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The Longacres Riding Camp: 1939 - 2014

Longacres as we look forward towards 2014:

As I update this in early 2014, Longacres has moved smoothly through a period of transition. From the late 90's until 2004, we had nearly the same wonderful group of girls who returned to Longacres together year after year until all of a sudden they seemed to "grow up all at once" together. Many of them went on to summer jobs and college plans in 2005, and we worked hard to recruit new blood. The 2005 season at Longacres went VERY well with the help of the experienced Longacres riders who did return like Brianna, Shelly, Debbie, Lillian, and a great group of new girls. But we shortened the season by a few weeks because we had fewer students.

But in 2006, we had a banner year! We had a terrific return rate from our 2005 students and the camp filled all sessions early in the year. The changeover from the old group to the new went better than we could have hoped, thanks largely to a few great girls who stayed with us during this transition to help "teach Longacres" to a new generation of Longacres riders.

We made some changes in 2006 to insure that we would always have new blood and some new younger girls each season. We now reserve several new spots each year exclusively for new 10 to 12 year old students so we will always have a better age mix.

The 2008 – 2009 recession impacted all camps and even at a unique place like Longacres, we were down about 12% from full enrollment, mostly with vacancies in the early June weeks. But we again had very good seasons in 2009 and 2010, and since then Longacres has built all new jumps, rebuilt many of our facilities, and is stronger than ever.  I write this near the end of March, 2014, and we are sold out for all regular season sessions, with only a few pre and post season spots available.

Personal Changes: 

But new students are not the only evidence of transition at Longacres. I turned 69 years old just this year. There's no getting around the fact that "I'm a senior citizen" if someone asks! It is a natural time to take stock of things and think about future plans for Longacres. I still have a great enthusiasm for planning a riding program, coaching jumper riders, and managing interesting horse shows. My health is good. But I do get tired sooner than I once did. My days of personally carrying jumps around for 6 hours the evening before a show are gone. If I had to do everything at Longacres myself now, I would probably be thinking about retiring soon.

But I am not alone. As many of you know, my partner at Longacres, Meghan, is still in her 30's and full of energy and enthusiasm. She is also now "Mrs. Kranz". It is Meghan who does the lion's share of the work here and who burns the midnight oil when it's required (often during the summer!!). The division of responsibilities here at Longacres has changed as we move into the second half of the "2010's".  Ten years ago it was Meghan who helped me run Longacres.  Now it is really Meghan's farm and she is the driving force - I help her as much as I can.  It has been a great transition for a family run business and Longacres is now stronger than ever.

So what about that "2014" at the top of this page? 

 Last summer, the summer of 2013, was our Diamond Jubilee here.  Read the following which we posted a few years ago:

That, folks, will be the Camp Longacres Diamond Jubilee Party to celebrate our 75^th year of operation in the same family. We'll plan the 43^rd running of the Longacres Jumper Derby that day as well as a massive party. You are invited. It's only four years away!

Meghan and I both still take great pride and joy in running Longacres and we are confident that we will continue to feel that way for four more years. And perhaps significantly longer. Meghan will still be early in her career in 2013. If I am ready to retire a bit more by then, she may carry on herself. Meghan is also spreading the word that she would love to take on another former Longacres student or staff member at about that time as a partner in Longacres for the 21^st century. It's four years away, but keep it in mind.

So those are our plans for the immediate future here at Longacres. Anyone coming to Longacres now as a ten year old can plan that you could keep returning here until you are in college. 

We think of friends and alumni of Longacres as family. I am glad to share with you my plans for Longacres as I soon move into my 70's with enthusiasm undiminished, but with energy not quite as boundless as it was just a few years ago. We have a good feeling about the coming years. We hope many of you will join us for parts of that future. - - - Especially, August 10, 2013!!!!!!

- Tom Kranz (August 29^th, 2009)

 

 

 

Following are some recent emails and notes from Longacres Alumni:

From Jeri, March 2014:

Hi Tom and Meghan
I just happened to google camp long acres on a whim and was delighted to see it is alive and well!  It looks so different I thought you had moved but then I could see some of what I remember so fondly. I can't figure out where most of the expansion is (from my childhood memory) but it looks really great and makes me wish I was a kid again and could go back. Is that really the same dishwasher?
Joyce Byers

From Ofelia, August 30^th:

 

Hi Tom and Meghan,

 

       It sounds like you are enjoying your break! AND Meghan was right when she made sure you took that photo! VELOCIRAPTOR is the best game ever--Fosto and I sang it(the opera and rap versions) all the way from the lodge to the barn one day after dinner(of course, at the top of our lungs...we were a little hoarse after that!) just for Destiny, since after all, she started the whole velociraptor thing. : ) I think she will get a good laugh if you show that photo to her. It will remind her of mother/daughter week, and when she taught us how to play the game. Now Fosto and I can't look at each other with straight faces every time someone mentions a velociraptor.

 

Ofelia

aka Little Niblet

From Brianna, LA 2001 – 2004?

Hi Tom and Meghan,

 

I was talking with my significant other late last night and he mentioned those sugar freezey pops in plastic tubes. I was immediately flooded with Longacres memories.  I always liked the green ones and Meghan used to ration us to two a day and the scissors to open them were attached to the counter with a bungee cord. It's always the small details that bring me back.  I tried to explain to him about Longacres and how much it shaped my development, but I couldn't quite find the words. I guess you just had to be there. 

 

This morning I went to go look at the website, and I'm glad to read Bobert is still around and looking for a home.  The alumni page looked full of fresh names and I thought you might like to hear from an old one. And I will be there August 10, 2013. I promise.

 

My summers haven't quite been the same since Longacres.  This summer I rarely got on a horse. I was working for a Manhattan publishing company: a division of Sterling, Union Square Press.  Union Square Press is a non fiction narrative imprint specializing in true crime, history, and memoir. I was an editorial intern; I read proposals, wrote cover flap, imputed imprint corrections and made loads of photocopies.  The work was grueling, the hours were long, but I enjoyed it immensely.  It certainly didn't put me in the physical shape of mucking stalls and riding five hours a day.

 

At home, I'm still riding at the same barn, riding the same horses and kids who ride there seem to get younger and younger every year. Semmie is almost exactly the same she was when I talked about her at Longacres all those years ago.  

 

I'm a junior at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  I am a double major: English and Religious Studies.  I am on the equestrian team and compete in the ISHA show circuit.  I'm only riding weekly and it's not enough.  I am editor in chief of two of student publications here. They keep me busy. I'm very happy.  I have great friends and enjoy my academics immensely. 

 

I am facebook friends with many of the girls I went to Longacres with, although we don't talk much, I do have a general idea of what they are up to.  

 

Anyway, let me just tell you, that Longacres is still very much present to me.   I have vivid memories of the mall trips, the horse shows, the cabins, the videos, the trails and Tom's teaching, of course. (My posture is still terrible.) It's comforting to know, that the more a lot of places around me seem to be changing, that longacres has maintained the same character. 

 

Congratulations on completing yet another season.  (Meghan, go take a long nap!)

 

Love,

Brianna Altieri 

 

From Rhiannon August 29th:

 

Hi everyone,

 

I am so sad that the season is almost over; I won't be able to laugh my head off at pictures of Laura on Merlin...and Katie!! :) and your outfits were all BEAUTIFUL. looked like grand prix. Emily told me that you got my care package, I hope that the INSTRUCTIONS WERE ALL FOLLOWED *dealthy stare* especially the bucket one, although I doubt that was a problem lol. and  sorry I didn't put any chocolate in there, I was afraid it would melt. and if I did end up buying chocolate, it would have ot be lindt 90% and I wouldn't be able to resist...but im sorry to tom and alexa...i started high school yesterday and I am EXHAUSTED. There are 4 campuses all either further up or down on a hill. I'm going to be so fit after 4 years there. oh goodness. I can't beleive longacres is almost over for the year :( I miss you guys ! love

Rhiannon

 

From Kellie, August 28^th:

hey yall!!!

sorry i didnt do my update last night!

there was a humongo storm and i was busy watching the weather...

yeah. so tonight was my bro's track meet.

it was okay. the weather was gorgeous!

it was much coooler thanks to the rain last night.

okay so my phone has been like messing up and something is wrong with the software, so im getting a new phone.

actually the same phone just a new one:]

so right now were in the car on our way to chili's for a celebration thingy after my bro's thing..

well its food so im alright:]

i am sick:[

you should hear my voice its all stuffy and my nose has been constantly runny and im coughing and sneezing a bunch

not dandy:[

today was okay though.

my classes were kinda fun. but science has never been fun for me so that doesnt count. other than that, latin, english, and gardening was pretty fun

haha today there was a cockroach in the lunch room and i like was screaming and jumped on the  chairs haha and everybody was looking at me and my friend  grabbed the thing and threw it outside. cockroaches i cannnnnot stand. anything but them:[

lalala im soo annoyed with my freaking runny nose! ahhhh!

dang! i have to go

to the bathroooooom.

 

hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

i miss you katie:[

and destiny:[

and alexa kalexa:[

and merlin:[

and ebony and tux but ill see them in 9ish days!!

woooooo hoooooooo!!!!!!

 

theres this weird song on the radio.

its all jazzy.

i dont like jazz.

i like pop. and rap sometimes.

like meghan!

haha.

last night i cried:'[

i miss yall so much.

 

oooooooh i saw the pics from the fun show!

laura rode merlin!!!!!!

ahahahahaahahah!!!

and katie too!!!

hahaahahahahahahahah!

 

i told my friends about bobert and haha theyre walking around saying bobert bobert bobert

hahaha it is fun to say though:]

poor bobert.

hes a good guy.

even though i dont like him very much.

O_o

 

in the pics did i see andrea ride ebony?

ha ha ha!

 

oh and i saw tom's 5'9 jump! cooooooool!

yeah tom!!! i wanna jump merlin 5'9!

thatd be fun:]

 

daaaaaang i gotta go:[

i loooooooooooooove yall:]

forever & always:]

 

-Kellie.

and yes i typed this all on my phone:]

 

 

 

 

 

 

hey tom, its still me!

 

From Dr. Leslie Ann, August 29^th:

Dear Tom and Meghan,

Congratulations on another successful season!!! It's peculiar, yet I (attending camp only via the blog ) share mixed feelings too! Tired/relieved to finally relax for just a bit yet sad/setimental about all the wonderful times/people/events. 

Please, please, please post some pictures of Tom on China Heart and/or Yorke Springs!!!!!!!!!!! Please, please, please!!!!

Dr. Malfi

P.S. Meghan!! That dream....I could easily have had that dream....wasn't it right around the HH show? Or about the time the trainer was rude? :)

 

From Ofelia August 28^th:

Hi Tom and Meghan!

 

It looks like the fun show was really a FUN show! I think Laura should frame the photo of herself on Merlin(after all, I don't think she would willingly ride Merlin during any other event). I was so happy to see "My Little Niblet at the fun show(Katie, you better not let him eat the fence---you know he gets over excited on show days, with the donuts and apple juice, and especially Longacres home shows, with his FAVORITE jump....the lighthouse! ha ha), and I laughed really hard seeing everyone wearing the funny pigtails and ribbons. I hope Bobert did well in the "Old Man Row" crossrail jumpers with Fosto(it's a good thing I wasn't actually there at the show to hear Katie announce Laura as "Fosto," at the fun show, otherwise I would probably be rolling around on the ground laughing so hard for a while). It is sad to see everyone leave, and please ask everyone to give Brody especially a hello for me(and maybe a niblet for his bowing). : )

Thank you for such a fun summer!

 

Ofelia

 

aka Little Niblet.....

 

 

From Kellie, August 27^th:

yay yay!!!

yall got my package!!!

didnt you liiike it?????

haha. the chocolatte was for tom, the sunglasses were for meghan,

(one of the maaany she has) the tic-tacs were for laura and alexa

have fun poppin them tic tacs!

haha. the squishy frog was for katieee(:

haha a mix of alexas frog and the squishy horses!!!!

hahahahaa.

hmm, oh and the penguin is for alexa kalexa!

that was the penguin i won at the fair:)

thats how much i loove yall:]

oh and the sun screen is for merlin and his poor sensitive nose;D

aww hes so cute:]

i cant wait to see ebony & tux in 10 days!!!!!1

wooooo hooooooo!

ehh. my phone has been acting up and wont let me send text messages!!!

ahhh! thats why i havent been responding to you katie:(

its sooo annoying!!

haha i had sushi today.

yuckkk. i hate it soo much.

raw fish.

:[.

 

well i have to go and i hope yall enjoyed the package<3

i loooove yall (and merlin!)

and misssss yall (and merlin!)

haha.

bye bye:]

 

-Kellie<333

 

 

 

 

hey tom, its still me!!!!!:]

From Kellie, August 26^th:

sadness:[.

my bunny tootsie died today:'[

AND i miss yall.

she was like 4 and tthats really old for a bunny and im happy she died peacefully:/

but i looooved her:[[[[

buuuut on the bright side my hamsters babies survived!

there are like 3 or 4 and they all have fur but their eyes arent open yet :P

yupp. so i have mixed feelingsss:/

 

anywayssss, today, was our first PE class of the year! it was pretty lame tho,

haha. we (mostly the new kids, i just tagged along) just got a tour of the weight room and the rest of the gym,

while some other people played dodgeball or something...

yup thats pretty much it,, we got there late so we didnt have much time to do anything..

hahahaaha. well my first homework assignment is due tomorrow! dandy!

lol so today was also our first math class. we had problems like thisss:

 

(-2)² + 26 / (-8+6) x 2 – (-10) – 2²  x -7( 31-9) + 17

yup! thats cool, huh?

haha. well half of the year we will finish up algebra I and then go onto algebra II..

lalalalalalala. science looks really hard this year, though. hmm, science actually has never been one of my strongest subjects..

