STANHOPE - As he returns through the gates at Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre riding a full-size horse, it’s easy to see the joy in Luc McQuaid’s eyes.
This wasn’t the case one year ago when the 15-year-old Winsloe boy attended Wolf Manor’s miniature horse summer camp for the first time.
Luc, who has autism, loved the horses but felt uncomfortable in the “extra noise and busyness” of an action-packed camp day. He stayed home a lot.
This summer, Luc, grandmother Monique Kaye and camp director Alisha Wolf teamed up to create a specialized plan to lessen the stress.
For part of the day, the teen works in the quiet cool of the garden, watering flower beds and spreading rings of mulch around the freshly planted shrubs and flowering plants. It’s a job that appeals to him.
“I like taking care of the plants and watching them grow,” says Luc.
The other part of his day he spends working with the both the miniature and full-size horses.
“I enjoy feeding them and brushing them and going on rides,” says Luc, his eyes growing big.
After a week of working one-on-one with the teen, Wolf – also known as Camp Mum – has noticed some positive changes.
“Luc has actually stayed at camp every day for the full week, which is a huge improvement over last year,” she said. “He’s been able to do it just by adding some quiet time – gardening -- into his routine. It’s a time when there aren’t a whole lot of kids around.”
Luc gives his Camp Mum a high-five as he dismounts after his ride around the outdoor arena.
“The ride was so exciting. Dutchess is a beautiful horse,” says Luc.
Luc is one of 10 campers who attended the camp for individuals with autism at Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre last week. The family-owned centre’s main goal is to provide children with a safe place to learn and be empowered by a hands-on experience with horses.
Connor McKenna, another camper, holds the rope in his hand as he leads a miniature horse through the obstacle course in the stadium. The course consists of small jumps, tire obstacles and zig-zag barrel race elements.
“It’s fun,” says the five-year-old camper, after his successful finish.
After a week working with horses, Wolf is pleased with the growth she’s seeing in these young people.
“The kids are calmer and more confident in themselves.”
Wolf takes satisfaction in seeing campers stepping out of their comfort zone.
“At first everyone is uncomfortable. But by the end of the week you see the older kids playing with the little kids or introverted kids being included with the extraverted ones,” she says.
The camp counsellors do all they can to encourage campers to become more independent, but it’s the daily contact with horses where the real magic takes place.
Wolf says what the campers learn lasts long after their week at Wolf Manor is over.
“Horses teach kids responsibility and empathy, which they can incorporate into relationships in their everyday lives.”
A day at camp
- Miniature horse summer camp starts at 9 a.m., Monday to Friday
- Campers sing a “good morning” song and play games. Breaking into two groups, they try their hand at gardening or walking the miniature horses. Later, after a snack and games, they switch and enjoy the other activity.
- In the afternoon participants break into groups to do three more activities, such as canoeing, swimming or archery.
Horse play
- The camp for individuals with autism is one of many kinds of camps happening at miniature horse summer camp in Stanhope this summer. Registration is open for others.
- For more information, go to https://wolfalisha.wixsite.com/summercamppei/camp-dates or https://www.facebook.com/horsecamppei/
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