Rising Starr Horse Rescue located in Wilton is a non-profit organization that is on a mission to give America's horses a second chance at life while giving the community the chance to experience the love and compassion horses have for humans.
My 15-year-old daughter started taking riding lessons with owner Kelly Stackpole when she was 7 and has taken so much from her experience over the years that riding and caring for horses has become one of her main passions. In addition to taking group riding lessons, the last few years she has been a camp counselor and has seen first-hand the impact summer camp has on the kids that attend in the same way it did for her when she attended camp at a younger age. My daughter shares, "By the end of the week, the kids have really formed a bond with each other and with the horses." You can see photos of some of these beautiful horses here and here.
Now Enrolling for Summer Camp
The Summer Riding Program is for beginners and younger riders ages 6 to 12 and runs Mon-Fri weekly from June 10 - August 23 from either 9AM-1PM or 9AM-3PM. . A 3-hour camp program (9AM-12PM) for 5-year-olds is also enrolling.
The camp program allows kids to gain riding experience all while being fully immersed in the operations of the barn and caring for the horses. Now a Counselor, my daughter shares, "Camp is great! Riding the horses of course is so much fun, but at camp you'll also learn a lot about horsemanship like how to groom and tack up, how to feed the horses and fill their water buckets."
A typical day of fun and riding includes grooming, riding Instruction 1 to 1.5 hours, natural horsemanship, feeding and care, first aid, barn care, tacking up, equine yoga, hiking, responsibility of horse ownership, mounted fun time, trail ride in addition to lessons (always with instructors), crafts, games mounted and unmounted, classroom time, clinics with a vet and blacksmith, loading trailer and riding demonstrations, and team building.
When time and weather allows, students will ride bareback and/or extra afternoon riding 1pm to 3pm. Two riding instructors are in the ring with all beginner groups. All riders get one-on-one mounted time everyday.
At the end of each week, there is a horse showoff day for family and friends. This is always a highlight for the kids as it's a great opportunity to show friends and family what they've learned.
What will my child need to wear for riding?
All riders must have a properly fitting helmet, boots with a heel and wear long pants (NO jeans; yoga pants or proper riding pants only, unless you own your own saddle that has been approved by management for Rising Starr horses). Understanding that riding can be an expensive sport and children grow quickly, Rising Starr Horse Rescue has a small exchange program for apparel that kids have grown out of and do have a few pairs of boots at the barn that may be borrowed.
For more information, visit the web site or call 203-257-8345 and mention that you heard about Rising Starr Horse Rescue from Macaroni KID! Camp runs Mon-Fri weekly from June 10 - August 23. The half-day program is 9am-1pm ($575) and full-day is 9am to 3pm ($775). Camp for 5-year-olds runs 9am-12pm ($550). For multi week and family discount, please call. Space is limited. No spot will be held without full registration and deposit. Deposit of $200 due at time of registration. Full payment must be made by June 1.
 |
More About Rising Starr Horse Rescue
Rising Starr Horse Rescue is a 501c3 organization that gives America's horses a second chance at life while giving the community the chance to experience the love and compassion horses have for humans. We offer adoptions, boarding, lessons, leasing, life coaching, equine yoga, team building and school and youth programs. We encourage and invite anybody who is interested in our cause to become part of our team. For more information visit www.risingstarrhorserescue.org for information.
Publisher receives complimentary riding lessons in exchange for advertising. Opinions expressed herein are her own.
