Horsemanship Camp

Tuesday, June 26th – Saturday, July 1st
Download Camp Registration Form

Our Horsemanship Camp is a very special camp designed to improve riding and horsemanship skills while also building confidence, and encouraging teamwork. This is a six day camp open to almost all ability levels. Riders must be able to groom and tack up independently. This camp will run from 8:00 am to 7:00pm. The focus will be on riding, team building skills, designing team rides, problem solving, and more advanced horsemanship skills. As always, we will still emphasize safety on the ground and in the saddle.

At this camp we will also have guest speakers and demonstrators. For the last three years we have had Heather Collins in to do Yoga and Core Strengthening to improve riding. Heather has been a favorite of the kids, so we are hoping to have her back again this year. Other speakers are still being determined, and will be chosen based on the topics our riders are interested in. We should have the final schedule by May 1st. Some of the themes that have been suggested for this year’s camp are:

  • “Alternative Theories in Training and Health Care”
  • “Training to Increase Strength & Endurance”
  • “Horses in History”

We are still in the process of choosing a theme, so please feel free to share ideas for themes and people who might be willing to do presentations for us.

During this camp we also offer several 4-H style competitions, including Quiz Bowl, Judging, and Communication contests. Riders will compete as individuals and as teams in most of these contests. Each team will design their own t-shirt and drill team ride. Teams will be chosen based on riding ability and knowledge, so that the teams should be as equal in ability and knowledge as possible. Teams will be assigned ahead of time, but will not be announced until the first day of camp. The last day of camp will be a Saturday and will be a show to demonstrate skills and compete with team rides.

Since the days in this camp are very long, riders will need to bring a lunch, and all parents will be asked to contribute in some way towards dinner. We are planning to have a meeting to prepare for meals and to discuss final topics and presenters on Sunday, April 30th at 1:00pm. This meeting will be held at Patty’s House and riders should bring a parent to the meeting as well. At this meeting we will also be planning meals, and parents who have skills they want to share at camp can sign up to help out. Discounts are available to parents who help during camp. Price will be based on final plans and discounts. Maximum price for this session will be $375.00. This price does include the $100.00 deposit required to guarantee your child’s place in this camp. There are additional forms required to attend this camp.

Campers who are planning to attend the VT State 4-H Horse Show the following week will qualify for coaching discounts at that show.