| 's no reason for a child to spend their summers | | | | camps. Many offer different levels of training so the |
| home, alone and bored. With the number of different | | | | more advanced riders don't feel too far ahead of the |
| specialty camps available in most communities and | | | | pack. These lessons might include more complex |
| nearby, the options are almost unlimited. Equine | | | | riding maneuvers, such as jumping, racing and more. |
| lovers, for example, tend to delight in the type of | | | | * Basic horse care. Part of taking care of a horse |
| fun horseback riding camps deliver. | | | | involves work. Kids will not escape this aspect, as it is |
| These camps can be found in just about any | | | | important for ensuring a steed is well cared for and |
| community where horses are also at home. The | | | | remains healthy. Lessons here might include such |
| options for horseback riding camps range from | | | | things as grooming, basic animal behavior, basic first |
| overnight venues or even daytime programs for | | | | aid and even stall cleaning. Make sure the kids |
| those who live nearby. The extent of offerings at | | | | understand a few "chores" likely will go along with the |
| these camps will vary from location to locations, but | | | | deal. |
| some generalizations can be made. | | | | * Teamwork. To truly ride a horse and do it |
| Whether a child is flown out to a camp in the Wild | | | | correctly, children will learn the importance of working |
| West to enjoy intense riding training or they visit a | | | | together with each other and the horses they are |
| ranch at home, the following activities are generally | | | | assigned to perform tasks and learn the tricks of the |
| included in horseback riding camps: | | | | trade as far as riding is concerned. |
| * Basic horse handling. To ride a horse, a child needs | | | | * Other camp fun. While horses are the main |
| to understand the standard tack, how it works and | | | | attraction, these camps often offer much more than |
| the proper techniques for handling and working with | | | | just riding and cleaning out stalls. Other activities |
| the gentle giants. By the end of most camp sessions, | | | | often include sports, swimming, arts and crafts, hiking |
| youth fully understand how to prepare a horse for | | | | and more. There's no reason to think the entire trip |
| riding and how to take care of the equipment | | | | will be spent on the back of a horse or in the barns. |
| involved. | | | | Yes, this will be a big part of it, but that's not all, |
| * Basic riding lessons. Beginners often flourish in these | | | | especially at overnight camps where a whole host of |
| hands-on camps that offer lots of basic instruction | | | | fun programs tend to take place after the sun goes |
| through direct riding. Youth typically learn the basic | | | | down. |
| commands, riding postures and more. This is generally | | | | Horseback riding camps are ideal locations for children |
| done in a fun, but controlled and disciplined, | | | | who have a passion for these animals. Teaching them |
| environment. | | | | more about proper handling, riding technique and care, |
| * Novice, advanced lessons. Youth who know their | | | | these camps can be found from coast to coast. |
| way around horses can still benefit from these | | | | |