Horse Camp for Kids

Victoria learning to groom.

At Andalusians De La Parra, we held our first ever Horse Camp! The kids began early in the day, learning all about the feeding, care and grooming of the horses they are learning to ride.

They learned about what kind of food horses eat and why. The adults eat a 10% protein pellet. In the winter, they eat 1/2 coastal bermuda hay and 1/2 alfalfa hay. During the summer, we don’t give alfalfa because it’s too hot and they do better in the summer with pellets and regular hay. We also give them a multivitamin supplement, plenty of water readily available. During the heat of summer, they also get water with cherry-flavored electrolytes. We also treat with an apple/molasses horse-cookie. The horses also love apples, carrots and little sugar cubes, but we use those very sparingly.

The kids rode a different horse today. They usually ride Espartaco De La Parra, Dejado’s son, but for Horse Camp we introduced them to a new horse, Juguete De La Parra, Helicon’s son. Little Rafi was excited about riding the son of his father’s favorite stallion!

The kids had a wonderful time and learned a lot more about the horses than just riding. We taught them about the different tack we use for Andalusian and Lusitano horses. We use English, Portuguese and Spanish tack. We taught them how to correctly saddle your horse and how to safely and easily interact with the stallions.

They had so much fun and worked hard all day long. We’re very proud of them! We’ve had so many people inquire about riding classes for their children. At this time, we are only teaching the children of Andalusians De La Parra family and staff members.

Learning about grooming tools.

Checking out the automatic waterers.

Learning to groom.

Watching the Horses go to the dentist!

Yakare and Juguete

Rafi and Sebastian with Helicon, Juguete's father. Helicon is now 32 years old and retired from showing.

Lunchtime on the carriage!