Horse Riding Camp
Unsurprisingly, this type of specialist camp is perfect if your child loves horses, looks to develop their riding ability, is perhaps an aspiring jockey, and would benefit from targeted lessons from highly skilled and dedicated camp counsellors. Your child by no means needs to have had an extensive background in horse riding; however a firm interest in improving their abilities is crucial. Our partner camps have many years of experience teaching horse riding and own large equine facilities (including but not limited to barns, sand schools, and areas for cross country riding). These camps all offer an equestrian program that is designed to suit various levels of interests and abilities. They instruct using the Huntseat Equitation/ Pony Club riding style to ensure that your child learns in a safe, fun, and supportive environment whilst following the standards of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Like traditional camps, your children will live in fully-furnished cabins that are supervised by at least two camp counsellors at all times. They will also have the opportunity to take part in a variety on non-equestrian activities and unique theme days.
What to Expect from a Horse Riding Camp
An equestrian specialist camp is centred on improving your child’s stable management and riding skills. This camp is perfect for those who want to learn how to groom and tack up a horse, are keen to help organise the barn, are motivated to learn proper horsemanship skills, and are excited to progress towards riding styles such as show jumping and cross country. All campers will be supported to learn at their own pace and become more confident on and around the horses. For those who enjoy friendly competition, regular gymkhanas and inter-camp show jumping will keep them glued to their saddle. All horses are well-tempered and are specifically chosen for their suitability for the summer program. The quality of equipment is second-to-none and the horses are constantly cared for by the on-site camp staff.
A typical day will start around 8am, followed by breakfast and then cabin clean-up. Half of the day will be spent at the stables learning equine care and taking lessons to ride the horses. If you are really eager, you can of course be up even earlier to bring the horses in and get the stables ready for the day. Break for lunch and then it’s back to the fun for another three activities in the afternoon. Throughout the rest of the day campers will take part in a variety of traditional activities such as sailing, rock climbing and guitar lessons that they will have personally chosen from an extensive class list. Come evening it's shower time, dinner and then an evening activity, which could take the form of an all camp dance or to watch a live stunt show! Bedtime varies on age but, by the time it gets to 10pm, campers are going to want to get some rest for the next day.
Unique Activities
Alongside the horse riding program at camp, your child will also have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extra activities. The real question is what would they enjoy most? How about: water-ski, high ropes course, trapeze, getting messy in pottery, beating bunk mates at tennis, show the Americans how to REALLY play soccer, paintball, quad bike up the mountain then bike or board down, hang out at the skate park, do some roller hockey, shoot some hoops, shoot some arrows, get wet and wild in the pool, go hiking, camping or why not just start at the top, take a deep breath and do EVERYTHING!
The most important thing to remember about spending a summer at an equestrian camp is that your child does not need to have had extensive riding background. It is an incredible environment for them to explore their passions, learn new skills, become more confident in a supportive setting, and ultimately establish what activities they thoroughly enjoy and wish to pursue further. All our camps allow your child to learn at their own pace and endeavour to remove the stress and worry of being around large animals. All staff members are highly experienced and qualified and are motivated to ensure that your child has the most rewarding and memorable summer possible.
