We have been in Dallas at an Equine Assisted Services Conference put on by PATH,Intl/,LSTEN since Thursday and we have had a wonderful educational and enriching experience. Today was the last 1/2 day of conference. Ms. Kim, Ms. Sarah, our intern Makenzie and I were attendees. Thanks to those who made this trip possible. Makenzie was selected for a LSTEN scholarship, Ms. Kim and Sarah received private sponsorships and I won a ticket to conference at last year's conference. Mr. Mike provided two vehicles, arranged for an AB&B, covered many other expenses, was our attending RN, chauffeured and took care of Miss Maddie so we could attend. Maddie is Sarah's daughter and our 1st grand. I will report on some of our classes in the future.
[Please excuse us for Maddie's foot apparel in the video clip (poor signal so it cut us off). We had just come from church and did not plan on Maddie being directly involved in the last class of our Regional Equine Assisted Services Conference. The activities she was unexpectedly & impromptu invited to participate in, did not involve contact with horses at first. She participated in stick horse obstacle course, wooden horse shoe crafts, stick horse spelling activity, a tack station, and a reading barn. During the station for leading with miniature horses I pointed out her sandals and requested an adult helper stay between her and the mini and then at the grooming station, I made sure that we only observed at a distance. When working directly with horses we do teach to always wear closed toed shoes/boots and in retrospect I should have had her observe at the leading station too, rather than just had an adult stand in between to buffer her from the horse during leading. There are times we all have a lapse in judgment and I don't want to be a negative example of safety so I am owning it! Learn from my mistakes. ]
In memory of Caitlin (Pierce) Johnson and the Sunrise Riders volunteers and staff who served with her and loved her.
Our horses experience of the Eclipse.
Romeo is loving the snow! He enjoyed his time out of the stall today to really stretch his legs!
Wed. and Thurs. with real feel highs in the 100's... what do you do at Sunrise Riders? You ride early, ride bareback and play in the water.
Anna giving Prize some carrot treats after they both had a great ride. Ms. Kim and Ms.Malinda were so proud!
Trying something new, "Open Barn Day" this Saturday 4/15, 9-noon. We got this cool idea from Dutch Acres. A free day for our 2022 past participants & volunteers to come out and spend time around the horses grooming, cleaning, etc. One or two may also be asked to help us train our sidewalkers in the saddle. Parents can drop off or join in the activities. RSVP by text 501-581-8389 or comment below. Parking is limited.
Earl and Cookie are enjoying the warmer temperatures today. Earl and his cheeky self kept using the hay bag as a back scratcher!