Chestnut Ridge

Riding Joey, our 10 year old sorrel gelding, through the woods on a breezy fall day I could not but help but admire God’s handiwork. Fiery red and golden yellow leaves sway and float to the ground.

Riding Joey, our 10 year old sorrel gelding, through the woods on a breezy fall day I could not but help but admire God’s handiwork. Fiery red and golden yellow leaves sway and float to the ground. A bright blue sky peaks through the old growth hardwood stands. Not a cloud in the sky. There is no better day to work one of the horses while scouting out a trail to the new land, soon to be new home to the horses.

The horse program has grown in size and popularity since the debut of trail riding summer camp. We have been blessed with a generous neighbor who has allowed the camp to use 16 acres of pasture, but now the time has come for the horses to have a home on camp land. The new horse outpost consists of 22 acres with pasture, old growth tree stand, a few sheds, a house, electricity and water. Historically we have had to bring out warm water to break the ice on troughs in the winter or fill up the water buffalo then transport the water to their pasture.

Long range plans for the horse outpost include a barn and an arena where riders can learn barrel racing and pole bending as well as work on basic riding skills. As exciting as it is to dream about what will be, I must consider what we need to do now to get the land ready for the horses. The fescue and Johnson grass currently in the pasture is ready for the horses grazing pleasure. Barbed wire fencing needs to be pulled out, old tires should be tossed, and general cleanup has to happen before horse safe fencing can be installed.

A group of 30 retreatants requested service work while they were camp guests last weekend and in a few hours at the new land had a whole 30 yard dumpster full! Many hands make light work. I plan to have a few work days this fall with the goal of installing fence the first of the year. I and the horses would appreciate your willing hands.

The first planned work days are Saturday November 18 and December 2 from 9 am to 3 pm. All ages are welcome and will be put to work, lunch will be provided. Call the camp office or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to RSVP.