:]. oh and i also got starbucks todayyy:D

yayay i was happy:)

oooooh yalls care package should be on its wayy!

i think yall will like itttt:]

well i shoould probly go to sleep knowing im getting up at 5:45,,,

so ill email yall tomorrowwww:]

 

i loooooooove you and miiiiiiiiiissss you:[

tell merlin i said i loooooooooooove you too and kiss him on the nose for me too:]

and tell ebony and tux ill see yall soooooon!

 

haha.

to the bathroooooooooooooooom:]

katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

haha.

good nighttts,,

-Kellie<3

 

 

tom, its still me!!!!

 

From Christina August 25^th:

Hey everyone!!

 

I hope you guys are having a good time during lazy dayss :) i have been "longacres stalking" you through all the pictures haha JUSSTT KIDDINGGG but i have been checking the website a lot :) so guess whatt? after i left last we,ek my dad and i went to niagra falls and i went around in my paddock boots and got some very weird looks...BUT THEN I SAW SOMEONE EATING A BLUEBERRY BLOOM IT WAS SO GROSS BUT SO FUNNY I STARTED LAUGHING AND THEN EVERYONE JUST STARED AT ME EVEN MORE BUT YEAH IT WAS REALLY FUNNY AND I THOUGHT OF ALL YOU GUYSSS. 

 

oh and michelle i have been talking to kellie...and you better watch out because she is pretty determined to steal merlin from you next winter :P haha. im so happy i got to see you for a bit this year thoughh i had missed you so much!!

 

i wonder if anyone is siting on your bed anymore katie?? hehe i have a picture of that note between you and kellie (you know the one that you left on ur bed and then she wrote back) haha it makes me laugh everytime i see it but its also sad because i miss you guys so muchh :(

 

DESTINNYYY i think you should know that your obsession with that songgg has rubbed off on me and when i came home i bought it and now everytime i hear it i think of you hahaaa. imaa tell you one timeeee......

 

alexaaa i saw the picture of you jumping quantumm over the butterflyy and you loookk amaazingg except you are not wearing purple which makes it slightly less amazinggg. :( well you livee closee to mee so hopefully i will get to see you soon! me and marta are attempting to plan a mini reuinion for all of us haha i think it may turn into a super epic powerfail but whateverrr we can try :P

 

lauraa aka wild rider-  i hope you are not throwing anyone into any FILLED WATERBUCKETS or locking anyone in STALLS or attacking them with PITCHFORKS!!!!!! hahahaa even though i cant stand that songg i have actually listened to it once or twice since ive been back because it always makes me laugh and think about all the ridiculous stuff that happened! if only i had been able to lock you in that port-a-potty.....

 

 

anyways i miss you all a ton and i hope i get to see everyone next year!!!

xoxo

Christina

From Kellie August 24^th:

howdy y'all!!!

haha. i love texas.

except for the weather. eh it was 106 degrees today!!!

not dandy!

well i bet i got a few laughs out of yesterdays mail

haha to the bathroooooom:]

oooooh and today i sent a package to you guys!! its got some gooodies in it:]]

sooo yep the first day of school was today!

it was kinda boring, just like meeting new people and teachers and such.

im not excited for school.

oh and i attached a VERY cute picture of chesney i thought would be cute on his meet the horses page!

hes a very cute ponay:]

i miss you guys sooooo much its craaaaazyyyy:[

haha i got a pic of me and my bffs matching today; its the 2nd attachment.

i thought id make this mail a little more interesting:]

well yeah tomorrow i am getting a new bunny cage!

my cage right now is reallllly old and its like breaking...i dont know, at least im getting another one:}

 

iiiiii mmmiiiiiiiiisssssss yyyyyaaaaaaaallllllll

 

:''''[

 

eh. well i have to go shower so sorry for the short-nesss but ill email yall tomorrow:]

 

katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*kellliee!!*

katie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*kellie!!!!!!!!*

what?!?!?!?!?!?

 

hahahaahahahahahahahahah. goooood times.

 

again i miss yall and love yall and i wish i was there becasue longacres is my truee home:] for sure. like. legit:]

 

-Kellie<3

 

 

 

 

 

hey tom, its still me!

From Christina August 23^rd:

Hi Tom and Meghan-

 

I just thought i would send you guys an email to tell you how much i miss longacres alreadyy! I think i am suffering from PLAD- post longacres depression :( i had so much fun throughout the entire session especially the last few days and i am so sad thats its over! Anyways, please give ginger a big hug from me (if you can do so without her killing you haha)  and keep me posted as to how she is doing with her leg! Thanks for an awesome summer and hopefully I'll see you guys next year!

 

-Christina

From Ofelia August 23^rd:

Hi everyone!

 

Yesterday it was so sad driving out of the Longacres driveway, with all the pretty Derby jumps and My Little Niblet eating hay in the pasture. : ( I cried all the way home and miss you guys A LOT.

 

I hope that the cabin plaques are are being hung up, because the HBB one is the BEST! It's too bad Harry Boy never brought The Little Evil Hamburgler for pond riding, so she could fall off him again. I saw that photo Katie sent of Fosto the Failure---I laughed so hard, but I would have laughed harder if I had been there. : ( Morven told me she is getting ready to send some Luvs for you Laura, so you won't have such a "wild ride." Whoever is sleeping in my bed an now enjoy the miniature gum plaque on the window, and the best part of the whole cabin(I think Frosti and Destiny know....since after all, they are the ones who probably wrote it). Maybe Fonzi will pee on their bed too! My arm still has the graffiti all over it from yesterday--by the way, Fosto, Old Man Row does NOT own. Ha ha! I found a photo of everyone on the LA website from the Fair of everyone(including Tom) making the Destiny face. : ) So Alexa, I accidently brought home 3 bars of unopened chocolate in my bag that I had NO IDEA about.....I am sending you lots to make up for it. Did the Brodler like the Blueberry Bloom donut? I'm sure he did, considering he likes pinecones, and his favorite, fence! I still have a whole bunch of lolipops left over the Fair, Fosto, and it's too bad that we never got some of that "Genuine Smoked Meat," because I am sure it is better than the plactic stuff! Ha ha. I miss all the ponies SO much, especially Niblet but at least Junior can give him some naughty niblets over the winter. I will tell you if I hear anything about Dennis(aka the Menace). I MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now Frosto doesn't have anyone to beat up(boo hoo), and someone if going to have to call Destiny's feet "nasty" for me!

 

Ofelia

 

P.S: somehow I left a black XS women's Lands'end polo at the barn. I saw it on the picnic table the other day, and I guess I forgot to take it back to the cabin to put in the laundry. If you see it, can someone give to Fosto so I can get it after Lazy Days? : )

 

Fosto, you better be showing Brody as " My Little Niblet" this weekend, and of course Bobert(Bobat) in x-rail jumpers!

From Staci August 22^nd:

hey everyone,

i know most of my amazing friends are back at camp and i just want to say i and that i miss you guys. i tried to get my parents to let me come back, but it failed. well they said i could come if i found a ride but i couldnt find one. anyway have fun although i know you wont be able to have too much fun with out me. thinking of you guys every day. give star, abby, and ginger a big kiss:) destiny, i hope bob is still alive and doing well. is he comfy in the nest still? laura hows ur pokemon did you get to that next level i forget what its called. aunt alexa did you eat the enormous hershey bar i sent you. when i saw it in the store i was like omg this has amexas name all over it. uncle katie, i miss you soooooooo much. idk what to write really other then that. i loved the picture with alexa on your back.lol. it was so cute. hope abby's cut healed and you can ride her again. have a fun week and im thinking of everyone. sorry emily and michelle i didnt write anything to you but ive been talking to   you on facebook all week. oh yeah i got a face book so if im not your friend then friend me when you get home. anyway so just have lots of fun and i miss you all and i wish i was there with you. i hope ginger is healing well.

love,

staci

 

From Emily August 20^th:

Dear Longacres Peoples-

 

OH.MY.GOODNESS. The "goofball" pictures made me laugh so hard..... I think ive just laughed as much as I laughed when I was at camp.... Everyone's faces were HILARIOUS and jumping one handed? My my kelly (and everyone else who did it)..... Seems like such a nice day after the show! I'm so proud of all of you, you guys were AMAAAAZING at the fair :) Longacres truly does rock on!!!

I'm so excited to see you guys!!!! I'll be there in 2 days!!!!!!!! Well... approximately 46 hours.... and im bringing a cake!!!! :) Along with some other goodies. My famous chocolate and butter cream icing cake. It will be made tomorrow night....

I also have the hair ribbon, 9 pairs for braids, 4 randoms for back braids, and then tail ribbon. I know at least Alexa's pumped....

 

I MISS ALL OF YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!!

LOVE YOU!!!!! 46 hours :) im so ready to come home :]

 

xox, Bucket :) aka Emily

 

January 16 from Tovah about "Stoney":

Sorry to hear about Stoney, but he did lead a great life and at least
he died peacefully.
And unless meghan has had another ride on stoney, I believe I was there
for that one. Except I couldn't really see her. It was dark... And I
believe Tom got on Patti too...?!
Tovah

 

January 14, a nice "horse owner" story sent in by long time Longacres alumni, Lauren:

Hey Tom and Meghan!

I really think you'll find this to be amusing and a good example of what you try to help prevent with the students at Longacres... Read until the end!

Response to Dr Phil's comment on horse ownership as exercise:

At this time of year, after the holidays, ads for weight-loss
programs saturate print media and the airwaves. Even TV talk shows devote time to the battle of the bulge. I caught part of a Dr. Phil episode in which the prominent self-help guru was evaluating the situation of one overweight guest. The woman commented that she'd like to buy a horse so she could get exercise via riding. "That's great for the horse," responded Dr. Phil drolly, "but what good is it for you?" Obviously, Dr. Phil has missed out on the cardiovascular workout we women get attempting to get into a sports bra and riding pants.

Clearly, the good doctor doesn't own a horse. At least, not the
right horse. A quiet, well-broke, agreeable mount may indeed not offer much in the way of fitness training. But, the right horse (and most of us have owned 1 or 2, haven't we?) will provide a
body-building, cardiovascular-enhancing workout that would make
Richard Simmons envious.

Allow me to explain...

With the right horse, you begin your fitness program by walking out to the pasture. As you stride briskly, you carry the halter and lead rope behind you, pushed up high on your back so the lead doesn't drag. The purpose of this is to tone your chest and upper-arm muscles (because you're not fooling your horse- -for he knows what you carry). As you approach to within a few feet of him, he'll walk slowly away from you, but at a pace just so you can't reach him, then stop. This will be repeated several times in succession, until you're ready to jog. At that point, because you own just the right horse, he will trot, then gallop around the pasture. If you're at the advanced level of fitness, you may continue chasing after him for maximum aerobic benefits (or, just stop and start throwing rocks at him to give your rotator cuffs a workout.

Make sure you switch throwing arms, not only is this a benefit to you, your horse will think it hilarious). Beginners may prefer to
toss the halter and lead on the ground, bend forward from the waist, and engage in heavy breathing and chanting (that's what we'll call it, anyway -- chanting) as the horse continues to circle the field. For those of you that have experience with this exercise, you may choose to throw the halter and lead, walk briskly, bend, pickup, repeat. When the horse determines you've had enough of this warm-up session, he'll allow you to catch him.

Now comes the total upper-body workout of grooming. The right horse, of course, will be caked in dried mud. The cement-like consistency of it will require work-to-exhaustion effort of your biceps and triceps.

NOTE:
this exercise has added value, the dried mud will stick to your face with perspiration, instant facial!

Next comes the bending, stretching, and toning of hoof-picking. Bend over, pick up the horse's left front foot, then be prepared to jump back as he stomps it back down to the ground, narrowly missing your foot. (Keep your knees bent as you jump, to protect your lower back.) Reach down and pick up the foot again, hopping about with the horse to maintain your grip as you attempt to pick what seems to be dirt mixed with Super Glue from the hoof. Eventually the horse may stand still; you may be chanting by this time. Repeat the entire circuit 3 more times, with the remaining feet.

Once you can stand erect again, it's time for the insect repellent
exercise. True, with this one, your horse may actually get more of a workout than you do, but you certainly get more of the repellent. It goes like this: Squirt!-circle- circle. Squirt!-circle- circle.
Squirt!-circle- circle--- and so on, until you're completely misted
with repellent and chanting 'whoa you sonofabitch whoa'. To receive maximum benefit from this exercise, make sure you are at the beginning of a deep inhalation during the 'squirt' cycle and exhale after the last chanting 'whoa'.

With the right horse, saddling up provides both aerobic and strength building benefits. The trick is to keep your feet moving as you heft the saddle blanket over and over (and over), trying to keep it in place on a moving target. The blanket exercise warms you up for the saddle exercise, for which the routine is the same, only the weight is much greater -- perfect for buffing those hard-to-tone shoulder muscles.

Now comes the mounting exercise. With the right horse, it's left leg up, hop-hop-hop, left leg down, heavy breathing. Left leg up,
hop-hop-hop, left leg down, heavy breathing. For balance, go around to the other side and continue the exercise (right leg up,
hop-hop-hop, heavy breathing, right leg down, heavy breathing,
etc.).
When your heart rate begins to exceed your target range, look for a bucket. Bend over, pick it up, place it upside-down next to the horse, wait for the horse to move away, then bend over, pick it up again, place it next to the horse, and so on. NOTE: this is a
cooling down routine not to be confused with the warm up
pasture-routine.

