Horse Camps - A Horseback Riding Camp

Horse Camps - A Horseback Riding Camp

A summer horse camp is focused on riding and caring for horses.

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Horse camp sessions may run from a single day to as long as two months during the summer, depending on the program and facility. Many such camps are in a daytime-only format that instructs young children and novices in the basics of riding. Longer sessions that include lessons in horsemanship techniques are taught to students of varying experience levels.

While many horse camps are co-ed, more are girls-only; even the co-ed camps attract a larger number of girls than boys.

Most camps, especially those in the eastern United States, teach English-style riding, including dressage, "eventing" and show jumping. English riding camps may also plan fun rides and trail rides where Western-style riding is also allowed.

Horse camps are generally operated on full-time, year around horse farms, with the summer camp program just a small part of the overall enterprise. The farm may also raise horses, or board and train them for others. It will likely have programs all year long, weather and climate permitting, where people of all ages can ride or learn to ride. Horses and horsemanship is a full-time business for these people.

Others camps take place at facilities that are not operating horse farms, but likely keep several of the same horses on-site all year long for service during horse camp season.

A typical day at horse camp may begin with the camper going to the stable to care for an assigned horse. This may include feeding, grooming and cleaning the stall. The morning may include sessions on riding techniques, riding etiquette and equine health or training. The afternoon may be spent riding in the arena, practicing the principles learned in the morning classes, or other show ring techniques. A fun ride or a trail ride may be scheduled once or twice during the camping term.

Safety is a primary element of the activities. Riders should be required to wear approved helmets and boots while on the horse, or near it. Camps will make a real effort to create a good match between camper and horse, depending on size and temperament (the horse's) and riding skills and abilities (the camper's).

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