RicelandMeadows

August 1, 2026

We had the privilege of hosting the 2026 STEM children program last week as part of their “Ag” week. They travel to several different farms and greenspaces. We got to share our rare breed Suffolk Punch draft horses with them. It was a fun time for the kids and for me!

Many business and farms sponsored this program that brings a taste of agriculture to some young, talented young people.

The foals were a “hit” with the kids for sure. The foals liked the children too. It was good exposure for all involved.

I was enlightened by a little girl. She asked me what was the white mark on one of the horses nose. I told her is was a star, placed there by God. She smiled and her face beamed. She told me, “I think it looks like India. She is one of us!” Then she traced the image on the horse’s nose. Now, I won’t be able so ever see anything else.

That girl and I bonded a bit. I even called her “India girl”. She talked to me about her goal to be a geologist or perhaps even a gemologist. She showed me a broken stone that had iron in it. She shared about having some polished rocks in her collection. This little girl touched me by sharing her gifts and points of view. It was indeed a day of gifts and gifted.

We all shared some time, made a few memories and discoveries. My hope in the future was renewed as I brought a little bit of the past into the forefront. I got to share telling about draft horses and their contributions in the past. I also got to plant seeds that draft animal power has a place in the future. Regenerative agriculture is not new, it has just become vouge again. I want to be a voice for real horsepower, specifically the Power of the Punch!