Kids and Horses Shine on the Peninsula: A Story of Horseplay

The 2024 Horse Camp at Fox-Bell Farm & Training was a heartwarming event that brought joy to 50 campers and helpers. The weather was perfect, with sunny and warm conditions that made the activities even more enjoyable. The camp catered to riders of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. The weekend kicked off with a no-hands, no-reins jump lesson led by owner Shelby Vaughn, followed by a scenic trail ride at Robin Hill Park.

Throughout the weekend, the campers participated in various stations, including obstacle courses, relays, and scavenger hunts. One of the highlights was the „ride-a-buck“ competition, where kids placed $1 bills under their legs on the lunge line and competed to win some money. In addition to horse-related activities, the camp also featured non-horse events such as games, tie-dyeing T-shirts, face painting, and applying glitter paint to ponies using Twinkle Glitter products.

Twinkle Glitter, a company founded by Tina Billings, provided colorful glitter gel paint and other products for the campers to use. Tina’s daughter-in-law Kara Billings now runs the company, which has expanded to include products for dogs and humans. The majority of Twinkle products are still made and packaged at Billings Farm, adding a personal touch to the camp activities.

The camp also featured rescue horses, including Moon, an older Halflinger, and Waylon, a quarter horse gelding. These horses have been rehabilitated and now play a vital role in the farm’s lesson program, making the camp experience even more special for the campers. Moon, in particular, is beloved for his gentle nature and patience with children.

In addition to the horse camp, Shelby Vaughn and her mother Martha Vaughn are actively involved in animal rescue efforts. They are currently working on plans to start their own shelter for dogs in response to the closure of the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society’s Bark House facility. The Vaughns are dedicated to helping abused, neglected, and slaughter-bound animals, and their new shelter will provide much-needed support for dogs in Clallam County.

As the Vaughns prepare to launch their dog shelter, they are seeking community support through donations and fundraising efforts. They understand the financial challenges of running a self-funded shelter and are committed to operating the shelter as a nonprofit organization. Stay tuned for more details on their fundraising efforts and how you can support their cause.

Overall, the 2024 Horse Camp at Fox-Bell Farm & Training was a resounding success, bringing together horse lovers of all ages and skill levels for a weekend of fun and learning. The camp not only provided valuable riding lessons and activities but also highlighted the importance of animal rescue and community support. With the Vaughns‘ dedication and passion, the future looks bright for both the farm and their upcoming dog shelter.