CAMP University + JHK Equestrian = Smiles and Laughter!

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On a beautiful bright Spring morning in March, C.A.M.P University was welcomed at JHK Equestrian Country Club’s facility, by owners Jami and Nacole Ricks for a morning of horseback riding and ranch activities. JHK Equestrian Country Club is located on 11 acres nestled in behind large old mesquite trees and surrounded by mother nature right on McColl Road just south of 107 University Dr. in Edinburg. JHK has over 35 years experience and certified lesson horses provide an array of horsemanship programs for children and adults from beginner to advanced instruction. Some of their programs include an After School Horsemanship programs, Moms and Tots Spring Mornings, Summer Camps as well as special events for youth organizations, church groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Badges, Team Building for athletic teams, businesses, and leadership groups, and all occasion parties.

Jami and Nacole Ricks met a young lady who attends CAMP University through Mrs. Martinez’s purchase of a gift certificate for a riding lesson package as a birthday gift to her dear friend Carolyn. Carolyn is Autistic and has a passion for horses. She is so innocent, full of Life, the sweetest love, finds happiness in the simplest things, and just a bundle of energy; it was love at first sight for the Ricks. The Ricks learned about the non-profit organization, CAMP University, through giving Carolyn riding lessons. (Camp University provides opportunities for special needs young adults to continue developing life and social skills after high school. Camp University is a day program that is offered to high school graduates with intellectual delays.)

At JHK Equestrian Country Club, over the past seven years the Ricks has offered a horsemanship program for autistic children and having the opportunity to work with young autistic children the Ricks have grown a passion for these special children. The Ricks knew right away that their next community service should be dedicated to CAMP University. The Ricks invited CAMP University to their ranch for all of CAMPers to have an opportunity to ride and enjoy the ranch. Patricia Martinez, the Director of CAMP University, accepted the invitation for a private event dedicated to the special needs young adults attending CAMP University. When the CAMPers arrived they were all surprised to find out that would ride, paint the pony, groom the horses, and have a picnic. As they took turns riding others were enthralled with the idea of painting ponies. They gently applied bright colors to the bodies of the horses, occasionally practicing their penmanship by writing their name. Amanda Sasser, the Co-Founder and Director of Marketing and Business Development, said “I can’t tell you what it meant for the CAMPers to be able to go out and ride and paint horses. It was so heartwarming; every time a CAMPer got on a horse every one would cheer and wave.” For the Ricks, it was one of the most rewarding days they’ve had in a long time. Ricks said “seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter has a way of warming my heart and bringing me closer to God.”

Sasser said, “Horseback riding has so many benefits to our young adults such as core strength, balance and coordination, and muscle tone and flexibility. Likewise it also has mental benefits such as conquering fears and confidence in learning how to handle and interact with such a large animal. This an experience that some of our students never would have had without JHK Equestrian Country Club and we are so thankful for the opportunity.” Sasser said, “The CAMPers talked about the outing for days following.”

If you would like more information, contact Patricia Martinez at Camp University at (956)207-0456 or www.campuniversity.org. Moreover, if you would like more information on the horsemanship programs offered at JHK Equestrian Country Club, contact Jami Ricks (956)292-3318 or Nacole Ricks (956)207-0456.

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