Saving Grace Farm in Salisbury NC – Where the Horses Whisper Back!

Max - the Biggest Horse at Saving Grace Farm in Salisbury NC © Katrena

Saving Grace Farm, located at 565 Trexler Loop in Salisbury, NC, offers a wide range of horse-related opportunities for people in and around Rowan County. My two older kids have enjoyed a summer horse camp at the farm, and even my youngest has had the opportunity to learn a bit about horses (and dogs!) from the sidelines.

Connect With Animals © Katrena

Horse Farm in Rowan County © Katrena

We first heard about this camp after a friend, who has a son with autism, absolutely raved about the wonderful staff and how they interact with the participants. Her son has enjoyed many physical and emotional rewards from the equine-assisted horse activities at Saving Grace and loves to tell us about riding and working with Max.

Summer Horse Camp © Katrena

Those participating in the summer horse camp have a wide variety of learning opportunities. The kids learn safety issues, such as where to safely stand near a horse and how to read a horse's body language. The horses at this farm are not simply trained to walk around in a circle. The riders learn to steer and work with the horses according to the participant's physical and mental abilities.

Learn About Horses © Katrena

Horses have distinct personalities, and the beautiful animals at the farm range from slow, calm, and steady to a bit more spirited and spunky. Lots of staff and volunteers are available to help as the campers begin to interact with their chosen horse.

Horses & Kids Have Personalities at Saving Grace © Katrena

My oldest daughter discovered that a horse named Jubilee seemed to pick her out as she began to follow my child as she walked outside. My second oldest was immediately drawn to the spirited pony named Misty. Other kids in the camp began to develop one-on-one relationships with these beautiful animals.

Kids Learn How to Balance and Focus © Katrena

Before riding, the kids learn about balance and the importance of using muscles in order to avoid falling off. Practicing several exercises while standing on the ground also allowed the instructor to help the participants learn the importance of focus and listening.

How to Clean a Horse's Hoof © Katrena

Grooming techniques are taught, and the kids have the opportunity to groom their chosen horse or pony from head to foot. Staff and volunteers encourage the campers to become more self-sufficient as the week progresses.

Horse Tack at Saving Grace Farm © Katrena

They learn about various pieces of equipment placed on or used with the horses, such as a fly mask, bridle, lead, reins, blanket, stirrups, and saddle. The campers also learn about how to carry and store the items as well as how they are used on the horse and are given the opportunity to put this knowledge to practical use as they prepare to ride.

Horse Riding Trail in NC © Katrena

Campers are split into smaller groups during the riding portion. All riders are required to wear helmets. The nurse in me likes that safety rule! One group participates in craft activities and nature hikes while others ride in order to allow for more focused individual attention by the equine specialist, who checks each horse and rider personally to ensure that saddles and stirrups are properly adjusted as each child mounts.

Canada Geese at the Farm © Katrena

The location of Saving Grace farm is quite serene and offers a nice display of natural beauty as campers have the opportunity to see a wide variety of plants and animals. As the kids walk or ride the trails, they may see a family of geese, turtles, or fish at the pond. They also have the opportunity to learn about flora in the area.

Horsemanship at Saving Grace © Katrena

Riding Backwards on a Horse © Katrena

Early in the week, leads are used so that the campers can learn the art of balance while riding a horse. They may ride on a trail or in an arena. They might even ride backwards or with no hands! As they become more comfortable, they are offered the opportunity to steer and practice posting while trotting. They are given lots of feedback for ways in which they can position their bodies in order to connect better with the horse. Additional skills are taught as the children gain confidence.

Learn to Ride a Horse © Katrena

Horse Camp in Rowan County © Katrena

Just as all horses are different, each camper also has different strengths, weaknesses, and fear levels. A healthy respect of horses is always encouraged. Those who might feel uncomfortable may be encouraged to move back to an activity that feels more comfortable until ready to move to the next level.

Kids Gain Self-Confidence by Working With Horses © Katrena

Riding a Horse Without Using Hands © Katrena

I was surprised to see how quickly the campers progressed and learned various skills. A horse camp can do more than teach skills and knowledge. I could see all of the children grow more self-confident and self-sufficient throughout the week. Some people connect with horses by whispering, but those who connect best are the ones who learn to listen as the horse whispers back!

