Sawyer Hosts Inaugural Ojibwe Horse Camp

The first Ojibwe Horse Club in Sawyer, Minnesota, recently kicked off with kids participating in learning how to take care of horses and gaining insight into how they relate to the Ojibwe culture. Native Rancher, David Wise, is leading the charge in caring for a unique and special breed of horse known as the Ojibwe Spirit Horse. „We’re trying to introduce our community back to one of our long-lost relatives,“ Wise explained.

The horse camp covers the basics of horse care, with kids learning skills such as brushing and cleaning the horse’s hooves. In addition to these fundamental tasks, the camp also focuses on horsemanship and teaching children how to interact with and care for horses. Wise emphasized the importance of educating the campers about horse science, including topics like breeding and genetics. The camp is working in collaboration with the University of Minnesota to ensure the preservation and well-being of the Ojibwe Spirit Horse due to their dwindling numbers.

One of the key lessons of the camp is the deep connection between the Ojibwe people and horses. Wise shared, „The horse is a gift from The Creator, he’s a long lost relative of ours. He’s coming back, and that’s helping heal the sacred circle. Bringing him back, people never even knew he existed.“ By reintroducing the Ojibwe Spirit Horse to the community, the camp aims to strengthen this bond and raise awareness about the significance of these animals in Ojibwe culture.

For many campers, the experience of being around horses is both beautiful and transformative. Ella Gonzalez, a camper, expressed her love for horses, describing them as „very beautiful and gentle creatures.“ Being in the presence of horses and learning how to care for them has become a favorite activity for many participants, highlighting the profound impact these animals can have on individuals.

Ultimately, the Ojibwe Horse Club is not just about teaching children how to care for horses; it’s also about the reciprocal relationship between humans and animals. Wise noted, „We think that we’re teaching the horses, but a lot of the time, they’re teaching us.“ Through this unique and enriching experience, campers not only learn valuable skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the natural world. The Ojibwe Horse Club serves as a platform for cultural preservation, education, and fostering a sense of respect and appreciation for these majestic creatures.