When the horse deems you've had enough of these repetitions, he'll stand still and allow you to actually mount. At this point, of
course, you'll be too exhausted to ride and your facial mask is
dropping off in chunks. It's best not to overdo it, so dismount,
grab a glass of wine, and head in to recover in a bubble bath.

 

January 12, 2007 - some tributes to "Stoney" from Alumni:

From Peyton:

He was a good horse.
I didn't ride him much because i was to busy with Brownie but when I did ride him he was pretty cool.
He would do what I told him to do except that one time in the field when he ran off with me.
We did a few times around the field then I finally gained control of him again.
I never saw him drink coca-cola from a can but I did get to see him try to escape from his stall.
He tried pretty hard.
But with the rope on the door he couldn't get it.
Anyway I hope Stoney is having fun in horsey heaven.
Rest In Peace.
He had a good life.
With Tom and Meghan and all the campers that loved him I'm sure he was pleased.

<3 Peyton

 

Hi,

This is Emily W. again. I just read the website, and when I saw that Stoney died I cried. I didn’t get to ride Stoney too much over the summer, but when I did ride him he was the best horse ever! I remember I rode Stoney when we did our moonlight ride. It seems like yesterday I was at camp, and I can remember Stoney always acting so young and clever. What a great horse. At least he died a peaceful death; I know he was special to LA. He is probably in greener pastures now eating rich green grass… and maybe even drinking coke out of a can! That is my little tribute to stoney. RIP stoney!

~ Emily

 

 

January 8, 2006: Following message is from Janine O., who was a student and instructor at Longacres a decade ago:

Hello Tom--

This is Janine Osterman, 1992-1996, camper, counselor, riding instructor, barn manager, among lots and lots of other things! I remember driving a truck full of hay bales, painting jumps, playing mommie at the fair and a forever memorable 2 weeks as a counselor for 5 8yr olds at the same time! I have attached pic's of my mare Willa ("Madison Avenue") a 6yr old QH I got for practically nothing from a horse dealer a year and a half ago. She's very athletic, bold and forward. I am aiming at doing some pre novice events this spring. We have been doing tons of dressage to really work on her balance and bending and she has shown great footwork and balance especially out in the fields and trails--she seems to have 4 wheel drive! So I am enjoying working with her. I lost my horse Lloyd, that I had for 6 years, 2 years ago to a freak injury. He was 20 years old but very youthful--a lot like a Longacres horse. I still think of him and miss him as he was my best friend. I also have a dog, a rotti/pit bull/lab mix named Shelby and I just purchased a home here in Vermont. I am in my 3rd year with Norwich University as the head men's ice hockey athletic trainer. I also teach classes and supervise students in our academic program. I really love VT but am looking to move on soon...As I am also single for the first time in 5 years and I am looking to new places and new experiences

I can't believe Patti, Stoney and Brownie are still around! Stoney looks good, totally fleabitten by now. I still remember my winter with "Teacher's Pet" and tons of fun taking him hunters. I think of Reggie, Missy, Tip Off, Ginger, Indian Summer, Gary, Treek, OB, Tommy boy (that big moose), and of Melanie, my favorite mare and Joey that little brat that used to spook at every jump anytime you took him to a show. I still think of Melanie and me, and Anne Benjaminson and Chips, winning a 2nd in Pairs class because Melanie's strides were so small! Lots and lots of great memories. I still talk to Katie Roberts, and Annie, and Lisa and still email. I havent been in touch with Priya or Ali-Jane recently but we were emailing. I also still talk to Kelly Kirchoff. I read that letter from Debbie Seife on the Alumni page and laughed because I remember her as my counselor my first summer. Danielle Bollwein recently married and is in Seattle, and Jen Coniglio and I have developed a very close friendship over the years. I went to Alfred University and she was my RA on my floor and the captain of the equestrian team. I felt privaleged to follow in her footsteps and captain the equestrian team for 3 years. Most of my oldest and closest friends are from the team so that was really special. Well, things look good at Longacres! Some nice new talented horses and it looks like some younger campers with lots of potential. Just wanted to wish you luck Tom and thanks for the memories!

I have 2 1/2 months off for the summer so if you are ever looking for guest instructors let me know!

Sincerely,

Janine

-------------------------------------------------------

This we know... the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to earth. All things are connected, like the blood which connects one family. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life -he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.
- Chief Seattle, 1854

 

Sept. 16: A message from Alexa:

I would love to be on the references list as you probably would have guessed(horse_crazy601@comcast.net)!! Schools going okay I guess I still don't understand how the 4 years in high school is suppose to go fast it feels like it's taking forever. Can't wait till summer I'm counting down already!!!!!!!!!!! Just something funny that happened at school on Friday hoping to get a few laughs.

As you know we have gotten a lot of rain the past three days. Well, on Friday I guess we got a little too much. The water started to come under the doors and into the hallways of the school. It was pretty funny we all were sent to the gym to sit on the bleachers. At some points the water was as high as 1 foot. The water had gone into some of the classrooms too. The worst part was we didn't get sent home early but missed most of our classes. Good thing because I had a quiz in English that I totally forgot about! Haha!! I live on Long Beach Island with my mom and that was also flooded too. It was funny seeing kids get off the bus walking home in water up to their knees. Well, I hope you got a good laugh!!

- Alexa

 

September 15, 2006: Several recent letters below -

From Robyn's mom: Yeah, I knew I had done that but I got your message too late and didn’t bother to change the check…I figured you could use the extra $26 for letting us copy your photos and send them to all of our friends and family. I was just a little proud.

I rode for the first time in over a year last Tues and still can barely walk. I had forgotten that every muscle in my body was necessary to stay on top of the horse!!! Even my face hurts from smiling so much. I had a blast even though my mount tripped twice in a row and almost dumped me on the ground on my maiden voyage…I could feel the gravel in my teeth. Yup, I love riding, never a dull moment.

Robyn rode last weekend as well. Such a disappointment after the summer. Unfortunately I can’t imagine any barn around here making her happy. You are a hard act to follow.

Hasta Luego, Sanna

From Jenn, who writes very well!

Dear Tom and Megan,
I would absolutely LOVE a video of the high jumper derby so that i could scare my family and friendss = ) My parental units will send you a check. Sha bang is good im working on alot of bending exercises and distance exercises, and i am going to start doing some gymnastic work with him. Eberyone at the barn loves him and says he's such a sweety. It's going to be my third day of school tommorow and i want my summer back!! Miss you can't wait to be back.
-jenn

From Peyton: OMG!
I miss him soooooooooooooooo much!
He is the best pony in the world!!!!!!
Im sitting at my computer looking at all the pictures from this summer and everytime Brownie comes up my eyes start to water.
I loved Brownie.
He was the first horse I EVER RODE!
You could hug his little but for the rest of your life and he would never kick you!
He had by far the cutest butt of all the LA horses.
Anyway when you see him when he come home to LA say hi for me and give him a great big kiss on his big nose.

Lots of Luv to Tom, Meghan and Longacres,
Peyton

From Tovah: Hiya!
Wow, it's great to see camp filling up so early again... it's great
that you got a new group of girls who are as excited and enthusiastic
about camp as the group that I was part of.
Quantum is all settled in here in Ohio. All his other college horsie
friends are back too now, so he's playing with his favorite turnout
buddies again!
And classes have started for me, so I'm really busy between the million
different things I'm involved with here. I had a fun, relaxing summer,
but that's over!
Hope you guys are doing well!
Tovah

From Robyn's mom, Sanna: You all have a slice of heaven. I would love to come to camp in your back yard again. And I wouldn’t miss the Erie county fair for anything. You all missed the hairy foot chickens so I will have to take you to see them next time. Unfortunately they were located next to the bunnies and it made me very depressed as our own beloved bunny died while we were in Spain….

School has started for everyone this week and we are glad for a little routine in our lives. I think it is all going to be ok. Robyn and I start riding lessons this coming week, it will be interesting to see how this saga unfolds. Keep your fingers crossed. I haven’t ridden in over a year and Robyn has very high standards for the barn to have to live up to.

Your end of summer check is in the mail…Your photos are framed and on the wall… and every penny was worth it. Rarely does a parent feel like they have gotten their money’s worth but this summer we got back way more than we spent. Many thanks~

Sanna

From Aleeta's winter home: Hi Meghan Hi Tom Aleeta is doing wonderful I will give the trainer all of
your info. so she can call or e-mail you to talk about Aleeta. Lauren see's
her every day except on Sunday they have been doing alot of flat work and
some jumping. They are learning about each other which is good. We gave her
a bath last Saturday with nice warm water and she is being shoed this coming
Tuesday. She seems to be settling in nicely and gaining a little weight.
She has a pasteur boyfriend and some mares she hangs out with.

• Dee

From Jenn about the reunion & stuff: ME ME ME ME ME ME ME!!!!
I WANT TO GO TO THE FLORIDA REUNION TRIPPP, ahh it sounds really funn and probably really possible because i think my parents wanted to go down to visit my grandparents in florida anyway so basically you have one onboard! That would be sooooo cool if we could go. Sha bang is doing really goood he likes his new home and has made lots of friendss. He got a long brake so now he is fully back pain free and guess what he doesn't do his funny ear thing any more. He's popping off his flyings like a pro already and i have my first formal lesson tommorow so that should be funn. He is being very spoiled, i went on a horse shopping spree and got him a bunch of really fun stuff yayyy! He says hi and that he misses you! I was thinking about coming for 9 weeks, i would come for 12 but my school ends so late that 9 is all i can make. Hope everything is going great, miss you!
YOUR #1 CAMPER-
jenn

July 16, 2006: Another letter full of memories:

Dear Tom,

All I can say is WOW! I have been meaning to do an internet search for Camp Longacres for years now. Who know that when I finally remembered while I was actually sitting at the computer, that I would find it right off the bat!

First I have to say, Thank You! I was a camper there from many years and then a counselor for two more. Maybe 1971-1981? I was very young (maybe six or seven) when I was first packed up for a month to go all the way from Queens, NY to Buffalo – on a plane – by myself! I think I cried the whole month for my mother to come pick me up and get me. As soon as I got home, I wouldn’t stop asking – when can I go back!!??

And go back I did, again and again! I just looked through your website and I have to say that my eyes are just a little moist! I read one of the letters from a woman who must have been there at the same time I was, and what names she brought back. Of the horses, of course. I think we had a lot of the same favorites! Orion, Abe, Justin, Pepper (I was a little tall for him, though), Red Majesty, Fripple, etc, etc!! I think I still have horsehair braided bracelets from that crew.

Those were the days when you were riding China Heart and Yorke Springs. I still remember they had the first stalls in the "Senior" Barn. By the way, is that the barn in the current pictures? I saw the pictures on your website of the old Junior Barn and of the cabin Pegasus. What wonderful memories!

To this day, I have wonderful dreams about carefree days riding horses, exploring the woods and making crafts. Do you remember me now? I was Arts and Crafts counselor for a couple of years. I remember Christmas in July. I can’t believe that the Lodge looks the same! I can even remember hanging out on the stone patio, playing ping pong, after the warning bell was rung for a meal, waiting to go in to eat. Then after dinner it was up to the Upper Athletic Field for evening activity. Of course if it was Sunday, it was bonfire night. I still have vivid memories of your mother on those nights; and of going to visit her in her house up the stairs from the Lodge. What a kind woman.

It’s all flooding back to me now – not that I don’t think of Longacres often anyway. I remember the riding (of course), trails, bareback, jumping, shows, horse care, more, more, more! I remember creek walking, the hunt course, getting care packages at the stone house (?), swimming in the "man-made lake". Oh, and let’s not forget - - - Wait Until Dark! I can still remember being scared silly after the first time I saw it (don’t forget, I was only six or seven). I think you used to show it at the end of every session. By the time I was 16, I knew just about every line in it! And at session-end, there was candle wishing night. Making those little rafts with candles in the middle and floating them across the pool after dark so our wishes would come true.

I still have a huge love of horses, although, unfortunately, they have come in and out of my life. I still love to ride if I get a chance, and, what do you know, I live in the middle of Long Island’s horse country! It is a dream to one day take a horse-back safari in Africa someday.

Camp Longacres is a very special place and I am so thrilled to know that it is giving new generations of young girls new memories. Let’s see . . . there was Buenos – maybe the first horse I rode at Longacres, who still came back every summer even when he was almost 30; the Peppermint Lounge; the Erie County Fair; Niagara Falls; Pixie/Oakwood; Four Corners; Tom and his blue (?) Corvette; the New Tents; Ponies, Colts, Prancers and Paddock; "extras" riding; horse shows; and so much more. I still have my Camp Longacres ribbons and lots of pictures and old brochures. There is even a picture of me playing tennis when I was about seven in one of the very old brochures.

Carefree summers spent riding horses – does it get any better than that!?

Thank you for so many memories.

Sincerely,

Laura Clark

PS – My last summer at Longacres was cut a bit short - it was 1981. I was only about 17 and was the solo Arts and Crafts counselor. One of my friends at camp, Sandy Maides (the swimming counselor) and I got in a bit of trouble and would up leaving early. Now do you remember me?

 

 

May 20, 2006: Below - a great letter from long time Longacres Rider, Lauren, about learning to ride at Longacres

Whoops! I'm sorry for the delayed response. I didn't even close out of your email for three days after receiving it because I was planning on responding when I got the chance to sit down. Well, I've finally got the chance to sit down so here we go... =)

My years spent at Longacres have now become blended together in a whirlpool of memories. Horse shows, gymkhanas, riding down the power lines at a slow, controlled canter (hehehe)... I remember swimming in the creek on hot days, going to the mall on rainy days, Sunday trips to do laundry... but I'm getting sidetracked! My first few weeks at Longacres stand out quite well amongst those many memories.

