Kids show off skills learned at horse camp

The Devonwood Farms Summer Horse Camp at Deerwood Stables held its end of the week show Friday afternoon. Several of the students returned for their second week at the camp.

The students participating in this week's camp were confident and comfortable and were not the least bit intimidated with the show atmosphere, as they were more than happy to show their grandparents, parents and siblings what they had learned over the course of the week.

One of the students had ridden previously for nearly four years, and she was given two horses to ride, said Wendy Garrett, Devonwood Farms. The other girls were novices, but, at the end of the week, they were able to tack up their horses, lead them to the arena and ride, she said.

"It's been great to see them get familiar and comfortable with the horses," said Garrett. "They were all a little nervous at first, grooming them, and now they're stepping right up there, and they're moving them around in the barn and tacking them up. You can see the progress they're making."

Friday's horse show featured the campers negotiating an obstacle course, where the riders weaved in and out of cones.

"They're in charge, not the horse," said Garrett. "They're giving the horses baths and driving the mini (miniature horse). I'd trust any of them to go into a stall and tack the horse up. Our goal is to get them self-sufficient by the end of the week. A lot of the kids are visiting their grandparents, and this is what their grandparents have decided to give them. It gets them out of the house, keeps them busy and gives them the opportunity to spend the rest of the day with their grandparents."

Sharon Smith's granddaughter's interest in horseback riding compelled Smith to send Teddi Cook to the camp. Teddi rode in Walterboro last week.

"I think it's wonderful; she's learned a lot," said Smith. "She's been going horseback riding where she lives."

Madeline Clark continues to improve as a horseman and has found the camp to be very beneficial.

"We love it; it's been a wonderful experience," said Joanne Clark, Madeline's grandmother. "This is her second week, and everyday she wakes up, you can see how she's progressed. She's never ridden by herself, so this is wonderful. She loves it."

The camp continues next week.

Devonwood Farms Summer Horse Day Camp at Deerwood Stables is located at 4627 Whiskey Road.

For more information, call 502-1000 or 270-7626.

Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.