| Now, the summer is fast approaching and are you | | | | country. Some will focus on the equestrian skills and |
| considering sending your child to a summer camp with | | | | knowledge. |
| a horse program? Surely a lot of questions like what | | | | These programs will have classroom studies and |
| will my child learn? What kinds of horses are kept at | | | | seminars that include basics of horse anatomy and the |
| these camps? Will normally arise. | | | | nature of horses along with instruction on feeding, care, |
| A summer horse camp is a camp with a focus on | | | | and riding. These programs will assign the camper a |
| horses-riding. The camp sessions may run from a | | | | horse for a three-week session. The care and feeding |
| single day to eight weeks long, depending upon the | | | | of that horse will be the responsibility of the child there. |
| facility and the program selected. Many offer day | | | | Riding skills will also be taught. Many camps will |
| camps that teach young children and novices the | | | | concentrate on English riding styles. Dressage |
| basics of horse riding. Most camps offer longer | | | | techniques and patterns are practiced with eventing |
| sessions where they teach horsemanship techniques | | | | and show jumping. Many of these facilities have |
| to a variety of skill levels. Many of these camps are | | | | cross-country courses for more advanced riders and |
| operated on full-time basis, year around horse farms. | | | | horses. Summer horse camps are often found on |
| The summer camp program is great part of what the | | | | horse farms. These facilities include horse stables, |
| farms generally do. The farms also raise horses. It | | | | pastures, show or performance arenas, and, |
| may train or board horses for other people. It will likely | | | | depending upon the camp, a cross-country course |
| have programs whole year long, weather and climate | | | | also. Most also include access to trails through wooded |
| permitting, where people of all ages can ride or learn to | | | | or wilderness areas with proper guidance. Some will |
| ride. Horses and horsemanship is a full-time business | | | | provide both covered and outdoor arenas. Most are |
| for these persons. Others are held at facilities that will | | | | set in beautiful landscapes complete with white board |
| not be horse farms, but keep all year at least part of | | | | fences and other pastoral farm amenities for safety. |
| the horses they use. | | | | Safety is the primary element of the activities. Riders |
| A horsemanship camp is a great way for your young | | | | are always required to wear approved helmets and |
| child to learn the responsibility of caring for another | | | | boots while on the horse. Every effort is made to |
| living creature. They put children in an outdoor | | | | match the right horse to the camper's riding skills and |
| environment and help developing good socialization | | | | their capabilities. Everyone is aware that horses are big |
| skills. A summer camp with a horse program has | | | | animals, and because of their sheer size, can be |
| added benefit of teaching youngsters about these | | | | dangerous in most extraordinary situations. So every |
| magnificent animals and developing horsemanship skills. | | | | effort is made to reduce the possible risks to the most |
| Summer programs with horses as the central theme | | | | minimal levels. |
| and related activities are found in all regions of the | | | | |