It's a chance to make sure I have put all the serious safety stuff in their back pockets and given them lots to think about moving forward in the world of horses. It's a lot. On Friday I like to give the wild ponies the reins and let them take me where they want an enjoy being on the farm with more of what they want to do.
Today was a rainy day. There are still lots of fun stuff you can do on a farm.
Got a little lost in the pasture, of course groomed the horses to perfection, learned how to show braid from Ellen, and then decorated the barn. Pulling out the paints and said paint me some stuff on the barn walls was a hit! And I will always have them to remember they were there- full of love and inspiration.
My barn has been blessed.

Honestly, I don't like Thursday's. I know it's not about me, but it means that the following day I have to say good-bye. Personally I like Tuesday and Wednesday. We know each other and the clock isn't ticking. Thursday seems rushed because I have to hurry and stuff things in so they are as well rounded as possible before I let them go. Often I hear, can't we just stay here? Building a loft in the barn seems to be the popular thought. 
Hilarious quote of the day, "Do you have any towels? I don't air dry well."
It really doesn't get better than this. 

We studied horse anatomy, went on a field trip (trail walk) and some riding styles. We gave the horses a much needed bath and then had some fine pony rides! What a great group of students at Roux Camp this week! 

No foot, No Horse!
it was farrier day on the farm and the horses had their hooves trimmed. Students were engaging and curious with our favorite farrier Jesse Farrar.
We practiced our games, tested our vocabulary, and continued to study our anatomy. Students are moving right along and just taking in everything they see and hear. It's so wonderful to watch them continue their journeys in all the horsey stuff!
We also learned something today. When working our horses on the road, we need to not crowd them. We also learned that when we ride our bikes on the road and we are needing to pass a horse on the same road- to slow down, let the rider or handler know you are approaching - just like a car, or the horse could get spooked.
Our students have a lot riding on their shoulders growing up and informing others about road safety when we need to share the road with horses. My students are going to be amazing at it!

Monday's are days of getting to know one another, getting to know the horses, the lay of the land and what the coming expectations are for the week. This group took it all in stride, accepted the homework assignments and embraced the hard work ahead. We are going to have a great time together this week!

Here are the specs you need to know to have a GREAT week at Roux Camp

Attire: cover your shoulders, cover your thighs, and cover your toes! So - T-shirts (no tank tops), shorts or jeans that cover your upper legs, and good sneakers or muck boots.
Food: Pack snacks, lunch, and a water bottle. We don't have a set schedule for when we break for snacks or lunch- but we do. I will of course supply the best water in the state of Maine! Poland Spring tap!
Time: drop off is 9am pick up is 3:30pm

Specials this week:
Monday - orientation, history, anatomy
Tuesday - farrier at 10am, feet, games with horses
Wednesday - riding styles, and more games with horses, photo sessions
Thursday - Molly (guest speaker) at 1:30, she will talk about the hunter/jumper world 
Friday - Ellen (guest speaker) at 2pm, she will show us how to do show braids on our horses! 

Photography Sessions! We have our very own Laurie Goodheart from Laurie Goodheart Photography (see here her facebook page and view some of her previous work at Roux Camp) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Laurie-Goodheart-Photography/312472362160She will be joining us on Wednesday to do portraits and candids of our students and she offers them for purchase. 
New this week - we are trying something new on this session, we will be offering mini riding lessons with Ellen. They are 20 minutes long, and cost $25. The time slots available will be Thursday 3:30, 4pm, and Friday 3:30 and 4pm. First come first serve with this group, please let me know if you are interested. 
Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns or need anything!!See you Monday at 9am!