Equestrian camp FAQ

• What’s the difference between Equestrian Camp and horseback riding lessons during regular camp?

  Equestrian Camp is all horses, all the time! Campers still get to swim, join campfires, and enjoy evening programs, but the rest of their day is completely horse-focused. Even when they’re not riding, they’re learning about horse care, behavior, and stable life.
  Campers in Journey, or Explorer programs, can add horseback riding lessons as just one of their activities—but Equestrian Camp is the whole barn-to-saddle experience.

• What clothing and equipment does my camper need?

  To ride safely, campers must wear:

  • Long pants (jeans are perfect)
  • A certified horseback riding helmet (ASTM/SEI approved)
  • Heeled boots

  No gear? No problem! We provide helmets and boots to borrow, or campers can bring their own.

• How much time do Equestrian Campers spend at the barn?

  About four hours every day! Three in the morning and one in the afternoon after rest hour. That’s plenty of time to ride, learn, and connect with their horses.

• How often do campers ride?

  Weather permitting, campers ride twice a day. Morning lessons are more structured, while afternoons might bring trail rides, bareback pony games, or a bonus lesson.

• Do campers help feed the horses?

  Yes! Campers love helping with hay, grain, and (of course) the occasional treat. It’s a chance to bond with their horses and feel part of stable life.

• Do campers clean stalls?

  Yep—because caring for horses is more than just riding! Cleaning stalls is part of the responsibility of being a horse owner, and campers get to experience the real deal.

• Do campers tack up their own horse?

  Absolutely. On the first day, staff give a hands-on tutorial, then campers practice under careful supervision. While independence is encouraged, every tack setup is double-checked by instructors before riding to ensure safety.

• How much time is spent on horse care and “theory”?

  Campers spend up to two hours each day on unmounted lessons. This can include grooming, nutrition, breeds, markings, horse show prep, and much more. It’s all about learning to love and respect horses from the ground up.

• How are horses and lesson groups assigned?

  Before camp, families complete a Rider Profile. Once campers arrive, our equestrian director chats with each rider about their experience, then evaluates them in the saddle. This ensures every camper is paired with the right horse and grouped with riders of similar ability.

• What levels of riders do you accommodate?

  Equestrian Camp welcomes riders of all levels—from first-timers to upper-intermediate riders. While advanced campers may be able to jump higher at home, we keep jumps at 2’3”–2’6” max to ensure safety, build strong basics with new horses, and keep our horses healthy and happy.

• Do campers ride the same horse every day?

  That’s the goal! Riding the same horse helps campers build a bond and progress as a team. Occasionally, the director may switch a horse for training needs or safety, but we have plenty of horses to fit every situation.