And the Winner is...
After receiving 10 great entries via email and six more through the comment section it is clear that the real winner is me :) I now have more than enough activities to keep kids busy and moms happy as they drive their napping angels home. While there was not a bad idea in the bunch, but one stood out and got my creative juices flowing again. The award goes to "Stick Horse Dressage" This activity has several possibilities.
In a dressage clinic I attended recently we used our dressage whips as horses on the ground to practice correct body position and alignment for shoulder in, haunches in and half pass. While practicing on the ground is obviously much different from performing such movements on horseback it was a great way to make the connection between what our body is doing and how that relates to what we are asking of the horse beneath us.
While camp kids are most likely not going to be learning shoulder in they can learn patterns and imitate gaits and movements. Not to mention designing your own stick horse sounds pretty fun. The possibilities are endless... Stick horse rodeo, barrel racing, western riding patterns and even dressage. What a great way to explain lead changes! The type of activity will vary according to the age group but I am really excited about this concept. Below is the youtube video beth sent along with her request. It is a bit silly but I think it might help paint the picture of how a horseless dressage competition could work.
I would also like to give a few honorable mentions to the following entries. Callie from Midwest horse for the mini rodeo games, Mikael from Rising Rainbow Arabians for the costume contest and Linda for the water relay...FUN! I plan to incorporate each of these ideas into my camps as well. I got several more fantastic entries via email I only wish I had more prizes :) However I enjoyed the contest and feedback enough that I will definitely be having more in the future.
It sounds like your camp is going to be a blast! Have fun!
Posted by: Pony Tail Club | June 10, 2007 at 08:56 PM
Ditto here, can I come??
Posted by: risingrainbow | June 12, 2007 at 02:23 AM
that video was a riot! if i wasn't 35YO, i'd love to come!
Posted by: karen | June 13, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Hi! I was looking for your BLOG VILLAGE voting link so that your blog will show up on the top list. I am working on a BLOG VILLAGE Equine Webring. Let me know if you are interested.
Posted by: Janey Loree | August 12, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Can you please tell me where you found the pattern for the stick horse in the picture with the little girl? I need to make 6 stick horses for our 4H county fair. We are sponsoring a stick horse barrel competition for children 3-8 years old. The stick horse in the picture is the cutest one I have seen.
Thanks
Posted by: SUE | June 03, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I've been searching high and low for a stick-horse pattern and I came across your site. Please tell me if you know where to get the pattern for the horsey in your picture. My daughter needs one for her Christmas Show (they are singing "I Wish I Had A Pony For Christmas") and I'd appreciate any help you can provide. TIA!
Posted by: Elda | December 03, 2008 at 03:46 PM
I've been searching high and low for a stick-horse pattern and I came across your site. Please tell me if you know where to get the pattern for the horsey in your picture. My daughter needs one for her Christmas Show (they are singing "I Wish I Had A Pony For Christmas") and I'd appreciate any help you can provide. TIA!
Posted by: Elda | December 03, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Pleas tell me where to get the patern for the stick-horse in your photo. My daughter needs to make one for camp. Thanks
Posted by: linda | April 19, 2009 at 09:44 AM