When I first came to Longacres, I was a nervous little twelve (and a half!!!)-year-old. I had never been to a sleep-away camp before, let alone for a full month! My only riding experiences included a dozen or so trail rides on old, broke, calm western horses. I had never brushed a horse, picked out its feet, or tacked one up. I had never learned any aids more than just "kick = go; pull back = stop; move the reins left = go left; and turn right = go right. I had no idea how to post, leg-yield, ask for a canter, or let alone JUMP!

I think the first horse I ever rode at LA was Joey. After Meg Duthie helped me with my first demonstration in brushing, picking feet, and tacking, I was ready to go for my first lesson! That day, and for many days after that, I played musical horses with Joey, Treek, Brownie, and my beloved DIPPER! =) Bouncing uncomfortably in the saddle, legs swinging back and forth, hands flying every which way, I spent my first full day learning how to do a two-point and how to post.

By the end of the second day, I was almost a pro! I had conquered the posting trot! ;o) Then on my third day, I jumped over my first cross rail on Treek. By the end of the first week, I could trot over a cross-rail course and sometimes canter in between the jumps. Soon I decided that my new found favorite, and the pony that I would show for the next two years, would be the greatest little buckskin pony... Little Dipper!

At Longacres, you are immersed in the horse world. You eat, breathe, talk, and dream horses. Longacres gives you the opportunity to ride for five hours each day, and for every hour that you ride and learn about the horses and their language, the more and FASTER you grow as a horsewoman. It's also important to keep in mind that in addition to riding five times a day, Longacres is still a running, working horse farm. You still have to do your fair share in horse care and other various camp chores. LA also has a great group of campers, instructors and/or counselors who are always there to help out when you need it. Whether you're learning how to tack up your horse, clean a stall, or whether you just need an understanding ear, there's always someone around who can help.

I have spent some of my best summers at Longacres, and I know that more girls are going to have their best summers there in the upcoming years. It sounds like there's going to be a great, young group with lots of fresh new faces. Best of luck to Peyton and all the other new girls who are going this summer!

~Lauren

 

 

March 16, 2006: Below is a message from Tovah who has found a fun new jumper to ride!

So, we had another jumper show last weekend, I showed my comp. class
horse, Quattro. We had some technical issues in the first class,
involving some scary new banners in the ring and rearing and not
wanting to go forward (yeah, he has some issues, but that's why he's
here at lec!)... but once i got him past what he was scared of the
rest of the course was great. and then we won our next 2 classes and
got champion. Yay. And this weekend we went to an IHSA show
(equitation). Today (sunday) i got second in my flat class and won my
fences class! And yesterday i won my flat and won my fences... and
then i was tied for high point rider of the day with another girl so
we had a ride off and i won the ride off and got high point rider!
woohooooo, I'm having so much fun winning!
Tovah

 

 

June 16^th: A great message from Lauren below:

A big shoutout to Tom, Meghan, and all the other staff members &
campers who will be attending Longacres this year!

School ended Wednesday at 11:52am. It was rather strange. Normally
on my last day I'd be running out of school to meet my parents on the
Northwest corner of my HS so that we could frantically drive to the
airport to make the flight to Buffalo. But this year there was no
rushing, no pre-camp excitement. Before the end of my finals, there
was no feeling of "damn I wish I was at camp RIGHT NOW." It was just
a normal day. The bell rang, I calmly left school in no rush, hung
out with some friends. That night I had dinner with my immediate
family (as opposed to my Longacres family!) and slept in my own bed
(as opposed to my ??comfy?? Longacres bed!)

Things have changed a lot in the past few years. Some for the better,
some for worse. I feel as though horses and riding have become a much
larger part of my life, as opposed to five years ago when I had never
even taken a lesson. That is majorly due to riding at Longacres every
summer, when I am TOTALLY immersed in horses for weeks on end.
Unfortunately, growing up is also a part of life. College is a part
of growing up. And money is a part of going to college. Even though
financial and time restraints kept me from going to camp this year, I
could never forget how much you and the rest of the campers have had
an impact on my life. I will always remember Longacres as being the
center of my teenage years.

Longacres has taught me so much about myself- how to be responsible,
how to do things for myself, and it certainly taught me that I'm
capable of much more than I think I am. Thank you for making my
summers memorable and for helping me grow up throughout these past few
years. =)

Always a Longacres Rider,

Lauren

 

June 6, 2005: - I am on a roll this week! I remember all the girls (women, now!) who have written in from the distant past. Here's one from Joanna Schaffer from 1974 to 1977!

Tom,

I was telling my 6-year old twins the "Story of Orion" and they asked if Camp Longacres still existed. A quick google search confirmed your existence and before I knew it, I was deeply absorbed in reading the alumni page. In response to an email from 2001 - Judy Berry - I remember you! And I remember Justin because my best friend that I made at Longacres, Sarah Corrin, loved him too and idolized Judy because she got to take him home. Like so many others, I vividly remember my days at Longacres, and especially the horses. Those were the days when you were riding China Heart and (oh no - the name of your draft-like dappled bay is escaping me). Ramses and Major (who was deeply loved by Becky from up the road) were the other big stars. My favorites, of course, were Orion who came home with me for two winters, and Red Majesty who came home with my best friend Deena Merlen. I also loved Pepper (whose picture with me over a fence hangs on my office wall), Miranda and Whistle (my clinic horse). Today, I cannot remember the name of a person that I met 5 minutes ago, nor the name of a movie, or movie star, but I remember Abe (it was rumored that his spots were freeze-brands), Fudge Ripple ("Fripple"), Decision (Kim's horse), Sassy (Decision's "twin" sister), Chewbit (who ran off with me my first day of camp), Jacques (a prancing little Pinto), Prometheus (very green and deeply loved by Jenny Loud), Aladdin (- a palomino one year, and a bay the next), Chimes (who was pregnant when I first enrolled for camp), Steppy, Painted Lady, Tiku (who spent a winter nearby with Christine Arts), Sambo (rather politically incorrect, don't you think?), Timbuktoo, and Deamon (whom Hugh Wiley wanted to buy from you). The Bell sisters (Sue, Darcy & ?) were the stars of camp in those days and Sleepy Hollow was the cabin to be in.

I'm glad to see that there are so many others who feel that their summers at Camp Longacres were such a memorable part of their childhood.

Best Wishes, Joanna Schaffer (1974 to 1977 at Longacres)

 

 Below: Read this closely and you will realize that Sue goes back to my own childhood at Longacres!

June 3, 2005:

Dear Tom,

Back in the mid 50's, I (Sue) and my 2 sisters (Laura and Alice Glazier) all came to Camp Longacres for many summers. I found your website several years ago and had thought of writing but never got to it. Today when I saw Sandy Schwartz's message and your reply asking if she remembered Susie Schopf or Alice Glazier, I just had to write.

Those were halcyon summer days of riding with Barb Tornow, Sally Jones and Jan Randal, swimming in the lake with Winnie as life guard, being led in camp songs in the dining hall by Neal, writing letters home seated on the flat rocks of the creek while the woods around trilled with bird song, traipsing in the dark from the tent to the outhouse guided by a dim flashlight, plotting and managing to succeeed in carrying out the removal of some friend, cot and all, from her tent down into the creek without waking her, awakening to early morning shouts, "the horses are loose", and rushing out to help get them back into their pasture in the pouring rain, doing the "rain song and dance" around the campfire (I can still do it - ah uni cuni cha-ah uni), and of course the horses - Rock and Roll, Tonto, Cream, Eagle, Lady, Pixie, Suzie and so many others whose names I have long since forgotten. I have lots of pictures but cannot put names to the faces anymore.

I have stayed in touch with Sally who sees Barb often, but I have lost contact with Jan Randal and often wonder what she went on to do with her life. Do you have any list of alumni from that era with information about where they are now? Jan lived in Hutchinson, Kansas where I visited her one summer.

I have often wondered if Neal ever wrote down or recorded any of the camp songs we all learned to love. Some of them still stick in my memory, but others exist only as a word or two or a remembrance of the subject involved. I recall that some were very long Biblical stories in which Neal sang the many verses and we campers sang the choruses. Then there were "one meatball" and "green grow the rushes".

I live in Leverett, Massachusetts and my 2 sisters live in Bennington and Rutland, Vermont. Camp Longarcres has grown up tremendously through the years. It is so good to see that it has thrived and that you are running it very successfully.

Fondly,

Sue (Glazier) Swartz

 

5-24-05 - Hi Tom!!! It's Beth Maker, remember me, the old camper from Rowayton, in the late 1970's, who brought home Kristy and Miranda pony for the winter???? The one who you gave the award to for "finally catching up with her older sisters"??? (I'm in one of the camp brochures, a section on me & Miranda about taking home your "own" horse for the winter!) I just discovered that Longacres is still in existence (shock!) and that you are still its director (fall off my chair in joyous disbelief!) My best friend has moved to East Aurora, and I'm coming to visit her on June 11, 12, 13, and I was hoping I could stop by and SEE YOU!!!! You can't even imagine what a huge part of my life Longacres was; I still have dreams about it all the time!!!! I think I was there in 1977, '78 and' 79 when I was around 11-14 years old! Please write or call when you have a chance!

Lots of love,

Beth Maker

 

(I love to hear from all former Longacres students, but this is one of the nicest messages I've had in many months! And I DO remember you well, Kelly. - Tom Kranz)

Dear Tom,

It has been MANY years since I have seen pictures of Long Acres and, at
least via the internet, been able to visit an old stomping grounds. It has
been about 35 years, I think. My name is Kelly Bandalos...or Kelly
Gallagher. I used to go to Long Acres when I was about 10 for many years.
I used to go with my closed friend Liza Jennings. I moved from East Aurora
when I was 13 years old to Long Island. I have to say, the equine world was
not the same here.

Funny thing is, I am 44 years old now and own a horse farm with 70 horses,
24 of them are mine. The rest are boarders. We have a lesson program which
specializes in hunt seat. My riding director and I are looking forward to
participating in local hunts this spring and we are both getting interested
in dressage. My husband and I both really enjoy trail riding and
participate in Barrel racing with our children.

The really funny thing about all of this is...we only own this farm for
about 3 years now. We have been married for 14 years and owned many
business'. My husband Joe never really knew the extent or interst I had in
riding, nor did I know his. I have always taken time to ride at my sisters
home in Conn. on her Hanovarians. So when we took a vacation 5 years ago at
a dude ranch and he realized that I really do know how to ride well and
enjoy it so much, he said some day we should get a horse. and sure enough,
the next year he found an old farm, and it began. one horse at a time, a
renovated barn, then another, and an indoor, and then a riding program and
camp program.

I keep telling him about Longacres....I remember a special place that I
learned well about horses with other girls who love horses. I thought you
might like to hear this little story and your place in it. I remember going
to your cottage for winter reunions and listening to Simon and Garfunkel and
walking around ther quite camp alone in the snow with your two black
shepards. These are special memories and I hope you are aware of the good
impression you leave on these young girls.

Thanks for the great memories. The camp looks great! When our web page is
done I will send you a note. Best wishes for a great year!

Kelly Gallagher Bandalos
Islandia Farms

 


From Alex & Brownie, June 9th:

Hi Tom!

I wanted to thank you for letting me have Brownie this year and last. He is really happy at our new barn and we have made good progress. As my dad already said i have been riding him a lot more so that he may be in good shape for camp- although five days a week is a bit different than five hours a day! We have been jumping a lot lately and he loves it! Yesterday (Friday) we were doing really well with a few tight jumper turns and almost three foot fences. Last Weekend we went to a mini event and placed second in our class. He has been totally healthy and only has a small scar left of his strangles. I have pictures from the end of his strangles that i will bring with me, if you ever want to show a before and after kind of thing. Brownies favorite horse the barn is a tiny paint pony who loves to boss him around. But, I'm sure he will love to be back in the pasture with his camp friends. Thanks so much for letting me take him home, we have gotten much closer this year and it will be hard for me see him go (even if it is just a day before me). He is my buddy and i really love having him- and i would love to take him home again for the next twenty years if you ok it. I am really looking forward to camp and i can't wait to see all my friends. I have been riding other boarders horses at my barn as well as Brownie, but the transition will still be a challenge for me. I can't wait to come, but because i still have tree days left of school and the weather is so behind, it feels like three months away!!! I hope you guys have had a wonderful year and i apologize for not writing sooner. Thanks So much once again and i will see you guys soon! Say hi to Meghan for me, i hope her mice are doing well!

Alex

PS. I sent some of the pics from our show last weekend but i couldn't figure out how to send them on the same email- so they are all labeled Brownie1,2,3

 

From Marce June 6:

Hi Tom!

Wow, I can't believe it is almost camp time again! The year has gone by quickly... sorta! It's nice to read the updates on the webpage, too bad abt Treek & Joey... but Quantum & the other sure look good! Hopefully we can keep Star going in the right direcftion this year! I'm riding lots lately so hopefully I won't be TOO sore when I get to Longacres, abt 3x a week or so. The new trainer I'm with has a bunch of homebred young horses & even a couple of stallions, also a little chestnut baby foal that was just born (SOOO adorable!!!). I've been riding a 5yo black mare named Nations who they bred from their champion jumper stallion who has TONS of power & impulsion, but still needs to learn to collect and wait for the jumps cause she's still green & doesn't have the mileage, but she's going to make a great jumper one day. Her more seasoned horses are lots of fun too, as well as hacking the ponies whenever I get free time (which isn't often what with finals coming up!). Anyway, can't wait to head out there to New York after finals!

