Riding Gallops to Popularity
by Gregg Bogost


Horseback riding at Timberlane is very strong and popular this year. Headed by Daryl Beadle and a strong crew of horses, riding is one of Timberlane’s best activities. Assisting Beadle are Tom Morrisson, Jeff Sable and Rick Kagen. They all teach the boys fine skills in English riding.

This year’s riding staff is very eager. Many twilight dinner rides and breakfast trail rides are planned. On a breakfast trail ride, the staff wakes up the campers early. They then proceed to bridle and saddle their horses. Finally the long trail ride begins. The horses move in single file down the trails. Then the lead rider yells, “Prepare to trot, trot your horse.” Soon all of the horses are off to a smooth trot. All of a sudden you find yourself into canter, riding the wind.

Finally you ride to the breakfast area for eggs, bacon and hot chocolate. Breakfast rides are certainly fun.

Twilight rides begin after flag lowering. Once again the campers go on a long and pleasurable trail ride. At the supper area hamburgers, potato chips and bug juice are served over a hot fire. The counselors and campers joke and have a good time. Before they realize it, it is time to head back.

Skills are taught in the ring. One of the main fundamentals strived for is posting while at a trot. To post, you must grip the saddle with your knees. An exercise used is to put up the stirrups and the rider must grip with his knees, or else he may fall off. This exercise broadens the camper’s ability.

Campers are also taught how to bridle, halter, brush, and saddle their horses. The riding staff grooms their campers well in riding. But the training in the ring is necessary so you can have fun on the trail, and that’s what it is all about.

The riding program at Timberlane is certainly excellent and an excellent staff makes it possible.

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