What I learned as a horse camper

By Ruthann Goodrich

My time spent as a horse camper were some of my favorite childhood memories. Each summer, I would wait in anticipation for my week of horse camp, packing my bags far in advance before I would go. I could not wait to spend a week with horses, staff, and fun all day long.

I started going to horse camp as young as I was allowed, all the way through high school, and then worked as a Jr. Wrangler or Wrangler in Training. I can’t even begin to count all the things I learned as a camper but these few things have impacted my life forever!

I learned a lot about horses – how to ride, groom, saddle, and learned enough to teach it. More than all that though, I learned how much Jesus loves me and how horses and God impact people for a life time. I had counselors who spurred me on when I was going through hard seasons, ones who taught me about servant leadership, and how to love as Jesus does.

I would never in a million years take away my time at camp, and honestly, it has helped shape me into the person I am today.