I got an updated flight itinerary from the airline, I'm not sure if the times changed at all from what I sent you before cause I think just the flight #s are a tad different:

-Marce

From Brianna, June 6:

Hi Tom and Meghan!! Mr. Nameless finally has a name. We just got his papers and... his show name is True Pride and they called him Clyde. I thought that I would keep True Pride because it is cute (I'm ording one of those leather bracelets with name ingraved on it presently.) I am changing Clyde to Devan after Devan England. (As soon as I heard his name was Clyde I cracked up and that is not exactly the reaction I wanted the name to have.) Thank you very much to Beth Hacket who was the only one with name suggestions. I love Walking on Water but he is so massive with big hooves I think he would sink! (compared to 13.2 Annie anyway.) I rode Devan Tuesday and groomed him yesterday. Tuesday's ride was fun. I jumped him over a few crossrails and did ALOT of trot work. He needs a ton of leg but, I rather have that than be slowing him down. My legs are still aching now since I basically haven't ridden in seven months. He should have me whipped into shape for camp. I still could or cannot get over that I was riding my very own horse. It's mind boggling to me! I hand grazed him yesterday. My barn is right next to a fire truck station thingy so there are constant fire trucks coming out. Although they still startle him a little he is starting to get used to it which is a good sign. Man, does Devan have this massive neck. When he decided him didn't want to go back into the field and he still wanted to graize on the long grass he threw his neck up in the air and I was practically lifted off the GROUND. I am so glad to hear that Treeky and Joey are okay. I love the picture of Treek grazing with Joey. He must LOVE all the grass up there. What a treat! -*- Brianna Ps. Next Friday I'm FREE. Out of the torture they call school! YES!

 

From Brianna, June 2^nd:

Is Treek okay?!!!!! Poor Treek. Poor Joey. Please be sure to put a little applesauce in Treek's food for he is very fond of that. You didn't post a picture of Joey. Is he worse condition than Treek? From the picture I could tell that Treek needed a little fat and despertly needs his mane pulled and his Tail looks ruffled like he has been scratching it. I truly hope he is alright. I feel like an over conserned parent who sent thier spoiled kid off to Boarding School. At least now I know he is safe at Longacres. I'm sure you will take such good care of him. I miss him SO much. How anyone could be anything but be nice, loving and caring to Treek is beyond me. Everyone at my barn LOVES him and MISSES him SO much. Anyway, moving on to my favorite subject, my nameless horse. (Girls there is a prize for the person who sends me the best name. As Emily would say "I' ll give you a cookie if you......" don't ask. It was shut up for the entire day that time but things can change.:-) Moving rapidly onward, Mr. Nameless was very good today. He didn't even spook (although I did) when a rooster jumped on the roof of the barn and started coockaloododling on the top of it lungs. He just looked at like "How Interesting" I didn't ride, I just groomed him and gave him lots of carrots and apples. I am still getting to know him. He loves affection and being hand grazed. He is even said to respond to voice command but I am a little sceptical. If I can figure out how to get this computer to work, maybe I could send a picture of him to you. I said IF. That is unlikely though considering yesterday I almost threw the stupid machine out the window. Anyway, I have to do yet another group project that I have to complete all by my lonesome because my teachers seems extremly fond of pairing slackers with the "over achievers" (like me.) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Give Treek an extra couple of pats for me and tell him I cannot wait to see him. Thank you. - Brianna PS. I love your contraption on your trailer. It seems very handy. Next we need hitching posts with rings to tie the horses to. jk. You did a great job.

 

From Nora, June 2^nd:

Hello again, Tom!

I am beyond excited to see that you have been updating almost every day. I just checked out the pictures from yesterday, in fact! I especially like the 12th photograph. I'm not seeing Tovah's screen name on my buddy list right now, but I'm sure she'll be thrilled with that particular picture as well! For a horse that was sold to you as a calm, all- around, beginner- safe ride, Quantum certainly has some spunk!
Being as the season is approaching so rapidly, I should be keeping myself perfectly busy, between daydreaming, riding and buying all sorts of fun equipment for showing! I've missed showing so much... But, umm... now I have many a final to worry myself sick about.
I just rode in my second lesson at Top of the Line. My instructor, Pam, matched me up with a mare named Cammie because she thought, from what she saw of my riding, that we'd get along famously. And as Cammie was no plug or push- button, I was quite flattered that Pam considered me capable enough of a rider to take her on. My favorite thing about her must have been her canter transtitions from a halt. They were very Patti- esque, and she had the same miniscule stride when held in hand. But oh, after an 8- week hiatus from riding, does my upper body ache!
I'm looking forward not only to working so hard on the horses and with the haybales that I find my arms and back sore again, but also getting over that weakness. Once I'm riding 4 or 5 hours a day, (nearly) every day, I should whip myself back into shape just fine!
I'm sorry to hear about Joey and Treek. I hope they weren't in too bad a condition (a la Lucky, Ty and Dipper). However, it was extremely kind of Frank to come to the rescue.
The horses and fields look great! I'm sure you'll be able to fit all of the necessary work in before opening day. In the meantime, I'll be keeping an eye out for updates (especially those on new horses- you weren't planning on searching for any new jumpers this year, were you?). It would be handy if e- mails could be read aloud by the computer. Then, perhaps, I could program it to say, "Jumpers, jumpers, jumpers!" in the background. Like subliminal messaging... Yeeeah...
I think I'm going to be the inventor of the talking e- mail (subliminal messaging software included)! I'll be rich, I tell you! Rich!
Anyway, I was wondering, depending on when Tovah comes up, if it would be alright for me to mosey on up to camp on the 17th. Nothing's definite, but... just so I know it's approved... I mean... is it?

"Keep up the good work!"
Nora

 

From Jess on 6-26:

hey tom!

How have you been? just read the update and looked at the classes, i think this year iam moving out of hunters and going into jumpers in the inside ring. what do you think..... well you can decide that when iam at camp .haha, because you dont know how i have changed in my riding since last year. I think iam a totally different rider than last year.So iam thinking on doing jumpers or hunter in the inside ring... i have to see when i get to camp! I cant wait to see everyone and the horses!
(especially merlin!) And meet new campers too! well thats all for now talk to you later! email me back!

From, Jessica Nash :)

From Brianna 5-26:

Dear Tom and Meghan, I DID IT!!!!!!!!! I bought a HORSE!!! (I still can't get OVER IT nor can I stop SMILING) I NEVER thought this would happen to me. I know we have been looking for so LONG but I never thought I would ACTUALLY do it. Okay here is da deal. He is a bay roan (15.2 still growing) 5 years old BEAUTIFUL mover. He has a Roman nose and a white blaze and a white stocking on his back near. (I keep calling him a he because we still have to name him. Any suggestions are welcome.) As soon as I saw him I saw just like "He's mine. He's SO perfect." I have been waiting so long, I still have to keep reminding myself that I actually OWN a horse. Sorry, I'm starting to ramble I just SOOOOO excited. I have to drag my Mom to the tack store. hehe Anyway, I just thought I'd let you know. I've got to catch up with all the homework I didn't do yesterday. Happy Memorial Day. -*- Brianna ps. I look like such a fool. I can't stop smiling.

From Tovah, 5-26:

Hi Tom!
It looks like I probably will be able to come up to camp the evening of tuesday, june 17th. But its not certain yet.
There's only about a month left until camp really starts! I can't wait, i've been day dreaming all day long. In math the other day, my teacher told us that were about to take a "quantum leap" into our next topic! And in physics today we started learning about quantum theory. My teacher asked if any of us knew what a quantum leap was. I wanted to raise my hand and explain that it is something quantum does when he gets excited and is being held back! and it's also his show name! But I kept my thoughts to myself.
A lot of the horses i've been working with this spring are really comming along nicely. The other day, my mare isabella jumped a one stride in-and-out with a scary 2'9 white gate as the second jump. Now, I know 2'9 isn't high and white gates don't have to be scary, but for this mare, jumping this was a BIG DEAL! It was a huge breakthrough for her. When I fisrt started riding her a couple of months ago, she was regarded as "psycho mare" and hadn't been worked in a while because no one wanted to deal with her. When I first started working her, she was always extrememly nervous and anything could set her off. But gradually she started to relax and become more accepting. We started jumping little cross rails and plain verticles. When the jumps got scarier, she would take off after them, bucking and throwing a fit. But when she jumped the 2'9 gate the other day, she did it beautifully, WITHOUT bucking after it. Sure, she is still gets quick, but no bucking or trying to get me off. :) She's really comming along nicely.
Another one i've been working with is baby. He is the SWEETEST little 4 year old pony. He doesn't have a mean bone is his body. He reminds me a lot of merlin. He was pretty green at first, but the other day I jumped him around a little 2 foot hunter course, complete with flower boxes and planks. And he jumped the whole thing without hesitation at any of the jumps and landed on all his correct leads!!
Do you remember the jumpers I told you I was riding and training last year, goose and hammer? Well, I haven't been riding them this year because they've both been sold! And they have been sold to western homes (since they both did western before I started riding them). Now, i don't have anything against western, BUT I put in so much work teaching these horses to jump! and they were good jumpers!! It is just hard to see that work, go to waste, sort of.
The jumpers I have been riding are mikey and spiderman. Mikey is a really cool horse. He is actually pretty slow on the flat, but once you start jumping he is a real puller! He will jump anything you point him at, and he has a pretty powerful jump. On tuesday I was jumping him over an interesting looking jump- a brick wall with a big cross rail over it- and he was jumping way up over it. And for a second he felt like quantum- The way qauntum's jump is so powerful. It was nice :). The other one, spiderman, is a big tb who's pretty spunky. He will jump anything from any where. he doesn't care much about where his legs are going though!!
Ok, I have to get going to the barn now...!
Tovah

 

From Brianna, May 19^th -

Okay, guys irrr I mean girls STOP IT with the tall thing. I mean seriously you girls are SO mean. It's embarassing enough already. Anyway, I'm so exicted right now because this Sunday a horse I suppose to come down (or is it up?) from Maryland to me. This lady who had to sell her horse to someone else because otherwise she would get sued but really should of sold it to me... anyway long story. Bottom line she felt pity for me and when she is showing in Maryland she is bringing back a bunch of horses one of them is suppose to be perfect for me although all she knows is that it is a he and he is gray. (Hopefully really dapple not like Treek. He was sort of a slob in his stall so I could never keep him clean. Man, do I miss Treek along with everyone else at my barn who is always talking about him.) I have been emailing Taiga a lot lately. Unfournately she isn't coming back to Longacres this year. Anyway, I've got to help kid with his math homework. Seriously why does everyone always call for answers on the homework. Even better, why do I always help people with thier homework? -Brianna P.S. I only have 5 weeks of school left. :) Yeah

 

 

From Marce:

Hi!
Thanks for the updates on the webpages, it's nice to
hear how the horses & farm are doing! I can't believe
the year went by so quickly! I've been riding 2x a
week lately with a new trainer, but I'm going to start
hacking some ponies for her a couple of times a week
as well so hopefully I should be in good riding shape
by the time Longacres rolls around. :-)

I was just wondering if you have a show list yet?
Looking forward to seeing you all in a little over a
month!
-Marce

Hi Tom and happy spring to you. I thought it might be that time of year again for some horse talk, actually I think any time of year is good for horse talk but in western New York spring and summer seems especially good times!!!! From your web site I gathered you are expecting a full camp. I would love to talk to you about Millies progress and your thoughts on whether or not you think she would be a good candidate for summer at Longacres. Both my son and Jackie have been riding her as well as my self and we are each having independent success' with her development. If you would rather call than e-mail, you can reach me at 662-1813 or 998-6894 em-mail is fine as well.

Looking forward to hearing from you

Pat Boyczuk

FROM Lauren:

Hey you guys! How's everything going? Wow I haven't spoken to you in a LoNg time! I was checking up on the website a few minutes ago and read all the emails that you got... so I decided to write one too! ;) Things have been so crazy around here lately, there's rarely a minute in the day when I'm not doing something. I'm either doing homework, babysitting, at school, track or the barn! Wake up at 5:20, leave at 6, get to school by 8 (yes, it's a 2 hr ride!), track practice from 3:30-6:30, get home by 8:30, homework, sleep (sometimes...!)

We had a track meet today and I got to do my favorite event: the STEEPLECHASE! =) It's a long race: 1 1/4 miles with large barriers that you jump over. And if you knock it with your feet, the jump doesn't fall... you fall! It also has a water jump that is 6 feet wide and gets deeper as you get closer to the jump (3 feet is the deepest.) It's great, I just pretend I'm a horse and right before each jump I start cantering! Haha, my teammates think it's pretty funny that I always "skip" during practice and go out of my way to jump over things. There are so many things that are horse-related in this sport that make it almost as fun as actually riding (hehe, ya right!!)

I've been able to make it to the barn atleast once a week. My riding has been improving with each lesson and I hope to be in good shape by the time camp starts. Jumping isn't a very big thing at my barn, although we do have it sometimes. I actually haven't jumped ONCE since camp! But it's ok, I don't mind so much. ;) I've been riding this cute paint horse named Smoky. He's really a character! I used to ride Juliet, a speedy little grey pony that would buck me off practically every time I rode her. She reminded me alot of Sierra (except for the bucking part...) But Cherryl, my instructor, sent her upstate because the little kids were afraid of her. :( *Sigh* She was the perfect size, too (unlike Brianna - who I hear is now a giant - I haven't grown an inch!)

The Belmont Stakes is in three weeks and I'll be there with some friends from school. Last year I bet on Sarava (the 70-1 longshot) and won 52 bucks! Hehe, good times, good times... Speaking of good times... Camp starts really soon! I'll probably have to come late, though. I have my Chemistry regents on June 24th and my guidance counselor won't let me take it at Erika's school. =\ I'll let you know what's going on with that in a week or so. Wow, this was a really long letter! Sorry to make you read it all... ;P OK, next time I won't send you such a long e-mail. Just thought I'd bring you up-to-date on some things.

