Getting the Herd Ready for Summer
By Judy Blase Woodruff
What truly sets Camp Ondessonk apart is its magnificent herd of more than 60 horses and two donkeys. The sheer size of the herd is a rarity, made possible by Camp’s sprawling 100 acres of pastures. Watching these majestic animals stampede out to pasture or gather for feeding is a sight to behold, one that few camps can rival.
After a long, hot summer, Camp’s horses earn a much-needed rest over the fall and winter months. But once spring comes around, it’s time to get them in shape for Summer Camp, when they will be enlisted daily to carry campers throughout the Shawnee National Forest.
According to Catherine Limkeman, Equestrian Director, “I have enlisted current and former wranglers to help get horses in the physical and mental mindset of their jobs. The horses, after a few months of deserved rest in the hay pen, aren’t in physical shape to be ridden multiple days in a row a majority of the working day. So, it is always a huge task for one or two people to get 65 horses’ muscles ready for the job.”
Catherine goes on to explain, “We do some other management practices to help them naturally get more physically fit in order to get their back muscles prepared to carry a saddle and rider. The other aspect is getting them in the work mentality. Just like kids after summer break need some time to get back in the school mindset, or adults need some time after a nice vacation to ‘get their head in the game’ at work again, horses need some good rides to get back in their job mindset as good trail horses. The horses either love having a trail adventure again outside of the confines they’ve been in all winter, and express their excitement through their feet; be it jumping, running, bucking, etc., or they don’t love being told what to do and are forced to exercise and express it in a similar manner.”
“My wranglers know the horses already, and I know their level of riding ability, so I can match them with horses that don’t outmatch the rider’s ability of riding ‘bouncy’ horses.
Gracie Kennedy, Amelia Finnell, Marie Baxley, Ellie Bretscher, Lathan Bower, Ellie Roth, Isabelle Werner, and Thomas Imboden have helped ride horses during Round-Up or a few other days to help me get the first (and usually most eventful) ride on the spring horses, or the second and third ride after the initial bounce was ridden out,” Catherine says.
Aligning with the Certified Horsemanship Association’s standards, Camp Ondessonk prioritizes safety and professionalism. Catherine is CHA-certified, and rigorous training programs ensure that all staff members have the necessary skills to lead safe and engaging rides.
Camp Ondessonk’s Equestrian Program is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a transformative experience where campers forge lifelong connections with these magnificent animals. Under the dedicated leadership of Catherine, the program continues to thrive, embodying the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines Camp Ondessonk.
In addition to Summer Camp Horse Adventures, there are a variety of opportunities during the Education & Recreation Season to take advantage of an equestrian experience. Visit https://ondessonk.com/outdoor-adventure/equestrian-programs/ to see what you might enjoy.