Sofia's Horse Camp

Sofia started horse camp on Monday at a place near us called "Ride with Pride." We've never seen her so excited and for days she kept asking when Monday would arrive since she knew that would be the start of horse camp. It's actually a pretty big accomplishment too, since it's reward for Sofia not sucking her thumb anymore! About 10 days ago, I told her that if she stopped sucking her thumb that she would be rewarded with a week at horse camp, and if she continued avoiding her thumb that she could take another week of riding later in the summer. It worked like a charm! She literally quit that day and I probably only reminded her once or twice in the past 10 days!

The camp was from 9-11am all week and is a mixture of playing with horse-related toys, learning about horses, riding, doing a craft, etc. She loves it! When I picked her up on Monday, I asked her what her favorite was and she listed all that they did in the two hours and then said "I guess my favorite was all of it!" She does want to ride horses more than the class allows, but the class includes kids as young as 3, so I think they are pretty limited in their riding time. Once she's 5 she can move up to the next age group and ride a lot more. It's so exciting to see her enjoy something so much. Once she gets home she uses my saddle and saddle stand as her "horse" and rides him, replaces his horseshoes and hangs up his bridle in the "tack room." It's very cute to watch!

Today was her last day of camp and the last half hour was devoted to the Buckaroo's Rodeo, so all the parents were able to watch the kids ride a horse around the paddock. When it was Sofia's turn, the owner announced that Sofia liked taking care of the horses best and that she wants to be a professional horse rider when she grows up! So cute. She really loved it and we are ready to sign her up for the next session.

Arriving for her first day of horse camp - I've never seen a more excited girl!!

Sofia wearing her "Ride with Pride" shirt she tie-died at camp on Wednesday.

Sofia riding Muffy at the Rodeo. She also rode Shotgun at camp, but said she liked Muffy better.

Sofia and Muffy!

All the Buckaroos ready for the awards ceremony

Sofia gets her award for Best Ranch Hand and is SO proud of it. It was the first thing she showed her Papa when he walked in the door that afternoon and she carries it around the house with her!

Sofia and her award - one very proud little girl!

Sofia and the friend she made during camp!

Sofia's crafts and Ranch Hand award!