Youth
The 2011 Youth Retreat was a great success!! A special Thank You to the organizers of this event Janet Wojcik, Cyndi Tryon, and Erin Edwards, and to the volunteers and clinicians who helped make the weekend a great experience. Your efforts were appreciated by all who took part!
ARABIAN HORSE ANNUAL YOUTH RETREAT
With the arrival of spring—be it green grass, colourful flowers and new foals, also comes the annual Arabian horse Youth Retreat. The tradition of offering an entire weekend full of horse and social activities for the youth of the association, hosted by one of Ontario’s finest Arabian horse facilities, is an experience that lasts for many years, if not a lifetime.
For teenagers and pre-teens, the Youth Retreat provides an opportunity for like minded horse enthusiasts to get together, not only to share in their passion for horses, but also to spend time sharing common interests, partaking in new activities and enjoying good meals is the companionship that bonds us and encourages us to become more knowledgeable in our endeavours.
The 2011 Youth Retreat ran April 9th and 10th, and was attended by boys and girls from young walk-trotters all the way up to 17 year olds. Muskoka Trails Riding Academy hosted the event in the beautiful tourist region north of Barrie. Erin Edwards, who attended her fair share of Youth Retreats from years past and a very successful youth and professional equestrian, hosted the weekend, and the 2011 Youth Retreat was organized by Janet Wocjik, another top Arabian horse owner and champion Youth and Amateur rider. With Erin’s generosity and enthusiasm all of the participants experienced an exceptional weekend of riding instruction, education and fun. Almost every rider rode an Arabian or Half-Arabian and many rode their own horses accommodated in the wonderful stalls provided in the Muskoka Trails’ facility. This group of young horse enthusiasts ran the gamut of having a number of years showing under their helmets to some who have only just begun. The Youth Retreat is a great event to assist the young riders to sharpen their equine skills, as the format not only encompasses riding instruction but also offers seminars on tack, hoof care, nutrition, etc.
This year the weekend’s equitation clinic was handled by Lynn VanDyke of Blackwell Stables located in Michigan, an Arabian horse facility well known for producing beautiful and technically accomplished riders and horses. Farrier Rodd Turnbull and his apprentice Carmen were very informative and provided demonstrations and some incredible leg and foot models to exemplify correct trimming and shoeing techniques. Great showmanship was practiced and worked on under the capable guidance of Heather Morrison and Kim McAulay, as all participants made progress in understanding the “how to’s” in showmanship, grooming and braiding for shows. Sunday continued with more riding instruction plus a seminar in tack fitting and care of leather and harness by David Freedman from Freedman’s of Toronto, a world renowned harness company. Saddles were provided for evaluation and it was quite the session to hear the professional explanations! Everyone learned something new regarding leather and proper care techniques to improve comfort and durability.
Saturday evening began with a wagon ride by Chris Jamison’s draft team taking the youth group from Muskoka Trails to the home of Cindy Tryon, where dinner was served plus time to watch movies before lights out. Even after dark whispers and giggles continued, be it recalling the day they just spent or what the future was to hold.
In the past, youth have had opportunities to interact and learn from a wide variety of clinicians on topics such as chiropractic for horses and humans, dressage, braiding, distance riding, clipping and grooming, massage, endurance, veterinary care, equine nutrition, in addition to many disciplines of riding. The Youth Retreats have been geared towards improving the bond between young riders and their horses, especially their Arabians.
The Youth Retreat remains an annual event and a worthwhile experience for all participants. Many of our Youth are saddened when they become too old for our youth activities as the Retreat promotes lifelong friendships that endure into adulthood, in and out of the show ring.
We can’t wait to see what the next Youth Retreat will feature! Have a look around you—find yourself an Arabian and come & join us!
(Article and photographs by Sheri Roberts)
Thank you to Sheri Roberts
for capturing some great pics of the 2009 Youth Retreat Hosted by
Shadow Arch Arabians with clinician Brian Scoggins
