Why You Should Go to Horse Camp

one of the camp horses a bath and a makeover. Horse-themed arts and crafts, like decorating a horseshoe or making a stall sign for your favorite camp horse, are other fun activities that many camps offer.

8. Unplug. Camp offers a chance to get away from screens and devices. Instead, you’ll be in the great outdoors enjoying the view from the back of a horse. Heaven!

9. Try new things, like vaulting, cross-country jumping or barrel racing. Many camps give you a chance to try all kinds of horse sports that you might not be able to do at home. You just might discover a new favorite horse sport at camp!

‌Whether you want to spend all day in the saddle or ride as well as do other activities, there is a camp for you. Photo courtesy Wears Valley/CHA

10. Hit the trails. Camps located in the mountains or in a wilderness area will have plenty of scenic trails to explore on horseback.

11. Come home with a ribbon or two. Many camps offer fun playdays with games on horseback or a camp horse show to put your new riding skills to the test. Some even take campers to nearby competitions.

12. Enjoy everything that camp has to offer. No one is bored at camp! When you’re away from the barn, camp offers plenty of activities to keep you busy. You’ll have fun with your friends swimming, doing crafts, and having s’mores and songs around the campfire.

Finding a Camp

The American Camp Association and Certified Horsemanship Association are two great places to start your search for an awesome riding camp.

◆ Book early! Camps fill up fast. You can also save money: Early-bird pricing ends in February for many summer camp sessions.

◆ If you can’t decide, look for camps that offer open houses in early spring. This way, you can see them in person before booking and know what to expect before you arrive.

◆ Home or away? Going away to camp for the first time is a big step. Many local barns offer day camps.

◆ Camp isn’t just for summer! You will also find camps and riding schools that offer mini-camps on weekends or during school breaks.

◆ Keep an open mind, and be willing to consider a camp that offers a different type of riding than you normally do. If you’re an English rider, you just might have a blast learning to neck rein and run barrels at a western camp.

◆ Make sure any camp you attend is safety-minded and has experienced instructors.