Meet our Horseback Riding Director, Shannon!

Monday, April 4th, 2016

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​If you were at camp last summer you would have had the pleasure of meeting our kiwi horseback riding director Shannon Gregory.  Shannon comes from a rural part of New Zealand’s East coast in the North Island called the Coromandel Peninsula.  Her home Rangihau Ranch in Coroglen is a family owned and operated sheep and beef farm that offers guided horse treks into the Coromandel ranges.  Shannon has been raised among horses and her commitment to leading a life involving all things horses has taken her all over the world.  We were so pleased she chose to come work with us at camp.  Her presence at Camp Birch Hill has transformed our horse riding program to a whole new level of professionalism and awesomeness.  She is an experienced outdoor education teacher with vast horseback riding experience and is highly sought after for her work breaking in wild horses.  We all watched in amazement last year as Shannon lead Camp Birch Hill campers on horses for the very first time in history down the Burley Trail.  The whole waterfront comes to a standstill to watch and cheer as the horses lead by Shannon and the campers riding them stroll into the lake. 

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Shannon is busy all year round working with horses.  During the New Zealand summer school holidays she runs her own day camp for horseback riding at Rangihau Ranch.  Her horse camp allows kids to spend a full day exploring with horses/ponies while making friends, playing games, doing activities, picnicking and even swimming with the horses in their beautiful river!
 
We are beyond ecstatic to have Shannon as a part of the Birch Hill Family.  She is a special kind of person who has a gentle soul and a driven work ethic.  Ask any camper who had her as their counselor last year or took her horseback riding classes and they will tell you how incredibly awesome she is.
 
To learn more about our kiwi star and for more insight into her world of horses check out Shannon Gregory:  Adventures with four feet on Facebook and www.rangihauranch.co.nz ​
 
                                                                       
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