Before camp, we had to get the appropriate accouterments, obviously. She already had jeggings, so we went looking for cowgirl boots (real ones, not the glittery, zebra striped ones of her past!) and a helmet. Luckily, Stacey recommended Pleasant Hills Saddle Shop in Rogers. They had a ton of youth boots in stock. My only requirement was a square toe (I didn't want her to have a pointed toe because I feel like those are for show, not function...of course, I could be completely wrong, how would I know?!?!). After looking at them all and trying on almost as many, she picked a super cute pair of brown and blue ones (I thought she was going to go for the pink!).
Then a very helpful saleslady helped us fit her for a helmet. We found one with an adjuster on the back for when she has a ponytail in, which I thought was very useful. Shocker: she also picked a blue one! I mean, you have to coordinate. Once a fashionista; always a fashionista.
So, she was ready and "chomping at the bit" to begin. She very responsibly packed her own lunch, got her water bottle ready and put rain boots and a sweatshirt in a bag to bring along (required by the stable). The first day, we walked in, not sure what to expect and basically, they told us a little sh-peal about what the kids would be doing (there were 8 kids in her camp) and then Mac and I left (after Mac pet every animal he could find!). She was ready. More than ready.
When I got there to pick her up, she was finishing giving the horses clean water and was giving her horse, Carris, a parting pat. She told me it was a real working farm/barn which means the kids do EVERYTHING...including, yup, you guessed it, mucking out stalls!!!
Wednesday was a rainy afternoon, so they spent more time in the barn and Korri said one stall she cleaned out had "one foot" of poop in it! And she smiled about it. Sure, she'll scoop poop with a smile, but complain when I ask her to load the dishwasher?!?!
As an extra special surprise Sam from the stables presented all the kids attending horse camp this week with Buffalo Rodeo tickets! Korri is fourth from the left (by the goat's butt) and riding the second horse from the right in the other pic. So far these are the only pics I've gotten from camp!
Today was her last day. I knew she would be sad to go. The love, enthusiasm and passion she has for horses (and stable life) is amazing. As we were leaving, the two ladies in charge came over and asked if she'd ridden before. I said she had with Stacey a few times, but she was very inexperienced. They both were shocked and said she was a natural and was an amazing listener and learned so much! They went and on and on with examples. It seriously brought tears to my eyes. This was a perfect example of a parenting moment that didn't involved winning, or competition, or points, or sparkly costumes or trophies. It was simply Korri doing what she loves and doing it well. Saying I'm proud of her doesn't come close to the "feels" I had then and still do. She is one amazing girl. I can't wait to see what she's going to accomplish.
Also, she may pick the ONE activity that is more expensive than dance and gymnastics as her "thing"; of course!!! Horses. It had to be horses!! LOL Bets on how long until she asks daddy for a horse?!?!
