Summer Horse Camps for Kids and Teenagers

There are literally hundreds of wonderful horse camps across the United States and Canada that offer an introduction to horsemanship and that provide skills that your child will use for the rest of his or her life. Horse Camp is an inexpensive, positive way to let your child find out if they really want to pursue a hobby in horseback riding, and whether or not they can handle the chores and duties that come along with the actual riding.

Here is a guide to eight of the best horse camps that the United States has to offer. Whether you are looking for english or western, mountains or forests, lakes or oceans, day or overnight, you can find it here!

Castle Rock Arabians
Walnut Creek, CA
Contact: Nancy Dupont (owner)
Phone: (925) 937-7661
Cost: $495.00/wk
Type: Day; Western; coed
www.castlerockarabians.com

This is a great way to spend a week of summer, especially for the beginning rider. Campers are divided into three groups, which indicate their experience level. Riders of all ages are welcome at Castle Rock, and they even have a week-long program for adults called the Saddlebags. Campers ride both inside the ring and on trails, climbing the beautiful Mt. Diablo. A $100.00 deposit is required to secure your place in camp, and spots are filling up fast!

Rawhide Ranch
Bonsall, CA
Contact: Tom & Val Ewen (Camp Directors)
Phone: (760) 758-0083
Cost: $125-$725/session, depending on length
Type: Overnight; Western; coed
www.rawhideranch.com

Rawhide Ranch is one of the most popular horse camps in California, and for good reason. Riders of all ages get to ride everyday, learn how to take care of horses, and participate in the end-of-camp horse show. Campers really feel as though they have entered the old west; they get to sleep in covered wagon trains and spend time at the OK Corral. Rawhide Ranch spans 37 acres of beautiful country, and the instructors are all certified in riding instruction and guidance.

International Riding Camp
Greenfield Park, NY
Contact: Arno Mares (Director)
Phone: (845) 647-3240
Cost: $700+
Type: Overnight; Mixed; coed
www.internationalridingcamp.com

This is a more prestigious school, intended for the serious equestrian. They offer summer camp weekends, international riding tours, and adult camp weekends geared toward relaxation, learning, and beautiful scenery. Campers can bring their own horses and board them for $160/week, and the stalls are immaculately cleaned by camp staff. Accomodations include full bathrooms, bunk beds, and in-suite counselors. They take a Southampton trip every summer, which costs $950, and includes a stay in an upscale hotel and boarding for the horses at a local farm. Campers get to gallop along the beach and swim their horses in the surf. They also have an Equestrian Tour of Russia, Foxhunting weekends, Mother/Daughter weeks, and a trip to New York City.

Cedar Lodge
Lawrence, MI
Contact: Eddy & Stella Edwards (Directors)
Phone: (269)674-8071
Cost: $480/session
Type: Overnight; english, coed
www.cedarlodge.com

Cedar Lodge is located near the picturesque Lake Nicholas and offers full-service boarding, lessons, and camps. There is always something fun to do, and tons of learning takes place. Riders are instructed in basic english and jumping skills, and are encouraged to participate in clinics that teach basic veterinary techniques, grooming, clipping, loading, bathing, and (oh, no!) cleaning stalls.

Keystone Camp
Brevard, NC
Contact: Page Limel (Director)
Phone: (828) 884-9125
Cost: $995 – $3,800
Type: Overnight; english, girls only
www.keystonecamp.com

The Keystone website is one of the most informative I have ever seen, and is chock-full of everything you will ever need to know about the camp. Sessions are month-long adventures into the world of horse care and english riding. Students learn to perfect their riding skills and take care of these four-legged creatures. Instructors are all very experienced, and counselors are always available for their campers. These sessions fill up fast!

R&R Dude Ranch
Cattaraugus County in Western New York
Contact: Owners
Phone: (716) 257-5663
Cost: Unknown
Type: Overnight, Western, Coed; Dude Ranch
www.rrduderanch.com

I really don’t know much about this ranch except that it has gotten amazing reviews. It is not as much a horse camp as a dude ranch, and it is set up like a vacation lodge for horse lovers. Riders get to swim their horses, take relaxing trail rides, and receive top-notch instruction from qualified trainers. The scenery is beautiful, and probably worth checking out.

Holiquin
Waynesboro, PA
Contact: Mrs. Roberts
Phone: (717) 762-9341
Cost: $200 – $1600 (depending on length)
Type: Overnight (girls only); Day (coed); english
www.holiquin.com

This is a wonderful camp for the beginning rider interested in stable management, horse safety, and of course riding! Holiquin offers miles of beautiful trails, a full-size outdoor arena, a smaller indoor arena for rainy days, and some of the nicest-looking horses in the country. Young riders can choose day camp while older, more experienced campers can play for overnight stay.

Bee Cave Riding Center
Austin, Texas
Contact: Kathy Kentala
Phone: (512) 632-RIDE
Cost: $250
Type: Day; english; coed
www.ridinghorses.com

Bee Cave Riding Center offers several camp sessions for the beginning rider. They have a full-week schedule planned for each session, during which riders learn basic horse care and riding techniques. You will play games, go on a beautiful trail ride, and compete in a horse show at the end of your session. They also offer lessons and boarding year-round.