Hello from Cara

And speaking of Cara, our summer equestrain program director at Rockbrook, she sent along this super cool photo she used this year as a Christmas card. We love the color and black and white effect. Do you recognize everybody from last summer? That’s Jonah, Nyles, Cara (of course! ), Zee and Danny. Everybody looks just great, and we can’t wait to see the whole crew at camp this summer!

Beginning Horseback Riding Camp

“What if I’ve never tried horseback riding?”

Don’t worry! Even the first time rider, the absolute beginner, will be able to experience the excitement of horseback riding at Rockbrook Camp. Cara, our equestrian program director, matches each rider with an appropriate horse, a well-trained horse or pony use to beginning riders. She’ll provide you with the right equipment (for example, boots and a helmet), and teach you the important first things to know about leading and mounting a horse before you try it. Before long, you’ll be riding by yourself, and horseback riding just might become your favorite thing to do.

Horseback Riding in NC

Here in the mountains of western North Carolina we have cooler summer weather than most places in the south. This past summer, when most places were immersed in extraordinaryily hot weather, we had more pleasant temperatures. This is one of the reasons it’s so great for the St. Andrews College horses to spend the summer with us at Rockbrook… it gives them (like us) a break from the heat! Everyone likes it when we do a lot of horseback riding at RBC.

Day Of Celebration

This morning Rockbrook hosted its very own horse show, and many of the campers participated in the event. Parents were also invited and were able to watch their kids in the show. The show was optional, and some of the campers did some last minute packing instead. The other kids went to their scheduled first and second activity periods. Later in the afternoon the campers went to the gym to see the production of The Wizard of Oz.

For dinner tonight we had a traditional Spirit Fire dinner. The campers and counselors dress up in their uniforms and were recognized for how many years they had been at Rockbrook.Various gifts are given out to designate how many years at Rockbrook they have attended. Spirit Fire was then held a little after dinner. We sang special campfire songs and campers and counselors spoke around the fire. What makes Spirit Fire special is that it is done in such a way as if it were to take place in 1921, when the camp was founded. Each camper is given a candle and is lit by the fire. The campers then line up around the lake and sing songs. After the event they are made to go back to their cabins in silence and only use their candles for light. As it would be in 1921, no electricity is used. And so ends the last night of third session, we’ve had a blast and are looking forward to 4th session! Thanks to all of the campers, counselors, administration, and everyone who have made this session successful!

Equestrian Riding

It’s really getting exciting around here now because the horses are starting to arrive! Several have made it up from South Carolina, a few from Virginia, and a bunch from down in Laurinburg, North Carolina. It’s great to see them back in the Rockbrook fields. They’ll also be enjoying the latest addition to the Rockbrook Horseback Riding Program— a new double riding ring!

That’s Robbie in the photo.

Equestrian Camp NC

Going to an equestrian camp, a summer camp that offers a quality horseback riding program, is one of the best things you can do to improve your riding skills. It gives you a chance to learn from new instructors, to hear about different techniques, and to simply practice everything in a new environment. Along these lines, riding at camp introduces you to new horses and their different personalities. Overall, attending a horse camp program helps diversify your riding skills and horsemanship knowledge. And of course, it’s a lot of fun too!

Summer Equestrian Programs

Time for another update about “what’s new with Zee Slew.” There he is with Cara, our equestrian program director! This photo was taken a few months back down in Laurinburg, but we thought you’ld like to see Zee. Like Cara, he’ll be back this summer working in the Rockbrook equestrian program. Hooray!!

Equestrian Camp

The equestrian camp program at Rockbrook accommodates both beginners interested in horseback riding and more experienced riders who want to improve their horsemanship skills. With both seasoned ponies and show horses in the program, each rider has the right mount and instructor, and everyone can learn something.