Released May 12, 2008

UNIVERSITY PARK, Md. - Selecting a horse camp for your child can be as easy as completing the form that comes home from the local barn where your child takes weekly lessons, or as complicated as conducting a several month search involving visits, references and interviews.

For a first time camper or a new rider, the familiarity and comfort of the local barn may be the easiest and most satisfactory solution. However, for the more experienced rider or the youth who is looking for an experience away from home, it is worth the effort to research and consider several possibilities prior to sending that deposit.

Criteria to Consider

1.) First and foremost, let SAFETY be your number one guide, whether for a 1 week half day program or for a month away. The best horses and instructors are not worth risking an unsafe environment.

2.) Know your child’s level of interest. Does s/he really want to be immersed in horsemanship activities for hours at a time, or does s/he just want to ride, along with swimming, hiking, crafts and other camp related activities? Is s/he ready to be away from home overnight? Your child should be an ACTIVE participant in visiting and choosing the camp to be sure that it meets his or her needs and interests.

3.) Know your budget. Like other specialty camps, horse programs can be very expensive. You should expect to pay $200-1000/weekly for day camp and $500-$5000/weekly for resident camp.

4.) Review staff credentials. Are instructors certified? First aid and CPR trained? What are the qualifications of the director? Is the camp licensed? Are food safety practices in place? Are riding instructors at least 18? If there is a counselor in training program, is adult supervision always available?

5.) Review the program. How many children participate? What are the ages/gender? Is the facility clean and well cared for?

Riding

How large are the riding classes? Are instructors at least 18? Are there opportunities for advancement within the program? Are there enough horses for children and youth to be matched? Are there fun activities such as mounted games and trail riding? Is there child size tack?

Stable Management

Is there a balance between barn work and riding? Barn work should be intentional—to teach responsibility, learn some new skills and perfect others. It is not to provide the owner with free labor while regular staff take vacation!

Recreation

Are there other activities offered? Swimming, crafts, demonstrations? Is there a clean cool (air conditioned) space for quiet time?

Start your search for a horse camp on line or on bulletin boards in tack shops and feed stores. Ask friends, barn buddies, 4-H and pony club volunteers. We are fortunate to have access to many fine horse camps in Maryland catering to many interests and styles. Find the perfect camp for your child this summer!

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http://www.agnr.umd.edu/news/article.cfm?id=dd6ce4690a5a5a8f01f9a4f985b6e8e6

Contact: Karol Dyson, kdyson1@umd.edu