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A summer camp of a different color
Kids who are looking to experience life as a western cowboy can head just east of Greencastle to Together Educated Equestrian Master this summer.
TEEM Equestrian Center was opened in 2010 by Candice Pelfrey, a Putnam County native with a passion for horses, riding and teaching.
"Horseback riding is an excellent way for a person to stay fit and healthy," Pelfrey said. "It's also a great way to get outside and enjoy your life."
Pelfrey is hosting three different camps this summer, as well as a series of beginner lessons and clinics that will cater to all ages.
The camps began last summer and TEEM is adding two more this year.
For boys 5-12 there will be a Cavalry Camp from June 12-14 running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Campers will learn mounted drill movements, mounted shooting (with water guns), jousting and mock field battles. They will also participate in obstacle courses, artillery launches and water grenade tosses, all on horseback.
The cost for this camp is $150.
The Girls Giddy Up Camp, held June 19-21 from 9 a.m. to noon, is for girls ages 4-9.
The campers will participate in daily riding lessons that incorporate games, balancing skills and imagination.
The camp will include lessons on equine anatomy and motion while teaching basic riding skills through mounted games and scavenger hunts.
The rest of the day will be filled with pony painting, braiding contests and crafts.
This camp will cost $75.
The final camp, which runs from June 25-29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is available to boys and girls ages 6 and up.
The Summer Horse Camp is open to children of all riding levels, including those with no experience, who want to learn more about horses and improve riding knowledge and skills.
Campers will spend half the day in mounted riding lessons where they will jump, ride trails, play games and more.
The rest of the day will be spent working hands-on with horses learning about veterinary care, equipment, equine nutrition and anatomy, breeds and more.
This camp costs $250.
"Campers are welcome to bring their own horses to any of the camps," Pelfrey said. "I encourage anyone to stop by the barn to see the facility and meet me as well as the horses."
TEEM is located at 2371 S. County Road 250.
Riding horses is fun, but it can also improve physical and emotional health, Pelfrey said.
"Horses develop a trust for people and are capable of protecting, encouraging and learning with people," she said. "This type of behavior gives people hope, builds confidence and self esteem and allows people to feel needed."
Pelfrey, who said she began taking riding lessons at age 11, graduated from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College with a degree in equine studies.
She has taught riding since 2002 and began organizing and instructing camps in the area in 2004.
In addition to the camps, TEEM will host six weekly, 45-minute beginner lessons at a cost of $20 each or $90 total, as well as 4-H horse and pony preparation clinics and regular riding lesson programs.
"Riding a horse is a great way to tone a body, rehabilitate an injured body and increase flexibility," Pelfrey said. "More advanced riding such as posting at the trot, cantering over jumps or riding without stirrups tone . . . and work muscles in areas that can't be strengthened through activities such as cycling, pilates or swimming."
All of the lessons at TEEM are catered to the student's age, experience and goals.
The camps are normally limited to 10 campers each.
Pelfrey can be contacted by calling 720-3310 or by email at teemequestriancenter@comcast.net.