Children from the Willow Wood School of Brentwood were treated to a demonstration of Olympic level riding by David Ventura during a field trip to Ryland Farm recently.

Mr. Ventura, a long-time Knightsen resident and expert in the art of dressage, rode his imported stallion Pointmaker in the exhibition. The children clapped and cheered as they watched the big stallion perform pirouettes and other high-level maneuvers.

Sara Dutt of Ryland Farm said, "Mr. Ventura gives clinics and instruction to many dressage students all over the country. It was a real treat to have him here."

Melissa Madsen of KC Riding Academy was also on hand to teach the children about handling horses safely, and showed the children different types of horses and different styles of saddles, which the children enjoyed sitting on. "My favorite was the side saddle!" said Phoebe, a first grader.

The children then got to pet different types of horses, including a Mustang, a Miniature Horse, and an Arabian horse. One of the parents in attendance said, "The children learned so much. But I learned so much about horses today, too. It was fascinating. The kids will all have something to remember."

- Contributed by Carrie Melot