Irwin campers aren't just horsing around
Tucked away just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and behind the downtown business district of Irwin sits a stable and 30 acres that is making memories for dozens of area children.
Darby Downs Equestrian Center owned by Karen Pikovsky was opened 11 years ago and has played host to beginner and advanced rider horse camps since 2000, but Pikovsky herself is far from a beginner trainer. She became a certified instructor in 1995 and was a freelance instructor in the Western Pennsylvania area for several years.
"Quality education is our purpose and goal at Darby Downs and we have enjoyed great success with it," Pikovsky said.
In the past Pikovsky has limited the camps to Beginner Horsemanship Camps that are designed for kids ages 6-13 with little or no experience with horses and an Advancing Rider Camp (ages 9-20 and even some adults) for those with a basic knowledge of horses and several years riding experience.
Beginner Horsemanship campers ride the horses each day of the camp and participate in various horse-related activities, learning what it takes to care for a horse or a pony, working safely around horses and ponies, learning about different breeds, colors and markings of horses and ponies, riding through an obstacle course, beginning vaulting, trail riding and more.
The Advancing Rider Camp participants spend at least two hours in the saddle with lessons in the dressage and hunter/jumper disciplines.
Riders will review subjects such as preparing for a dressage show, riding a good hunter/jumper course, gymnastic exercises for the horse, vaulting skills, cross-country riding, advanced trail riding and advanced first aid and healthcare.
"In the last few years we have seen an increase in return attendance for the camps and because of this, in 2010, I added what I call Darby Downs Kidz Kamp (for kids ages 7-13)," Pikovsky said. "Kidz Kamp is designed for those who have attended the Beginner Horsemanship Camp at Darby Downs in the past, and for students currently enrolled in the Darby Downs Beginner Lesson Program."
This Kidz Kamp reviews subjects and events learned at Beginner Horsemanship Camp and moves on to focus on advancing the rider in their horsemanship knowledge and skill level.
The Advancing Rider Camp has also changed format for 2010.
"It now includes riders outside of Darby Downs who have their own horses, or riders who may be riding at another stable at a more advanced level and would like to enjoy the camp experience," Pikovsky said. "Stalls are available so that campers may bring their horses to camp, or school horses are also available to those passing a horsemanship skills evaluation."
Originally there were two beginner camps along with the Kidz Kamp and the Advanced Camp scheduled for this year, but because of the flood of requests to be part of the camps, which only accept 10 students for each camp, Pikovsky decided to add another Beginner Horsemanship Camp
This camp is scheduled for July 6-8 and still has a few openings. The Advancing Riders Camp scheduled for July 26-29 also has some availability.
"We try to do as much hands-on interaction with the horse as possible during the camps," Pikovsky said. But some theory is required and that's when it can be hard to keep the attention of the participants (young or old) when all they want to do is touch the horses."
Emily Fidei, 9, daughter of Jennifer and Jim Fidei of North Huntingdon, admits that riding the horses is the best part of camp, but said she likes "pretty much everything" she did during camp.
"Horses are my favorite animal and the one animal I would spend the rest of my life with," she said. "I will be sad when camp is over, but I'm taking lessons, so I'm pretty much happy."
Olivia Dugos, 7, daughter of Tracy and John Dugos of Greensburg, said she wanted to come to riding camp because she loves horses.
"I was totally excited about coming," she said, adding that so far she's learned about the body of the horses and how to brush them and clean their hooves.
Pikovsky said riding the horses is usually the best part of the week for all of the campers, but it's something different for her as a teacher.
"Watching those (both young and old) who have never been around a horse interact with them for the first time is special," she said. "Some are very brave and some are very timid, but the expression on their faces is priceless.
"It is nice to see that at the end of camp those that were more timid at first meeting have gained a little more confidence in both themselves and the horses," Pikovsky added.
To enroll in the Beginner Horsemanship Camp can go to the camps and program page link at www.darbydowns.org . Those thinking of enrolling in the Advancing Rider Camp should contact Pikovsky at 724-864-6044.
Darby Downs also hosts other horse-related programs, for adults as well as children, throughout the year. Anyone wanting to be placed on their email list should contact Pikovsky.
