Horsemanship Day 1 - Awareness

Our first day of Horsemanship in 2024! This year we are back at Homeplace Ranch, headed up by rancher Mac. With Mack’s experience and 600+ acres of land, everyone is in for lots of fun and education this week!

The first hour of the day, we all got acquainted with the horses, learning how to approach, talk to, and handle them. The key lesson from Mac today was awareness, and what every camper needs to be aware of when handling horses. Gauging their mood, how they’re feeling, and when to give them their space. A universal lesson in socialising with others around us and the animals we handle.

Lastly, everyone geared up and hopped on their chosen steeds to get comfortable in the saddle. Everyone learned proper methods for directing their horses where they need them to go, completing laps, figure eights, and follow the leader!

To finish off our time with Mac for the day, everyone learned how to remove saddles and blankets before grouping up for lunch! During which, Mac assigned all the campers two tasks: Bring in ONE horse fact, and report back about Bucephalas, one of the most famous classical horses.