Trail Riding at Saving Grace © Katrena

Saving Grace Farm offers a wide variety of activities in addition to their summer camps, some of which include:

• Riding lessons (private or group)
• Programs for veterans who have experienced illness, injuries, or wounds after September 11, 2001
• Equine assisted activities for children and adults with special needs
• Growing and Living Lives of Purpose (G.A.L.L.O.P.)
• Community workshops such as survivors or grief, abuse, parenting challenges, etc.
• Connection and leadership skills for horse owners
• "Sunshine Seekers" Hospice grief camps

Find Healing by Working With Horses © Katrena

Find more of my articles at the Wildflower Bouquets site map. Those interested in equestrian camping might also like to read my article on South Mountains State Park.

Find Joy in Equestrian Activities © Katrena

Words Can Leave a Lasting Wound or a Lasting Legacy

Words Can Cause Damage Deeper than Sticks and Stones - Photo from Wikimedia Commons

I remember listening to a friend's speech in 4-H when I was a child. She began with the words "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can break my heart." I heard that speech more than 25 years ago and still remember the look in my young friend's eyes. She spoke from the heart...a heart that had been pierced by a double-edged tongue.

The damage often begins in childhood. The kids who don't fit the mold are typically informed of that difference at an early age by other children. All too often adults send those negative messages as well. Too short. Too tall. Too large. Too thin. Special diet. Clothing style. Hairstyle. Family history. Reading ability. Lack of agility. Speech. IQ. Eyeglasses. The list could go way beyond the computer screen.

One of the participants in my group exercise class mentioned something about me being talkative and outgoing. I had to admit right then and there that I tend to be quite shy and reserved the majority of the time. Sure, I can get up in front of a group exercise class, turn on some music and lead a group through a workout, but my natural instinct is to hide from groups who are simply socializing. I guess part of that stems from the feeling that I never fit in as a child. Perhaps I am simply in self-preservation mode at times.

Sporting Competition Can Lead to Bullying © Katrena

Yes, words can wound, but non-verbal language and the intent behind the words can speak even more loudly. I remember the day my school classmates gave me a standing ovation during a basketball game. I had worked hard, really hard, all season. I don't think there is a thing the coach could have done to turn me into a "good" player. My self-confidence was probably below zero because my position during games had been to sit on the bench the entire season, but I came and cheered because I was part of the team. 

Yet, during that home game, the coach gave me the cue to join the other players on the court. I nearly fell off the bench due to the shock but was delighted to finally have the opportunity to play. As I ran to my position, I saw everyone on our side of the gym standing and clapping like crazy. I was later informed that my classmates were thrilled because they knew we had won the game when I got to play. I finished out the season only playing in one other game...the one the coach knew we had already lost.

I told my oldest daughter that she won first place in my eyes after she ran her first 5K. She finished what she started, cut several minutes off her previous best time, and did not give up. Even though only the fastest kids' names were announced, I could not have been prouder of my daughter. I was excited for my second daughter when she was chosen to read her paper for a Veterans Day program. She had been in speech therapy not long before that time, and to hear her speak eloquently in front of hundreds of children, teachers, parents, and those who have defended our country made my heart swell with pride, and I made sure to tell her that. My youngest loves to tackle the dog and brush her teeth. I laugh and tell her that she might make a great dog groomer, dentist, or even a lion tamer when she grows up!

Inspire Others With Encouraging Words © Katrena

I love to teach group exercise classes for kids. I try to ensure that the classes are fun. If we play freeze dance, everyone can keep dancing when the music comes back on. If we do the limbo, nobody has to sit out – they can discover new and creative ways of getting under the stick! One of the kids' favorite games is the snail – we join hands and I lead them into a tighter and tighter circle and finally unwind the group back into a single circle facing outward. Nobody is a loser. Sometimes we sweat. Sometimes we smile...or maybe even laugh. The idea is to teach the kids that being physically active can actually be fun. Everyone wins. At the end of the class, I like to give the kids a high five before the go out the door. Every once in a while, a child will come up to me and give me a huge bear hug. No words needed.

Hearing the cadence of a different drummer can give people the ability to enjoy rhythms never imagined by others. May the wounds that run deep within us serve to open our eyes to the needs of others and inspire us to say the very words they need to hear!

Readers may also wish to check out my free printable I love you notes or words of encouragement. Visit the Wildflower Bouquets site map for more stories of hope, inspiration, enjoying simple pleasures, and more.

The Joy of Marching to a Different Drummer's Beat - Photo by Roosewelt Pinheiro/ABr at Wikimedia Commons