You’ve waited months for this—it’s finally time to reserve your spot at horse camp! You need to do this in January or February to avoid camps running out of space or so you can get an early-bird discount. Here are some questions to think about to make sure you’re making the best decision.

Do you want to attend a day or overnight camp?

If you’re on the younger side, it’s best to ease into camp by attending a day program and then coming home every night. Once you’ve gone through a few summers and get the hang of camp this way, you may be ready for overnight and more intensive programs.

How far do you want to go from home?

When it comes to overnight camp, distance from your home is important to consider. If a camp is 10 hours away and you decide you don’t like it and want to come home, it may not be possible for your parents to come get you immediately. Think about finding a camp that is close enough to be con-venient while still having all of the activities you want.

What is your parents’ budget for camp?

Your parents will want to come up with a budget for your camp experience. Camps can vary widely in price, so this is super important. You don’t want to get your heart set on one that your par-ents can’t afford to send you to.
Usually this information is avail-able on the camp website. You may end up having to go for fewer weeks if your camp of choice turns out to be a more expensive option, but together with your parents, you can decide what type of trade-off makes sense.

Do you want an all-horse camp?

There are two types of camps with horses: those where horses are one of many available activities (where you may only spend an hour or two each day at the barn), and those camps where horses are the focus almost all day long.
“All horse, all the time” camps are usually easy to pinpoint by their ads and websites, but make sure to have a parent call up to find out exactly what the daily schedule looks like. You don’t want to get there and find out “horse camp” is actually swimming, archery, sports, crafts and a million other things when all you wanted was a horse-crazy experience!

How much time will you spend in the saddle?

As part of the investigation into your camp options, find out how much time you’ll get in the saddle. Will there be multiple rides per day, like a jumping lesson plus a trail ride? Will you get to work in the barn, if that’s important to you? Some camps may saddle the horses for you so you just have to hop on for your lesson.

Will you ride one camp horse or several?

Some horse camps may allow you to bring your own horse from home, but we recommend trying a new horse so you can experience something different. If you aren’t going to be riding your horse, find out if you’ll get to ride the same camp horse all week so that you get to bond and learn his quirks. Maybe you can switch from western to English (or vice versa) so that your camp experience is really fresh and new.

Many camps end in a horse show for campers, which is great fun as your parents get to watch and take pictures of all the new skills you’ve picked up.

Can you visit first?

If at all possible, it’s always best to visit a camp before deciding. Many have open houses in early spring so you can meet the owners and managers. This will give you a good feeling about whether or not it matches up with what you’re looking for. It may even give you a head start on meeting your new camp friends, one of the best parts of all! These kids can become your pen pals or BFFs as you continue on your horse-crazy journey through life.

This article on choosing a horse camp appeared in the January/February 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Choosing a Horse Camp appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Cecilia G., Lexington, KY, Age 9

I went to horse camp for three weeks this summer at Fantasia Farm in Kentucky. One of the best parts (besides riding) was working in the barn and on the farm. But the very best part was all the friends I made.

We did all kinds of stuff, like making horses picture frames, snow globes, tie-dye t-shirts and slime. We had several lessons a day and even got to ride bareback. I usually ride western but got to try out English. We worked in the barns mucking stalls and feeding horses. We also helped bring the horses in from the fields. At the end of each week, we got to have a show with three categories: beginner, intermediate and advanced. I was in the advanced category with a bunch of my friends.

My advice is to always look on the positive side, even if you have a bad ride and to always be willing to try something you’re scared of.

Eleanor A., Concord, N.C., Age 10

This year was my fifth year at Camp Wings of Eagles Ranch. It was unlike any other year of camp. In the week I was there, I rode the horse that me and my family will probably buy. I couldn’t have asked for a better summer this year!

A tip for other riders is to be flexible about the way you ride and adapt to riding new horses. Every horse that you ride, be confident and strong.

Kyrie C., Columbus, OH, Age 13

I attended two weeks of riding camp this year. During camp, I practiced hunter/jumper skills and learned horsemanship. I also went trail riding , played polo, did archery on horseback, practiced driving, prepared a routine with a camp vaulting team, and did camp activities, like swimming and crafts.

I loved the new experiences I had at camp and doing things that I don’t get to do at the barn or during lessons. My advice for other campers is don’t be afraid to try new things, but also know your limits. Sometimes you will surprise yourself at how much fun you can have (or how good you can be) at something you’ve never tried. But it’s always OK to tell your instructors if you don’t feel comfortable doing something.

Katherine H., Richmond, VA, Age 12

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.

Share below in the comments what you would write on a postcard from horse camp if you were sharing your experiences.

This article featuring summer horse camp postcards from young riders appeared in the January/February 2020 issue of Young Rider magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Summer Horse Camp Postcards from Young Riders appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.