by Robyn Lorimer
W.L. Lorimer, founder of Lorimer Family Camps, included the cavalry
style of horsemanship along with the athletics, aquatics, and outdoor
skills that were the basics for all camps in the early 1900s. More
than that, he believed that the responsibility for feeding, grooming,
and cleaning — along with the art of handling and communicating
with the horses — encouraged positive growth for the campers
and influenced their success as adults. The skills of balance, harmony,
rhythm, and the style that is needed to be safe and skillful riders
help campers to perform better in all other types of athletics. They
also provide them with more confidence in posture and attitude, which
becomes apparent in camp life.
Lorimer Family Camps consists of Camp Roosevelt for boys, Firebird
Camp for girls, Teen Camp, and Country Day Camp — all offering
several riding options for campers. Many campers ride every day, and
all can choose horse care as an optional activity. Campers that take
the Horsemasters program may bring a horse to camp. Whether campers
bring their own horse or lease a camp horse, all do stable chores as
part of their responsibilities for the summer — reaping the rewards
of caring for their horses.
Three Generations
The Lorimer family of camps was started by Grandfather Lorimer and
has carried on into the third generation of family directors. Bill
Lorimer, who took over the camps in 1946, is now eighty-eight and still
riding almost daily. Since the mid 80s, sisters Robyn and Judy Lorimer
have directed the resident camps and the day camp, respectively. Both
have expertise in horsemanship as show riders and are proven instructors
and trainers on the A show circuit.
This past fall, Bill Lorimer competed in hunter pace events that
included thirty-five to fifty minutes of trotting and cantering on
trails and hills. Bill has shared his sport with campers every Saturday
and Sunday afternoons since 1965. He is a fine example of the lifetime
enjoyment horses can bring into life. As a testimony to this statement,
hundreds of former campers still enjoy riding as a part of their lives.
When the camps have alumni reunions, most of the old-timers can mount
right up and ride with confidence and a smile.
Staff and campers value the camp horses and the rewards they have
given to generations of the camp family. The camp horses now number
about fifty. At one time, the camps owned and cared for 150 horses
at a time. The success of the camps is attributed to the involvement
of horses in the camp program. The positive influence the camps have
had on campers’ lives is another testimony to having horses at
camp.
Why Horses?
Horses seem to attract the kind of camper who is ready to try all
the activities with a better attitude for success. The horses also
help campers bond with your camp. They often come back year after year
for the horses — far more than for any other reason — because
of their devotion to their camp horse and their desire to master this
demanding sport. They love their camp horse, and those memories of
a good ride are long lasting.
Campers today enjoy the same responsibilities in a timeless way as
the campers of 1918 did. They associate caring for the horses as their
reward and their duty — a symbol of gratitude to the horses that
proudly carry them on trails, through lessons, over jumps, in games,
and on overnight rides. Lorimer Camps have learned that the bond that
results between horse and camper and the ability campers have to communicate
with their horses cannot be matched in any other activity the camp
could offer.
Trust, beauty, control, power, speed, coordination, and the overwhelming
appreciation of the horse taking care of them like a partner — these
are qualities that develop as campers learn to ride safely and successfully.
Self-image grows daily for these campers. It can be seen in the way
they walk around camp; it can be heard in the way they show respect
for others; it is evident in how these young people behave with more
positive and compassionate feelings toward everyone around them.
Participating in a horsemanship program may only be a summer opportunity
for your campers, but they will appreciate the wonderful riding experiences
they have each summer at your camp. Keeping horsemanship as a vital
and integral program at your camp benefits all who participate — the
campers, the horses, and the camp.
Our children may need the opportunities to be with horses as much
as or more than the campers of the past. As the world becomes so technical
with solitary indoor lives, this activity is a way to lift moods and
play outdoors. Seeing the world from the back of a horse is like magic.
We all know it is proven that riding has added joy and actual improvement
to the quality of life of special children of all types. Horses are
worth adding to any program.
As for the horses we have in our herd, many were born at camp and
have lived long and healthy lives. We have many for twenty to thirty
years. We have Gunsmoke (thirty-nine years old) and Windsor (forty-two
years old), who were both born at camp. We can say from experience
that horses also benefit from being part of the camp while bringing
such joy to the total camp way of life. Parades, Indian Festivals,
swimming with horses, horse care, and miniature horses all add to the
fun of camp.
Safety First
Lorimer Camps have been the forerunners of safe horsemanship practices,
requiring helmets by 1961 and harnessed hats by 1972. Equipment in
good repair, well-fitting tack, regular shoeing for the horses, safe
selection of appropriate horses for campers are very important. Proper
footing for horses in their rings and regular maintenance of trails
are important to avoid serious accidents. Lorimer Camps have been free
of any major accidents since 1918. Scrapes, stepped on toes, and even
a broken wrist are part of the risks we acknowledge. Camps with horse
programs agree these risks are worth taking for the benefits that riding
and caring for horses have for your program and for the success of
your camp and your campers’ lives.
Originally published in the 2004
March/April issue of Camping Magazine. | 
