Child 1 Age 4 - 5 (Male)
Program(s) focused in Horseback Riding/Equestrian
Child 2 Age 7 - 11 (Female)
Program(s) focused in Horseback Riding/Equestrian
(5) Overall experience
Excellent program run by great people! One of my kids started with camp and has become very engaged in riding ever since. The other did not continue but loved getting to try riding and being at the barn. I really appreciate their attention to safety, ensuring the kids learn about all aspects of riding and are part of doing the work. It’s great life skills development, and they work hard and play hard too! If you are just beginning, you are well cared for and introduced to the sport. In the advanced programs, they cover valuable lessons such as riding levels and equestrian careers in addition to lots of riding on lots of different horses.
(5) Reason for choosing the camp
We chose the camp for its great location in Kawarthas just outside Peterborough and its reasonable cost. My kids had zero experience, and they take all ages, so they could attend together. We stayed because it’s an incredible community, and my daughter had developed loads of confidence and skills. She now rides regularly and attends the camps, her favourite weeks of the year!
(5) Program quality and activities
The organizer listens to both kids and parents, and the program is responsive to feedback. There are lots of weeks for advanced riders, and they always change focus so the program can be attended multiple times. They had fun riding and also caring for the horses, and I know it’s great for her mental health to be outside and be with the animals.
(5) Social dynamics and experience
Yes, she has made great friends there. They work hard to ensure everyone is included and has a chance to thrive. I think that is the culture of the barn overall, so it’s also part of the camp weeks. Whenever there were any social challenges, they helped the kids with coaching and conversation. Well handled. Also, the camps are small, so you are one of less than 12 kids most weeks. Highly recommend!
(5) Skills and growth
They grew in their social skills, confidence, and riding ability. They also had a chance to help beginner students develop leadership skills.
Now, in the advanced program, she is working through her riding levels and learning barn management, equine careers, and other items related to horse riding. Mostly, they loved feeling like a valued member of a community!! Highly recommend this program.
(5) Staff/Instructors/Counsellors
Communication is very informal as it’s a small program. They use emails and Facebook to keep people informed.
The staff are the best part! You get qualified trainers running the program, and they take great care of both kids and horses- so your kid learns the proper ways to interact with horses.
(5) Advice and tips
It’s really about the riding, so your child should be interested to learn about horses and riding.
They are a small business, so you are able to get to know the other riders and coaches, etc. Great place to get involved or just come for a week while cottaging in the summer! Either way, the kids will have a great time.
She has always been very interested in horses but this was her first experience with them, so she was a bit nervous. Now she can hardly wait for summer camp to come around again! She has tried other ...
My daughter (now 9), started going to Kildare Riding Camps in the summer when she was 6, and she looks forward to it as being a part of her summer every year since. We try to register for as many week...
Riding camps at Kildare Stables are great for all ages from never-been-on-a-horse-before to the experienced rider preparing for local shows. Off-horse activities are fun and the coaches and staff are ...
