CAMELOT'S 25TH! (Part 2 of 2)

The Mission Statement

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through programs of horsemanship and outdoor education that develop self-worth, independence and active participation in the . community

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Camelot is a multifaceted program that requires tremendous courage and commitment from each student. When the student comes to Camelot, they have said to themselves, "I am ready to manage my own life, I am ready to join the mainstream."

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Here is the conclusion of Mary Hadsall's Letter from the Fall, 2008 Camelot Chronicles Newsletter:

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"Here we are today, 25 years later, honoring the Promise for which we were founded upon. Camelot has provided thousands of horseback riding lessons to horse lovers of all ages who have disabilities, all at no cost. Just as we did in 1983, we continue to work hard to increase our circle of influence so we can gain financial support, as well as volunteer strength. We are dedicated to providing education to our community through one-on-one disability awareness training. And we are devoted to the horses that carry our riders as they embark on their personal dragon slaying journeys.

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"Last lesson season, twenty-seven students rode on a weekly basis. Through public speaking and disability awareness education, we shared Camelot's philosophy with hundreds of people, what an accomplishment! Today, eight horses are housed in our state of the art, 100% wheelchair-accessible ranch where our private lessons are provided under our covered arena and out on our pristine property trails.

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"Lessons vary for each of our riders. Sometimes the focus is on how to correctly sit a halt, or steer through an obstacle course. Maybe the lesson of the day is learning how to clip a horses muzzle and bridle path, and finishing up the beauty shop experience by giving their horse a bubble bath in the wash rack. Sometimes the lesson is simply about trust. Our Dream, our Promise, is for our Students. It's about the people that they are and the people they are becoming. So I'd like to leave you with a short story that encompasses the dream that is Camelot.

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"One afternoon I observed Amy and Michelle teaching two riders. They were working with the "L" sisters, as we fondly call these young ladies. Paladin, our big Percheron cross, was brought out for grooming. The girls love this part of their lesson and set about their chores with gusto. Occasionally, I observed the puzzled glances they would give the instructors and the little smiles playing on their faces as they tried to figure out the day's agenda. There were two of them, and strangely enough, only one horse was being prepared; yet they were both told they were riding today.

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"Soon a bareback pad was brought out and Paladin was saddled and bridled. More confused faces when the blindfold came out. Some of our readers might be thinking. "a blindfold, big deal, I ride blind everyday!" It's not the case for these two. Sister number one was helped up onto Paladin's back, then sister number two was helped up behind her. Before entering the arena, rider one, in the front, was fitted with the blindfold. Things began to get trickier for the girls as they realized it was not their instructors that would be guiding them around the arena, but rather the other sister! Sister one held the reins and could not see. Sister two had no control over the horse, but was responsible for guiding their way.

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"Suddenly the lesson became crystal clear. For this ride to be successful it would require trust, blind trust. Soon, the ride was underway and nervous giggling was replaced by hearty laughter. Quiet and docile Paladin seemed just as pleased as the girls with the fun game, and the girls got an amazing lesson. At the end of the day, a ride in blind faith and trust is, well, a ride at Camelot.

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"Hundreds of lives touched and counting".

Mary Hadsall

Executive Director

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Closing note from Michael: Memorial gifts in any manner are a beautiful way to honor a beloved friend or family member. Camelot is how I choose to remember my late Cousin and those spring time drives to the barn in her shiny red two-seater Triumph convertible sports car when I was a just a kid. It's a memory I visit often. Camelot also welcomes gifts in honor of birthdays or other special events. All such donations are acknowledged with a special card and a mention in the Camelot newsletter. While I have Camelot's logo and Click-On button located on this BLOG PAGE, I want to personally encourage you to visit at http://www.camelot-th.org/. The website has a very cool "Wish List" of items needed. Please visit and get to know the people and horses that are so special in this "Jewel in the Desert". Your heart will be warmed and you will be contributing positively to the life of a child. And at the end of the day, speaking for myself--little else really matters!

Peace and Love!

Michael Manning

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Credits: Camelot Chronicles is published by Mary Hadsall, Editors: Michelle Harrison & Nancy Smith, Photography by Kristyn Moore & Mary Hadsall.