At most horse camps, horseback riding is just one of many activities. Your son or daughter will likely also participate in regular camp activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and other typical summer camp activities. Of course, the focus will be on horses. Many horse summer camps offer a mix of riding time and supervised barn routines.
Popular kinds of horseback riding camps and programs
What do kids learn at horseback riding camps?
A typical horseback riding camp offers children lots of hands-on training with horses. Your child will learn about differences among horse breeds and riding styles, along with a variety of other things. And of course, he or she will also get riding lessons and plenty of horseback riding. Horseback riding camps often include grooming, leading, tacking up, and basic stable safety as part of the day.
In choosing a horse camp, your child will have the opportunity to choose from day camp or overnight camp. Most camps are likely to be coeducational. The price of camp for a week can be as low as $250 but there are more expensive, advanced horse camps. Some horseback riding summer camps also offer shorter sessions, such as half-week or single-week options.
About advanced horse camps
At an advanced horse camp, your child will learn some essential equestrian skills, including lungeing, advanced horseback safety, and first aid. However, your child may need to meet certain requirements in order to get into one of these. If your child already rides, ask whether horse summer camps group campers by skill level or provide a quick assessment on day one.
You can be sure that your child's appreciation of horses will deepen significantly after a week at a horse camp. Check the listings above to find the camp that is right for your child.
Most horseback riding camps are coeducational day camps, although stereotypically they tend to attract more girls than boys. Day packages for horseback riding camps range in price from $250 to $500 or more for a week. For a residential camp, the price will be about double.
The benefits of a horse camp
Once your child has spent a week or two at a horse camp, your child will beg you to go riding more often, and this is (of course) a great way for families to spend time outdoors. For many kids, horseback riding camps also build confidence, patience, and responsibility through consistent work with an animal.
Above, you will find specialised horse camps, followed by more generalised camps that may offer horseback riding as one of many different camp activities, including tennis, gymnastics, and golf.
Horseback riding camps: frequently asked questions
What should parents ask about horse selection and rider safety?
Ask how horses are matched to riders, whether helmets are required and provided, and how campers are supervised during mounting, riding, and barn time. Also, ask what happens in poor weather and how indoor riding time is handled, if applicable.
How much riding time do horseback riding summer camps typically include?
It varies by program. Some horseback riding summer camps prioritize daily riding lessons, while others balance riding with stable care and general camp activities. Ask for a sample schedule so you can compare true riding time across camps.
Are there options for beginners vs experienced riders?
Yes. Many horseback riding camps accept beginners and teach fundamentals, while advanced horse camps may require prior riding experience. Ask whether campers are grouped by skill level and what requirements, if any, are needed for advanced instruction.
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