Submitted by Lopez School

Lopez School officials thank the generous Lopez Island community for support to take 26 students, grades K-4, to Horse Camp for intensives. We had a wonderful experience at Lang’s Horse and Pony Farm in Mt. Vernon. For most students, this learning opportunity was a first. We now have a whole new vocabulary and memories that will stay with us!

Thank you to the community for purchasing seat cushions, tamales, and Thai dinners. Thank you also to those of you who generously donated to support this opportunity for all students who were interested. A special thank you also goes to the parents of the students who worked hard giving their time, making tamales, and cooking Thai dinners to make this happen.

Here are a few words from students about their experience:

“We went on trail rides, we learned how to control our horses, and we also learned how to groom, saddle, and take care of our horses.” –Nico

“I wish I could stay forever. My horse was nice and liked trotting.” –Malachi

“My horse was named Jubilee and she likes to trot and she likes grass, and her color is pinto.” –Sherlin

“Cash. Cash, fast as a rocket. She would round the cones in a zip and slither in between the cones. The color of buckskin that would glitter in the sun. He was nice, the nicest horse in the world. Gentle, kind, nurturing, caring, loving. Cash.” –Camille

“My horse was named Blaze and he was really fast. My favorite thing about Horse Camp was riding horses.” –Francis

“My horse was named Ladybug. She is grey and white, and kind of doesn’t listen, but she went up hills really fast!” –Zander

“My horse was Santana. She was pretty fast, but hard to control. She was awesome, so it was ok.” –Drake

“I loved my horse. His name was Cactus Jack, or Jack for short. He was an opposite horse, he was sometimes fast and sometimes slow, and sometimes had stage fright. I love my horse!” –Matilda

“My horses name was Kermit. He eats carrots, trots, and is a pinto.” –Samantha

“My horses name was Bella. She is black and white and is a quarter horse.” –Hailie

“Hobo and me loved the trails. He knows them so well that I never had to guide him. Also, he was the best at English riding (I love English riding!), and he loved my carrots and he always tried his best.” –Kayla

“Laleek was the name of the most beautiful horse I have ever met. She was a bay mare with a dazzling black mane and tail. I loved to braid her tail and mane! I really felt she understood me and even when the other horses didn’t listen, she would be right on track.” –Sara

“We learned how to ride with a saddle and bare back. My horse was Bob, a huge draft horse. We had a lot of fun.” -Matalikaors