Where does time go?
Already six months behind us and beginning the seventh! Our first month of summer camp is underway with three groups of participants from the Boys and Girls Club, with another month still to come. The groups have been learning the basic care of the horses, and when time permits, we spend time in the arena doing groundwork. For many, this is their first encounter with horses.
There are five horses that make up our present herd. There have been 17 others who lived their lives out as teachers and were all laid to rest in our Saint Francis Cemetery.
Pumpkin, our mini horse, is 34 and the matriarch of the herd. She has been here since she was 18 and continues to let the others know she remains in charge. She spends most of her days with Kaleb, our 22‑year‑old Percheron Paint cross. He was a gift to CDF from Cindy Sheets of Concord, North Carolina. Kaleb is “Mr. Dependable,” loves people, and is a fantastic teacher.
Our Morgan, Battersea Violet, came from Virginia. She loves the kids and can’t get enough pampering! Daniel, an off‑the‑track Thoroughbred, was gifted to us by Arielle Blackstone of Bulls Gap, Tennessee, who had purchased him in the first of the Off‑the‑Track Thoroughbred rescues.
Our youngest, Journey, is a five‑year‑old Shire I purchased at the National Clydesdale Sale two years ago. The Shire breed is on the endangered list. Journey is one of fewer than 3,500 existing in the world.
In addition to the horses, our farm family includes three dogs. Ellie Mae, a five‑pound, 14‑year‑old Yorkshire Terrier, believes she is in charge! Two Bernedoodles — Jethro, six; and Miss Hathaway (Hattie), three — provide the energy, joy, and fun. They are truly “puppy bliss.” If you’ve never spent time with a Doodle, you are missing out!
CDF is a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit organization providing experiential learning opportunities. If you’d like to schedule a visit, please call ahead at (828) 200‑9725.
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