When are chores fun? When they are done in a flurry of activity by curious and energetic children learning about ranch life. That was the scene for Rosewood Ranch on June 9, where more than 50 children participated in the eighth annual “Kids Day at the Ranch,” presented by Rosewood Services.
Rosewood Ranch, located 5 miles north of Pawnee Rock, provides year-round therapeutic horse riding for children with developmental disabilities. The Ranch opens one day each year to its children riders and their siblings, as well as to children of Rosewood Services employees.
This year’s farm chore theme featured games where children simulated gathering chicken eggs, milking a cow, sheering a sheep, feeding pigs and cleaning a horse stall. They got to participate in a water game, where the goal was to be the first team to get all the paint off the target using water blasters. They even had the opportunity to express their artistic fashion style by coloring cowboy-themed bandannas with markers.
The children also participated in traditional Kids Day activities, which included trail-pattern horse riding, cake walk, and getting to delight in the scrumptious taste of snow cones and corn dogs. As is the case each Kids Day, they enjoyed horse-drawn wagon rides around Rosewood Ranch with their families.
“Anna (Hammond) did a tremendous job organizing this event and leading our team,” said Tammy Hammond, executive director of Rosewood Services. “We’re thankful to all of our staff and volunteers who helped make this day amazing for the children and their families. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces and knowing the fun that they and family members have each year, we always look forward to hosting this special day for them.”