When choosing a horse camp for your child you must consider certain factors that will make his or her experience much more enriching.
Many parents are trying to decide what camps to place their children in this summer.
Since so many kids are "horse crazy", I would recommend that you look into a horse camp for a week or two.
Horse camps are a great introduction to kids for a basic knowledge of horsemanship as well as beginning riding instruction for a new rider or improving the skills of an existing rider.
The focus of the camp will be to teach your child riding skills, obviously, but campers will also learn other important factors of horse ownership and care.
oCampers will learn proper grooming techniques along with learning how to pick up all four hooves and clean them safely.
oCampers will learn what tack the horse wears and how to properly put it on the horse and adjust it to fit.
oCampers will learn how to clean and take care of their tack and how to properly store the equipment to protect it.
oCampers will learn the parts of the horse, the parts of the saddle and parts of the bridle.
oCampers will have discussions on many topics regarding veterinary care, farrier care and proper feed and water.
1.
When choosing a horse camp for your child you must first of all figure out what style of riding your child is interested in.
Basically there are two styles of riding: Western, like cowboys, and English, jumping or saddleseat.
Horse camps offer classes for both the beginner rider and intermediate to advanced riders.
Be sure to get your child in the right class so he or she learns a lot but is not intimidated or scared.
The camp director will help you with this.
2.
Find the right place for you that is a good fit.
Referrals are usually the best and most reliable source of good camps.
Ask all your acquaintances, the local veterinarians, the local tack shops and feed stores.
The internet is also a good source, just keep geography in mind! Be sure you can get there within a couple of hours.
3.
Be sure the facility is well run, clean and safe.
Ask to see the tack room.
Is it neat? Clean? Organized? These are all reflections of the instructor.
In fact, ask to see the bathroom! That will tell you all you need to know! 4.
Ask the manager about the lesson horses that are used.
They should be VERY well behaved, push button mounts that are suitable for children and beginners.
5.
Ask the manager whether the horse camp offers a counselor and what is the ration of adults to children at the camp each day.
6.
Inquire about what other activities are offered, besides horseback riding.
Arts? Crafts? Swimming? Most camps will have riders riding a horse twice a day in an full-day camp situation, while the rest of the time is filled with educational or entertaining sessions.
7.
There are several details that you should ask about as well.
What are the horse camp hours of operation? Is there a fee for early drop off or late pickup? Does the student bring their own lunch or is it included? What are their capabilities in the event of an accident? Are First Aid kits on hand, how close is the closest medical center? 8.
Campers should be required to wear a certified helmet, long pants and riding boots.
If your horse camp does NOT require at least these things, you are in the wrong place! A change of clothes for hot-weather activities is usually a part of the day.
If you do not own the required clothing, ask the instructor for help.
They may likely have "hand me downs" that would work just fine for your child without undue expenditures on your part.
If you follow these guidelines, you will find a good horse camp for your child to enjoy a week at a horseback riding camp.
For more information about horseback riding camps go to www.
horsejumpinggamesguide.
com or www.
horsesgamesguide.
com.