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Show TIMES June 1, 2006 Tun Day at the Stables' leaves local students fl During her ride Amber Brown saw the world from a horse's perspective. STORY & PHOTOS BYJIETHYOUNG^ HrlltopTimes staff As his horse took off onto the dusty trail, like a true cowboy, Carlos Banos raised his arm in the air and let out a loud, Yee Haw! This scene was repeated again and again at the Hill Riding Stables last week, as it was filled with miniature cowboys and cowgirls during the Fun Day at the Stables, hosted by the Hill Riding Club. More than 25 special needs students from Hill Field and South Clearfield elementary schools, were invited out for a day of fun that included not only horseback riding but also the chance to see some of the big equipment from 75th Civil Engineering and to see the inside of a 75th Security Forces Humvee. When asked why the riding club wanted to invite the students to the hill stables, Lisa Freeman, riding club member and event organizer, who was trotting her horse with a student along for the ride, said, "just look at them." "These students are unique and a lot of fun," she said. "I work with the kids in (at Hill Field elementary) and the kids love the horses and riding. It's something that they don't have to work at in order to have a good time." For many of the students this was not only their first time riding a horse but also seeing one. "This gives them an experience that most of them don't have the opportunity to do," said Charis Strong, South Clearfield elementary teacher. "Most of my kids don't learn really well out of books and this gives them a learning environment that is hands on. You tell them about a horse and thev don't really care, but when they gel to touch the horse it's a different story. They are really excited about it." Ms. Strong said that overall her students, who do not always react well to new situations were responding well not only to the horses but also the new people. "Socially it's good for them to interact with the students from the other schools and new people and they are doing great," she said. The students were not the only ones having fun. The members of the riding club, who personally escorted the students on their horses, seemed to be having their fair share. "I love working with kids and horses, so the combination of the two is great," said Staci Gustafson, rid- ing club member. "They are all doing wonderful. They might be a little nervous at first, but then they hop on and they love it." A cowboy can really work up an appetite with all those new experiences, so the riding club also treated the students to a barbeque afterwards. The field trip came at no cost to the school. All the needed supplies where donated by riding club members and L-3 Communications paid for the bus. The riding club hopes to make the event a yearly tradition. "We wanted to show the community that we live in that Hill AFB is here to help in community," Mrs. Freeman said. "We invited them to have a good time and bottom line is we love to share our horses." Hill Field student Carlos Banos, raises his arm and yells, "Yee Haw" as he rides a horse With the help of his dad Ben, Lucas Wlnegar reaches down to touch the shoe of Fury, Tab Sand's horse. Chase Bailey, a Hill Field student, takes a long look up at a horse named Pepe. Elise Dexter shows her creative side as she makes her personalized visor at the craft table. |