KMC
Saddle up for summer fun: Equestrian Camp at Roth Horse Ranch delivers inclusive joy
By
Contributing Writer July 28, 2025
Zuhal Rick, Ramstein Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Contributing Writer July 28, 2025
Welcome sign at Roth Horse Ranch (Kristen Thoennes)
On Saturday, July 19th, my team at the Ramstein Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Family Support hosted an unforgettable day at Roth Horse Ranch, welcoming 40 EFMP participants to a sun-soaked setting filled with laughter, connection, and hands-on adventure. The Equestrian Camp was designed to be more than just a day outdoors. It was a meaningful experience where every child, parent and caregiver could relax, engage, and feel included.
Families were greeted with a sense of excitement as they explored a variety of stations tailored for all ages and abilities. Highlights included:
Guided horseback riding, where children gained confidence atop gentle, well-trained horses
A friendly petting zoo, offering sensory-rich interaction with animals
A colorful, spacious play area, encouraging exploration and unstructured play
EFMP families often seek accessible, meaningful recreation that supports all members of the household. I coordinated an inclusive Equestrian Camp experience that blended sensory-friendly stations with outdoor recreation, hosted in partnership with Roth Horse Ranch. Watching kids confidently ride horses, explore new textures with animals or simply run free in the open space reminded me why inclusive programming matters so much.
People grabbing food from the table (Kristen Thoennes)
The camp was more than just activities. It was a celebration of community. Each station was thoughtfully designed to meet a wide spectrum of needs, empowering families to engage fully and joyfully.
Of course, no good camp is complete without good food! Lunch was provided by Roth Horse Ranch and was a highlight of the afternoon. The generous and welcoming spread featured assorted sandwiches, delicious sides, sweet desserts, and a refreshing drink station. The picnic area became a space for conversation and connection for families to swap stories, share resources, and laugh over lunch. The meal wasn’t just about nourishment. It was about community.
Families expressed deep appreciation for the camp’s warmth, structure and variety of offerings. Feedback highlighted the horse-riding sessions as both empowering and therapeutic for attendees.
Horse and ranch employee (Kristen Thoennes)
As an EFMP Family Support Navigator, it’s moments like these that remind me why inclusive programming matters. Every rider who grinned atop a saddle, every child who giggled while petting a goat, every parent who felt seen and supported—all of it adds up to something deeply meaningful.
Ramstein’s EFMP offers a variety of programs for EFMP Families to include EFMP 101, EFMP Explorers Group, Sensory Storytime, Family Movie Day, Adults Only Sip & Paint, Family Bingo Night, Family Swim Day at the Aquatics Center and much more.
Our next Equestrian Camp will be on Tues. Aug. 12th; it will be open to 20 children and an accompanying adult per child. For more information, please follow Ramstein EFMP-FS at our private Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/1036108110766915 or visit the website: www.86fss.com/efmp-family-support.
People feeding animals in the stall (Kristen Thoennes)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.