Campers, Horses, the Disabled, and Red Cedar

When was the last time you were on a picnic out in the grass? It's been a while for me. This is not a new photo, and from the looks of the trees it must have been fall here. But I do believe the prairie grass looks much the same right now. In September the grass is turning many colors as the seed heads mature. Sometimes the ends of the grass look red, or purple. The stalks are so tall I find myself describing them as majestic. Maybe it helps to be there -

Meadow paths like this give me the urge to go on a trail ride, courtesy of some eager horses. I'm thinking a short little mount, or just a pony with ears perked up and mane flowing behind a bobbing head. It's been a long time for me.

A lot of kids have the desire to learn to ride horses. We've had good experiences with Camp Red Cedar on Hursh Road in Fort Wayne. Before signing up for ongoing lessons, this camp gives kids the chance to try out the whole equestrian experience and see what it's all about.

There is a lot more work to horses than just learning to ride, of course. At the Red Cedar camp, even the young kids go through the basics of horsemanship, including cleaning stalls, washing horses, picking out their feet, brushing, saddling, etc. This is time consuming, and it gives kids a realistic picture of what it really means to be responsible for a horse.

Red Cedar is located on 57 acres with pastures, woods, a ten-acre lake, barns and camping structures. The kids swim at the lovely beach in the summertime, and it is fully accessible for people with disabilities. And that is a great thing about this camp - they have programs for fully abled people, and disabled people. They have summer camps for people with autism and Downs syndrome, diabetes, and other issues. And they have regular horseback riding lessons, and private lessons, and trail rides. It's a spacious, peaceful place.

The week-long summer camp for autistic kids is creative. Every hour or so there is a different activity - games, arts & crafts, karate, soccer, etc. Plus the horseback riding - someone leads the horse, the riders wear helmets. The horses are gentle and quiet. Therapeutic riding helps people with balance, coordination, muscle control, and confidence. I think it's such a good thing. The people that work there seem very dedicated. A lot of the summer help are college-age kids with plenty of energy and good spirits. I admire people who give back like that - I find it to be an inspiration.

Hursh Road is close to I-69 and Tonkel Road, which is easily accessible and a nice part of northern Allen County. You can visit Red Cedar's website at www.awsredcedar.com.