HORSE CAMPS

Our horse camps provide campers a fun horse farm experience in the barn, in the arena, and on the trail with other horse-lovin' kids. Campers will have the opportunity to practice many aspects of horsemanship and horse care, from chores to riding (Western or English). While "everything horses" is the main focus of the camp, camp time may include horse-related crafts, hanging out with the other farm animals, and cooling off with the hose.

Our Specialty Camps take more experienced riders to the next level. Campers should be able to independently tack up and have a solid posting trot and two point position, and have some experience at the canter.

To help each camper get the most out of our camps, we offer camps for many levels of experience which loosely follow the riding level system we use at Hidden Hills' Riding School. Please note that our horse camps are not necessarily progressive: campers who participated in horse camps in previous years but have not had consistent riding experience since then will probably not be ready for the next camp level unless they pass a skills test. Also, our camp experience (other than our Specialty Camps) is not intended to the take the place of or be as effective as regular riding lessons, though we believe any riding opportunity will generally improve a rider’s abilities.

If you are unsure which camp is most appropriate for your camper, feel free to call and ask our recommendation, or we may suggest a private lesson prior to registering to determine the best placement for your child. Be aware that we may also combine camps in order to have a full camp.

CAMP descriptions

PONY PALS CAMPS

Our Pony Pals camp is the perfect introduction to horses for young horse enthusiasts! Riders ages 6-8 will learn the basics of good horsemanship, from horse care and handling to riding, as well as enjoy opportunities to meet our other farm animals and explore our 200-acre farm.

HORSEMANSHIP 1 CAMPS

Horsemanship 1 campers will learn the basics of good horsemanship, from horse care and handling to riding, as well as enjoy opportunities to meet our other farm animals and explore our 200-acre farm.

No prerequisites! This camp is for beginner riders ages 9 and older with little or no previous riding experience up to riders with some beginning trot and may still need assistance with tacking/grooming.

HORSEMANSHIP 2 CAMPS

Horsemanship 2 campers will build on basic horsemanship skills to improve their confidence around and on horses, as well as enjoy a bit of good ol' farm life along the way.

Prerequisites: This camp is for for riders who have passed the Horsemanship 1 Skills Test and/or have at least 6 months of consistent riding experience and are comfortable grooming, tacking, and leading horses on their own and who are confident and controlled at the walk. Ages 9 and up or by permission.

HORSE SHOW 101 CAMP

This camp is the perfect opportunity for riders who are interested in learning how to show off their riding skills in the ring! In this specialty camp, riders will learn the ins and outs of horse showing, from show terminology to how to ride competitively. We will focus on the flat class and dressage experience, English or Western, and participate in an in-house judged show at the end of the week! Campers will also have the optional opportunity to compete in a local off-site show the weekend of August 1 (extra fees will apply).

Prerequisite: Riders must be completely independent tacking and untacking and have a solid posting trot. Usually this corresponds with a minimum of a year of consistent riding experience. Ages 10+ or by permission.

JUMP 101 CAMP

This camp is for more experienced riders who would love to learn how to jump! Riders will learn the basics of jumping from position to releases, stadium to cross country, and verticals to oxers. Note that this is primarily a beginning jumping camp, and riders should not expect to jump more than 18”, depending on both horse and rider capability. Riders must have a solid two-point position at the walk and trot and some experience at canter.

Prerequisites: Riders must have had at least 2 years of consistent riding experience and be able to ride a solid two-point position at the trot. Ages 12+ or by permission.

(Age 12 and up or by permission)

ADVANCED GAMES & TRAILS CAMP

Time for our English and Western advanced riders to let down their "mane" and RIDE! Gymkhana, trails, bareback, obstacles . . . this camp will explore various ways to put the FUN into your riding!

Prerequisites: Riders must be completely independent tacking and untacking and have a solid posting trot. Ages 12+ or by permission.

Book Your Camp Experience Here!