Crystal Creek Riders visited Camp Pow Wow in July. The horses visited too! Camp Pow Wow is a camp for disabled or handicapped youth. Many of the youth never have a chance to be near a horse much less ride one!
The excitement builds all week as the counselors prep them for the horses to visit. Over 30 brave riders usually needed some help to mount up, some needed a counselor to ride with them to keep them in the saddle. There is such excitement as they actually ride a horse! The horses bring out the best of the youth. One girl that never talks or socializes ‘talked’ her whole ride, others found their courage to pet a horse. The highlight of the evening for me was after the group photo one young boy came over to my horse and stood next to him, gently stroking his muzzle, and then laid his cheek alongside of the horse nose and said “thank you” in a quiet voice. Priceless.
We had 6 horses for the honorable duty of carrying the riders on a short trail thru the woods and camp. Stretch, Mister,(courtesy of Diane Sackett) Sonny, Bingo, (courtesy of Barb and Gary Cross) Gold, (courtesy of Karen Meekma and handled by Lori Helmer) and Clint (courtesy of Elaine Gauthier) were very loved and praised by all the riders, including the counselors! Thanks also to the extra handlers for assisting riders to mount up and stay in the saddle - Kathy Gunderson, Tina Conley, Darlene Woulle, Karen Reider, Jan Pieper.
It was for sure an evening of rewards for everyone involved.
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P.S. A Thank You note sent to Gary Cross following the event-
Hi, Gary
Please express our deepest appreciation to your colleagues for the beautiful and incredible gift they have given to our campers. Your group’s thoughtfulness, generosity and compassion have given dozens of children and adults with disabilities an experience they will NEVER forget…truly one of the high points of their lifelong experiences!
Thank you for your leadership and compassion. We hope to see you at camp again next year
Jennifer
Jennifer Horth
ARCh (Association for the Rights of Citizens with handicaps)
419 Frederick Street
Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 542-9811
Please express our deepest appreciation to your colleagues for the beautiful and incredible gift they have given to our campers. Your group’s thoughtfulness, generosity and compassion have given dozens of children and adults with disabilities an experience they will NEVER forget…truly one of the high points of their lifelong experiences!
Thank you for your leadership and compassion. We hope to see you at camp again next year
Jennifer
Jennifer Horth
ARCh (Association for the Rights of Citizens with handicaps)
419 Frederick Street
Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 542-9811
