Thunder: A Very Popular Girl

This horse becomes a friend very quickly. She is a 14.2H mustang, complete with a brand on the left side of her neck. At first, we were not sure she would succeed in camp. 

Much to our surprise, she is trusted by everyone who rides her. Thunder stands still while being groomed; she enjoys giving an intermediate rider a huge challenge with steering in a riding arena, and she goes with style for those who use their aids well. We have recently discovered she loves to jump, and on top of that, trails are her best recreation.

Honey: A Special Lady

We always tell our campers that Honey is a sweetheart. She is one of the top ladies in the pecking order. It is quite obvious that she likes to be treated like a lady, and she will give you that same respect in return.

Honey walks, trots, canters and jumps. She LOVES to jump. In addition, she thoroughly enjoys trail rides and she never complains about a thing. She is one of our key lesson horses, stands about 14.2 H, even is agreeable to doing our weekend clinics for girl scouts. We positively adore Honey.

Fella is a Special Guy

This really handsome leopard appaloosa is named Fella. It took a while for us to decide that we would keep the name. He seemed more like a 'Freddie' than a Fella. But the name has stuck and he is what I call a gentleman.

Guess he's about 15H. Forward moving. Really solid. Fella is a kind, caring, hard worker, and eager to please. Sometimes he butts you with his head for attention, or if he is impatient. That's the only bad habit we have discovered in Fella.

Madge puts Spring in her Step

We were thrilled to have Madge join us. For fun, we have adjusted her name a little because her given name is 'Majestic'. Because she has the personality of a Madge, we altered the spelling.

Madge has a long stride, endless energy, and beautiful appaloosa markings. Campers love knowing her and working with her. My guess is that you may enjoy her as well. She continues in training with each rider.  

Marea is a Chincoteague Pony

Marea came to us when she was three months old and we taught her all the ground manners a horse could possibly need to know. She picked up her feet, learned to lead, functioned well within the routines of the barn, and came to love people well. For quite a while, she was our camp mascot.

Her owners then sent Marea for in the saddle training. Again, she was an eager learner. Every summer, Marea came to camp and the schooling she experienced was invaluable.  Now Marea is back at Sprucelands full-time. At 15H, she is definitely a fun ride, but more for the stronger rider.

Sara: A Classy Thoroughbred

Sara is a thoroughbred that joined us in 2000.  She is very sensitive. Long-strided. About 16H. Best for more advanced riders. We like her personality because she is personable and seems to respond well to riders that connect well with her. She enjoys jumping more than anything and loves being your partner.

Let Me Introduce You to Boomer

Boomer is top of the pecking order with the geldings,   or as we say it, the guys. He doesn't have to do much as the social director. Just walks into the ring, the paddock, or the pasture, and the guys  listen. He is very respected by horses and people  alike, and he is smart. 

Boomer is a 17H Belgian Quarter horse cross. A wonderful combination. He is mellow, willing to learn, and a gentleman to his rider. One caution, however: Boomer knows how to open his stall door and about every door in the barn!  Consequently, we all watch Boomer and make sure his door is double latched.

Ozzy is a Comfortable Ride

If you want to ride a comfortable trot, then Ozzy is the guy for you. He is a flea-bitten greay who enjoys trails, works for beginners through advanced riders, and stands about 15.2H. He came to us with another horse named Harry. They were best buds.

Ozzy is not really a jumper. He is better for the rider who is learning to walk and trot. While he will canter, I wouldn't say he's a first canter horse. But after you learn your canter, he does just fine for you.

This is Handsome Harry

Harry has been a challenge for us. As a 15.2H shiny chestnut, he is comfortable, a well-mannered terrific ride, and handsome.

What I need to say about Harry is that Harry was not a happy horse when he came in here. He almost growled at times. But we have worked steadily with Harry, adjusting his saddle, working with his bridle, changing his stall arrangements, and taking more time to tack him. We treat Harry with kindness and love. Fact is, he is doing dramatically better, and we are proud of his accomplishments.

Folly is Something Special

Folly is a 16H quarter horse who joined us two years ago. She is 8 years old and responding well to the schooling she receives here at Sprucelands.

When she first arrived, she was a scared little girl who was upset by changes in routine, loud noises, and the farrier. Now she stands for the farrier, flexibly manages her day, loves to be ridden, and overall looks lovely. For intermediate and advanced riders, she is one of the most comfortable rides in the barn.

Jax is a Class Act

Jax belongs to Lori Kibler and her daughter Jennifer.   We are unsure about his breeding because he is a grade horse; he is one of the most fun rides in the barn.

He is 15.2H, round, sturdy, totally comfortable, quick  and responsive. Jax jumps, does trails, challenges you in dressage, and smiles the minute campers walk into camp. He absolutely, positively loves camp. Wait till you meet Jax!

Kokomo is Like Curious George

Kokomo is a paint. Cute. He is 15.2H. Nice mover. Comfortable. Willing to learn. Kokomo has a very kind eye, as you can see. His temperament is even. No bucking. No running away. Happy to please.

The kids at camp positively love Kokomo. He is one of our most popular horses, and he enjoys camp. We love how he is learning. With every rider, he gets more schooling.

House Arrived in 2006

As a four year old, House is doing well. He arrived with a different name, but we named him after Dr. House on the TV program because he is a watcher, a thinker, and thoughtfully withdrawn from the regular herd horses.

Of course, he is learning because he is young, and the schooling rides here benefit him. We had a number of campers who worked regularly with him last year and he really progressed. He stands 16H, is good on trails, jumps, does dressage, and definitely gives you personality.

Glory is a Pretty Paint

You will see Glory on other pages of the website. She is one of those versatile horses that we use at camp, for lessons and trail rides, and during weekend riding clinics.

She is a saint: Pretty, kind, a fun ride, and full of personality. When she's impatient, she paws the ground. That's her only bad habit. So we talk to her like she's a person and she listens. You will thoroughly enjoy Glory.