COMMENTS

LETTERS FROM PARENTS

Mooikrans Horsmanship presented in Dubai:

Sarel and Anschen du Plessis writes from Dubai – 3 August 2010

News this side is that I have planning work for the past few months for Marcel and Sarel to get an opportunity to offer courses in Dubai but as you know, it's been half an impossible task. But with the long holiday at hand, I once again set up advertising, the Mooikrans Equus course materials translated into English and approaching the Horse riding school that agreed that we could continue on their premises.
We call this course simply NATURAL Horsemanship and we plan to make the guys more aware of the horse's nature, his body language, how to care for the horse, etc. The owner is very excited because he felt the people destroy their horses, and that the current horse-handler is a woman and nobody listens to her, so they make the horses as they wish. He feels it will help people to look after their horses much better as well as getting a better understanding of the horse.
We are very excited about this. You'll never believe how many mature Arab men attend the course. Please pray that the course will be a success.
We long for you and pray for you. Wish we could see you soon.

Gail Stroh

I just want take the opportunity to thank you for the time Shane and Monique could visit you. I must be honest and tell you that I was very skeptical to send them. Shane has brought me the note every year and I discarded it because I was afraid to leave her in the care of anyone else (a overprotective mom!). Estelle convinced me to write them after they said they want to go.
They both said it meant the world to them and their confidences were boost - they cannot stop talking about their week with you and the horses! It seems to me that this is not the last time you will be seeing them, both of them want to visit Mooikrans very soon. Thank you for the wonderful differences you and all the people at camp helping to make a difference in our children's lives. We appreciate it because it's not anyone who is willing to sacrifice their time for children!

Willemien Von Solms

My two sons, Rohan and Dewald, had the privilege to visit Mooikrans Equus in December for a horse riding holiday. And what a privilege it was. I really did not expect the holiday to have such a great impact on the children. This is especially the case with the oldest, Dewald, who cannot stop talking about the "best holiday ever". He learnt so much about horses, human relations and about himself. He is incredibly positive after the holiday. I have faith that he's positive attitude will continue in the school year. Rohan enjoyed the holiday just as much and is eager to take on two courses in the coming holiday. The two already informed me that they will be attending the courses during the June holiday for two weeks and that I should start putting money away for them. With such results I will love to send them again. I am very impressed with the staff working with the children and can only hope that my two sons can one day develop in such nice young people. 
 

The Von Solmse see you again in June.

Tiaan and Leonie, Ermelo

Thanks for a wonderful place - we leave our children there with peace at heart, because we know they are learning values that are important. You do wonderful work and it is a privilege to send our children to Mooikrans.

Wilna Grobler, Middelburg

Just want to thank you again for the wonderful camp you offered for the children. They have both enjoyed so much; our ears were hammering the whole way back home from all the stories that were told.
Gerhard and I spoke; it's so nice to see how the kids bubble of happiness. They have already told us that they want to go again, and have already started making plans to save. This is Dad's condition, they need to save to help pay.
The DVD has also been worked through a few times, now they sit with the great longing for the farm and the horses. Karla wants to ride horse every day now and its unfortunate that we do not have horses.
Good luck to all your activities for the rest of the year, God's richest blessings to you with the wonderful work you are doing for our children.


Sheryl and William Jordan

We would like to send tannie a few photos of our last camp day of 2008/9 that my father took. Hope it does not take too long to download.
Thanks again for a great camp, we would like to visit again very soon - it was best camp ever!


Reverend Awie and Marlene Verhoef, Wierda Park, Pretoria

When our call was cut off on our way home I wanted to say that long memories of Mooikrans and its people will be carried with us. It was really for both of us a wonderful and relaxing time despite the responsibility of the camp.
Thank you for the exceptional experience that you provide at Mooikrans Equus. Thank you for the wonderful way you hosted us. I just re-discovered that one in the city sacrifice on quality and the simplicity of life. It's easy to say that the city is inside a person - and it's true! - But there's really something to be said for a night away from the city's hustle!
Hope to see you again (rather sooner than later)!

Daleen de Wet, Witbank

Markus and Lienke cannot stop talking about this camp - I think it's because it's the 2nd one was and they knew what to expect - they enjoyed the fewer children as well. Markus got some kind of staring expression on his face and when I asked him what's wrong he said that he wants to be at Mooikrans NOW. It gives you a warm feeling that you know they really enjoy it and that you are in the right place!


Alet Ueckermann, Kempton Park

My children attended your camp last week and I must compliment you. I was very worried about my eldest child before he went to the camp. He has no zest for life and we have permanently argued over the smallest things. I got back a totally different child after a week spent at Mooikrans. He is obedient, friendly and a pleasure in the house. I think you offer a wonderful opportunity for children and I will certainly tell everyone about this.
The Lord has equipped you to do this job and you do great. I would like to thank you for what you have done for my child and for us.

