Rein In Fun At Camp, Equine Style

KEYSTONE - The staff at West Coast Morgans equestrian facility is busy preparing for its annual summer horse camp.

"I love the camp; I love the kids. We can't wait," said Anne Winograd, who, along with her husband, Glenn, owns the 30-stall barn at 17126 Boy Scout Road dedicated to junior exhibitors and amateur riders.

For the first time, the facility will open its summer programs to the public.

Beginning Monday, the 10-week camp runs Mondays though Fridays.

"This is such a great program this year. We have a slate of guest speakers," Winograd said. "I called in a lot of favors."

They'll include Jane Blue, one of the industry's renowned judges, who will discuss show judging practices, and Carrie Peterson of Pepper Ridge Minis, who will show miniature horses.

Each week will feature different themes and field trips, including a tour of the Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital in Ocala.

In addition to the speakers and trips, the camps will feature two horse activities per day.

"Riding, driving, working in hand, trail - they'll all get hands-on horse experience, all in a safe, structured and fully supervised environment," she said.

Parents can sign kids up for single-day sessions ($55 per day), half-day sessions ($30), by the week ($250) or for the entire 10-week summer program for $2,250.

About 20 children have signed up so far, Winograd said.

The 20-acre facility, replete with pastures, arenas and a jump field, has been in operation nearly six years.

Its staff typically teaches riders in the saddle seat discipline on Morgan horses, one of the first horse breeds developed in the United States. They are known for their versatility.

The school recently added two student horses and another counselor in preparation for the camp.

Winograd said she expects as many as half the camp's children to have little or no horse-riding experience, but it's typical for the facility to simultaneously train riders of different skill levels in the ring.

"You can have zero experience and enjoy this," she said. "This is fun and topic-based. They'll learn a tremendous amount on how to handle a horse - we'll let them learn as much as they want."

The novices will have someone walk alongside them any time they're on a horse. The advanced riders can opt for private one-on-one lessons after camp.

Registration for the horse camp will continue throughout the summer. For schedules and information, go to www.westcoastmorgans.com or call (813) 920-9870