By Cory Bernstein and Tony Elman
Horseback riding has always been one of
the favorite activities at Camp TImberlane. We interviewed Martin
Lynch, a former camper who is an instructor in our camp’s riding
program. Here are just some of the conversational questions that we
asked him:
How long have you been an
instructor?
“I started teaching here in 1976, so this is my third
year”
What are some of the basic steps in
horseback riding?
“You always squeeze your knees, keep your hells down, & your
toes in; and, don’t be afraid! Here are some things that you do
in each class: In class #1, you trot, canter; and In #2, you smooth
your trot, & get ready to cater. During rest period, they trot,
and practice your form and post. Both Third and Fourth period classes
are for learning the basics.
“Some of the highlights of the summer are “Anti-Cowboy
Day”, horse shows, breakfast & dinner trail rides, and
overnighters.
“Some of the advantages of being on the riding staff are that
you can take a horse out almost anytime you want. We can also do dirt
skiing, & do tricks that are too difficult for the campers.
“Teaching horseback riding might sound easy to some kids, but
the hot sun and screaming campers can sometimes be very tiresome.
Some disadvantages are that teaching riding to a beginner can be
awkward, & that horses are unpredictable. Also, horses smell,
it’s a dirty job, and you become insane of teaching five hours
each day!
Are you going to teach kids horseback
riding for a living?
“NO!”
BACK
TO ISSUE-7 CONTENTS