When Summer officially ends, camps take on a new life and role! For Pompositticut Farm Day Camp, we shift gears slightly and become a “farm” again where the focus is on the horses and ponies who have devoted their summer to the campers. Like people, they too must keep in shape, eat properly and exercise. It’s a win-win situation for them and the children who continue with horseback riding lessons into these autumn months. In fact, we begin receiving requests for Fall Riding Lessons during the camp season. Families are already anticipating those beautiful autumn days when it is ideal to be involved in outside activities. Gone is the summer humidity, replaced with breathable air, bluer skies and mild evenings.
Afternoons find the farm filled with children who have registered for Fall Riding Lessons. These lessons begin the week of Labor Day and continue right up until Thanksgiving. There are no limitations in age or skill levels for taking lessons, just a desire to learn. Our licensed and skilled instructors are capable of teaching the first-time rider right through to those who are confident in their jumping abilities. Many of our participants are past and present campers who are eager to continue riding those horses/ponies they have been riding during camp.
Apparently, parents are finding they too can enjoy what their children have been experiencing on horseback by taking part in riding lessons themselves. One busy, working mother said she had taken lessons many years ago and this was something special she was “doing just for herself”. She had specifically adjusted her work schedule to take part in these lessons. Along with a friend, these two ladies are exercising, relearning a past skill, sharing time together and setting goals for themselves!
As summer officially ends, so many opportunities abound! The riders are not only learning how to ride but they are learning responsibility, commitment and caring for a living being. They are building upon personal confidence, independence and maturity. They are strengthening friendships, meeting new people and conversing with adults. Summer may have officially “ended”, but for many it’s a new beginning!