Speak to you soon!
*Lauren

From Emma:

Hi Tom,
This is Emma (Bogdonoff). I've been reading your website constantly,
eagerly awaiting you're frequent updates. By the way, I think that having the
news page is a great idea. I feel like I already am a part of Longacres,
despite the fact that this will be my first year. I am so excited for camp; I
am counting the days -- exactly 44, to be precise!
Anyway, here I've been riding as much as possible. I've been taking two
lessons a week, plus working on Sundays to earn an additional ride. It's
going really well. I've been helping my instructor train a five-year old pony
named Rosey, which has been an awesome experience. When she first came to my
barn in January (actually she came in December but when she first came she
had strangles), she was a sweetie on the ground, but absolutely crazy to
ride. She had the fastest trot and the more you pulled on the reins the
faster she would get. She kicked out at the canter transition and then would
speed around the ring waving her head wildly. But she's come such a long way
that she's even being used for a few normal lessons now (as opposed to just
being a "project horse"). Her trot and canter have both really calmed down
and lengthened, and she's much more balanced. She's even started jumping
small courses. Oops, I just looked back and realized how much I
wrote...sorry, I have a tendency to get carried away when I start talking
about horses :)
Before I forget, I have a few questions for you that I've been saving up.
Okay, first of all, I noticed in the packet that you said that we ride mostly
in jeans. I've never really ridden in jeans much before, as the seams always
ended up chafing my legs. I do have half chaps, but I’m not sure they'd fit
over a pair of jeans (they're a little tight!). Just wondering how this works
for most girls. Also, do most campers bring a ton of riding-related luggage?
As it is I have my new tall boots that I just got, my old tall boots, which
are much more comfortable, my work boots, my paddock boots, a helmet, and so
on. Another, slightly unimportant question, has to do with the required
crop. As I don't have one I was going to buy one at the tack shop the other
day, but the person helping us pointed out that if you want to show you often
have to use a black crop, as opposed to one of the cool colored ones they
have. Is this the case (aka, do I need to bring a solid black crop)? I think
that's all for now, though I'm sure that as soon as I send this I'll think of
ten more questions!
--Emma

From Brownie's winter "dad":

Tom

Okay, it's finally time to get this note off. Probably the hardest thing to deal with all year, the return of Brownie. We will arrange again with Frank to get him trailered. What is the timeframe we need to be working within, obviously the longer he is here the better. And this year we promise to keep him in quarentine for weeks before he leaves!

Alex has been working 4 days/week at the barn to help pay for his board. And she has restarted her lessons this late winter. Brownie is getting a lot of riding, relatively speaking - don't think anything can prepare him for a summer of camp - and both Alex and her instructor are impressed with how much he can do. She rides him 5 days a week now, except for a rare heavy homework day. Hope the girls this summer are equally pleased with him, though Alex will certainly be jealous.

Greg

 

From Erika & Shabang - Also, at my barn my instructor focuses a lot on equitation. And its been really good for me because now I don't slouch/do that thing I was doing last year. So I was wondering if I could do some equitation classes with Shebang this summer so I don't go back to doing those things. I've been doing a lot of good stuff in my lessons and I've become really interested in eq!! Because my instructor, Michelle, has done eq and hunters all her life and she really knows a lot. In my lesson we usually do courses that are like eq courses and they are hard because we have to do a certain number of strides, stop between jumps, lengthen and shorten, and all the time have good eq! I really like it because it is so challenging. I've never really done eq before but now that I know more about it, its really interesting. Ok well I have to go get going on my homework!! I'll talk to you later!
-Erika

From Mandy: - hey guys!!! i am getting so excited for camp! only 34 school days left! we are going to have soo much fun. unfortnaltey i havent been riding because of softball and being on two teams life is pretty hectic and im lucky to have time for school work! but i will b starting again soon. sounds like all the horses have plenty of energy for us to start riding them now! i have school until june 19 so i think my mom is planning on buying me a ticket to fly out on the 20th. well i better be going cant wait for camp!
~Mandy

From Tovah, who's car is in the shop so she can't ride so often this week! - Hi :)
I wish i could have seen quantum, star, and ebony in the pasture!! it must have been nice to watch them having fun, as long as no one got hurt!
The car should be fixed by saturday at the earliest, next tuesday at the latest...... so im keeping my fingers crossed that the engine comes on time and they put it in quickly!! I need to ride! Actually, I was able to get out to ride a bit this weekend... I took the bus into jersey on saturday morning, stayed at a friend's house saturday night, and took the bus back in sunday night. On Saturday me and my friend went to watch the grand prix at the garden state horse show, that was fun. We were watching a bunch of the horses in the warm up ring. Its amazing how those horses warm up over 4'6 jumps, jumping them like they're 2 feet. They do it effortlessly.
Anyway, i might take the bus out to jersey sometime this week before the car gets fixed to ride. it depends on how much school work I have though cause it takes a long time to get there and back on the bus!! errrrrrrrrrrr. I want my car!!
Tovah

From Kim in Texas - Hi Tom!

This is Kimberly Schwartz! I have been reading the site! U said u wanted to hear from us. Unfortunately, I have not gotten real tall like Bri! I think im going to be small, (I could maybe be a Jockey)! Did u watch the Kentucky Derby? Well, I have been taking a weekly riding lesson on Thursdays! I have been riding a horse named commander! I love Commander... he's a doll! About 2-3 months ago my friend fell off a horse and broke her arm so she couldn't ride for awhile and then when she finally got back on she was bucked off her own horse and got a concussion so I have taken over riding her horse! Actually it is a pony named Noel and we have been doing great! I have been jumping around 2'3 a lesson but recently the fences looked a little higher... Julie (my trainer) didn't specify the hight though! I have only been in two shows with Commander this year! We did well! In one of the shows I placed in all my classes and in the other class I placed in 2 classes! Well, you will probably be glad to know that when I got home from camp and went to my first lesson, My trainer saw great improvement! Now, I am finally getting to move up to a new level, more advanced class! Well thats all about me really in the way of Horses! I have turned into a basketball fanatic also thanks to my friend Erica! I was sticking to watching hockey, but now I have to split my time between Hockey, Horses Homework and Basketball! Horses always come first though! Hehehe! My friends say it seems like all I talk about is Horses horses, and sports! U should see my room! Its covered with horse pictures! I finally had to move to the ceiling! my dad was not to thriled! How have u and Meghan been doing? Have you ridden Quantum, Ebony, and Star since they have been back? Did u have fun on your trip? My mom saiys for me to tell u she says hello and hope u have had a good winter. Also, to ask you some questions about the Bahamas because we are going over the summer! I cannot think of any besides is it fun right now but knowing me... it wont take long! Hehehe! Is is still cold up there? It isnt here in Texas! We are starting to get are summer heat and for the past week it has been in the 90s or higher! I think we are dont with winter! How are Meghans mice? Well that is about all for now! Tell the horses I say hello! I also say hello to Meghan! I miss longacres very much! It seems like I am still always thinking about it! I cant wait to come back! See u guys then! E-m@il me back if u can? Also, once I get to know how to use my scanner i can e-mail you pictures of commander if u want!

Bye Bye,

Kimberly Schwartz

P.S. Meghan... I think i am starting to worry about everything! ALMOST as much as u! But not quite! Hehehehe!

From Nora, who is a fine writer - Welcome home, Tom & Meghan!

I feel awful for never wishing you a happy birthday, Tom. By the time I actually saw the birthday post, you were long gone. So lucky... The weather over here has just begun to improve the tiniest bit. Still, I wouldn't be surprised in the least were we to have another 10 feet of snow! Okay. Maybe a little.
Actually, Teaneck is experiencing a lovely thunderstorm at the moment. Honestly! Thunderstorms have got to be one of my favorite things ever... Next to Annabelle, I suppose. Sigh.

I really need to get over it!

I have not ridden in a month because I'd had a bit of trouble with Holland Hills, which I had been with for about a year and a half. Jess and Tovah, however, are sticking there for at least a bit longer, or so I am inclined to think. Of course, Tovah has temporarily joined me in the Non- Riding Club (NRC) due to a dispute with her engine. Well, okay, not her engine, but you get my drift.
I am looking into several other barns in my area and will likely begin riding at Top of the Line (Farms? Stables? Who knows...) about as soon as I get around to giving them a call. This may come as a surprise to you, but I'm reasonably shy. At least when it comes to using the telephone. Coincidentally enough, my dentist's daughter rides there and neither of them have one negative thing to say about it. One of the problems with Holland Hills was their being extremely partial to hunters. Top of the Line, however, has a stadium jumping semi- private with my name on it. And Tovah's. At least, that's what the person who responded to my e- mail said!
In other news, school is not helping my missing Longacres. My English teacher, Mr. Rosales, has a fondness for the expression "the whole shebang", while we are discussing quantum physics in Science class and how being under the influence can affect one's driving. As if I wasn't having a hard enough time keeping my mind on my work as it is!
Remember my attachment to Lucky last year? Well, I was wondering maybe, if I were to put a whole lot of time and effort into, er, working out the kinks, if I could show him in jumpers this summer. I know he is not the fastest, most coordinated, and certainly not the most courageous horse in the world, but I could really see myself enjoying working towards a goal with him. I would greatly appreciate whatever feedback you have to give on the matter.
I'm sure I had more to say, but I have just about one of the worst memories you will ever encounter. Anyway, it's good to hear that you're safely and (hopefully) happy back home and that Longacres really seems to be getting off to a good start for the season. Most importantly, Tom, happy birthday, regardless of how late the sentiment may be!

Nora

From Brianna - Hi Tom and Meghan. It's Brianna. How are you? Right now I swamped with homework because all the teachers are trying to fit everything in before the end of the year. I haven't been riding much (who could? with such a terrible winter.) but, now that it is spring I'm back to the tedius process of looking at horses. (Unfournately I can now wrap my legs all the way around the 13.2 pony I used to lease.) It seems that we've been looking forever even though it only been since the fall. I must have tried at least 20 horses. Hopefully I will have a horse of my very own before I come to camp this summer. Anyway, I'd better be running along, I've got a project on bismuth due tomarrow.

From Elissa B. - Hi!
How was you're trip? I haven't talked to you in a while and I wanted to
tell you that I've started sponsoring a horse named Fuzzy and I'm riding
about 4-5 times a week. I'm jumping 3ft. on average now and ridings going
great. Only a couple more months until I come to longacres!
--Elissa
p.s I just wanted to let you know that I really like how you post current
updates on your web page. I feel like I'm already a regular Longacres riding
student, and I havent even come to Longacres yet! (And that's a good thing)

 

From Debbie Seife from a LONG time ago! - Hello Tom,

I was going through some old picture albums and came across lots and lots of photos from my many summers at Longacres with so many great memories. So I decided to check out the website and see what was going on. I looks like you are doing well certainly keeping yourself busy. I am glad to see that you have been able to turn the camp into a more personal type of riding camp.

I was looking thru some of the old newsletters seems like you got a great group of girls and some great riders. After spending 8 summers there and riding every horse you had some old some young, 10 years later it is of no surprise that they are not all around anymore. I saw the page that was done for Reggie, my favorite, he was my buddy for so many years and won me so many ribbons, it sounds like he made many girls happy and I was glad to see he led a full life. While I did ride on my college team unfortunately I have not done much since I graduated I do truly miss it. The cost of riding in the metro NY area is ridiculously high however; I am finally at a point in my life where I can afford it so I am looking in to some local stables to start up again. Since I haven’t grown an inch since I was 12 my saddle still fits. It looks like you are still loaning out horses for the winter and if I would love to borrow one if I find a suitable stable.

As for me, I am doing very well. I live in Paramus, NJ about 15minutes outside of NYC. I work in Marketing for a company that makes tablecloths, sheets, uniforms, healthcare apparel and lots of instutional products and I very much enjoy it. I have a boyfriend of 4 years that I live with and we spend a lot of our time traveling and in the summers spend on the Hudson boating.

Unfortunately I no longer keep in touch with any of the friends I made at Longacres I did run in to Katie and Jamal (her name is escaping me) in NYC a couple of years ago and they looked the same as they did 10 years ago but both towered over my head as they are a bit older now.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Debbie Seife

From Erika - Hi Tom and Meghan!!
I just saw the update and thought I'd write to you. Well Lady and Shebang are doing really good! They've pretty much shedded all their winter hair. Shebang was VERY furry. He looked so cute. I haven't really gotten to ride them much yet...but I'm hoping tomorrow I will be able to get on both or one of them at least! I've ridden Lady around bareback some, and I've been lunging Shebang. So I think they won't be too bad! Hehe. I've also been taking lessons on Saturdays at Kendall Ridge Farm. It used to be Kendall John. I like it there a lot. I ride in a lesson in the morning then I hack two or three horses after my lesson. Its a lot of fun. Hopefully I will be able to bring Lady and Shebang over there for a lesson or two.
I was really excited when I read that horses are going to be there this week!! It feels like camp is really soon! If you need any help on weekends let me know and I'll see if my parents will let me come up! My birthday is next week so I could be driving up! Haha! Well let me know about coming up. Talk to you soon hopefully!

From Joan, who was at Longacres 35 years ago!!! - Hi

My name is Joan Cook. I attended Camp Longacres about 35 years ago and was
telling my daughter about it (She also rides) I looked up your wed site and
noticed you had one opening left for the 12 day camp July 23 - Aug 3. Is
that spot still open? I think we would be interested in sending Lindsey if
it is. I have wonderful memories from my week .

