What Do Riders Learn at Horse Camp?

Hands On Horse and Equipment Care

Riders learn to care for their horses. They groom and saddle their mounts before each ride session. Sometimes it takes a stepladder to reach the back of the horse. Riders watch the farrier (horseshoer) on Wednesdays. He often nails a steel shoe onto a horse's hoof. Most of our horses and ponies are barefoot and enjoy a natural trim about once every six weeks.

Non riding activities include classroom studies, videos and activities such as showering and shampooing a horse, how to measure a horse's height, cleaning tack, etc. All horses and ponies ridden by beginners are very quiet and tolerant.

Riding Skills

Inside the arena, riders guide their horses around cones, learning to balance and control their horses. A popular game "Red Light/Green Light" is used to practice stopping and going. In ring one, riders learn to walk, guide and then trot their horses. In ring two, more experienced riders get a chance to ride with an English saddle. In ring three, riders practice equitation over fences. Equitation is another word for horsemanship—a rider’s ability to guide and control a horse.

During week long camps, Wednesday is bareback day. Riders feel the motion of the horse. No one is afraid of falling off after practicing emergency dismounts at the trot. On Thursday, everyone goes out on the trail to try riding in the open.

On Friday, the last day of camp, there is a competition. All three rings show off their level of horsemanship by having perfect form and guiding their horses around the arena listening to the commands of the ringmasters. The fastest event in the horse show is the "Ring Game". Best time wins, but you need to get the ring on the stick or ten seconds are added to your score. Everyone gets an award at a ribbon ceremony after the show. Judges give comments and encouragement. Everyone wants the blue ribbon but each ribbon whatever the color makes a great keepsake reminding riders of their special week at horse camp.

After the day’s events horses happily return to their stalls. Riders are comfortable leading their trusty mounts around the barn. Before campers go home each day, equipment is returned to the tack room. Riders learn to be responsible for their horses and their tack.

Age Requirements

It is recommended that campers be at least seven years old. Younger riders, 6 or even 5 years of age, may be registered if they have prior riding experience. They are encouraged to take the "camp preview" riding session offered every Saturday.

Lunch

Campers staying the whole day should please bring a packed lunch. A refrigerator and A cold drink machine is available.

NEW for 2011, "Perks" for continuing campers

Campers who complete 2 weeks are eligible for an over-night at the barn.

Campers who complete 4 or more weeks are eligible for an "away event" at their level.

Upcoming Camps and Forms

HOLIDAY CAMPS

Upcoming camp dates are posted on the calendar page.

Registration Forms

In order to register for camps please fill out the following forms and either mail or fax them to us:

Camp Registration Form

Camp Release Form

The forms are in PDF format; you may need to download Adobe Reader to read them.

Attendance Options and Pricing

* In order to qualify for the "prebooking" price, pay for your camp at least two weeks before the start.