The group was also observed by Juan Vidal, founder of Club Hipico and breeder of high quality endurance horses in Santa Cruz. After observing the Houghton students, Vidal was impressed with their classical riding and offered to send some of his personal horses for the students to work with during their riding camps.

Currently the group is at the Monte Blanco Camp and Conference Center to help teach riding at Monte Blanco’s very first week of riding camp. “The permanent Bolivian staff at Monte Blanco has been superb at pitching in and helping, even though the horses themselves have been an area outside their interests and experience,” said Young. “They all have helped with painting the rails on the brand new round pen and outdoor arena, shoveling and spreading sand, and removing rocks.”

While at Monte Blanco the Houghton students have also participated in the multi-media presentation that is part of Monte Blanco’s ministry. “The presentation combines video with live actors to tell a medieval tale of three knights: Sir Honesty, Sir Purity, and Sir Integrity, who come to answer the call of their king to overcome the impact on the kingdom of an evil knight.  There is a lot of humor in the presentation, but it really packs a Gospel punch,” commented Young.

The Houghton group continues their teaching at Monte Blanco, offering day riding camps for local kids during the next few weeks.