• Article "Horsin' around on Provo" by Kathi Barrington

• Blake the Stable hand returns home

Over the past few months, Camille, Kelly and a few helpful volunteers have been teaching 8 local children how to ride. This is no easy task, as our ponies are better trained for trail rides than ring exercises. But our philosophy is 'the best way to learn how to ride is on a stubborn pony!!!' If a child can get a stubborn pony to listen, they can do anything!!

All 8 children are doing amazingly well. They're learning the basics like sitting and posting trot as well as the half seat/two point position and the quick release as they jump little cavaletti courses. In the early stages, it's all about balance, co-ordination, position and maneuvering their ponies in a steady controlled manner. But you have to keep it FUN as the kids range in ages 6 to 9 years of age. In addition to learning to ride, the kids are taught to handle, groom and tack up their own ponies because that is as, if not more important than the riding.

The kids are at a point now where they are ready to show their parents and friends what they've learned thus far. So....on a little island, in a little ring, at a little stable called Provo Ponies, a BIG show will take place!!

Instructors: Camille Slattery on left and Kelly Whittaker on right. Judges from left to right in the middle, Peggy Perkins, Melinda Volkert and Dr. Ken Peterson.

Many individuals had the pleasure of riding with Provo Ponies between February, 2008 and February, 2009. Most of those individuals would have had the lucky chance to ride along side our stable hand/guide, Blake. Blake, who has worked for Provo Ponies since Feb. '08, had never ridden a horse in his life, until he came here. Throughout the year, Camille and Kelly taught him nearly everything he needed to know about handling and riding horses, small business/stable management. In turn, Blake learned that he had a natural talent in dealing with animals; horses, dogs, cats, chickens and African Gray Parrots included. The first horse he rode was sweet Skittles who is one of our gentlest rides. His last ride was on Levi, one of our ex-harness race horses who requires a confident and capable rider. Throughout the year he rode nearly every one of our horses and ponies, and learned something different from each of them. He learned how to handle horses who have been abused or neglected in the past and need special care and gentle, consistent handling. He learned that relationships between people and animals are both possible and incredibly unique. Guests who rode with Blake only months after he'd begun training were shocked that he had only been around horses for a short while.

Probably one of Blake's greatest claims to fame is that he took, Bridget of Hugh Hephner's 'The Girls Next Door', horseback riding for her documentary 'Bridget's Sexiest Beaches' which aired on the Travel Channel in March '09. He spent the whole morning riding up and down Long Bay Beach being filmed with Bridget, completely unfazed, like a professional.

Blake left Provo in February, 2009 and filling his shoes was no easy task. We hope he takes with him what he's learned,and puts it to good use in the future. Best of luck Blaker!!

Skip, the golden Quarter Horse has lived on Provo since he was 3 years old. Originally from Texas, he was brought here by his family, the Owens' about 12 years ago. As a child his mum, Leah used to ride him bareback along Grace Bay Beach in and out of the ocean. Skip loves to swim!!!!

When Leah moved back to the US to start a family a few years ago, she left Skip here in Provo in her mother, Beth's care. After a while Beth thought that without Leah riding him, he may be better off somewhere else where he would get regular exercise, and have other horses to play with.

Skip spent the last 2 years living with the Provo Ponies. He was thrilled to have friends all around him, and immediately took a liking to our baby Tuesday, who was only 6 months old when he came. Skip is one of the kindest, sweetest and most gentle horses we've known. His soft trot and lopey canter are a dream to ride.

We said goodbye to Skip last Wednesday October 1st. Leah decided she wanted him there, with her, her husband and her 2 new children. She has visions of her kids growing up with Skip and riding him through green grassy fields that go for miles. So Skip boarded a plane and flew back to the US, where he'll live out the rest of his life grazing happily and prancing around the fields, tail up, showing off his good looks.

We were sad to see him go, but know that he is back where he should be, with his mum. He'll be missed by all of us at Provo Ponies....dogs, cats, chickens and ponies included.

Skip and his best friend on Provo, Tuesday

Loading Skip onto the plane Skip looking a little sleepy now.....

Skip in the plane settled in and ready to fly!!! Bon Voyage Skip!!!!

Skip in his new home....looking quite content