Thanks
Joan Cook

 

December 14, 2002 Update:

I have been neglecting this file for a while, but will try to post a number of recent notes from Alumni soon.

I had a visit today here in East Aurora from one of the most famous and notorious of our alumni, Julie Murray, rider of the "War horse", the "Mystery Horse", and more! Julie lived near Longacres and spent the whole year riding here, coming every day after school for years. She started at about 11 years old, and kept coming and working here until her college years. Here's a picture taken today of Julie and I:

Below is a copy of a note I got recently from another Longacres rider from many years ago, Diana Douglas. I'll also post a picture taken of her many years ago in front of the old Junior Barn. See how new the barn looks! This is where we isolated Brownie when he was sick this summer!

Hi...

So good to hear from you and glad that you remember me! I am attaching
the pics I have. Where are you at this time of the year...somewhere
warm I hope. I thought I read that you were now a sailor. When I still
lived in NY I learned to sail on a Catalina 30 and spent a bit of time
on the Sound and have sailed up to Newport and Block Island. I miss the
water living here in the west but the mountains more than make up for
that. Drop me a line when you have the time and let me know what you
have been up to for the past 30 years. I am also including a wedding
pic of my family. We have been married 2 years now...my first and last
marriage! My folks are on the left, my inlaws on the right and that is
my wonderful redheaded stepson, Kieran...I have been very blessed.
Kieran went to summer camp in Estes Park, Camp Cheley, and learned to
ride. I have told him much about my time at Longacres and sometimes
wish I were a kid again so I could go back to summer camp! Take care
and keep in touch!

Diana
Below: Diana a "few" years ago:

Below: Old Junior Barn, taken by Diana a "few" years ago!

Be

 Horse Loan correspondence from the week of February 20, 2002:

Here’s a little Longacres winter activity atmosphere. The following is the series of emails that have gone back and forth concerning the possibility of our borrowing a horse from one of our well liked former instructors. Nothing is definite yet, but this is how we find some of our horses!

 

It started with this message from Lisa to Tom last week:

Hi Tom and Meghan, this is Lisa Kaminski!

I always read your Longacres Bulletin to see what's going on. How are you guys?

I have been VERY busy with school, work, and violin practice. I now take lessons from this guys who teaches full-time for Julliard, but one day a week at Rutgers, and he makes me practice :( I see you are already full for next season! If there are chunks of time where you need some extra help, let me know! Also, I read that you were looking for some horses for this summer, and if you want, I have one for you. Her name is Bella, and she's my horsey. She is 16h at the withers (she has the typical high thoroughbred withers) and pretty compact. She's 10 now, but will turn 11 by the summer. She came off the track when she was six, retiring completely sound. Someone bought her just so she wouldn't have to race anymore, and she pretty much sat until we bought her last July (he just bought her cause he thought she was pretty). She needs a lot of work, and I haven't really had any time put into her. What I can tell you about her is that she is BOMBPROOF on trails, meaning she doesn't spook at anything, even cars, motorbikes or hunters, and loves to be the leader. I've been doing a lot of groundwork with her, but minimal jumping. She walks, trots, and has a really nice canter. She does LOVE to jump(very BOLD), and has never refused anything, but she gets strong after the jumps. Bella is VERY well balanced, never drags her feet, does automatic lead changes and I've never seen her trip. She also does amazing turns and really tight circles. What Bella is NOT, is calm. Her temperment is a lot like the Peppermint Patti of '99. She does the dancing in place and holds her head up to the sky if you don't have a martingale on her. She also has endless energy. She does have excellent ground manners. She holds her feet up to be picked, and loves to be groomed. Bella is not marish in her stall and does not crib. Bella does NOT have the typical thoroughbred habit of rearing or bucking - she really wants to please, just not sure how. Ok, so she's not a hunter, but I think with work, she will make a great jumper. She is 100% sound - has never been lame or ouchy the whole time we've had her. If you are looking for a challenging horse for the advanced rider, here she is! She is a free lease to you if you want her for the summer, or even before. I will also sell her to the right rider and situation for her. Right now I am looking for a quiet trail horse because that's basically what I do right now. Let me know if you want her! I can send you pictures if you wanna see her!

Talk to you soon!

Lisa Kaminski

#2 - here is Tom’s email back to Lisa:

 

Hi Lisa,

It sounds like a possibility, if we can work something out so it is not too expensive to get her here. I am doing more and more of the thing you are proposing - borrowing horsies from people and giving them some mileage and sending them back with more experience. We had three like that here last summer, including Wizard, who you may have seen on the website (the big grey thoroughbred).

If you like this idea, I would send Tovah out from New York and let you show her the horse. Now that Meg Duthie has moved on to new things, Tovah will probably be my top #1 rider, and if she can handle the horse, then I would be interested.

Thanks for thinking of us.

- Tom

 

#3 I also sent this message to Tovah to clue her in to what was going on:

 

Hi Tovah,

Here is a copy of an email I just got from former counselor, Lisa Kaminski - interesting.

Right after it is my reply, which will show you what I have in mind.

 

 

#4 then this message came back from Lisa:

 

Tom, that sounds like a great idea. Tovah is more than welcome to come anytime - We have an arena set up so she can try her out. If she wants, we can go on a trail too. I live across the street from a horse-friendly park. Even if she doesn't wanna brave the trails with Bella, she can always go out on Guinness (our big kicking-quiet horsey) and I'll ride Bella just so she can see how she is on trails. It'll be fun!

Lisa

 

#5 - and Tom’s response:

Hi again Lisa,

I will pass your email along to Tovah and your email address so she can contact you if she is interested - bet she will be. Erika, our other student leader is visiting her this week, and maybe they can get in touch with you this week.

- Tom

-----

 

#6 then this exxchange between Tovah, Erika (who is visiting Tovah this week) and me:

 

Go ahead and email Lisa - she said she would love to have you come out. She
is in north Jersey someplace, not so far from you.
- have fun on your winter break!

----- Original Message -----
From: <Horsetwig@aol.com>
To: <tkranz@postoffice.worldnet.att.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2002 11:01 PM
Subject: HI TOM!!!!!!!!


> hi tom its erika and tovah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> We wanna go see that horse that Lisa was talking about but we don't
> know where she lives. Tovah will probably e-mail her later...maybe we can
go
> see her this week while Erika is here. well we will talk to you
> later....write back soon!!!!!!!!!!
>
> bye bye!!
> tovah and erika
>

 

#7 then another message from Lisa and I forwarded it to Tovah and Erika:

 

Thanks for the info, Lisa. I am forwarding the message to Tovah, and if they can fit it in at a time that is good for you, hopefully they will get in touch. Hope you can come visit sometime this summer even if you don't loan us a horse! (by the way, do you still like talk like a new jersey girl and like, you know, use words like like a lot?!?) ps - if you do, Erika will feel right at home with you!

- Tom

----- Original Message ----- From: Lisa Kaminski To: Thomas Kranz Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 9:27 AM Subject: Re: Hi!

Here is my new phone number so that they can call me. (732)------------

Sometimes my home line is retarded and rings once, and then just hangs up - if so, they can always call me on my cell, which is permanently on - and leave a message if I'm not there. (732) ---------. We only have two riding horses right now - our other is a baby which will be broke this summer. I can play jump crew and they can ride Guinness and Bella in the arena! (Guinness is a blast to jump - he loves it) I will be around tommorow (WEDS) until 6:00pm. Thurs. I have class ALL day until 9:30 at night. Fri. I have a morning class and then I work @ 6:00, so Fri is out. Sat. there is a big show at the NJ horse park which is like 15 min. from my house - I was supposed to look at a horse there. If they are not busy, Sat. morning would be good and then they can come to the NJ horse park if they want to. Sun. is also good ALL DAY. Mon. is good until 6:00pm.

 

#8 Tovah and Erika went out to Lisa’s the other day and tried the horse - here’s what Tovah wrote to me:

 

Sooo - -

I guess from your message that this was a fun day? - - - and Lisa is cool?

----- Original Message ----- From: Horsetwig@aol.com To: tkranz@postoffice.worldnet.att.net Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2002 9:48 PM Subject: BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA BELLA!!!!!!!

Tom! oh my god, i LOVE bella!!!!! I rode her today and erika rode lisa's other horse guiness. Bella is awesome!!! hard to handle definately but i love her. ok I'll tell you about her. I got on and lisa she walked calmly for about half the ring but then she got bored walking and started trotting, she doesn't really like to walk. we trotted and she was pretty excited and hyper, but i think lisa said she hadn't been ridden in a week. so i think it was good. we cantered and she was really forward and excited and she did mini quantumm leaps hehehe. she she can TURN!!!!! we were cantering the smallest circles. I also jumped her a little bit over a cross rail and a vertical and we did a line and an oxer also. she loves to jump! shes pretty green jumping but she has a LOT of potential! she's gonna be a great jumper!! i really really really really really really like her and i think she should come to camp for the summer. I want to train her and show her and quantum too. i also think lisa should come to camp too causes shes really cool hehehehehehe. lisa is gonna put her digital pics of bella on the computer so you will probbly see them later. there are some really cutes ones. the ones over the jumps are funny since bella is green. ok write back! if you want to know anything else about bella that i didnt say just ask!
Tovah!!

 

 

#9 this, then between Lisa and I:

 

As you must know, Tovah really liked your horse! She is a patient girl who is good training horses. I think this is going to be a break out year for her riding. We really like Erika also. I imagine you can see why we picked them to be student leaders.

- Tom

----- Original Message ----- From: Lisa Kaminski To: Thomas Kranz Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2002 1:52 PM Subject: Re: Hi!

I will always be a Jersey Girl - I guess I still talk the same, but what do you want from a Jersey Girl?? Tovah and Erika came to visit today. Tovah loved my little horsey, so if you wanna take her for the summer, she's yours - but, I am sending her up with her PURPLE sports medicine boots because yes, it does make me feel better that she wears them :) I took lots of pictures, so I'll send you some either tonight or tommorow - my Dad has to set up the digital camera thingy to the computer. They gave me pictures of Stoney too - hey, maybe we can make a swap for the summer - you take Bella, I'll take Stoney ;) Erika wants Guinness to come to camp too, but I think my sister would kill me. (I'll send you those pictures too) - he's a big hunter - no jumpers for him. I am definitely coming to the fair if my horsey is showing in it. Hey, tell Meghan Happy Birthday!

Talk to you soon!

Lisa (PRINCESS LISA)

 

 

 

Dec. 17th - from Emilie:

Hey Tom-
I guess I'm e-mailing you right now because I want to avoid studying for my Spanish mid-term exam... Anyway, I was wondering where Joey ended up staying this winter. I really miss him.
Oh- I think we're buying a horse!!! He's a 16.3, chestnut TB (one of Secretariat's grandsons!). He's still pretty green at some things because after racing for 5 years, he's just sat around at a private stable for the past 3 years. On the other hand, we placed 1st, 2nd, and 6th (the 6th was OF) at his first show.
If we do buy him, can I bring him to Longacres? Considering how much I improve each year after riding with you, I think it'd be really good for him, too. I have to go study now... TTFN!
~Emilie St. Landau

 

Dec. 15th - a nice letter from Jess Chen, a 2001 student:

Hello Tom,

How are u? i'm getting very excited about camp next year, even though i'm not going back. I was contemplating it for the longest time. I sold my show pony, and he will be doing the "A" curicut doing the short sturrup division. I just bought myself a VERY green horse and i am planning to show on the "A" curcut doing baby green hunters on him. I placed okay in my equitation finals... i got 7th out of 25 i think. i didn't make call backs which was very disapointing to me.. and that was my last show on my pony, but i did take pony hunter champion for my WNEPHA curcuit. But since i got my new horse i would really enjoy going back to camp becuase it would be such a great experience for him. He is HUGE! lol but thanks to camp i've had experiences with big horses. But anyways tom. how are u? and how is STONEY!?! i have pictures of him and bobert all over my room! what horses are coming back? is wizzard and majic? I loved the name majic cause my horse is all black and I named him "black majic". I was thinking about coming back and visiting sometime in the season. Would that be okay, or would that be a problem? maybe if i'm not to busy i could come up during the Erie County Fair and help out then, i can braid remeber that! haha, summer was great and I miss camp and the horses very much. I hope that if i decide to come back their will be a place for me. Thank you for everything that u did for me. Oh yea and guess what? i've toughened up! i don't cry all the time, i was a big baby for it, and if i do go back JUST YELL AT ME!! haha

Write back soon TOm,

~*Jessica*~

 

Dec. 15th: - from former camper Sandy about registering her daughter Kim this summer:

Tom,

Sorry to have been so long in responding! I have actually sent in a deposit for the first session (two weeks) of next summer. Hope it's not already booked, Kim will be devastated and mad at me for my procrastination. She's been going out to the web page quite a bit.

I do remember MC and Susie, I think. Not so sure about Alice.

So you spend your winters sailing? I understand the Buffalo area is having an exceptionally mild one, so far. I think it's been as cold or colder here in Dallas.

I hope you and your family have a happy holiday and I look forward to next summer.

Best regards,

Sandy

-----

 

Dec 4, 2001 - from Alex Millar's family about Brownie:

Tom, Just a quick note about next year and Brownie. We just realized registration for next year already started and will be working it out over Thanksgiving. Know that Alex wants to come for more than 2 weeks this summer, so will see how it will work with family vacations and camp for our son.

Re: Brownie. Can't tell you what a treat he has been for me, but obviously not as much as for Alex. I work out of the house so many of the driving duties to the barn have fallen on me. This has turned into a great opportunity for me to strengthen ties w/ Alex as she enters an important transition in life. We get 15 minutes to talk in the truck and then I groom while she gets dressed and then tacks up. Brownie has been wonderfully patient with me and has helped me to enjoy and understand horses much better. Can't possibly imagine a better way for Alex and I to stay close and have our own special time to just be with each other.

