Summer Horse Camp in Your City

Why Summer Horse Camp in Your City?

Summer camp is about more than filling the weeks between school years. The best camps build skills, confidence, and friendships that last well beyond the summer. A horseback riding camp adds the dimension of working with animals: learning responsibility, developing empathy, and experiencing the pride of mastering a genuinely challenging skill.

River Creek Farm runs a structured riding camp program each summer for kids and teens ages 5-18. The camps are held on the farm's 85-acre property, giving campers access to arenas, trails, barn activities, and the full herd of lesson horses.

Camp Programs and Pricing

The camp lineup at River Creek Farm is structured by age and ability level. Intro to Horses ($195) is a 3-day half-day program for ages 5-8 that introduces young children to the basics of horse care and short rides. Beginner Camp ($425) is a full-day, 5-day program for ages 7-14 that covers grooming, tacking up, and foundational riding skills.

Intermediate Camp ($475, ages 9-16) builds on arena skills with trotting, cantering, and basic jumping or trail riding. Advanced Intensive ($525, ages 12-18) is for experienced riders who want focused instruction on technique and discipline-specific training. The Cowboy/Cowgirl Camp ($450, ages 8-15) emphasizes western riding, trail skills, and ranch horsemanship.

• Intro to Horses: 3 half-days, ages 5-8, $195
• Beginner Camp: 5 full days, ages 7-14, $425
• Intermediate Camp: 5 full days, ages 9-16, $475
• Advanced Intensive: 5 full days, ages 12-18, $525
• Cowboy/Cowgirl Camp: 5 full days, ages 8-15, $450
• Adult Riding Retreat: 2 full days, ages 18+, $350

A Typical Camp Day

Full-day campers arrive at 8:30 AM for check-in. The morning starts in the barn with grooming and tacking up their assigned horse. Riding instruction follows in the arena, where campers work on skills appropriate to their level with an instructor. Mid-morning includes a barn break for water and snacks.

After lunch (bring your own), campers participate in unmounted activities: horse anatomy lessons, tack cleaning, barn management skills, or a farm tour. The afternoon includes a second riding session, often focused on a different skill or a short trail ride for intermediate and advanced groups. Camp ends at 3:30 PM.

What Kids Learn at Riding Camp

The riding curriculum progresses from basic safety and horse handling to arena skills and trail riding. By the end of a week-long beginner camp, most campers can walk, halt, and steer independently, and many have begun posting the trot.

But the learning goes far beyond the saddle. Campers learn to groom, pick hooves, and identify basic horse health indicators. They learn how feed programs work, why horses need routine farrier and vet care, and how to read a horse's body language. These lessons in animal care and responsibility are some of the most valuable takeaways from camp.

Registration and Preparation

Registration for summer camps at River Creek Farm typically opens in early spring. Popular sessions fill quickly, so early registration is recommended. Sibling discounts are available for families enrolling multiple children.

Before the first day of camp, each camper needs a signed waiver, any relevant allergy or medical information, and appropriate clothing: closed-toe shoes with a small heel, long pants, and comfortable layers. Helmets are provided. Campers should bring a packed lunch, water bottle, and sunscreen for full-day programs.

Frequently Asked Questions