Colorado Camp - the horse named 007

When we arrived at camp we asked J.C. if he wanted to ride the horses. He very adamantly stated "I am not getting on a horse!" He also stated "I'd rather die than get on a horse." We really wanted him to give it a try, but didn't want to spend the money if he wasn't going to be cooperative. We talked to the Terena, the horse handler and asked her how she gets kids to overcome their fears, she explained that they introduced the children to the horse then worked on ground work (grooming) then moved to actual riding. So we took J.C. to meet the horses. We particularly liked the horse named 007. J.C. got to know 007 a little including how to brush the horse, say hello by blowing in the nostrils, fed him cookies - 007 loves cookies, and how to clean out his hoof.

We brought J.C. back a few days later to work with 007 and J.C. actually got on the horse. He then was taught how to do an emergency dismount and then proceeded to ride 007 while in various positions. The crowning moment came when he stood atop 007. The other families were gathered for another event and when J.C. was done many of them told him how cool that was. We were very proud of J.C. for not only getting on a horse, but standing on one. Since then J.C. has been able to ride a few different horses and is getting pretty good.














J.C. saying "Hello" to 007.



















J.C. practicing the emergency dismount - just like in the old Westerns.

























































J.C. rides in different positions to feel how 007 moves.













































Let me repeat- "I AM NOT GETTING ON A HORSE!" ;)


















J.C. hugging 007.