Horses take center stage at this camp

BENSON — The summers at Black Creek Hill Farms are filled with horse camps where children as young as 5 can take the reins.

“The reason why I wanted to go to this camp is because I would like to learn more about animals,” said Allie Beasley, 11, of Dunn. “I have learned the parts of the horse, parts of a saddle, and how to keep my hand steady while holding the reins.”

Campers also play games while learning about horses from instructor Brenda Jernigan.

“My favorite part has been the games at the end of the day,” Allie said. “My favorite game is to race around the barrels.”

Ava Horton was another camper who came to improve her skills as a rider. “I’m just really in love with horses,” said Ava, 9, of Four Oaks. “They are my favorite animal, and I trust Mrs. Brenda a lot. She is a great instructor.”

Ava spent a lot of time at camp getting to know Brio, the horse that she got to ride. “My favorite part has been meeting Brio and riding her for the first time,” Ava said. “She was really sweet, and she’s very stubborn. But she is a very good horse, and she will listen.”

Ava said she learned a lot in the weeklong camp. “I’ve been able to learn how to trot,” she said. “In my last lesson, I only started to try it. Now I’m fully experienced with trotting with Brio.”

“I’ve learned how to run around the barrel,” Ava added. “I’ve learned the different parts of Brio’s body. I’ve also learned how to saddle and bridle up.”

River Beasley, 9, of Erwin said she too had learned a lot, including how to take care of Bella, the horse she was riding. “I learned how to take up Bella by myself and put her bridle on,” she said.

River said she wanted to attend the camp because she likes horses. “I enjoyed going on the trail ride and riding Bella,” she added.

Rayven Hatman, like River, came to camp because she loves horses. “I really like riding, and horses are my favorite animal to play with and be with,” said Rayven, 9, of Coats. “I’ve learned the parts of the horse’s body, how to trot and how to set up a horse.”

The camp started this year when Jernigan, owner of Black Creek Hill Farms, decided to open her doors for kids to learn about horses. “I just love teaching kids, being able to give them the knowledge of what it is like to have horses and be around them,” she said. “It is great to see them grow and learn how to love a horse like I do.”

Kids can learn all about horses and how to take care of them, Jernigan said. “They take care of their horse for the whole week,” she said. “They have to clean up behind it; they have to brush it and groom it. They have to learn to saddle it and learn the parts of the horse.”

“Then we take them out, and we teach them how to handle a horse on ground by leading the horse around on the ground safely. And the last thing is that we give them riding instruction on how to ride the horse safely in a proper manner.”

While they are learning, they have fun, Jernigan said. “We take them out on a trail ride so that they can use what they’ve learned here,” she said.

To end the week, parents are invited out for a showcase, Jernigan said. “I just wanted to showcase to the parents because they’re paying for something, and I want them to see what their money’s going to,” she said.

The five-day camp runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The camp has proven popular, Jernigan said. “I’ve had people come and then come again another week,” she said. “I think they’re very excited about how much their kids learn in a week.”

“I’ve had some kids like the little girl here today, Rayven,” Jernigan said. “She didn’t know anything about horses when she came. Today, she was trotting, and with a big smile on her face.”

For more information, check out facebook.com/bchfarms or call 919-524-5096.

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