Moony, Shadow and Bubbles in Action
Echo Valley Ranch is a peaceful place of contemplation. However during Family Weeks, the kids took centre stage at the ranch.
"Ready, set, go", shouts Julie in the middle of the arena looking down at her stop watch. Immediately horse Shadow starts running. Ears pointed, eyes focused on the target. On top of Shadow, nine-year-old Jasper; both intend on winning the race. The little boy with the big eyes steers his horse skilfully towards the first barrel. They quickly make their way around it and go for the second and third. Shortly after, they are heading full speed for the finishing line. Shadow is highly motivated, even jumps into a canter for a second but Jasper has everything under control. Quite amazing since Jasper just barrel raced for the first time. His eyes sparkle. Jasper, his parents and siblings, the seven-year-old twins Iris and Lucas, have never been on a horse before coming to Echo Valley Ranch. Now Iris sits proudly on Bubbles and Lucas made friends with Moony. They are naturals at barrel racing as well. Even though in the end, daddy on horse Ernie wins the competition by a few seconds...
Everybody had a great time that day and it was a perfect start for the EVR Family Weeks. Family Weeks, that stands for lots of fun and action for our little guests but also for our wranglers, kid counsellors and parents too. Julie, our experienced head wrangler, always tries to think of new horse games to keep things interesting for our miniature riders and horses. EVR Family Weeks are everything but boring!
Scavenger hunts, campfires and volleyball?
Apart from riding, there are many other activities the kids can take part in during the Family Weeks at Echo Valley Ranch. Scavenger hunts, playing volleyball and swimming in the pool are among the activities, as well as playing Frisbee with the eight Border Collies. There is always something going on for the little ones, which gives the parents some time to enjoy a spa treatment or simply relax in the sun.
Another highlight for the kids is the BBQ and campfire night. This is a perfect reason to stay up past bed time, sit around the fire, roast marshmallows and sings songs together. Family weeks at Echo Valley Ranch, means outdoor activities in the midst of nature, new friendships and, of course, lots of fun. Our little guests had such a good time that we even had to dry a few tears on the day of departure. At Echo Valley Ranch, we are already looking forward to the 2012 Family Weeks and we would like to thank all of our little guests for the wonderful time. Read More about Family Packages.
What do you do at Echo Valley Ranch?
I am one of six wranglers at EVR. We take care of the 34 ranch horses. This includes all general horse tasks like feeding, mucking out and taking care of injuries as well as training the horses and, of course, taking our guests out on trail rides and giving horseback riding lessons.Which one is your favourite horse at the ranch and why is that?
That's an easy question.:) My favourite horse is Foxy. When I started at the ranch, we had just bought eight new horses that needed a lot of training. Every wrangler got assigned to ride one specific horse and I got Foxy. She is only six years old and has a lot to learn, but I love her a lot because she is a true Quarter Horse: compact, very smart, fast and sure-footed. Just an overall comfortable ride with a lovable personality and a little bit of attitude. Sometimes that can be a bit of a challenge, but if Foxy's in, then you have the best team mate possible.What makes Echo Valley Ranch such a special place for you?
Well, in the end it is really all the wonderful and motivated people that work at EVR that make the ranch such a magical place and frankly home away from home for me. I really appreciate working together with all these great individuals that put so much of their heart and soul into their everyday work. All this energy just encourages me to give my best and make every day count.
Over the years Moony has carried a myriad of guests on trail rides and has made them feel safe and secure with his calm and gentle manner. Especially a favourite of our young guests, Moony swept everybody of their feet during our kids weeks this month and is already looking forward to meeting more little riders at Echo Valley Ranch next year...
For me staying at Echo Valley Ranch means...
Peace, tranquility and a chance to rediscover what is really special in life.My personal highlight during my stay at Echo Valley Ranch was...
conquering a fear of horses and building a respect for an amazing animal.I would always return to Echo Valley Ranch because...
We suspect there are few places as beautiful and where your hosts are so focussed on making the time you spend with them memorable and bespoke. Read more guests comments here
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