We're back in the saddle and ready for the new 2011 riding programs!

Our stable is located on the Westside about a mile from The Evergreen State College (3922 Biscay St. NW, Olympia, WA 98502). We have an outdoor round pen with sand (year round footing) and a trail course. We have three well-trained horses available for lessons and camp.

In addition to lessons and camp, we are involved in 4H. Our 4H club is currently looking for new members. Please contact me at bluedomeequest@yahoo.com for more information.

As an equestrian, instructor and 4H leader, I have dedicated most of my life to promoting and enhancing horse and rider relationships. Through Blue Dome Equestrian, I am able to offer quality instruction in horsemanship that is obtainable. Our camps are an unique combination of creative disciplines, with a curriculum that is designed to encourage student participation on multiple levels, so a child's talents are allowed to shine through, with a two-fold benefit: enjoyable and confidence-building experiences.

I enjoy sharing my love and respect for horses with my students. I hope to foster this for many years to come.

Happy riding & thank you!
Patricia Thulin

Here are the two different programs currently being offered:

~Beginning and Intermediate Hunter/Jumping and Dressage Lessons
$25 - private lessons

~Pony / Art Camp
A special horsemanship and creative arts program designed for young artists / riders ages 5 to 14
Including: Riding Lessons, Art Making, Creative Writing, Environmental Education, Educational Games

~Horsemanship Camp
This program for intermediate riders offers hands on horse care and management instruction, and emphasis on more advance riding skills. This is a good introduction for families that are considering leasing or purchasing a horse.

Please note: for all equestrian activities there is a student maximum weight limit of 200 lbs.

Pony / Art Camp 2011:
Week 1: August 8 - 12
Week 2: August 15 -19
Week 3: August 22 -26

Horsemanship Camp 2011:
August 28 - 30

Day Camp, 2011 Rates:
$195 per week, 9:00 - 3:15, Monday through Friday or $55 per day
$225 per week, 7:30 - 5:30, Monday through Friday or $65 per day

Safety is paramount! – Parents and children should review the barn rules and safety information before the first day of camp (or beginning lesson) and sign the liability form. Safety awareness is an integral part of my equestrian programs.

First and foremost all children are required to wear the appropriate helmets and sturdy boots with heels when riding. I strongly recommend purchasing a riding helmet and boots for your child (it’s a very worthwhile investment if they choose to continue with horsemanship instruction), but if that is not an option, I have riding helmets and boots available; please inform me of your child’s size, so I can determine a proper fit.

The children will be in environs with cats, dogs and other animals. We will be engaged in sometimes vigorous activities. Please consider these conditions when determining if the program is appropriate for your child and inform me of any allergies, dietary restrictions or other health concerns.

Please provide each child with a healthy lunch plus snack, water bottle, backpack, and the appropriate clothing for outdoor activities (rain gear, hats & gloves for winter/spring - sunscreen for summer) please no flip-flops!

Pony / Art Camp Typical Schedule (Monday – Thursday): We will start each day at 3922 Biscay St. NW with art activities. Most days around 9:30 AM, we will begin grooming and saddling the horses. Each child will have a group riding lesson that will be adjusted to the individual rider's experience and ability. We will break for lunch at noon. After lunch, we will feed and/or turn out horses, clean and put away tack. The rest of the afternoon will be dedicated to creative endeavors. We will have guest instructors for various artmaking, creative writing and drama projects. Through out the week, each child will be keeping a journal that will include sketches, stories / poetry, and nature observations such as bird counts and plant identification. We will end the day with reading and/or outdoor games (such as badminton, soccer, horseshoes etc.) with a 3:15 pick up time for some children, and the children enrolled in extended care will continue with art projects and/or other games.
The daily schedule is designed to give the children an opportunity to create art, to explore nature, to develop equestrian skills, and most importantly to share these experiences with their peers in a fun and engaging environment.

On Fridays we give the horses a break. Each Friday we try to do a different fieldtrip. Week #1 I will be taking the children to Geoduck beach and Evergreen’s Organic farm. Week #2 and #3 fieldtrips TBD.

Spaces are limited. Please contact me for additional information at 360-753-6190 or bluedomeequest@yahoo.com .
Please click here for camp registration form.