Thanks again. Hopefully my prodding will finally force her to write and send you some pictures

Greg Millar (editor's note - a good dad!)

A note from an all grown up frmer Longacres Rider who I remeber well:

I stumbled across your web page today and your page brought a big smile
to my face. I am a Longacres Alumni of the early 70's my maiden name is
Judy Berry I was Champion Junior Camp Rider Twice and Rode in the ride
off for the Longacres Trophie twice I also was Junior Camper of the year
( I still have the trophy] I was in love with a Blind in one eye pony
named Justin who I brought home for the Winter two years in a row. I
loved my 2 summers at your camp it was the start of my life with Horses.
I am a Successful Trainer here in Virginia. I run a 30 horse farm
with about 45 students my students are extremely successful in Hunters
and Jumpers and today I am extremely proud of my own daughter who just
today received a series end High Score Equitation over fences Award. I,m
glad to see you still own the camp, your camp meant the world to me .
Sincerely Judy Swal

 

10-9-01 - from Kim Strand-Sorrell:

Hey Tom!
How is everything in New York? I hope all is well. I was just writing to see how my Stoney was... I havn't been able to check the site lately, so I wasn't sure if he got a home or not. I hope Patti is okay as well. Have you heard from the man who bought Mickey? I really miss him. I hope all is well and I am looking forward to trying to get into camp again next year. Ecspecially pre pre camp. If there is one. I found that really enjoyable and helpful. Im hoping to stay longer this year. Is Wizard coming back? Sorry for all the questions. I am also willing to be a penpal. They are free to email me at socrchick1234@aol.com or LiLLeperchan666@yahoo.com either one it doesn't matter. Both are checked daily. Thanks for your time!

Kim Strand-Sorrell

P.S. Something I'm adding to all my emails for a while::
Kim Strand-Sorrell
Age 14, Herndon High School, Freshman.
Reston Virginia

I'm only 14. The only thing that usually racks my mind is what am I going to wear so I can be noticed? What CD would I rather listen to, Linkin Park or Nirvana? Should I talk to my crush or watch from a distance? The thought of terrorist attacks never came to mind. I sit here in the class room watching, no one moving or talking. The silence is deafening. I am in my friend's arms crying, while he whispers comforting words to me.
Scared.
Is my dad okay? Was he on one of those flights? Was my Mom at the Pentagon?
Waiting.
Those tears I cried will forever be etched into my face. As I cried for myself, the innocent people and my country.
Shaking.
I heard some people say this was like Pearl Harbor.
Thinking.
Is it?
Wondering.
I thought we were never going to have a day like that again. Teachers told us that. They drilled it into our brains that there wouldn't be another Pearl Harbor.
Lies.
Now I am wondering. Is there going to be another World War? Millions more of Innocent lives lost?
Contemplating.
I hope not. I have already cried for the dead, weeped a thousands tears. I don't think I could weep enough cover for the millions more to come.
Confused.
Why did they do it!?
Angry.
Did they know the pain we feel?!
Frustrated.
The total effect it has had on every single one of us? The thought that I could have easily lost both my Mom and dad in less then an hour!?
Furious.
I will not let this end my life. I will not step back and let them through. I promised to help this country, every morning during the pledge.
Patriotic.
I'm going to give blood. I will try to help anyway I can. Even if it's comforting the viticms as the horrendous day flashes before their eyes.
Couragous.
I will not let them see the fear inside of me.
Honor.
I will stand up for this country. If one voice can change the course of history, then maybe mine can to.
Smiling.
I have something no one can take away from me. I am an American.

 

I never got a chance to say that I thought Tovah was a great choice for the best camper..she was always so nice to everyone and she tried and succeded in making friends with everyone. Also, if anyone needs camp information you can give then my email address, i would be happy to talk to them about Longacres. I was wondering if you had any ideas about the work ride program yet..thanks again -Sara-

I read your newest article about how you were going west and most people saw your license plate for NY and thought you lived near the WTC. I find this very amusing that even a place such as Staten Island, which is probably the closest piece of land near the WTC aside from Manhatten itself, isn't even considered a part of the city from most peoples' standards. And when you tell people you live in Staten Island, people say, "where's that?" and when you say that its a borough of NYC they have no clue what you're talking about!

Going to a school in Brooklyn, I take the ferry to Manhatten every morning, and although most say that the atmosphere is very depressing and people are acting differently towards eachother, I see no change in the behavior of others. The only difference is a memorial here and there with photos and flowers, yellow ribbons, and emergency workers taking the ferry with you in the morning! And of course, as you look out at Manhatten, the twin towers are no longer there like they used to be. :(

:) My family was lucky and we didn't lose anybody, but quite a few of my friends lost relatives. :(

I hope everything is OK and everyone you know is safe! *Lauren*

hi Tom and Meghan! how are you guys? i showed today with my barn and it was really fun. I did jumpers and equitation. I did the three classes in my jumper division on this little chestnut gelding named sidney. he just came to our barn and i like him a lot. in our first class we were really fast and we got first place!!! It was sidney's first jumper class! in our second class we were even faster in the jump off BUT........ they said i went before the buzzer!!!! i could have sworn i heard it though!!! oh well. in our third class we were fast in the jump off but not as fast as we were before and we got third place. there were about 12 people in each of the classes. it was really fun. i would have stayed on sidney to do my equitation classes, but someone else was riding him also so she got to ride him in equitation. and do you know who the other person riding him was? it was Nora, she said she or her parents talked to you on the phone about going to longacres for next summer!!!! She seems really nice and shes a really good rider!!! I hope she gets to come! anyway.. so for my equitation classes i rode everest. he is a little paint who i had never ridden before. I talked to some people about him and a few of them said they didn't even know that he jumped....... he did seem a little green jumping but he was good. we didn't get any ribbons but thats ok. he was fine warming up outside but he just got a little excited in the ring, hehe. he was pretty good during our courses though and stayed semi-calm. it was my first time showing since the summer and it was really, fun especially the jumpers! and it was cool to meet Nora!
I cant wait for next summer!!! oy, and it is only the end of september! well I'll survive.
-Tovah!!

Tom~
I hope your family is ok from the accident on Septmeber 11th but I was just
writing you to suggest a show name for Joey. Obviously he has been doing well
with the name "G-I-Joe" but I was thinking of show names for Danielle's maybe
new horse Leo and one just popped into my mind that would be cute for him.
What do you think of "Jammin Joe"? Haha. I liked it. Well, Ill talk to you
soon. Bye.
~Kat

 

 

8-28-01: a message from Erika today -

hi tom!
how are you? hows meghan? sounds like merlin and missy went to a good
home. have you visited any other horses at their winter homes? did you find
homes for patti and stoney? I think you should put a picture of me and lady
on the internet! i cant wait till next summer. bobert likes it here.
today when it was raining this morning he was standing out in the rain then
came running up to the barn. he and lady are getting along really good. i
think he likes to have all that grass to eat! its pretty boring here not
riding and doing chores all day! i really miss all that. i also miss
working with meghan in the kitchen! hope everything is goin good there.
write back soon!

~#1 chickie

 

 

8-23-01: I had a call from Freddie Georgia (Longacres for several years back around 1980 or so). Freddie is one of those great old friends that I have kept in contact with over the years. She is like family to me! She was visiting Niagara Falls with her sister and nephew for a few days and was ready for a little break. I drove up and had lunch with her. Freddie is married to an artist in North Carolina, where she does her own photographic fine art work. She has a horse, but he has a joint problem at the moment and is getting a long restr before she starts riding again.

 

8-22-01: Hello Tom,
I don't expect you to remember me, but Longacres has always been one of my fondest childhood memories. I attended for at least two summers, in 1962 or 1963. You were about 20 then, if I remember correctly, and your mother was running the camp. I remember the nurse, Mrs. Atwater, and her daughter Darby, who was one of my best camp friends. I also was there at the same time as Missy Moog. I don't remember any of the other friends by name, but I have often told my husband and daughter about the camp I attended, where I was able to spend almost every waking hour with the horses. My name then was Sandy Bushart, and my camp nickname was "Dimples". I even still have my old "Camp Longacres" sweatshirt!

Fast forward to the present. I've been in Texas for the last twenty years, before that in New Mexico and Arizona, and have a daughter of my own, Kimberly, who is even more "horse crazy" than I was, if that's possible. Earlier this year I was looking on the web for horse camps and what popped up but Longacres! It was so exciting to learn that you were still in business and still owned by the same family! So I've got this crazy idea that I would love for my daughter to be able to attend the same camp I attended. She will turn 11 in November so will be about 11 1/2 at camp time. From what I can glean from your web site, sounds like she will be just about the right age by summer. She's pretty mature for her age (11 going on 16, as all girls seem to be these days) and has gone to overnight camp for a week at a time for the last couple of years, so I think she will do fine in a two week session. As far as riding experience, she's gone to horse camps here for several summers and is a pretty good Western rider, not as good in English, but will be taking English lessons at a private stable this year. She is really anxious to learn jumping, and I remember that as one of the best parts of my years at Longacres.

If you have a mailing list of people interested in attending in 2002, please put me on it. I see where your sessions were almost full by the end of September, and now that I have whetted Kim's interest, I'd hate to miss out by not signing up in time. At any rate, I'll check the web site frequently.

Sorry to have rambled on for so long. Hope to see you next summer!

Sincerely,
Sandy Schwartz

 

Tom's Response: (Sometimes I have to wrack my brains to remember a former camper who contacts me and ask them for hints about what bunk they were in or what horses they liked - not this time!)

Hey "Dimples"!!!

Of course I remember you! You were one of the select group, and I even can now confess that I had a secret crush on you for a while. Some of the other girls in that group were "MC" the cook's daughter, Susie Schopf, Alice Glazier - those are just a few that pop to mind. Do any of those names ring a bell?

Darby actually came out to visit a few years ago.

I am about to start an "alumni page" on the website and will post your letter along with some others that have been coming in. It would be great to have a second generation Bushart at Longacres. I hope it works out.

- Tom

8-18-01: a more recent alumni:

hey tom this Miranda "Mandy" from last summer! i really missed longacres this
year. i will hopefully come again next year. sounds like everything is going
good from the webpage and i hope to see you next summer.
~Mandy

8-12-01: Here's a neat alumni message that we acted on. Sabrina came and spent a week at Longacres during the big Erie County Fair, got to ride and explore the trails she remembered as a child, and was a great help to us. Thank you, Sabrina!!

Hi, Tom! It's Sabrina Marcus, former camper.

It has been a long time since we have talked, but I have been keeping tabs
on Longacres through the Internet Newsletters since last summer.

Longacres did so many wonderful things for me years ago and I always think
fondly of it now. As for now, I graduated from college last summer with
highest honors in Psychology and have been working as an Office Temp ever
since. Although it is very late in your current season, I wanted to suggest
to you a possibility of me coming up to Longacres for the next two weeks. I
know the season is winding down, but I am sure you have things to take care
of during the last week of camp as well as the week after the campers
leave...helping to clean the barn and fields, ship the horses out to their
winter homes, etc. My suggestion does not involve any pay, just a free
exchange. As an Office Temp, I have the flexibility of schedule to do this.

If it isn't feasible at this time, it is not a problem. I am currently
changing my career direction and cannot say that I could make a suggestion
such as this after this year. I think it would work out well. Please let
me know what you decide either way before the end of the week so that I
could make arrangements with my Temp Agency to be off.

Hope all is well and good luck at the Fair!

Best Regards,
Sabrina Marcus

May??? - Here's a neat note I got from Linda Chancler, circa 1985 or so (?) - we exchanged emails about a year ago and I had dinner with her in Ft. Lauderdale one night and she sends notes now and then. I wish I had the first oen she sent me - it was pretty funny!

Hi Tom & Meghan too! I'm sorry we didn't get to see each other this
winter, I think your cruising guide is great. Since we saw each other
last winter I've continued to keep tabs on Longacres. It's been fun
reading your newsletters and imagining the anticipation that all the
campers are feeling now that IT is almost time. Wish I were a camper
still! So sorry to read about Lacey, what a lovely horse she is, but
it looks like there are some promising up and comers that will somehow
fill part of the gap she has left in your stable. Bobbo looks like a
nice fella in those pics.

Please wish all of your campers and staff a wonderful season of safety,
fun, and lots of ribbons. I'll be sweating here in South Florida and
wishing I were there.

BTW if you (or one of your students) are interested in a nice, flat
hunt seat saddle I have one. It's a 16.5 Whippy close contact saddle in
beautiful condition. I bought it but unfortunately the flaps are too
short for me. I am very very long from hip to knee and this saddle was
not built for a mutant as I. It is a gorgeous saddle with absolutely
nothing wrong with it (not even nail holes in the cantle). No knee
rolls or thigh blocks, a great equitation saddle, perfect billetts, cut
back, medium tree, wool panels, beautiful mahogany color.

You guys may remember my black Lab Fred. He is now three and has been
joined by a little 12 week old female named Ava. It is quite the show
around here and the pool is an adventure.

Hope you're having a great weekend and I look forward to the "camper"
log. I think you should have a bulletin board on your web for current
and former campers.... wouldn't it be fun to have a place to look up
all your camp friends. I think you'd have to do a password type thing
so the perverts and scammers couldn't screw it up but it sure would be
fun.

Take Care,

--
Linda Anne Chancler
Ever Onward Inc.
Yacht Charters, Villa Rentals, & Barge Vacations
http://www.everonward.com

phone: 954.630.0700
fax: 954.630.0757