Horse Camps fill up fast

By Donna Kupke
Canyon Lake Horse Camp Volunteer

Canyon Lake’s children jumped at the chance to attend the popular Summer Canyon Lake Horse Camp. The June and July camps filled before they were even formally announced. An August camp is filling fast.

The week-long June Camp was held at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center last week under the direction of resident horse trainer and riding instructor Michelle Stubbs.

The camp was held under blue skies and perfect weather. In addition to riding, the seven participants each created a daily craft and learned about the various aspects of equine responsibility.

They learned about care and maintenance including brushing, bathing, feeding and putting on the various forms of equipment called “tack” such as halters, bridles and saddles. Parts of the horse, colors, markings, and even what the pieces of tack are called were also covered at the camp.

Photo by Donna Kupke.

Each day was a new adventure of making fun crafts to take home, consuming snacks, learning and, of course, riding. All the kids walked and trotted, while those with some experience were able to canter and even do a little jump. They learned balancing exercises, control and how to properly “sit” while riding. Most importantly, the kids learned about safety when around horses.

June’s Camp Kids were Kinsley Hoffman, Taylor Schoessow, Dominic Maslach, Dorian Maslach, Langston Zimmerman, Marleigh McClellan, and Monica Potter. This was the first time riding for some of the kids. Others already take weekly lessons and joined the camp because they wanted some fun additional time in the saddle and around other like-minded kids. All of them had a great time, Michelle said.

Marleigh McClellan and Kinsley Hoffman brush and braid their horse’s mane at camp.

Langston, Taylor and Monica together said that “riding Noel” was their favorite part of camp. Dorian, who had never ridden, said learning to “trot bareback on Gigi” was the best. Kinsley liked “riding Malibu” best and Marleigh couldn’t decide whether she most enjoyed “riding Noel or riding Gigi bareback.” Dominic, who also had never ridden before, most enjoyed “riding Malibu.”

Although they all agreed that riding was the best part, the children were also unanimous in how much they liked interacting with the horses, complete with hugs, kisses, treats and loads of attention.

Donna Kupke and McKenna Hayes, as well as teens Rylee Andersen, Ellie Ruyle, Lexi Smith and Amelia Pepe, all volunteered many hours of time and work to make this camp event a success, Michelle said.

Taylor Schoessow and Monica Potter braid Gigi’s mane during the June Horse Camp.

Two additional week-long Summer Horse Camps will take place this summer. The July Horse Camp, which is already full, will run from July 5 to July 9. The August Horse Camp will be from Aug. 2 to Aug. 6. Both camps are in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

There are a few spots left for participants in the August camp, but it is highly recommended that those interested in attending should book the camp as soon as possible.

Michelle Stubbs is a certified horse trainer and riding instructor who is also a wife, mom, and Canyon Lake resident. She offers private and semi-private lessons to residents of any ability from age three and up. Horses are provided. To reserve a spot or for more information regarding future camps and/or horseback riding lessons at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center, those interested should contact Michelle at 949-412-2927.

Taylor Schoessow, Dorian Maslach, Domic Maslach and Lexi Smith create crafts at horse camp.

Taylor Schoessow snuggles up against Gigi at the first of three summer Horse Camps at the Equestrian Center.

Langston Zimmerman and Ellie Ruyle wash down Noel at the June Horse Camp at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center.

Kinsley Hoffman sits atop a horse at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center.

Monica Potter and Taylor Schoessow with Malibu.