Marana Ranch Summer Camp: Teaching Kids to Care for and Ride Horses

As summer comes to a close in Marana, Arizona, children are still enjoying the last bit of sunshine at various summer camps before the school year begins. One such camp at 4 Ropin Ranch is offering kids the unique opportunity to learn how to care for horses and ride them. Kim Temple, the owner of Jackpot Miniature Horses and Ponies Camp, is dedicated to helping campers develop a special bond with these gentle animals.

Temple emphasizes the importance of exposing city kids to horses they may never have encountered before. The horses at the camp are all well-trained and safe to be around, allowing children to interact with them in a controlled and educational environment. Activities at the camp include crafts, obstacle courses, and riding sessions, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection between the campers and the ponies.

Trainers like Tonya De La Cruz play a crucial role in guiding the children and imparting valuable life lessons through their interactions with the horses. De La Cruz notes that the experience helps kids open up emotionally and learn important skills like teamwork, which can be beneficial as they transition back to school or preschool.

For some campers, like Tonya’s daughter Meleah, the impact of the camp goes beyond just learning about horses. Meleah shares how the ponies have given her confidence and joy, serving as a source of comfort and happiness on difficult days. The emotional connection that children like Meleah form with the animals highlights the therapeutic and transformative power of spending time with horses.

The Jackpot Miniature Horses and Ponies Camp will continue to run weekly throughout the winter, catering to children between the ages of 3 and 12. Parents interested in enrolling their kids can find more information on the camp’s Facebook page, where updates and details about upcoming sessions are regularly posted.

In conclusion, the horse camp at 4 Ropin Ranch in Marana offers children a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond just learning how to ride a horse. Through interactions with these gentle animals, kids develop important life skills, emotional connections, and a newfound sense of confidence and joy. The camp serves as a valuable opportunity for children to connect with nature, learn about responsibility, and form lasting memories that will stay with them long after the summer ends.