by Karina Hunter

The view as we pulled up to Dreamfields, what a fitting name for this place, certainly what dreams are made of!

Brush chosen Emeraude is eager to help Laura clean rain's neck and front quarter.

Among the many benefits of home educating your child(ren) is the freedom to explore activities not feasible among a class of 10 or 20 children; this is even more true with younger children who require closer supervision in regards to many activities.  This year I began homeschooling my 4 year old daughter Emeraude, I have found the freedom of curriculum an incredible bonus as learning sometimes comes from the most unexpected sources.  I love that if she feels curious about a workplace, organization or sport teaching her about it is as simple as arranging a visit; I also enjoy surprising her with visits or lessons she wouldn’t dream of requesting such as Dreamfields Riding Centre near Thunder Bay, Ontario which we visited for a riding lesson Sunday.

Cleaning the dust out of Rain's coat.

Dreamfields Riding Centre is a world-class, equestrian facility located in South Gillies, 45 minutes south-west of Thunder Bay, approximately 5 hrs from our home in Manitouwadge. They have a large indoor riding arena (66×130), a fenced outdoor arena (90×200) and 150 scenic acres with many miles of trails. Lessons are on safe, well-trained lesson horses with certified instructors, Emeraude’s lesson was a one-on-one introduction to pony riding by owner Laura Jones, who conducts much of the training herself, on a pony named Rain. 

Finding the right brush and comb for Rain's tail.

There were many different brushes and combs, each with different uses, to choose from to brush Rain.  Laura chose one and encouraged Emeraude to do the same and they began brushing Rain’s neck and front leg being certain to do both sides. Laura also took great care in brushing Rain’s back wanting to be certain nothing might rub between the saddle pad and the ponies saddle pad.  Laura explained that when walking behind a pony or horse, it is important to let them know you are there by putting a  hand on its hind quarter; because Emeraude is not tall enough to do this, she needed to stay close by Laura. They brushed Rain’s back legs and tail; his tail had some knots and hay in it from sleeping.  Laura showed us how ponies have no sensation in the part of their neck where the main grows; a technique called thinning is used, pulling out small sections of main so that it is not too thick.  Laura also showed me a tool for cleaning under the ponies hoves, hoves are like our fingernails in that they must be trimmed, this is done every 6 weeks by a professional.

Emeraude is proud to have found the right tool for the job.

Laura put a saddle pad on Rain’s back, she explained that a saddle pad is much like our socks which we wear before putting on shoes.  Also, much like our shoes, saddles come in different styles and sizes both to fit the horse and the passenger who will ride upon it. The saddle was put on top of the saddle pad and was then tied, as Emeraude returns for more lessons, she will learn to help tie the saddle. The last thing Rain needed before we could go to the arena was a bridle, there were many to choose from, Laura helped Rain put the bit in his mouth.  I helped Emeraude choose a helmet and Laura said we were ready to head ut to the arena.

Laura teaches Emeraude to brush Rain's tail. She was touched when, after Emeraude asked to trade tools and she (Laura) had put her own brush away, Emeraude went back to get it for her not wanting her to be left without something to use, I was so proud.

Can't forget the other side! Miss Laura continues teaching Emeraude about cleaning and caring for Rain.

…Later this week, I will continue the story of our visit to Dreamfields Riding Centre as Emeraude learns about a pony’s hoves (nope, no paws on ponies!), how to saddle a pony, the equipment used when riding and gets into the indoor arena to attempt saddling Rain, will she have the courage when the time comes to get atop the huge animal? Check back soon to see!.

Rain is tied for cleaning. Laura explains how ponies have no sensation in their manes and demonstrates the technique of thinning Rain's mane.

Any of you who know Emeraude will be surprised by how fast she seemed ready to mount the huge animal; it was all thanks to Laura’s patience and experience.  Laura was not rushed, after I signed a standard waiver, Laura tied Rain out between the stables to be tidied up a bit. Though she had chosen the horse because of its cleanliness the day prior, Rain had picked up some hay while sleeping during the night. This is the way most children’s lessons usually begin, training in regards to the care and handling of horses or ponies as well as reminders regarding safety around them.