Hildas Happings December 2007

It has been quite some time since I updated and I have been trying to get to this for quite some time, getting started then something else comes up and I get distracted. It seems there is no time in the summer and fall is very busy just trying to catch up on things that were neglected in the summer and then there is Christmas.

We have a very successful 2007. Spring was very busy with weekend camps and getting the horses exercised and schooled, ready for the summer camp program. Erica, Angie, and Danielle and a few others were kept very busy riding. With 50 plus horses to get fit it becomes quite a chore.

Our summer camps were filled to capacity and we had to disappoint some potential campers. Erica and Angie once again, did an excellent job teaching. I can’t thank them enough for all their efforts, keeping everyone organized and safe, and working in the ring during all the different weather conditions we get each year. I see so much progress with all the students and we always get a lot of positive feedback on our instructors. I would also like to congratulate Erica on obtaining her EC Level 1 instructor certificate. She had her CHA level 4 and now has both. I would also like to announce that Erica and Ryan got married right after camp in September. It was a beautiful wedding and I wish them a long, happy marriage.

After approximated 15 years of helping in the kitchen, Donna decided she needed more work than just the summer and left us for anther position. I was panicking, wondering what I was going to do without her. Turns out my other daughter, Alisha, was ready for a change from her restaurant manager job and thought she would like to work in the kitchen. She did an excellent job for us. The children loved her as she is always upbeat and entertaining. They liked it when she made a variety of muffins and did not label them, only added a sign that said “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” She helped me out a lot in the management of the business and anywhere her expertise was required. Thanks Alisha.

Kristin was a great evening activities person, keeping things going with creative games. Vicki came back and taught stable management. All the campers love Vicki’s classes.
Barn staff comprised of Ammy, Andrea, Ali and Danielle as paid employees. Volunteers this year were Jennifer, Gillian, Katy, Silvana, and Danielle. Ammy and Andrea have been here a total of 8 years for Ammy and 9 years for Andrea, including their time as campers. Ammy is going to be doing some traveling and Andrea is attending Olds College this year. Danielle (Big D) is attending University in Castlegar for Nursing. I wish them all good luck in their future endeavors. I want to thank all the staff again for all their efforts. I could not run this program without them. I will be selecting my staff sometime at the end of February or early March, so if anyone is interested in working here for the 2008 season, you can find out more under “employment” on the web site.

Everyone has been emailing me about Shahon. We are still working on his recovery. I think it is going to be a lengthy project as he is still far from being able to get around. We just pulled his shoe the other day (we could only get one on as he is too sore to nail the other on) and he is barely walking. Peanut also has a severe case of laminitis. I have been doing a lot of research on the internet and am attempting to try some of the things that others have used for this ailment. I just placed an order for all kinds of herbal remedies from the U.S. and will keep you updated on the progress.

We have added a few new horses to our collection. New to the farm are Richard, a 16’ hand older chestnut thoroughbred, very well schooled for the intermediate rider, Jonathon, 15’2 chestnut quarter horse age 7, as well as a 13’3 pony named Irish. She has not done too much ring work, so will have to school her in the spring. She is black but changes to grey in the spring.

We have also added to our pet menagerie. I rescued 2 kittens from the SPCA as we needed some barn cats to keep the mouse population down in the barn. Panther (the only cat I have had for some time) excels in lying low and sleeping a lot. He lies so low that a lot of campers did not even know we have a cat. I have to use traps for any mice that sneak into the house. My new kittens live in the barn and get the visit the house during the day. They should be good mousers as they were born outside and had to fend for themselves. I haven’t named them yet. They go by Face Kitty (he is always rubbing his face on yours) and Tabby Kitty – speaks for itself. I will try to get some pictures up soon.

We are having quite a mild winter and all the horses and other critters are doing well. I just relocated the thoroughbreds in the pony field with self feeders so they can eat all the time. They just don’t do well on 2 feedings a day. The rest of the gang is, as usual, a little overweight.

I have had a lot of positive response about the DVD’s. Susan did an excellent job and still has some availability in some of the weeks. If you are interested, just drop me an email.

I also want to let everyone know about Aspengrove face book. I am not sure who started it, but check it out, lots of familiar faces.

The December 15th early registration discount was again well received. If you have missed this deadline discount there is another $50. discount for all registrations received and paid in full by March 1st.

I would like to end this with thanking all for your patronage and look forward to seeing you all in 2008.

Wishing you all a great Christmas and all the best to you and your families in the New Year.

Hilda