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Reins Forecast At Summer Riding Camp

Tribune photo by JIM REED

Sarah Thompson puts a saddle on a horse at Waterford Stables. Thompson was participating in a summer riding camp put on by stable owner Kate Waterford.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 27, 2008

VALRICO - Kate Waterford has loved horses since she was a young girl growing up in Washington state and spending time at her grandfather's cattle ranch.

She was away from horses for many years, working in an office, before establishing Waterford Stables on 9 acres off Stearns Road three years ago.

Now, thanks to the success of a summer riding camp, she operates the stables full time and shares her childhood passion with young equestrians.

"This is the hardest job I ever loved so much," said Waterford, whose husband, Al, a Coast Guard retiree, recently built a new barn for the 18 horses stabled there.

The couple boards some and owns others to lease to clients for shows.

Two counselors help Kate Waterford during five weeks of summer camp: her son, Alexander, 17, and student Shannon Smith, 11. Shannon is at the stables almost every day all year taking lessons or caring for the horse she leases, Whiskey, a spotted saddle horse.

Weekly summer camps are held through July. Young Rider's Camp will be held mornings Monday to July 3 for ages 5 to 7.

For information, call (813) 220-6056 or visit www.h2oford.com.

Liz Bleau

To view an audio slide show about Waterford Stables' summer camp by photojournalist Jim Reed, as well as a photo gallery, go to Brandon.TBO.com, Keyword: Waterford

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