News& Notes

Kids take the reins at Equestrian Day Camp
By Christy Fenner
Correspondent
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Photos by Troy Harvey

Special to The Star Libby Silverstone waits her turn for the step stool at an equestrian day camp near Moorpark. Libby's mother says her daughter "loves animals, especially horses, and benefits from learning to care for them."
Photos by Troy Harvey / Special to The Star Libby Silverstone waits her turn for the step stool at an equestrian day camp near Moorpark. Libby's mother says her daughter "loves animals, especially horses, and benefits from learning to care for them."
During this winter school break, children have traded in their books and backpacks for saddles and reins at an equestrian day camp in the Tierra Rejada Valley near Moorpark.
The Elvenstar riding academy winter camp offers children from Ventura and Los Angeles counties a daylong program focused on instruction in horsemanship and riding basics.
The goal of the camp is to introduce children ages 7 to 13 to riding and caring for horses. Students are also taught the fundamentals of good horsemanship, such as how to handle and groom a horse and safe practices around horses.
"My first time I was kind of scared and struggling, but now I just relax and hold on to the reins," said first-year camper Hannah Banks, 7, of Camarillo, who received her week at camp as a Christmas present.
Hannah's mother, Amy Banks, said the camp provides her daughter with a hands-on learning environment where the focus is on learning, not simply playing.
Officials say the day camp is a sign of continuing local interest in horses and horsemanship. About 18 children are taking part in this session while local schools are on winter vacation.
"Over the last few years, interest has grown in the program, and we have been close to our maximum for our sessions," said Allison Tarry, who manages Elvenstar's riding academy.
Barbara Kloster of Thousand Oaks, president of the local chapter of a nonprofit riders' group, Equestrian Trails International Corral 37, described a child's involvement with horses as a self-esteem builder.
"When shy kids are on a horse, it is like they are a different person," Kloster said. "In other sports, you start off slow, whereas in a program like this you learn so much more in a shorter period of time."
Kloster noted that horses are a part of the history of this area, though newcomers may view it principally as a suburb of America's second-largest city.
"I think there is a big interest in horses, but people moving into this area may not be aware of how many stables there are or programs available," Kloster said.
Libby Silverstone, 6, of Temple City has been riding horses since she was 3. She goes to Elvenstar every few weeks for lessons, and when she is out of school goes as often as she can.
Her mom, Annette Silverstone, said the day camp benefits children because it keeps them focused.
Silverstone said her daughter "loves animals, especially horses, and benefits from learning to care for them."
Because of the diversity of ability levels of the students who attend the camp, they are placed in three groups composed of those at beginning, intermediate and advanced skill levels.
The skills range from the basic — such as getting familiar with sitting on a horse, holding the reins and positioning one's body — to practice and instruction in trotting and jumping.
Sydney Bookey, 9, of Woodland Hills has been riding at Elvenstar for about a month and is attending camp for the first time.
"The benefits are numerous," said her mother, Sherry Bookey. "She is learning the responsibility of taking care of a large animal. The kids learn to put something before themselves."
In addition to the winter day camp, Elvenstar offers day camps during spring break and throughout the summer.