Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Madison Browett rides a pony during New Hope Equine Ministries’ pony day camp on Maryland Avenue in Brandon on Wednesday morning. The camp is up and running again after Bob and Patti Mazer offered up land for Fran Henderson’s summer camp. (TIM SMITH/BRANDON SUN)
Children ride ponies during New Hope Equine Ministries’ pony day camp on Maryland Avenue on Wednesday. The camp is up and running again after Bob and Patti Mazer offered up land for Fran Henderson’s summer camp. (TIM SMITH/BRANDON SUN)
New Hope Equine Ministries’ pony day camp is back up and running, thanks to a generous Brandon family.
The camp was shut down Aug. 2, due to zoning violations and the operator was scrambling to find a new home.
Bob and Patti Mazer offered the use of property they own along Maryland Avenue to Fran Henderson, who has been running the camp off and on for nearly a decade.
"We saw it in the paper and saw there was an opportunity to help," said Bob and Patti’s son Jon Mazer, sales manager for the Mazergroup construction division.
"It’s a great program for the kids and … we had a little discussion as a family and said it would be a good opportunity to help Fran out."
The land is agricultural and was once used to raise thoroughbred horses.
"We had some under-utilized property here that … is kind of perfect for it," Mazer said.
When Henderson got the call about the offer, she was ecstatic.
"I’m just tickled pink," she said. "I am just so happy that the Mazer family opened this up to us… you couldn’t ask for a more lovely place."
Henderson moved to the new location last weekend and started the camp for kids ages six to 12 again on Monday.
"It’s just so exciting to be able to have it in Brandon," Henderson said.
"Brandon needs it. I think we could be so much more busier as people get to know that we’re here."
The Mazers are also helping Henderson with the cost of a business licence, and the property will be the camp’s home for the duration of the season.
"It’s more of a temporary help for Fran," Mazer said. "But perhaps in the near future we’ll help her find a more permanent location for the operation here."
Henderson said she is blown away by the generosity.
"I knew that there were a lot of people in Brandon with hearts and with abilities that are way beyond mine," Henderson said "I knew people would come forward and I’m just so happy that Brandon is so friendly."
Connor Browett, 11, is one of the eight children attending pony day camp this week.
"I’ve just always had an interest with horses," Browett said. "I just love how fast they are and all that."
Since 2003, New Hope has rescued ponies and horses that have been neglected, abused or just not wanted anymore.
Henderson said it is an opportunity to mentor children on how to communicate and work with animals.
This season of free day camp kicked off July 2 on land east of The Green Spot. Because the land is a flood plain it does not allow for a riding academy and stable, and had to be shut down.
Henderson’s own experience as a child inspired her to start the camps.
She came from a broken home, and found that animals made a big difference in her life.
"There were times when the only friend that I could share my deepest secrets with were animals," Henderson said in a previous interview with the Sun. "So I know that there are kids out there that need that too. That’s really what we’re all about."
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition August 9, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
New Hope Equine Ministries’ pony day camp is back up and running, thanks to a generous Brandon family.
The camp was shut down Aug. 2, due to zoning violations and the operator was scrambling to find a new home.
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
New Hope Equine Ministries’ pony day camp is back up and running, thanks to a generous Brandon family.
The camp was shut down Aug. 2, due to zoning violations and the operator was scrambling to find a new home.
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.