Summer Horse Camp Postcards from Young Riders

This summer I went to Forrestel Riding Camp and rode a sweet horse named Mercedes. While I was at camp, I rode twice a day for four hours every day. I mastered my diagonals and learned how to canter and properly clean my bit. I was only there for a week, but as soon as I got home I needed (not wanted, NEEDED) to get back on a horse. I normally ride once a week, but I am there for hours! After going to Forrestel, my riding will be so much better.

If I had to give advice to other campers, have fun and make some friends. I made two friends who I will remember forever. I fell in love with Mercedes, the same way you’ll fall in love with your camp horse.

Irene G., via email, Age 14

This is probably a little different than most people’s camp postcards. That’s because my mom runs a barn and runs pony camps in the summer, which means I get to be a camp counselor! It’s an interesting position to be in, and I have learned a lot by teaching kids at camp. It’s so much fun to watch and help people learn about horses. I get to demonstrate a lot during these camps, because I’m fairly experienced with horses. My favorite part of all of our camps is the last day, when the campers show what they’ve learned to their parents and families.

Maddie S., San Carlos, CA, Age 10, Member of our 2019 Young Rider Advisory Board

I didn’t go to an overnight camp, but I went to my ranch’s summer camps for two weeks. I think it’s cool that you don’t get to choose a horse to ride unless you lease a horse, so you ride different types of horses that you usually won’t get to.

It’s also a fun difference to be in a large group if you’re someone like me that usually rides in a private lesson. You also get an instructor that you may not usually ride with, so it’s interesting to try out different teaching methods. Horse management is also taught at a lot of camps, and it’s always fascinating to learn a thing or two that you didn’t already know and that will expand your horse knowledge.