Youth Horse Camp!
Saturdays, September 15, 22, 29 and October 7, 2007


More Camps coming up, check out our Upcoming Events for future dates!

A different kind of camp
Saturday, September 17, 2007 - The first Saturday of Youth Horse Camp

12 noon to 2 p.m. - Horsemanship
2 to 2:30p.m. - Archery
2:30 to 3 p.m. - Snack Break
3 - 3:30 p.m. - Nature Walk
3:30 to 4:25 p.m. - Spear Throwing
4:15 to 4:30 p.m. - Braiding and Knot Tying
4:30 to 5 p.m. - Sword Practice


A total of 6 students arrived, ready to have some fun! Their ages ranged from 12 to 16 years. They were Shane Tracy, Chris Burk, Austin Warren, Sabina Warren, Chris Groscoff, and Jessie (who's last name disappeared from my notes!).

Some of the kids I had worked with before, some I hadn’t. We got started brushing horses at 12:30. Then I gave summary of how to lunge and drive a horse and demonstrated with Randa, our Percheron/Norwegian Fjord crossbred mare. After each segment we had students giving it a try. Next, I briefly showed the students how to ride bareback and it was off to get their horses ready!

They all elected to ride bareback, so that we did. The students took turns in the ring working on their horse control. This included starting, stopping and turning. We also worked on their balance. It was challenging and fun at the same time.


The Archery Class was conducted by John Moore, a former Special Forces Archer. He did a fine job giving everyone some interesting facts about archers of the past, before beginning the instructions and practice phase. Last there was a little friendly contest. Several of the students showed a lot of concentration when it came to aiming. Although they were all beginners, it was a nice learning experience and everyone had a good time.

Sword practice was an exciting way to finish the day!

I won’t go into detail about the rest of our day other than to include the itinerary and say we had a great time, and I’m pretty sure the students learned some things. Everyone stayed safe and sound. We’ve included some pictures so you can check it out for yourself. I’m very proud of the students' accomplishments of the day, and their respectfulness. It was great seeing all those happy faces too.

-James Zoppe, Camp Director, American Jousting Alliance


Saturday, September 22, 2007 -
The second Saturday of Youth Horse Camp

12 noon to 12:30 p.m. - Horsemanship. Horses were caught and tied, and everyone was set to starting brushing. But then it started to rain so we changed course.

12:30 to 2 p.m. - Tent Building. Everyone worked together to build a Medieval Arming Tent as shelter from the rain.

2 to 2:30 p.m. - Archery. Stephanie from Hilltop School assisted in helping the students with practice shots and a competition. It was great fun and they showed a lot of improvement from last week.

2:30 to 3 p.m. - Snack Break. Everyone returned to the tent and ate fruit, cookies and other snacks while talking and relaxing. Some students warmed up by the fire I built outside the tent.

3 to 3:30 p.m. - Knot Tying. We worked on learning how to tie square knots, granny knots and half hitches.

3:30 to 5 p.m. - Horsemanship (take 2). We caught the horses (again) and this time got all the way to saddling up. Everyone took turns in the ring, riding in pairs. We worked on rein control, turning, balancing and moving with the horses at a walk and trot. One student was advanced enough to ride at a gallop. The entire class stayed focused and alert despite the interruptions and change of schedule earlier in the afternoon. I'm quite proud of them.

It sprinkled and rained intermittently throughout the afternoon but it did nothing to dampen the students' spirits. I can honestly say all 8 of them (age 7 to 15) had a good time, learned something, definietly exercised and stayed safe. Even the mothers in attendance seemed to be having quite a bit of fun as well.








Photos by Cindy Tracy, September 17

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