Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre puts on Miniature Horse Summer Camp

Story by Tanya Nicolle MacCallum.

Above: Miniature Horse Summer Camp leaders & campers. Back row (left to right): Tayah, Leah, Candy, Skye, Emelya. Front row (left to right): Ava, Alisha, Madelyn, Madeline, Brooklyn, Ava, Nathan, Kennedy, Zoe. Photo property of Marshfield Press ©2017.

Who is Alisha Wolf?

If you’re involved in the horse community on Prince Edward Island, you may have heard of Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre. But, to the everyday countryman or city folk, this special place is a hidden gem.

Alisha Wolf, a well-respected horse lover, trainer and rider, opened Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre with the vision that she may empower horse owners with the skills and knowledge, which gives owners the necessary tools and understanding to help their equine partner live in the human world with peace and contentment.

Wolf is known around several parts of the nation for her clinics on Well-Mannered & Educated Companionship with Horses; and, Holistic Horsemanship from the Ground Up.

Wolf decided she was going to do something different this summer. She was going to put her abundant talents and experiences to good use, and give back to the community. “I’ve been fortunate to be successful in my life experiences and business endeavours thus far, so I decided I wanted to do something rewarding where I could incorporate my daughters and horses, so we could all spend time together.”

Wolf says she and her family have learned a lot from horses; they have witnessed the compassion that horses can show to humans, as well as the compassion one may learn from being around horses.

“When I was a teenager I worked as a camp lifeguard and leader, so I had that experience of understanding the different backgrounds kids come from. As an adult, I initially trained horses for a living; then I gave coaching clinics on holistic approaches with ground work, riding, etc. Then, I took a break,” laughs Wolf. “After all is said and done, it’s about compassion, and this miniature horse camp seemed to be the perfect fit for our next adventure.”

Miniature Horse Camps

Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre hosted two Miniature Horse Summer Camps in July and August. Wolf says the vision of the camps are similar to the principles of her horse training, in regard to self awareness, confidence, and healthy companionship; but, there is a focus on building life skills in children.

“We consider this a life-skills development camp. What we try to do here with the children is instill independence, confidence, and offer positive ways to deal with things like separation anxiety, sibling rivalry, what have you. Every kid has something to work on, just like adults. The horses are a way to teach discipline, and awareness, but still have fun.”

Jon VanDike has one child in the program, Ava. He and his daughter drive all the way from Montague to Stanhope every morning, so she can partake in the camp’s unique experiences.

VanDike says, “We’re having a fantastic time. Ava loves the horses. She’s developing independence, in terms of meeting new people and having new experiences. She can be very timid, but the camp has been helping her deal with that.”

But, the camp isn’t all about horses, either. There is a healthy balance of exercise, snacks, leisure, instruction, and learning.

One way the children have been getting exercise is via obstacle course games, and relay races--in no other area than the horse arena, of course. Potato sack races included.

Above: Campers & Camp leaders of Miniature Horse Summer Camp. Photo property of Marshfield Press 2017

Wolf explains, “The children are praised for their enthusiasm and effort, but we do not condone any ill behaviours. Instead, through exercise, in the pool, or arena, during games, and most importantly when with the horses, we try to grow those listening skills. That self awareness. You have to know your surroundings to be safe around a horse.”

Wolf says one of the most unique experiences at the camp, is having children witness and participate in taking care of rescue horses. One miniature horse in particular, just recently arrived at Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre.

“They get to see and care for different horses, here. They get to see the difference between a healthy horse, and an underweight horse. They learn compassion, and how to advocate for better circumstances,” says Wolf.

The children also have an opportunity to better themselves, from their time at Wolf Manor. One of the camp-goers, Brooklyn MacCallum, says she’s enjoying her time at the summer camp.

Prior to attending the Miniature Horse Summer Camp, MacCallum was very timid of horses, and other large animals she didn’t trust. Thanks to the camp, she says she’s feeling braver about things. “I’m not scared, now,” giggles MacCallum. “I trust them, now.”

MacCallum says the best part about the camp isn’t just the horses, but everything. “The crafts and snacks are fun, too. And, I love the pool.”

Wolf recognizes children may be scared of horses, but, she says exposing them to safe horses can break their fear, and instill confidence. Wolf did several exercises during the camp to demonstrate how kind and patient a horse can be.

First, she took three single strands of tail hairs and tied them to Amadeus’—a large bay at Wolf Manor—halter, and showed the camp-goers that Amadeus is kind enough to be led around by a strand of hair.

Next, Wolf had the well-trained Amadeus lay down on his side, allowing the children to pet his belly one by one. “You see,” says Wolf, “just because he is big doesn’t mean he will hurt you.”

Above: Alisha Wolf demonstrates to camp-goers how safe, kind, and patient Amadeus, the largest horse at Wolf Manor, is to people. Wolf says, “It’s all about trust.” Photo property of Marshfield Press ©2017.

Wolf says the camp’s leaders—her daughters, Candy and Leah, volunteer Tayah, along with herself have found the summer camp to be a positive experience.

When asked if there will be another Miniature Horse Summer Camp next year, Wolf was very optimistic. “I’m so inspired. We’re definitely planning on holding camps next year. The miniature horses give off a different vibe than large horses, and we see the kids getting a lot out of their time with them. It’s less intimidating with miniatures; they’re great to encourage growth in people.”

This year, Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre was able to further advance the camp, on subsidies through the provincial government. “We were able to send about an extra eight kids to camp this year, who really benefited from it, who may not have had the opportunity to access such an experience otherwise.” Wolf hopes to register the camp as a not-for-profit organization for next summer.

Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre has seen people flourish with the aid of their horses—which are extremely patient and well-trained. Wolf refers to a recent experience, which she says was one of the most emotional experiences she’s ever had. “During our first week of camp, we were very excited to have Luc as a part of our camp. Luc is a wonderful young man that lives with Autism.”

Wolf, whose husband lives with Asperger’s syndrome—a subtype of autism—which is found on the autism disorder spectrum, says her relationship with her husband gives her valuable insight, and a great understanding of the challenges that people like Luc face.

You can watch the video of Luc’s first ride on Dutchess, on the Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre Facebook Page. The video’s writeup reads, “This was one of the most emotional and amazing experiences of my week, and maybe even possibly my entire life...” Wolf says she is so thankful to have been given the chance to work with Luc.

“It was a joy to have Luc come to our camp and further develop himself. Luc rode Dutchess, fed treats, learned about cleaning up after horses, and helped us with the younger campers.”

Luc continues to visit the farm, now that camp is over. Wolf says, “We very much enjoy our time with Luc.”

Wolf Manor Gives Thanks

Wolf wrote a note thanking everyone on the Miniature Horse Summer Camp’s Facebook’s page. “Camp has been way more than I have ever expected it would be… I couldn't be more proud of my daughters, Candy and Leah, for doing such an amazing job with all the organizing, and giving of their time to have this camp run as smoothly as it has so far.” Wolf also thanked volunteer, Tayah-Lynn MaCDonald Roper, friends, campers, family and parents for the successful run of summer camps.

Now that camp is over, one thing remains clear, Alisha Wolf and her daughters have a special gift—with horses, and people.

For more information on Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre, you can contact Alisha Wolf at: wolfequestriancentre@gmail or (902) 629-5554

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Wolf Manor Equestrian Centre puts on Miniature Horse Summer Camp