First I think I will let everyone know about the much talked-about hay shortage. I am still trying to find my quota for the year. It has been quite difficult to find hay at all, at any price. Seems a lot has been leaving for Alberta and the farmers are hoarding the rest as we are also experiencing a drought. We have had very little rain in this valley this summer, a little like the Okanogan summers used to be, clear skies and hot. We have been feeding hay since the 2nd week of July. Usually we can get away feeding in the field until the first part of September and sometimes right into October. Due to the huge increase in hay prices as well as a large increase in my insurance, I am probably going to have to raise my prices again for the 2003 season. In order to buy and pay for all my hay now I am offering the 2002 rates for those that register and pay in full by September 30th. You do not have to pick your sessions at this time if you are unsure of your schedule for next year.
Our spring sessions were well attended and we even had some dad’s riding at our parent/child weekend. Our summer camp sessions were completely booked by the beginning of May, a new record. Our prime weeks, which run from mid July to mid August, were full well before that. We saw many return campers. I figure we get approximately 65% returns each summer. Also had a lot of students staying for consecutive weeks. You really notice the progress if staying more than one week. Made for very active weekend, no rest at all.
Our fall sessions are almost full, except for a couple of spots for the Sept. 20 – 22 parent/child weekend. We still have quite a bit of space for our Sept. 27 – 29 or Sept. 27 – Oct. 2 women’s camp. If you are interested or know someone who might be, give us a call. This spring we had one of our children’s summer camp students return to us for one of our women’s weekend getaways. Made me realize just how long I have been at this. Once again as the saying goes “time flies when you are having a good time.”
This year we didn't buy as many horses as we usually do. We welcome Tommy, Tia, Banner, Saucie, Adam, Rahjalee, Deleah to the herd. They all fit in well without any ‘hitches’. Also acquired a new pet. He thinks he’s a dog, but actually he is a goat named Timothy. He was the hit of the camps, even took part in a fashion show wearing a thong and bra. He also likes to go in the cabins and we have a heck of a time trying to get him out. He can be quite stubborn. The other night when we were going out, I looked back and he was in the doghouse and Hershey was outside. He looked so cute chewing his cud and relaxing, having quiet time. Guess we will have to get him his own doghouse. He has a turned over fruit bin for his house, but obviously likes the doghouse better.
Now that things have slowed down, Angie thought she might like to separate the colts from their mom’s. That was short lived. Angie has decided that Forest needs another month with Hailey, as he is a month younger than Nikko, so milk drinking is continuing for another month? Nikko and Teneka are handling it okay, so it is weaning time for them. By the way in case you had not heard, Forest, Hailey’s foal was born with confirmation faults and had to have 2 surgeries. Denton Moffat, our vet says he should be 99% okay by the time he is 2. He looks pretty perfect to me already. The name Forest came from Forest Gump, as you all remember he was born with problems and ended up a runner.
Our other 2 youngsters (Lucifer and Austin) are both being ridden on a regular basis and are doing great. We will probably use Austin in our lesson program next year for those students that have nice soft hands.
I forgot to tell you the Hedgehog died. After given his freedom he disappeared for a couple of weeks. When we found him he had lost a lot of weight. Actually he looked pretty good as he had become a porker during the winter in his cage. Anyway he died a few days after we found him. It was pretty sad as I felt I was to blame, leaving him outside, but he kept returning each morning and slept all day in a towel I left for him on the deck. Until one day when he didn't return. I always feel sorry for animals that are caged up and not free.
Lorne and I are planning a trip to Calgary this weekend to Spruce Meadows, and I am sure I will see a lot of my students there as I usually do. Before signing off I would like to thank everyone for enabling us to have another successful year. If you have any good pictures that would look good on our web site, please send them to us or email them. As usual I didn't get around to taking many photos and Doug my web site designer says I should be adding and changing the pictures more regularly. Also please take time to complete our Camp Evaluation I always like to have your input on what you liked and didn't like.
Talk to you again soon.PS
I would like to thank everyone for all the wonderful Testimonials.
It's great to read all the positive feedback we have been receiving. If you attended camp and have not yet filled out our Camp Evaluation please do so as we want your comments and ideas so we can make sure everyone has had the best experience and goes home with a more knowledge and many fond memories.
Hello again, finally!
It’s been quite a while since I have updated my column. I had started to write many times and was always distracted so would have to start over. Time just flew by this year. Even the last week fly by. Just went on a little holiday to the Arrow Lakes to see some of the people I haven't seen for awhile. Even though it rained for most of my visit, I still had a good time just being away and not having to worry about the horses. Angie, Mike and Alisha looked after things.