Horse Camp for Adults at Meadowbrook

I just got back from my first day of horse camp at Meadowbrook Stables. It was a lot of fun! I'm in horse camp for adults, mind you. It's a week long after work thing. We start each night with an educational session-- a lecture-- and then have a group riding lesson.

Tonight Diane introduced us to a responsible horse ownership, and we learned about some pretty interesting health topics and potential horse ailments- proud flesh, mineral oil mash (why, how and when) and more.

Colic (stated as the "number-one killer of horses on the American Association of Equine Practitioners website) for me was an interesting topic, as I am interested in anything that has to do with medicine and health. We went over what can be done, including hearing about the unlucky small percentage of horses who have colic surgery. It's amazing what can and can't be done to help horses. They are so strong, yet so vulnerable too.

Next we broke up into small groups for a lesson. My group worked on flat work, cantering and some small jumps. I rode Dirk, a wonderfully trained, very sweet horse, who listens very well. He's the kind of horse that teaches the rider. By the end of the lesson, we were bending like a banana!

Check back tomorrow. It's the equine dentist!

Darley Newman is the host of the Emmy Award-winning Public Television series Equitrekking®, which takes viewers on horseback riding vacations around the world. Equitrekking is broadcast on PBS stations and on international networks in over 30 countries.

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