Evansville Stable to Offer Mom & Me Horse Camp to Celebrate Mother’s Day

Growing Up with Horses

I am one of the lucky ones. I grew up riding horses with my mom. And now I get to experience the same with my daughter.

My mom and I spent many, many hours on the trails. We loved trail riding so much that I got my very own horse when I was seven. Okay, she wasn't a great pick for a child. She was a pony with a bad attitude, and I wasn't a strong or skilled rider. I got thrown off more than once. I finally graduated to a much nicer horse in seventh grade and fell in love for the first time in my life.

Trail Riding Memories at Shawnee National Forest

Looking back, camping was fun and easy for me, but not for my mom. We started out in tents. Our very first big trail ride was at Shawnee National Forest (go big or go home) and we stayed in tents on a hill. The bath houses were at the bottom of the hill. The water was at the bottom of the hill. It was July. It was miserably hot.

We rode in a big organized ride, and I stayed right behind the guide. If you've ever been in a traffic jam, you know the worst place to be is in the back. It's a game of stop and go. My mom was in the back.

So my memories consist of a challenging but fun ride and really great biscuits for dinner. My mom remembers packing for two people and two horses for a week. Sleeping in a tent. Trailering horses with a 1979 International Scout with no AC in the summer. Lugging water up the hill. Sleeping in a tent. Getting stepped on by a horse. Being in the back of the traffic jam. Sleeping in a tent. Feeding, watering, saddling, cleaning up after two horses in the heat with no relief. And yes, sleeping in a tent. I love you, mom!

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Passing the Love of Horses to My Daughter

Now, don't think I got off easy. It's my turn.

My daughter LOVES horses, and after years of lessons, we decided to buy one for her. After a couple of years, she outgrew him. He is slow and steady. She wanted to compete in speed events so we bought her a thoroughbred.

I was kind of tired of sitting on the sidelines and spending long hours at the barn with nothing to do, so we ended up keeping her first horse Tucker for me. He's also a lesson horse at the barn we board at. His slow and steady demeanor makes him perfect for a lesson horse. I mean, really. Getting him to go faster than a walk can be a challenge. Perfect for me and little kids.

When we take him to the fair, his fan club shows up and takes pictures with my little man. I love it.

Life at the Barn Together

My daughter and I have spent thousands of hours at the barn together. We clean our own stalls which forces me to spend time with my horses, even when it's cold, rainy, hot, muggy, buggy, or there are fun things I want to do. You know, like sleep...

Horses come first, and we do it all together.

We've fought, we've cried, we've celebrated wins and I wouldn't trade a moment. The time in the car is for chatting about life and at the barn we split chores. She's even teaching me to barrel race and taught Tucker how to step over to the mounting block or trailer wheel well so I can easily get on.

I'm absolutely terrible at barrel racing. Tucker is incredibly slow. It's so fun.

I could go on and on about how good the barn has been for us and how horses are one of the most amazing types of therapy there is. But you don't have all day.

Evansville Mom and Me Horse Camp Details

Now you might be thinking, I want to share something special like this with my kid!

One Evansville stable is giving families the opportunity to spend quality barn time together this May. Double M Stables is offering a Mom and Me camp to celebrate Mother's Day. I talked to the Brandts, the new owners of Double M, and they said that any special person is welcome to accompany the youngster. Grandma, dad, or even a special lady in their life is welcome.

Owner and operator Emma Brandt told me,

My mom and I decided to do this camp because we wanted to share this really unique experience with other moms and their kids. We get to work with each other a lot around the horses, and wanted to share that with others.

Mom & Me Mini Horse Camp activities include:

• the basics of horsemanship
• grooming and care
• safety, breeds, and markings
• leading
• riding horses
• snacks
• games
• fun photo opps
• surprises

Moms don't have to sit on the sidelines with this camp. YOU are part of the fun!

It's going to be a fun day you won't forget.

And to make it even more fun, they are giving away one free lesson to someone who shares the post.

Spots are limited, so be sure to register to secure your place. If you have more than one kiddo, contact Emma Brandt at 812-205-1215 to chat about options.

And be sure to thank your mom, or mom figure, even if they didn't sleep in a tent for a week!

More Camps

Double M Stables is also offering summer day camps. All camps include a shirt, horse care and safety training, daily riding, horse games, and special activities. Click here for details or to sign up.

Spa Day Camp 

• June 8-9

Western Day Camp

• June 18-19

Horse Treats and Craft Camp

• June 22-23

Spa Day Camp 

• June 29-30

Read More: Womens-Only Adult Camp Adventures to Check Out

Read More: Best Horseback Riding Near Evansville, Owensboro, & Henderson