Do you have children or teens that are crazy about horses? Sending them to a horseback riding camp could be a dream come true. While the focus of horseback riding camps is riding horses, these camps also offer the basics about horse care, grooming, and caring for tack.

There are many things to consider when choosing a horseback riding camp. The first thing to consider is what type of riding style your child is interested in. The two main riding styles are Western riding and English riding. Western riding is the type that is done on ranches and at rodeos. Western saddles are more comfortable and provide the rider with a more secure seat. English riding focuses more on jumping, horsemanship, and communication between horse and rider. English saddles do not provide as much support as Western saddles and usually are not as comfortable. A Western riding camp would probably be the better choice for a first time rider until their riding skills improve, and then they could move on to an English riding camp.

When looking for a horseback riding camp, it is important to look at the facilities. You want to make sure that the horses are healthy and are well taken care of. You will also want to inspect all areas of the facility to make sure that you child will be safe while they are at camp. Make sure that all riding arenas are clean and free of rocks and other dangerous materials that may hurt the horses or you child. You also want to make sure that the camp you choose has a director and counselors that have experience working with horses. Also check and make sure that they have medical staff available and find out what their emergency procedures are.

Most horseback riding camps have much more to offer than just riding lessons. Many camps will provide the proper instruction on how to care for a horse including grooming and feeding horses. They will also show the riders the correct way to lead a horse, show them where to stand, and the proper way to mount and dismount. They will also learn about horse health and horse anatomy.

Here are a few of the many different riding camps that are available.

Coppercreek Camp, California – Program focuses on grooming, tack, and both English and Western riding.

Orme Ranch Camp, Arizona – This camp focuses on life on the ranch.

Camp Skyline, Alabama – This camp is for beginners to intermediate ages 9-16.

Lake Placid Academy, New York – This is a girls only camp and provides instruction in both English and Western riding and basic horse care.