I can’t believe the long awaited camp is over & our school holiday will also be over in a day. We’ll be kicking off the new term with a Medieval Tour at Greensleeves on Wednesday.
The time has just flown by with one mean speed & I still haven’t gotten around to doing all those other jobs around I planned on getting done whilst on break.
Clive & I got to spend a week hiding out in Wakkerstroom whilst the boys were at the camp arranged by Melinda van der Merwe together with a group of 28 homeschoolers.
Initially, I was a concerned about Misha, as this was his first camp & generally he doesn’t like to sleep out for more than one day at a time. We asked Jesse to keep an eye on him & they were going to sleep in the same room.
Melinda was very kind to arrange a birthday cake for Misha, who celebrated his 9th on Monday at camp. I sent chips & juice & they had a surprise party after lunch. According to him it was his “bestest, best birthday ever”.
When I spoke to Melinda on Wednesday morning, she teased that he’d been crying all the time & we should fetch him. However, they were having loads of fun & were even getting along very independently of each other. I was happy to hear that they were enjoying themselves so much.
Of course when we got there on Friday, we heard camp was just “AWESOME”. Misha couldn’t wait to introduce us to Gavin, who seems to have made a great impact on him. He told us how Gavin encouraged the younger group of boys & how they were able to even sleep independently from their older siblings. He was bouncing around from sheer excitement. We could see they really loved the experience.
The highlight was Friday, when they received their certificates & were able to show off their newly attained riding skills to the parents during the horse show.
Unfortunately they didn’t have electricity on Thursday so Melinda wasn’t able to finish the Photo CDs on time for our arrival. I can hardly wait for it’s arrival & will post more photos when I receive it. For now, I’ve only posted my photos taken on Friday.
Misha, was quite upset about having to leave “Bakkies”
Hovever, after about an hour’s sleep in the car on the way home & a promise to print him a photo of him & Bakkies for his wall, he chirped up again.
Gavin, Elna & Nico
![Sept 11 Horse Camp MKrans originals 578_thumb[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh335aNSUXT4G_jUZQAhhJbCx-muUHapBUsnU2HV6mFNfJMbGuCKpVJUOIqMP0laCc3xjPDxzfa7UtKQKgbbXOvYJdgTt1Hp9OlFjAt2pfMHN2ykA20BDSk6mK8cfZ0-dqjmmFGvG69Uv4/s1600-h/Sept%25252011%252520Horse%252520Camp%252520MKrans%252520originals%252520578_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg "Sept 11 Horse Camp MKrans originals 578_thumb[1]")
Thank you for your contribution to the kids having such an awesome time.
Mooikrans Equus ~ Mooikrans Equus is a horse riding centre and holiday farm, situated on the escarpment of the Mpumalanga Highveld, 27km from Morgenzon on the R35 route to Amersfoort.
- A variety of educational, psychotherapy and social programs are available.
- A broad spectrum of programs is compiled for schools, groups and individual youth- or child to choose from. Programs include leadership development and training, educational programs, a series courses which also include all aspects of natural horsemanship (Western/cowboy) and DIY programs for youth/children groups.
- The goals of all the programs are to build the character of each visitor through the development of self-image and self-confidence simultaneously enjoying a holiday. Here the horse and horse riding plays a significant role. The horse is used, as the horse needs the rider’s attention during all times: brain and body work together to achieve success. Mastering the horse during this process leads to a healthy self-image.
Benefits of Horse Riding
If you have a child with low muscle tone, riding horses is one of the best things you can do is get them to do. Horse riding will improve balance and also force the toning of the core muscles. Teachers often suggest gymnastics or martial arts but with these the child must put in the effort for it to work. On a horse, however, they have less effort but get more for their effort. A 30 minute lesson for a 5-7 year old will do plenty, especially over 6 or more months.
Visit the sites below to read more about the benefits of horse riding:
- Horse Healing ~ “To those who have seen their child healed almost subliminally, the science of therapeutic riding rings true By Shannon Neill” What horses can do for children…
- Therapeutic Riding ~ Therapeutic Horse Riding is an emerging field in which horses are used to treat children of all ages with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social developmental needs.
Horse Riding Venues:
Some venues referred by parents on homeschoolers eloops are:
Pretoria & Surrounds:
West Rand:
- Eduride Therapy ~ is based at 466 Pierre Rd, Ruimsig North West Johannesburg. Email Margreet Ludewig, or contact +27 (11) 475-9360 / +27 (82) 825-9843
- Maple Ridge Equestrian Farm ~ Kromdraai area Contact Verity on +27 (81) 379-8519
- Honeydew (down Johan Rd just pass Honeydew Police Station) Carina specialises in children with needs as she has one herself. She is brilliant and I can't say enough for her. She is no walk over lady but very encouraging and patient with the children. She is a Christian albeit a young one. I highly recommend her.” Contact Carina on +27 (83) 310-2720
- Litchfield Equestrian Centre ~ Riding school with a difference, that makes learning fun! Cater for beginner to advance, able and disabled riders, problem children, nervous riders and pony rides. Situated in Tarlton close to local shows & near Krugersdorp Game Reserve Contact Jenny on +27 (11) 958-1812, +27 (82) 333-3073 or +27 (82) 577-4304
East Rand:
- Weltmeyer ~ Alberton Contact Esmarie on +27 (82) 493-8912
- Southern Riding Centre ~ out Eikenhof, Southern Suburbs way. Contact Jenny on +28 (82) 461-3428
Page Updates:
I have added quite a few links to several of my resource pages. Amended pages are indicated with ~*~ below.
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