a horse. Still, the helpers accept the challenge and by the end of the weekend, fear is no longer an issue. That rider is steering her own horse and sitting up tall, proud to be in the saddle. Having conquered her fear, she now loves horses, a love that comes from her clinic helpers.

Clinic helper connections with the scouts are priceless.

Our helpers are positive role models. The girl scouts look up to them. That is a fact. Comments the helpers make are taken to heart, especially as the helpers hand out courage to those who need it and praise to those who welcome it. Even more than that, the scouts want to be like the helpers. It is obvious in the way they interact across the weekend. I marvel at the connections that happen. They are priceless.

In September our special needs adults truly love the helpers that keep them safe, welcoming us all back into their hearts and lives during yet another weekend clinic. We have so much fun just being ourselves with these folks. That particular weekend has evolved into a popular reunion every fall.

You should hear these guys sing...maybe at the talent next summer.

What I enjoy is the camaraderie that develops among my helpers. They laugh, sing, play, and share stories that brighten my week and keep their perspectives upbeat. I applaud their optimistic view of the world. I appreciate how they include me in the fun and treasure the memories we've made this year. They will last a lifetime, that's for sure!

So we have two more clinics in October. One this coming weekend and one on the 21st weekend. Can't believe the clinic season is nearly complete. Should anyone want to come participate with us in the clinic fun, just give me a call or send me an email at spruceland@gmail.com

What we would say to you is this. If you are the kind of person who loves horses and wants to connect those horses to kids, we want you to join us. Sprucelands is where horses and kids thrive. In the process, we grow, and that's beautiful. Come make a difference with us.

Your comments are always welcome.