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Camps for Kids the Equestrian Way
An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

If you are looking for a fun and educational way for your child to spend the summer, consider sending them to an equestrian camp. A variety of camps are available for your horse-lover regardless of skill level or interest. Sending your child to an equestrian camp can not only provide them with a summer activity, but also give them hands on experience working with horses, learning a variety of equestrian sports and teaching them responsibility.

Sending your child to an equestrian camp has many benefits. Fun is the key word at any equestrian camp. If your child is already a horse enthusiast then providing them with the opportunity to spend a day, week or entire summer learning about and interacting with horses may be just the activity they need to pass the summer. Because the nature of any summer camp involves interacting with other children, summer camps can teach your child social skills, help them make lasting friendship and give them a sense of independence that can be critical to their personal development.

Equestrian camps have other benefits as well. Before you spend thousands of dollars purchasing and boarding a horse for your child it is important for the child to understand the level of responsibility that is involved in owning a horse. Horse care, including feeding, taking care of equipment, grooming and the dreaded stall cleaning are some of the things your child may not consider when they think of horse ownership. If you choose a camp that emphasizes horse care in addition to equestrian sports it can provide your child with a greater awareness for the daily responsibilities that accompany horse ownership.

Sending your child to an equestrian camp can also help spark interest in horses for your child. Perhaps you are a horse-lover yourself and would like to introduce the appreciation for horses to your child. An equestrian camp could be a great start. With the variety of equestrian camps available in just about every region of the United States, you are sure to find one that fits the needs of your child regardless of skill level or interest.

There are a few important things you will want to consider before choosing a camp for your child. Some important items include:

Focus

The first thing you will want to consider when deciding which equestrian camp to choose will be the desired focus. Equestrian camps range from academy style camps, to camps that focus on riding styles (Western vs. English), equestrian sports (such as jumping or vaulting), trail and pleasure riding, or have an element of horseback riding combined with other sports to provide your child with variety. Deciding what type of camp would best suit your child’s needs will help narrow down your list.

Accreditation

Choosing a camp that has been accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA) or the National Camp Association (NCA) can provide you with the security of knowing that the camp you chose complies with safety standards set by these organizations. Since accreditation is voluntary, sending your child to an accredited camp means that the camp is committed to ensuring the safety of your child.

Cost

Deciding on a budget will be important when choosing a camp for your child. With several camps to choose from you are sure to find one that falls within your budget. Once you have narrowed down your decision to a few camps it would be a good idea to contact the camp and inquire about additional fees or expenses that may not be outlined in their advertisement. It is also important to take into consideration the supplies you will need to purchase prior to sending your child to camp.

Duration and Location

Deciding for how long you would like your child to be at camp will also help determine the location of the camp. If you are sending your child to a day camp twice a week you will want to make sure that it is close to home and easily accessible. If you are interested in sending your child to camp for a week, distance may not be as much of a factor. Lastly, if you plan to send your child to camp for 3 weeks or more it may be feasible to choose a camp that is in a different state or region all together. Deciding the duration of your child’s stay and location of the camp will help narrow down your list of camps to choose from.

Is the Horse Provided?

Before you make the final decision on an equestrian camp it is important to find out if the camp provides horses for your child or if you are required to bring your own horse. This could make a big difference in deciding which camp you choose. If you have a horse then you will need to consider the safety and care of your horse, in addition to the cost of transportation. If you do not own a horse then you will want to make sure that your child will have access to a horse while at camp.

With the variety of equestrian camps to choose from, deciding which camp to choose for your child can be overwhelming. By making a few key decisions, such as the ones outlined above, you will be able to more easily narrow down your list. If you are still unable to decide between a few camps then take a ride and visit the camps. Check out the environment, meet the director, have lunch in the cafeteria, visit the horses and examine the equipment. The impression you get from the camp, how they care for their horses and the environment they provide will undoubtedly be the tiebreaker for your decision.

Sending your child to an equestrian camp could be both a fun an educational experience for your child. Whether your child is already a great rider or just learning the ropes, there is a camp that is right for them. Sending your child to an equestrian camp can not only provide them with a valuable sense of responsibility for horse ownership, but allow them to learn new techniques, make friends, develop independence and spend the summer with an activity they will enjoy.

Camps for Kids the Equestrian Way An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article