Arizona Dream Catcher Equestrians Keep it Cool!

by Christina Vanda

Krystan Beata on Pretty Bo Blackburn at Special Olympics Show

The Arizona Dream Catchers were proud to offer their first week of rough-it family camping at our summer camp in Snowflake, Arizona. Each morning, after a hearty camp breakfast, all of the students were eager to get to the horses from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for instruction on grooming, showmanship, trail, gymkhana and equitation. All our campers enjoyed cool weather, beautiful riding, great food, campfires, ping-pong, volleyball and good old fashioned conversation in a relaxed, family atmosphere.

We were able to provide a week long camping experience not only for our students but for their family members as well. In addition, a number of 4-H volunteers from the Apache Junction program came up to enjoy the camp. Each one buddied up with a student for the week, creating friendships and memories that will be remembered for a lifetime.

This week's camp activities ended with the Special Olympics horse show on Saturday, July 14. This show was sponsored and organized by Arizona Dream Catcher Equestrians and Horses With Heart. We were fortunate to have the show hosted at the new home of Horses With Heart Therapeutic Riding program in Dewey, Arizona the Whistle Stop Ranch. We would like to thank Trudy and Sandy for all their hard work to make this such a wonderful day for the twenty-five competitors. The Whistle Stop is a beautiful facility offering several arenas, a large closed barn, a quarter-mile track, lots of beautiful trail riding and overnight camping.

For several years the Dream Catchers have been working hard on their vision to provide a much needed inclusive summer camp in Arizona, and now this dream is becoming a reality. The students rode and interacted with their peers daily in an environment perfect for building self esteem, pride and respect. There was no charge to any of the thirty plus students and family members for this year's camp experience.

The Arizona Dream Catcher Equestrians a 501(c) 3 non profit organization which receives its support from, grants, fund raisers, and donations. Our riding program is free, making it possible for many athletes to ride who would not otherwise have the opportunity. If you are interested in donating (money, scholarships, tack, equipment, horses, time, etc.) or want more information, please contact Christina Vanda, program director, at 480-983-4803.