Horse Camp

In April, Julia had the privilege of attending horse camp. She is crazy about horses and has been dreaming about this day for so long.

A friend of ours from church and CC owns Joyfield Farm- a little piece of heaven and home to ten beautiful horses...

When the girls arrived in the morning they got to work with barn chores. Each rider was assigned a horse for the week. They would learn to groom, tack, ride, and care for that horse. Julia fell in love with Apollo instantly.

She loved to bring him carrot treats. Mrs. Neely showing her the best way to hand feed him...

 

Carrying out his saddle to get ready to ride...

 This sweet baby is one year old Justin- the youngest on the farm...

After the horses where ready to ride, the girls headed out to the ring.

I could not believe how much they learned in such a short amount of time. Stepping two point over the bars...

 

 They were even posting and trotting...

 

As they waited there turn they had time to talk to their helpers. This amazing group of girls were such great role models for our little girls and shared their own love of horses and knowledge every chance they got.

 

 After their lessons in the ring it was time for a trail ride...

It was a magical week for Julia far exceeding even her wildest dreams. I cannot say enough good things about Mrs. Neely and the experience she created for the girls. Her love and abilities with horses are clearly her God-given passion and she exudes such grace in everything she does. I was continually impressed by how much Julia had learned and was able to share. They learned not only about riding, but about horses and the incredible way God uniquely designed them. She was so thorough, patient, and nurturing to the kids and empowered them to understand so many different things. We were so blessed by our time at Joyfield Farm.

 

And at the end of the day Julia happily mucked stalls. As Mrs. Neely says, "the sure sign of a true horse lover"!She used to say, "Mommy, can you just drop me off when I wake up in the mornings so I can help Mrs. Neely with all her chores?"

Thanks for the incredible memories! We are so blessed by Julia's week at Joyfield Farm, Mrs. Neely and all the amazing helpers who poured their hearts into our girls. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.You have been such a gift to us!