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Benefits of Horeseback Riding for Kids

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Finally, the weather is taking a turn for the better and we’re starting to think about getting outdoors once again – but this time we’re thinking about taking in the beauty of nature from a loftier perspective…on horseback! While it might be fun for adults to enjoy the equestrian arts, the benefits of horseback riding for kids goes beyond the saddle.  We spoke to Kelsey Jillette Merrow whose family business, Kelsey Farm has been teaching kids to ride, compete and get their hands dirty since 1949, to get the scoop on the top benefits of horseback riding for kids!

With 66 years of service and a stellar reputation for maintaining healthy, happy ponies and clean, well-cared for stables, Kelsey Farm in Greenwich is among the top Fairfield County schools offering summer camp, cross country, and show ring riding lessons. A member of the United States Pony Club, they can be found at www.kelseyfarm.com.  It’s a really special place, a family atmosphere, an escape from the pressures of young life that has taught so many kids to ride and find their best selves.

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Top Five Benefits of Horseback Riding for Kids:

Teaches Emotional Control. 
Riding teaches great emotional self control because it requires it. From overcoming physical and mental fear to managing frustration to learning sportsmanship, riding requires that you leave emotions outside of the ring. Instead, kids learn to bring patience for themselves and their mounts to their lessons.

Teaches How to Take Instruction.
From the very beginning, riders must learn the ability to listen under all circumstances. They must trust someone else and react quickly and effectively, without letting ego get in the way.

Builds Self Confidence…  
Riding can help kids find and know their strength. It’s empowering to know that you can control a thousand pound animal, and it can make standing up to a bully, for instance, less daunting.  …While Teaching Humility. Kids aren’t always granted the opportunity to fail. In riding, nobody wins every time, everyone can take a spill, everyone faces obstacles besides those on a jumping course. The sport teaches us to keep trying, be good sports, and not be devastated by setbacks.

Provides an Equalizer
A good barn has a common denominator- the love of riding- that creates equal footing outside of school and home. Kids have a physically and emotionally safe place where they can shine, they can fail, they can have good and bad days and still feel welcomed and understood. Not only that, but women and men are judged equally- and succeed equally- in competition.

Teaches the Joy of Hard Work

Last but not least, riding is a joyful sport at all levels, but even more so as riders progress. It rewards perseverance and work ethic with the pleasure of a partnership with a horse. The more dedicated you are, the more fun it is!
Pony Day Camp at Kelsey Farm

In keeping with our philosophy that riders should be true horsemen and kids should be happy and engaged, Kelsey Farm offers six individual, consecutive weeks of Pony Day Camp.  Since 1953 we’ve run a small riding and horsemanship camp that also includes swimming, crafts and outdoor adventures.

We have a small teacher-to-student ratio and daily riding taught by full-time, year round professionals. Our ponies and horses are show quality, safe and size-suitable, and we take care to provide personalized attention.

In addition to riding there is hands-on horsemanship: grooming, tacking and untacking, caring for, washing and grazing the ponies. And each week there will be a different focus, such as veterinary care, judging, horse showing, and cross country riding. They will get to spend a lot of time in the barn and on their ponies. Pool games, swimming instruction, art workshops, group challenges, dance and outdoor games round out a joyful camp experience at Kelsey Farm.

We welcome applicants ages six and up, from the walk/trot through upper level jumping ability.

Sample Schedule9:30 AM Morning meetingRiding or Swimming/Outdoor Adventure/Creative Workshop (first group)

Riding or Swimming/Outdoor Adventure/Creative Workshop (second group)

12:30 PM Lunch

Weekly theme activities, related fun & team competitions: veterinary care, horse show judging, horse showing, cross country riding

3:00 PM Pick up

Kelsey Farm  1016 Lake Ave, Greenwich, Phone : 203 869 5595 Email : info@kelseyfarm.com

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