Summer is here and that means so is summer camp! If you are attending, or maybe sending your horse-loving kid to riding camp, it's essential to prep before you pack. How can you make sure they are prepared to have the best time possible you ask? Well, we have compiled a list of some essential "need to know" tips to ensure your young rider can get the most out of their experience!
1. Get to Know Your Camp
It is important to get to know the camp that you signed up for. Horse riding comes in many different shapes and styles, and so can camp programs.
The simplest way to get information about your camp is to look online. Read through their website and scroll their Facebook page to familiarize yourself with what to expect. Look for photos and videos of the location of the camp, and, if possible, try to stop by on a day prior to camp to take a look at the facilities for yourself. Another way to learn about the camp is by reading reviews from past campers on Google Reviews or message boards.
Once you know more about the camp overall, get familiar with their horse programs. Read email communications or reach out to your contact and ask how much time your camper will be spending on horseback.
Questions to ask:
- Will they be doing pony rides, arena lessons, trail rides?
- What equipment should my child bring?
- What equipment is provided?
- Who are the instructors and what are their experiences?
- Will there be horse education time outside of time in the saddle?
- Is there an example of a daily schedule?
Asking questions helps you know what to expect so that you are not surprised or disappointed with the level or amount of riding activities.
2. Packing the Essentials
Your camp may be able to provide a recommended packing list to make sure your camper has everything they need, for all activities, riding and beyond. If no list is provided, here are a few basics that we recommend:
- All riders, regardless of riding style, should wear an ASTM-rated riding helmet when mounted or working around horses. Even the gentlest of camp horses can trip, fall, or spook and it pays to be prepared!
- Closed toe boots should always be worn when working around horses, to prevent injury due to being stepped on, and to prevent entrapment in stirrups while riding. The style of riding your camper will be doing will determine the type of footwear he or she should wear throughout camp: For Western, any riding boots with a safety heel will work; cowboy boots though, are the go-to choice.
For English, Paddock boots and half chaps are a good combination. If they will be spending a lot of time mounted, the half chaps will help prevent sores from where the stirrup leathers cross the inner calf/shin. - Jeans also provide better protection to your legs when riding through brush on a trail ride, and from biting and stinging insects. But, English riders may prefer riding tights, which are a very popular choice among young riders, as they are stretchy, cool and lightweight: perfect for summer!
- Riding gloves that are thin and lightweight will be comfortable to wear even in the summer and protect the hands from blistering from friction from the reins, and when the reins get slippery from moisture, they provide grip to help the rider maintain control.
TIP: If you are attending a higher-level horse camp, and bringing your own horse, you may consider packing like you would for a horse show or clinic.
3. Prepare for the Elements
Horse camp can be a very rugged experience, with much of the time often spent in the great outdoors. Horse farms often have more bugs than your child may be used to, and long days of sun exposure.
- Make sure your camper has bug spray and sunscreen that they can access and easily apply to keep them as comfortable as possible. Invest in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts that will help wick away sweat, protect the arms from sun and bug exposure and keep your rider cool.
- If this is an overnight camp, don’t be afraid to pack a few extra pairs of underwear and socks to keep your camper dry and comfortable. Pack a pair of tennis shoes and/or sandals that can be worn when away from the barn.
- If your child takes any medications regularly, speak with the camp director to ensure that they are aware of the need to take this medication. Have a list of emergency contacts and all medical conditions that the director can have on hand, whether the camp is overnight or daily.
- You may also want to make sure they have easily accessible "suitcase snacks" that they like so that they stay nourished, even if they don’t like the camp food.
4. Review Basic Horse Safety with Your Camper before Going
They will likely be very excited when they first meet the horses, and it never hurts to tell them twice! Remind them to always listen to their counselors, move deliberately around the horses, not to scream and run up behind a horse, and to always wear their boots when near the horses.
Horse camp can be the highlight of the summer, spending days in the sun, outdoors on horseback, and enjoying the companionship of such magical animals. Once your camper is well prepared, you can sit back, relax and let them have fun!
