Trust and Confidence Worth ‘Drooling Over”

Wonder Camp 2026 at Fieldstone Farms

Some youth who appeared restless during classroom instruction became noticeably calmer once they were on a horse.

“I felt like he trusted me, and I trusted him,” another young rider said. Wonder Camp concluded a memorable week of horseback riding, scavenger hunts, carriage rides, and everything from painting a horse to discovering that horses can drool “buckets” after eating clover.

Bring together a partnership led by Fostering Hope, the generosity and expertise of Fieldstone Farms and foster family coordination from the experts at Bellefaire JCB, and you create a week filled with learning, connection, and new possibilities for seven youth in foster care.

The employees and volunteers at Fieldstone Farms teach much more than horseback riding and animal care. They help young people learn to trust themselves around animals, experience the peaceful and grounding rhythms of farm life, and discover activities that support regulation and well-being.

Many of the week’s lessons also applied to everyday life. Youth experienced the fun of riding, offering treats, and grooming horses, while also learning about responsibility. They cleaned sweaty equipment that could cause sores if it was not properly cared for, and learned the importance of putting everything in its place after a ride. “The riding part is more fun,” joked one of the riders.

“Taking care of animals as large as horses is a lot of fun, and a lot of work,” agreed one instructor.

The young riders learned that gray horses can change considerably in appearance as they age and that horses working in a busy barn put in a great deal of physical and emotional effort. They met the oldest horse in the barn, approximately 95 in “people years,” and discovered that horses can retire in different ways. Some continue serving as “ground horses” and enjoy being groomed and brushed, while others are given the space to simply rest.

The youth also learned about horses bred for riding, farm work, or pulling carriages, as well as the versatile breeds that seem able to “do it all.”

Throughout the week, Fostering Hope witnessed it all: young people building skills, gaining confidence, and becoming increasingly comfortable around the horses.

“I was a little scared to get on one of the biggest horses in the barn,” one participant shared. “But my instructor taught me that some of the biggest horses are often the calmest.”

The participants also learned to look out for one another, and the well being of the animals. During a walk around the property, one youth reminded the group, “Hey, we’re getting closer to the barn. We have to be quiet so we don’t scare the horses.”

Wonder Camp concluded with certificates, ribbons, plenty of high-fives from staff, and a celebration of everything the youth had accomplished. By the end of the week, their smiles, and their growing confidence, said it all.

Fostering Hope is grateful to Bellefaire JCB for their long-time partnership, and to Fieldstone Farms for their generous ridership that helped make Wonder Camp possible this year.