EveryRider

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. 

Camp Idea Contest

Everybody loves contests... Especially when there are prizes involved!  I came up with the idea after reading one of my favorite blogs Confessions of a Pioneer Woman.  Now don't get too excited... I can't afford to give away an awesome camera like Pioneer Woman, but I will be awarding a small prize at the close of my contest next week.   

I have decided to offer summer day camps this year at our facility.  We have numerous lesson plans, games and activities both on and off the horse for a variety of ages from 6-12.  As the summer rapidly approaches I have found my idea bank exhausted.   I have thought  of as many fun ways to  learn about horses as I possibly can!  We have everything broom polo and musical stalls to horse decorating contests and horse treat recipes.  I have a couple rainy day worksheets and plenty of fun horse flicks to watch but I still need more.  Considering the relatively short attention span of both children and horses, I would like to have enough to keep all involved busy :)  So that is the premise for the contest.  I am looking for unique horse related games or activities that entertain, educate and inspire.  It does not necessarily have to be a mounted activity so feel free to get creative! Games, worksheets, fun arts & crafts and whatever else you've got up your sleeves. 

I will pick and announce the winner one week from today on June 8th.  The prize is a 25.00 gift certificate from your choice of any of the three horse retailers listed below.

1. Country Supply
2. Dover
3. Rod's Western Palace

Not too shabby for one little idea... So go ahead and give it a shot... and tell your friends!  Entries may be left in the comments section or via email at [email protected]   All entries must be submitted by 8pm  on  June 8, 2007.