Weekend Trips and New Campers!

What fun we've had over the past few days! On Saturday morning, we bade a fond farewell to the one week campers, while the two week campers headed to the barn! Everyone got a chance to try some bareback riding; some of the more experienced riders went on a bareback trail ride while others stayed in the arena and played bareback mounted games. Everyone had a great time!

By lunchtime, the day was very warm so we decided to escape to somewhere cooler so everyone (including the horses) could have a break. We loaded up the camp bus after rest hour. Our first stop was Brigham Park, a small park with a beautiful view over the Wisconsin River valley. We spent some time here relaxing, playing some games, and drinking lemonade before moving on. Our ultimate destination was The Cave of the Mounds. Our plan to beat the heat was very successful, as the cave is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit year round. We took a fascinating tour of the cave before heading home.

On Sunday, the two week cabins had a low key morning and planned some "Welcome to Hoofbeat" skits. They got a chance to perform these skits on Sunday evening, after our new one-week campers arrived! The new campers went to the barn for a tour and safety review, and then the whole camp gathered for a special bandanna ceremony.

Today has been a warm, humid day. We had our normal morning skill classes - each camper received a schedule that she will follow for the whole week comprised of a riding lesson, an unmounted horse care class called Horse Science, and a non-riding "down the hill" hour. In the afternoon, we went out on some trail rides and also got to learn some camp songs - a staple of any camp experience.

Here are some pictures from the last few days. To see a larger view of any photograph, just click on it!

TWO signs greeted us.

The whole group taking a goofy picture with a beautiful panorama in the background.

Taking it easy and enjoying the view.

In the middle of a game of Mafia.

Jane emerging victorious from a "Vegetable Off."

Elliot sketching and chatting with Katie.

Morgan and MacKenzie

Pretty view through the trees.

We greeted a sign!

Beautiful wildflowers outside the cave.

Stunning rock formation inside the cave.

Listening to our tour guide explain an underground lake.

Another rock formation.

Happy Hoofbeat staff.

Being silly on the way to the barn.

Claire and Peter Pan - ready for their trail ride.

Leaving for a trail ride on Zeke.

Leah and Star are happy to be outside!

Double Stuf has blue eyes - some people think they're beautiful, others think they're creepy. :)