The Secret Garden

What is more exciting then a secret place all your own? A place in the forest, just far enough away to feel like your on an adventure with no grownups in sight? A place for giggles and creating  and dreaming and playing and friendships. A place made more special because you built it yourself.....today such a place became a reality.

Scout's Secret Garden

gear loaded and ready to go

 

the troops head out

 a dump find will be a focal point in the garden

 

teamwork gets the job done

team Secret Garden gets to work

they are small but MIGHTY!

YES, he did that all by himself!

Their hard work pays off

they are already planning a camp out! Stay tuned

 

Spring growth...HorseKids style

Spring is a time of growth. The HorseKids are blossoming as well! 

They are, of course, physically growing taller. But that is not all I see. There is a new pony and 2 children are learning to partner up with her.... their second partnership.  

They work great together in pairs and groups. Older ones always helping and teaching the younger.

 

Pride from a boy and love from a thankful pony (look at those attentive ears!).

 

The "little" HorseKids may still be small in stature but they are big on capability!

 

Taking care of their own equipment and 

 

 riding alone with reins.

Graduating to trail riding without a sidewalker,

 

is the dream of all the children when they begin. Today one little girls dream came true as she rode the trails with her friends for the first time without a side walker.

Spending time with friends they have missed.

Reconnecting with each other.

 

Life is Good!

Winter Hike with Friends

I haven't posted in a long time! We have been enjoying all the snow...and recently took a hike with friends. 

 

imaginative play, a big boulder and big imaginations!

Queen of the hill!

 

Big jumps building big confidence!

 

After we talked about what kind if tree this was, and the others, they set out to try to climb them all.

 

Heading out to find the secret woodland fort!

 

 Fun with friends in the woods...

Life is Good!

Progress....on their own

HorseKids are getting bigger! And more accomplished! 

I love having kids here, helping them realize their amazing potential. I provide the horses, art medium, forest, play places and belief in them. If they want to do it, I let them. If they want to learn it, I will help them. Mostly I want them to realize that they can do and be anything they want....they must only believe and be willing to never give up!

Take a look at this cutie. She has a  lot of passion and desire to ride. She is always right there when when I ask for volunteers. Today she she had an amazing milestone. These happen without much notice. I usually see a moment arriving and just let it unfold. This day she took Tonto and asked how to lead Tonto with her bridle. She was doing perfectly so I let it flow.

 

She had seen the big kids mount from the spools without anyone holding their horse. I told her to do it. She did it, I just stood back and documented the whole thing!

 

Of course she did it! With a little help from one amazing pony who will always help out a rider who shows her the respect she deserves.

 

 

Off into the forest....no, I haven't touched Tonto. She is doing this all on her own. The smile says it all!

 When she was done riding she returned to the yard and dismounted without help. Her first completely independent solo...you go cowgirl!

 

Meanwhile the "big kids" are doing chores. Completely without adult supervision they get it done!

 Kind hearted Little.

Other mom's are here, it is a combined effort. Today magic Faerie wands are being built when they are not riding.

 

The new playscape is in place and new adventures are happening right away!

Here come the "big kids"...completely unassisted fun with horses!

Fun with dogs!!

 

Then we finish the day with a workout race!

Burpees

 

frog jumps

 

crossing bars

 

pull ups

 

slide to the finish!

 

Just another awesome day at HorseKids!