BR January 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to 2023!

We are only six short months away from camp starting! Our team is working hard to prepare for this upcoming season. January is busy at the BR as we prepare for Mother Daughter registration. Please read the information below about the registration process for the retreats.

We have added another new horse to the herd named Hay Joe. He is eager to meet so many new friends this summer! If you have taken a horse home this winter, please send us photos of how our favorite four-legged friends are doing.

For families of first-year campers, please keep an eye out for more information regarding the New Parent zoom meeting that will be happening in the spring. We are excited to meet with you all and help prepare your whole family for camp!

Mother Daughter Retreats

2023 Dates

MD1: June 15-17 (Thursday-Saturday)

MD2: June 22-24 (Thursday-Saturday)

MD3: August 19-21 (Saturday-Monday)

Click Here to Register

Registration Information

We all braved the internet a few months ago, hoping to get Taylor Swift Concert tickets. And now, we are crossing our fingers to get spots in one of the Mother-Daughter retreats. Last year, the retreats sold out in less than a minute; we expect the same this year.

We want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Registration opens on Wednesday, January 18th, at 10 am EST. Please remember that we are in the Eastern Standard time zone; plan your morning accordingly.
  • When registration opens, you will see an option to “Start Application” for Mother-Daughter Retreats 2023 at the bottom of this page.
  • Mother Daughter costs $535 per person; at the time of registration, a $275 deposit is due for each person registered.
  • You can set up your account now and ensure your Household Information is up to date – this will save you time when going through the process.
  • You must register an adult and at least one camper for the retreat. If there is only one spot available and one waitlist spot, go ahead and take it.
  • If your family is split, when one individual is registered and the other is waitlisted, please continue with the registration process, knowing that we will sort through based on start time & submission time. We will try to get you both into the session.
  • Due to the number of people on our registration site at one time, the system may be slower than normal. It may take longer to receive your confirmation email.
  • There is a limit to the number of individuals who can be on our site at one time. If the registration site reaches its maximum amount of simultaneously active users, our Throttle will automatically be enabled. The Throttle temporarily prevents incoming users from being able to create a new account or sign in to an existing one until space becomes available on the site.
  • Two mandatory forms must be completed before you arrive at camp: the Camper Profile Form and the Camper Health History form. These forms will go live on Thursday, January 19th.
  • When you add a session to your cart, it will be held for 10 minutes to give you time to complete your forms and payment and click submit. After 10 minutes, the session will be released.
  • Ensure you know which session you would like to attend in advance.

On registration day, I will do my very best to answer your questions via phone and email, but there is only one of me and one phone line. Email is the best way to contact me on the day of registration. Please be patient and kind!

Sample Schedule

Family Weekend

For the past 60 summers, Black River Farm & Ranch has been the ultimate summer camp adventure. We are incredibly excited to continue providing those unique and memorable experiences in new ways!

So hop on your trusty steed and hit the trails, connect with nature while hiking through the woods, channel your inner craft queen (or king!), kayak around Lake Lorely, enjoy scrumptious s’mores by the campfire, and make some unforgettable memories during Family Weekend.

Family Weekend is August 25-27, 2023
Registration opens Wednesday, February 1st, at 10 am EST.

More information about Registration is to come.

Fall Weekend Table
Sample Itinerary

Horse Talk

Is it a hoof or a foot?

When discussing hooves, we picture the entire anatomy of a horse’s foot. However, the hoof is only one part of the more extensive anatomy. The toe is the front of the horse’s foot, covered by the hoof. It is used for balance and movement; it supports the whole weight of the horse. The hoof is the semi-hard nail of the horse. Made from keratin, it protects the toe from damage from impact with the ground.

Though sturdy and functional, horse hooves are very delicate. They’re susceptible to damage and disease if not properly cared for. Some of the most common ailments that affect a horse hoof include laminitis, navicular disease, thrush, white line disease, and quittor. All of these illnesses can be painful for horses, but with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and good grooming practices, you can prevent these issues from afflicting your horse.

By understanding the full anatomy of a horse’s foot and hoof, you can learn how to care for them to prevent any issues. Here are the supplies for keeping the entire horse hoof anatomy in check. You will need:

  • A professional pick
  • A stifle bristle brush
  • Water from a hose or in a bucket

Check out this video from the CHA on how to Safely and Effectively Pick Horse’s Hooves with Christy Landwehr.

Reminders and Updates

Reminders

Important Dates

  • January 18th – Mother Daughter Retreat Registration Opens
  • January 31st – 5% off discount ends
  • March 1st – Camper Health History form opens
  • May 1st – All Camper session forms are due; Mother Daughter tuition and forms are due.
  • June 1st – All Camper Session Tuition is due.
This Newsletter was emailed via constant Contact. Click here for the orginal webversion.