| Do you have a young animal lover at your house? | | | | comfortable around and be kind to animals. It will also |
| Does your child ooh and ahh every time they see a | | | | give them an idea of the daily care that animals |
| horse? Do they ask you to please get them one? | | | | require. (If they're old enough, it might answer that |
| There are a lot of places where a kid can get plenty | | | | pesky question about why they can't have a horse!) |
| of time with horses, and summer is the perfect time to | | | | There are many intangible benefits to interaction with |
| do it. Many places run week-long summer camps. If | | | | animals. Learning non-verbal communication will help |
| your child really loves it, you can sign them up for | | | | kids in future interactions with others who may have |
| multiple weeks. | | | | less advanced verbal skills. Taking care of animals |
| All equestrian camps teach kids how to ride horses. | | | | helps kids learn about responsibility and trust. And of |
| They have gentle horses that kids can handle. They | | | | course they're outdoors riding, walking and moving, |
| work with kids so they'll learn how to handle the reins, | | | | which is great exercise. |
| how to get the horse to stop and back up, and the | | | | Even if you live in a metropolitan area, there are sure |
| different gaits. Most programs include tacking and | | | | to be some ranches that offer summer day camps |
| horse care as well. Some teach roping, vaulting and | | | | where children come each day for a week. There are |
| horse science. A few expand to include other farm | | | | also many places a little further away where kids can |
| animals, like chickens, goats and sheep. Still others | | | | go for a sleep away summer equestrian camp. |
| incorporate non-horse related activities like crafts and | | | | Whatever you choose, it will be an experience that |
| swimming. | | | | your child will always remember. |
| Attending a camp like this will help kids to respect, be | | | | |