How to Find Horse Riding Summer Camps Near Me

If your kid has shown interest in horses, and needs something to do this summer, horse riding summer camps may be the answer for you!

For kids, joining summer camp programs could be the best way to enjoy their weeks off from school.

Being in a world of horses could be so much fun.

They get to have daily riding lessons, play games, basic horse care lessons, and simply just a full day of plain, amazing fun activities.

Horseback riding camps aren’t just for kids. Most horseback riding camps accommodate a wide range of participants.

Horseback riding summer camps also help a person gain self esteem, social abilities, balance, and incredible skills in horseback riding.

Camp is not just a place to grow in skills, but also a place to focus on personal growth, too.

At summer horse camps, get your horse-crazy kids to enjoy honing their horseback riding skills together with other equestrian campers and experienced riders.

Yes, because advanced riders are welcome to join the camps.

Because the love of horses has gathered people up to camp, expect a lot of equine-related fun to happen every day—camp horse shows, daily trail ride, art camps, and so much more!

If your child is a beginner, check out my post on What To Expect For Your First Riding Lesson.

What Do I Learn at a Horse Riding Summer Camp?

There are three main things that most horseback riding camps have in common.

These summer camp sessions are horsemanship programs, riding programs, and kids’ activities.

Because riding a horse is no easy thing, qualified instructors are present at the camp.

This is to make sure that campers learn and have fun while safety is also prioritized just as equally.

Every qualified staff member has been chosen carefully to ensure everyone’s safety.

With horsemanship programs, campers are taught basic horse care.

This program covers basic cues and signals that will be used to tell the horse what to do.

These lessons usually take up a part of the day sessions.

In the riding programs, horseback riding lessons are offered.

Because we are working at developing new skills, kids who are riding horses for the first time are offered pony rides for this program.

Campers have the option to choose whether they want group lessons or private lessons.

However, to enjoy summer day camp at its fullest, it is best to have group lessons.

It’s a great way to enjoy and have fun with other campers and earn new friends.

Camp participants are encouraged to up their skill level by riding at the camp’s outdoor arena.

And lastly, every camp is incomplete without fun activities.

Kids’ activities at camps are placed in a friendly environment where personal growth is encouraged.

Here, they can have fun while doing things they don’t normally do at home.

Equestrian directors have designed these activities in ways where they are accident-free fun.

Some activities here are pottery and painting where their finished products are placed in a public art display.

Another fun and favorite activity of kids at summer day camp is pony painting.

As crazy as it sounds, kids paint ponies, and they’re so fun to watch!

What Equestrian Program Should I Join?

Most equestrian centers with a riding ring are open all year long.

However, there are other equestrian centers that are only open for the summer.

It’s always best to check for the camp dates to make sure your schedule works and matches when camp starts.

Most centers have their own tack shops which make it easier to head out to camp.

Some of the things you might find in a tack shop that will really be of great use in the camp are water bottles, long pants, and a lunchbox to keep your sack lunch ready.

Other horseback riding summer camps feature other sports too, just like soccer, swimming, yoga, martial arts, and arts and crafts.

Beginner camps are open for those who want to try out horseback riding for the first time.

Kids ages 2-3 years old can start learning to ride on ponies with the right parental supervision.

Some horse lovers don’t want to treat their kids in a baby-baby sort of relationship.

Children ages 7 could start joining horseback riding camps as young as they are.

While there are camps that are open for all camper ages, some camps are open for girls only, while some are co-ed. Most girl camps are open for girls ages 9-16.

There are many types of camps to choose from—overnight camps, camp week, and even half day camps.

At all these camps, everyone is welcome to use their favorite horses from the center, but they are also allowed to bring their own horses.

Usually, for long camps, the last day is a half day, morning routines, and closes at lunch.

Finding a private school faith to send your child to is crucial when you want to keep your kid interested in riding.

Some preschool camps and child care centers are non faith based, which could be of concern to some parents.

What Happens After I Choose Which Camp I’m Joining?

Upon registration, forms will be given for you to fill up.

You will be asked about your previous horse riding experiences.

This helps sort people out according to their skills.

For those with enough experience, they can go on trail rides immediately and enjoy western riding.

For campers who have fewer experiences than others, they can join more lessons to get a grasp at how western style goes.

Make sure to check camp listings and camp fees.

For more detailed schedules, you can find directory listings here.

However, because of the current situation of the pandemic and the rising of cases, other camps offer virtual learning assistance to make sure that you can still learn even when you are away from camp.

Check out Udemy virtual horse classes, and Outschool for virtual courses!

Camping can really be fun, especially horseback riding kind of camp!

Make sure your summer this year beats last year’s summer!

Learn new skills, make friends, and make lifelong memories!