You don’t need to be a competitive rider to still have fun and challenging adventures on a horse. The riders involved in Pompositticut Farm’s Fall Riding program found that out on November 11th. Having a day off from school, 14 of our riders joined past and present instructors for an equestrian day at Crane Beach. With 6 ponies in tow, two trucks and several cars, the caravan of eager riders and on-lookers arrived at this gorgeous beach in Ipswich, MA.
Although it was a windswept day, the fairly warm breeze and bright sunshine kept everyone in great spirits. Children, staff and parents assisted in setting up “camp” on the beach. It was remarkable how cooperative, respectful and fun-loving everyone was! Riders not only shared the ponies but supportively shared their time riding, along with snacks and laughs too. In between rides they socialized and played on the beach while patiently awaiting their turn. Despite the windblown sand there were no complaints and everyone was amazed the day had passed so quickly.
Included in this outing were several of our former and present riding instructors. Previous Riding Directors, Lauren Surowiec and Carolyn Halfpenny gladly joined this amiable group as well as Paris Wilkins who had travelled from the UK and stayed for this particular event. Day Camp and licensed riding instructor Lisa D’Angelo, now a college student, had had previous riding adventures on Crane Beach and assisted with coaching the novice beach riders throughout the day. Fall riding instructors Nikki Weynberg and Allison Crouse joined their students in trotting down the flattened beach, with the students displaying their improved riding skills. What a proud moment for these talented instructors to see first-hand how much the children had learned and could apply their skills on the beach.
From everyone’s reaction, the outing was a huge success. Not only did it allow the children to enjoy a day at the beach, but riding there helped build their confidence. They rode next to and with their instructors, to whom they look up to and respect. They challenged themselves to be on an equal level as the instructor by proudly and successfully riding in a group. For all of these young equestrians, this was the first riding outing they had ever done, let alone on a beach! What a positive impact on their overall growth and maturity!
See for yourself some of the great times we had at:
https://pompositticutfarm.smugmug.com/
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