Equestrian Camp FAQ
Equestrian Camp FAQ
At Camp Horizons, we are happy to offer an Equestrian camp that focuses on specific areas of equine learning. We also understand that these camps often give rise to questions not covered under our general camp FAQs. Below you will find information specific to this program. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any additional questions.
Equestrian Camp
What is the difference between Equestrian Camp and taking horseback riding lessons during camp?
While Equestrian Campers participate in other activities such as swimming and evening programs, the rest of their activities are entirely horse-centered. This means even when they are not horseback riding they are learning something about horses! Campers who are in the Discover, Journey, or Explorer program may sign up for horseback riding lessons as one of their activities, in addition to any others that might interest them.
What kind of clothing and equipment does my camper need in order to ride?
Campers must wear long pants (jeans are fine), an approved horseback riding helmet, and heeled boots in order to ride. We can provide helmets and heeled boots for your camper to borrow during their time here. They are welcome to bring their own as well. All helmets must be ASTM/SEI certified.
How much time do equestrian campers spend at the barn?
Campers spend about 4 hours at the barn daily. 3 of those hours are in the morning and one in the afternoon after the rest hour.
How much time do equestrian campers spend riding?
Weather permitting, equestrian campers ride twice a day. They have two lessons in the morning. They also may play bareback pony games, go on a trail ride, or have another lesson in the afternoon.
Do the equestrian campers help feed the horses?
Yes! We love for our campers to show an interest in helping to feed their horses hay, grain, and treats.
Do equestrian campers clean stalls?
Cleaning stalls is one of the many responsibilities of having a horse!
Do the equestrian campers help tack up their own horse?
On Monday morning, campers will get a tutorial from one of our staff on how to correctly tack up their horse, then they will get to practice under the watchful eye of our equestrian director and staff. While we want our campers to feel independent, for safety reasons each instructor will check each rider’s tack before they mount their horse.
How much time do equestrian campers spend on horse care (theory) (including horse show prep and other unmounted lessons)?
Campers spend up to 2 hours daily on theory lessons. This includes grooming and nutrition, learning breeds, colors, markings, and many other topics.
How are campers’ horses and lesson groups selected?
Along with the other forms required before coming to camp is a rider profile that gives us knowledge of your camper’s riding experience. In addition to that, our equestrian director has a one on one conversation with campers about their equestrian experience. Each rider is then evaluated on a horse for a few minutes to give the director a glimpse of their overall stature on a horse and fundamentals such as how they use their hands, seat, and legs so we can select the best horse for them. Lessons are grouped together by the camper’s current riding level.
What levels does Camp Horizons Equestrian Camp accommodate?
Our equestrian camp accommodates those that have little to no experience with horses through upper intermediate level riders. More progressed riders do not jump any higher than 2’3”-2’6” at the most. While your camper may jump higher than that at home, chances are, they are also riding a new horse and it is very important to work through the basics first to help them get to know their horses and become 100% comfortable before moving on to any more advanced maneuvers. In addition, it is important to maintain the horse’s legs by not over-jumping them and preserving them from repeated hard landings.
Do campers ride the same horses every day?
Yes. It is our goal that each child rides the same horse in each lesson so they can progress with their mount. With that said, if the director feels there is a more appropriate horse for the exercise they are going to do, or for some reason were considered un-rideable. We have extra horses to meet many circumstances!
When is the Horse Show?
The horse show is a digital event that takes place on the last Friday morning of a session. Each rider will be recorded individually and then the videos will be uploaded to Camp Today (in the Parent Dashboard) later that afternoon for viewing.