|
|
  |
 |
|
Deerfield Farm
Sue Cumming-Schultz, Laurie Rinck, Jacqueline Philp
The story behind this 23-year-old riding
stable is not about horses. It's about people, according to
co-owner Sue Cumming-Schultz.
"An evolution has occurred here. We're not as driven to
win ribbons and championships as we once were," she says.
"We now see a bigger purpose in our lessons. We want to
teach people to become more compassionate, skillful communicators
in life through their interaction with horses and experience
confronting competition."
Deerfield Farm still trains competitive riders who win more
national awards than nearly any other stable in the country,
but winning is no longer the only focus. Young people come to
Deerfield Farm to master their chosen sport, but they also learn
self discipline, confidence, values, and to slow down and to
enjoy life. Through Olympic style equestrian competition, the
teens reach another goal: recognizing that the real competition
is with themselves.
A program highlight is the weekend clinic, where young people
stay in a log bunk house, learn to prepare their own nutritious
meals, do farm and household chores and take a break from television
and shopping malls.
Cumming-Schultz says teens from around the region find the 15-acre
farm nestled in the Raging River Valley in Preston, Wash., a
safe retreat and a great place to learn how to reflect.
Deerfield Farm has an impressive record and many stories to
share of young people who arrived without much drive and direction
and left after high school graduation with an acceptance letter
to one of the top universities in the nation. "Our program
not only keeps kids on the straight and narrow but it promotes
an atmosphere of success in life," Cumming-Schultz says.
Parents who are looking for a pursuit their child can grow up
with and be inspired by are invited to make an appointment to
visit Deerfield Farm this summer.
Deerfield Farm, P.O. Box 548, Preston, WA 98050, (206) 222-7639. |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