Marlene Malan en al die Cmr kantore van Delmas, Secunda en Standerton

Beste Elna en Gavin

Hiermee wil ons net weer baie dankie se vir die wonderlike ervaring wat ons as maatskaplike werkers by Mooikrans kon gehad het. Ons het al baie gehoor van die terapeutiese waarde wat perde op mense en veral kinders kan he. Nou het ons dit eerste hands ervaar en is ook beiindruk met al die ander aktiwiteite en programme wat aangebied word. Dankie vir die heerlike verversings met aankoms en ook die bederf met die middag ete en nagereg. Gavin dit was uit die boeke. Ek glo ons gaan nog baie van julle gebruik maak in die toekoms omdat ons kon sien hoe dat stukkende mense en kinders weer daar by julle heel kan word en dit weer reg kry om te kan cope in ons gebroke wereld. Soos ons gese het, daar is 'n paar van ons wat ook gaan baat vind by 'n kuiertjie op die plaas.... God se rykste seen word op jul afgebid vir die wonderlike werk wat julle doen en dankie dat ons julle as 'n hulpbron kan gebriuk

Tarryn Dalton

To my dearest aunty Elna
My name is Tarryn Dalton , I went to Clivia Primary Horse Riding is my passion , always was and always will be ! I came to mooikrans in 2004 for a prefect camp.. your amazing place touched my heart , and im pretty sure its my favourite place on this earth!
I fell in love with the place the people and all the horses .. although when I came you gave me ''as'' who was a bit moody :) , then i came for a second tie and i got the baeautiful ''klinker'' . When i left , and got back to school and back to reality ! i felt so sad .. all i wanted was to be there . well now im 20 and I think about mooikrans all the time , you instill such wonderful values and you teach so much ! thank you for everything you do .
I live in Australia now , very far from home ! but im coming to S.A next year and my goal is to come there again , i have to :) there is such a peace about it.
I hope you get this email !
hope to see you soon x

Liechen Kruger, Secunda

Hi Elna,

Sjoe dis nou 'n groot verassing!! Ek weet nie hoe julle gehoor het nie, maar ons is verskriklik trots op Waldo. Hy is nou net 'n jaar in Kruinpark, en hy't homself waarlik bewys.

Mooikrans het 'n groot aandeel aan sy leierskap, julle het hom 'n positiewe en stralende kind gemaak.

Marlize, SOLIDARITEIT VROUE IN AKSIE, Heidelberg

Liewe Mooikrans-span,

Die seer sitvlakke, stywe nekke en moeë lywe is nou al vergete en ons hardloop al weer almal volstoom in ons programme hier in Heidelberg.

.....maar ons praat al klaar van vòlgende jaar se kamp!

Nogmaals baie dankie vir wat julle vir die meisies beteken het en hoe julle gehelp het om in hul lewens in te bou.

Ons sien uit na jul Heidelberg kuier!

Feedback: School groups

Dear Elna, Gavin and Izak,

I trust that you are all well, and had some rest time after Class 7b left you!

Thanks Elna and Gavin for your sms'es – I appreciate your words and your being in contact with me. Thanks too for the way in which you assisted me as I organised things from our side.

The camp stories are still rolling in – it is so very, very obvious that our children and teacher had a special and blessed time. As fellow humans, and as a camp facility, your really are offering something special and we thank you for that!

Kiki said that she has never seen Ms Blankers looking so relaxed and healthy. It means so much to us that she too had a good time and felt supported.

I wish you could have seen the kids when they got off the bus – they were so alive and enthused. The energy has remained – Ms Blankers said they had a wonderful day at school today, were happy to see each other again and to continue with their bonding. Their spirits really are high – we feel that each child received a gift from Mooikrans and from yourselves. Thanks for giving them space to breathe out, to meet challenges, to be seen; thanks for being flexible with the programme, for giving children a "real" space to operate in, for "seeing" what they need and for your obvious love and care. It feels like you understand the balance of life!

Personally I thank you for not phoning us when Christiaan fell off his horse etc. – thanks for holding that in your space, and not allowing an unnecessary "worrying" energy to come our way. His mom says that although he did not ride again, he still felt very much included and special.

From the stories I have heard from my son, Arion, it sounds like Gavin really has a winning way of explaining and holding the rules and winning them over. Thanks Gavin. And according to Ms Blankers your star-telling-stories were perfect!

My child is still on "Cloud 9" – loved being there, wants to come back and wants to ride again. For this Class, it definitely has been their best camp ever. I spoke to Ms Blankers today – she too says that she is still on another planet – and that this camp is just what they needed – very special and very real.

I sincerely hope that some other Michael Mount classes will be visiting you. I will forward your e-mail about the upcoming camp in April. And I will most definitely be coming to visit with Saskia and Arion again.

Thanks, thanks, thanks. You have given us a real gift.

Please come and say hello when you are in Joburg.

All the best,
Corine

Noela Koen, MICHAEL MOUNT WALDORF SCHOOL

Hello Gavin and Tannie Elna

You beat me to it!!

Thank you for the wonderful, warm hospitality extended to my daughter Courtney, during the Michael Mount Waldorf School camp.

Courtney loved her time at Mooikrans and was so sad to leave you all….she fell in love with Lezar and misses her terribly! I think Courtney found a part of herself during her stay and she will cherish the memories for years to come. Courtney will certainly be back during school holidays to visit old friends.

Heartfelt thanks for looking after Courtney so well!