A wonderful article by Corrie Ensom as featured in The Rider.
Located in the beautiful Caledon Hills, Teen Ranch provides unique opportunities to “Connect” with the horse community in 2016. For 47 years, kids from around the world have had the opportunity to develop a love for horses and the skills that come with them at Teen Ranch.
MOTHER/DAUGHTER EQUINE RETREAT – connecting moms & their girls.
In this busy society, we’re so connected with social media that much needed “one on one time” with your child can sometimes get lost in the hectic schedule. At Teen Ranch in June, mothers and daughters get the chance to bond and learn together, on and off the horse. What mother/daughter wouldn’t love movie night, hot tub time, yoga fusion classes, riding lessons, climbing wall, trail rides and more! Last year’s guest speaker was Lindsay Grice, a well-respected horsewoman and Teen Ranch Alumni shared her thoughts: “I wish this weekend had been available for my mom and me to really connect - outside the pressures of a horse show. Mom acted as my groom and biggest fan – I’m now her biggest fan but it took until my thirties to recognize it!” Lindsay spoke to the ladies about Life Lessons Learned from Horses.
HUNTER JUMPER HORSE SHOWS – connecting the horse community.
The Teen Ranch series of hunter/jumper shows has hosted this series of H/J Shows and it has become a real highlight to many in the community. The season ends with a fun, themed awards banquet, where horse people from different barns mingle and laugh- proof that Teen Ranch seems to create an atmosphere to connect even competitors! Mary Curtis says, “My family has been showing horses at Teen Ranch for years. From the beginner to advanced rider there is something for everyone. The quality courses, friendly show staff and supportive, relaxed atmosphere keeps us coming back every summer!” The focus of the shows are on fun and professionalism. They are a great place to learn, connect with your horse and even connect you to friends who share the same passions!
SUMMER RIDING CAMPS – connecting people with lifelong friendships.
Tara Kuypers, a Teen Ranch camper, staff member and now horse show attendee values her time at summer camp. “In 8 years as a camper and staff member, I was so fortunate to spend the summers of my youth outdoors, learning new skills, riding horses, and forging life-long friendships. To this day, my best friends I met at Teen Ranch.” Few summer camps are able to offer the awesome camp experience while catering to both the novice and advanced rider. The Intensive Equestrian Program gives campers the chance to gain a deeper connection with their horse, hone their skills in the hunter ring to compete in a H/J show at the end of the week. Riders learn about different aspects of the horse world and try new things including polo, western gaming, horse racing and optional non horse -related activities like rock climbing, skating, giant swing, camp games, crafts, marksmanship, archery, boating, tennis, volleyball and more.
The new Rodeo Camp, run by Joe Scully, connects horse lovers to new opportunities! It is one of the few places kids can go to try rodeo events like Calf Roping, Barrel Racing, Goat Tying, Chute Dogging, Sorting and Team Penning. Several English riders took advantage of the opportunity to try new things in 2015 and loved it! Elly Ensom, a regular at the Hunter/Jumper shows said, “I liked Rodeo camp because we had professional instructors to teach us and improve our skills. I didn’t even need my own horse and got to try something totally different!”
Above all, Teen Ranch seeks to connect all aspects of a young person’s personality- physical, emotional, social and spiritual to become the strong and positive leaders of tomorrow.
Visitors to the Ranch are always welcome so drop in to have a tour of the high quality facility or looks us up at www.teenranch.com You are always welcome at Teen Ranch!
-Corrie Ensom