Summer Horse Camps for Kids and Teenagers

There are literally hundreds of wonderful horse camps across the United States and Canada that offer an introduction to horsemanship and that provide skills that your child will use for the rest of his or her life. Horse Camp is an inexpensive, positive way to let your child find out if they really want to pursue a hobby in horseback riding, and whether or not they can handle the chores and duties that come along with the actual riding.

Here is a guide to eight of the best horse camps that the United States has to offer. Whether you are looking for english or western, mountains or forests, lakes or oceans, day or overnight, you can find it here!

Castle Rock Arabians
Walnut Creek, CA
Contact: Nancy Dupont (owner)
Phone: (925) 937-7661
Cost: $495.00/wk
Type: Day; Western; coed
www.castlerockarabians.com

This is a great way to spend a week of summer, especially for the beginning rider. Campers are divided into three groups, which indicate their experience level. Riders of all ages are welcome at Castle Rock, and they even have a week-long program for adults called the Saddlebags. Campers ride both inside the ring and on trails, climbing the beautiful Mt. Diablo. A $100.00 deposit is required to secure your place in camp, and spots are filling up fast!

Rawhide Ranch
Bonsall, CA
Contact: Tom & Val Ewen (Camp Directors)
Phone: (760) 758-0083
Cost: $125-$725/session, depending on length
Type: Overnight; Western; coed
www.rawhideranch.com

Rawhide Ranch is one of the most popular horse camps in California, and for good reason. Riders of all ages get to ride everyday, learn how to take care of horses, and participate in the end-of-camp horse show. Campers really feel as though they have entered the old west; they get to sleep in covered wagon trains and spend time at the OK Corral. Rawhide Ranch spans 37 acres of beautiful country, and the instructors are all certified in riding instruction and guidance.

International Riding Camp
Greenfield Park, NY
Contact: Arno Mares (Director)
Phone: (845) 647-3240 
Cost: $700+
Type: Overnight; Mixed; coed
www.internationalridingcamp.com