Sari and Derik are so knowledgeable about animals and incredibly good with young kids. They just open up their farm to families, letting everyone get up close to the Clydesdales, Shetland and Welsh Mountain Ponies, Quarter Horses, donkeys, minis, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, chickens and more. They're patient with the kids, give them confidence, and teach them to be gentle and kind with every animal. Even their own children help out with the teaching.
The pony camps put education first too. Instead of just popping a kid up on a saddle and leading them around, Derik and Sari take a fair amount of time on the ground to teach the kids about horses. They explain how to safely walk behind a horse, how horses like to be pet and get out the grooming tools bucket. The kids learn to comb a mane, curry a back and pick a hoof. Then, they learn to lead the horse around, how to tack up and finally, how to neck rein.
Each year, our kids learn more than the summer before, paying attention to more details as they get older. Natalie just beams in the saddle and Gavin goes sort of zen, concentrating on his horse and his riding. The love getting this close to horses and talk about the camp for the rest of the year.
I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking:
For more information on Dakota Carriage Company or to sign up for a program, visit www.dakotacarriagecompany.com.
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