Some local students are spending fall break in the saddle on a Franklin County farm.
James and Teresa Bondurant operate "A Little Bit of Heaven," a horse farm on Ky. 1262, Sullivan Lane, just off U.S. 127.
"We've done this for at least 10 years," Teresa Bondurant said.
Five girls between ages 6 and 14 signed up for this year's "Fall Roundup" camp.
"We have instruction but we try to make it a fun camp," Teresa Bondurant said.
Both Bondurants were trained by the Horsemanship Safety Association at a six-week clinic for those who give riding instruction.
She said at the Fall Roundup campers learn how to care for a horse and how to ride western-style. Today campers perform what they've learned for family and friends.
"Their responsibility first is to learn safety and then they learn the responsibility of caring for a horse," Teresa Bondurant said.
On Monday, the first day of the three-day camp, the girls were assigned a mare to care for and ride for the duration of camp, Teresa Bondurant said.
"Most of the children have never been around horses," she said.
She said it is a challenge for many campers to get over their fears of horses, but the instructors create a relaxed, comfortable environment to ease their nerves.
"We don't push them," she said. "It's just taking time with each kid to help them feel comfortable and secure."
Anna Ratliff, 14, was attending her third horse camp and the first through the Bondurants' farm.
"I actually really love horses and meeting other girls that like the same interests is really fun," she said.
Ratliff said she most enjoyed riding the horses bareback. During Tuesday's lesson the campers played games, crossed an obstacle course and trotted the horses.
The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, but the Bondurants also offer lessons for riders of all ages and those with disabilities as well as summer camps. Lessons range from $45 for two hours to $265 for a full riding program of 10 two-hour lessons. The fall camp cost $165.
James Bondurant said in the past, 12 to 14 took part in the fall camp, which the farm tries to coordinate with surrounding school districts' fall breaks. He said high gas prices and dwindling extra money to pay for luxuries might have contributed to the small turnout at this year's fall camp.
The Bondurants own 35 horses and board 12 including Appaloosas. Teresa Bondurant said the drought has raised the cost of hay, which makes feeding the horses expensive. She said she's spent $116 on a bale of hay from Owen County and as much as $130 on a bale of hay from Nebraska.
The couple say they plan to expand the attractions at their farm in the future.
"We're planning on building an indoor riding arena in the next couple months," James Bondurant said.
Ratliff said she enjoyed her time at horse camp. She cared for a mare named Ellie May and offered advice to others considering horse camp.
"Listen to the teacher, do what you're told and take the time to bond with horses," she said. "You will have fun if you come to a horse camp. There's no doubt about that."