SOAR horse camp introduces kids to riding

The stables at Black Butte Ranch were extra busy last Saturday and Sunday, June 16-17, when 17 SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation) kids arrived for horse camp. Amid the happy chaos that happens when trail rides are getting organized, the kids learned how to groom, saddle and control their mounts.

The horse camp was a family affair for the Herman family, who own Equine Management, the concessionaire at the stables. Parents David and Sandra and a few close friends were under the direction of siblings Laura, age 13, and Alex, age 17. The Herman children organized the horse camp as a community service project, a requirement of the high school they attend in Portland.

Laura had helped at several previous camps held at Crooked River Ranch but admitted that being in charge was completely different.

"It kind of puts you on the spot," she said.

Laura will enter Portland's Lincoln High School as a freshman in the fall, and her brother, Alex, just completed his junior year.

Alex said the family chose to do the horse camp at the Black Butte Ranch stables because they want to give back to the community that supports their family-run business. The Hermans have owned Equine Management for many years, providing horseback opportunities for tourist and locals in several locations in Central Oregon.

Safety is a major consideration when dealing with the public and horses, and the Hermans ran the horse camp with a constant awareness of risk management. The kids were divided into two groups according to age.

It was many participants' first time on or near horses, and the gentle mounts took good care of their riders. After learning the basics of stopping and starting, one group headed out to the trail while the other went to the arena for some work on an obstacle course.

There was just enough excitement for the more experienced, though, with some of the horses feeling a bit frisky during the obstacle course. Sandra Herman noted that these horses don't often go into the arena, and the blustery wind didn't help. Angela Williams wasn't fazed by it - she'd been on horseback before and said, with a gleeful smile: "My horse freaked out during the obstacle course."

Helpers were nearby to make sure the activity stayed safe, as well as exciting.

Time on the trail was the highlight of the camp for most participants. Williams and Peyton Zanck both agreed that the trial ride topped the day. The Black Butte Ranch horses, who spend almost all of their working time on the trails, patiently carried their young charges through the forest, giving them a perspective of the trees the kids rarely see.

For more information on riding opportunities, call Black Butte Stables at 595-1297 or SOAR at 549-2097.